The Realities and Struggles of Investing (Especially When You’re Just Starting Out)

Investing is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth... That’s what everyone says, right?

And they’re not wrong—but they’re also not telling you the whole story.

Because the truth is, for most people, investing is confusing, intimidating, and full of doubt. Especially if you're just starting out, don’t come from money, or feel like you’re “late” to the game.

Here are some of the real struggles of investing that don’t get talked about enough.

It Feels Like You Need to Be Rich to Start

Even though platforms now let you invest with just a few dollars, it still feels like investing is something for people who already have extra money.

When you're barely making ends meet or trying to build savings, the idea of locking money away for decades can feel unrealistic—if not impossible. It’s hard to prioritize your “future self” when your current self is stressed and tired.

This is a topic of discussion my husband and I have all the time. Do we risk investing our savings now to potentially grow our money exponentially for the future? Or do we keep it in a low-risk higher interest savings account? Investing seems exciting for the earnings potential but the savings account is substantially safer. So which do we choose?

No One Ever Taught You How to Do This

Most of us didn’t learn about investing in school—or at home. So when people throw around terms like “index funds,” “diversification,” or “compound interest,” it can feel like they’re speaking another language.

You feel like you're supposed to know this stuff already, but you don’t. And admitting that feels… embarrassing. (It shouldn't.)

(Psstt.. this is also another reason we need to be teaching our kids about investing before they're in the real world. Check out our article about this [here])

The Fear of Losing Money Is Real

It’s one thing to hear, “Don’t panic, the market always goes back up.” It’s another thing to watch your money drop after you finally built up the courage to invest it.

Even if you “know” you’re supposed to think long-term, it still feels like a punch in the gut. Especially if you’ve worked hard for every dollar and don’t have a lot of margin for error.

You’ll Second-Guess Every Move

Should you buy now? Should you wait? Is that stock a scam? Should you pick your own investments or go with a robo-advisor? What if you’re doing it all wrong?

There’s a constant temptation to “time the market,” chase trends, or panic sell. It’s overwhelming. And when you're learning as you go, doubt becomes part of the process.

It’s Not a Quick Fix

Investing isn’t a lottery ticket—it’s a slow burn. You won’t see results right away, and that can be discouraging. Especially in a world that rewards fast money and instant gratification.

But the truth is, the best investors are the most patient ones. The ones who keep going, even when the growth feels microscopic. That’s where real wealth builds.

Final Thoughts

If you're trying to invest, even just a little, with limited income, zero background knowledge, and a lot of anxiety—you’re not failing. You’re actually doing something incredibly brave. *Make sure you check out some beginner friendly investing books, like Money Honey, by Rachel Richards or Broke Millennial Takes on Investing by Erin Lowry

Investing isn’t just for the wealthy or the well-educated. It’s for regular people who want something better for their future. The learning curve is steep. The process is uncomfortable. But over time, the habits you build can change everything.

You don’t need to do it perfectly. You just need to start—and keep going.

*My book recommendations are genuine recommendations that are also affiliate links. Meaning I make a small commission if you use my link to buy the book. This is at no extra cost to you!