Investing

My Personal Investment Strategy

Disclaimer: This is not investment advice—just what works for me. Please do your own research before making any financial decisions.

My strategy has three main pillars:

1. S&P 500
2. S&Me 500
3. Taking Risks

Pillar 1: The S&P 500

The only thing I currently invest in actively is the S&P 500.

What Is the S&P 500?

It’s an index fund that tracks the top 500 companies in the United States. Every time I put money into the fund, that money is spread across all those companies according to specific percentages set by the fund.

Why I Invest in the S&P 500

Historically, the S&P 500 has returned around 10% per year since 1957. That’s much higher than most savings or high-yield savings accounts, which usually max out at around 4%.

How I Invest in the S&P 500

401(k)

• I allocate 65% of each paycheck until I reach $20,000.
• My employer matches 50% of my contributions. By the end of the year, I’ve put $30,000 total into the S&P 500 through this account (the federal contribution cap).

HSA (Health Savings Account)

• I contribute $4,150 per year. (Families can contribute double.)
• This account is triple tax advantaged: gains aren’t taxed, contributions aren’t taxed, and withdrawals aren’t taxed (when used for eligible medical expenses).
• I invest all of it in the S&P 500.

Mega Backdoor Roth IRA

• The Roth IRA is powerful because all gains are tax-free. Normally, there’s a $6,000 annual limit, plus income limits can prevent direct contributions.
• Using the Mega Backdoor method, I can contribute up to $30,000 into the S&P 500 for tax-free gains.

Pillar 2: The S&Me 500

I believe investing in yourself is even more important than investing in the market.

What Is the “S&Me 500”?

It’s not a real index fund—it’s a playful twist on the S&P 500.
Instead of putting money into the market, you invest in your own skills and knowledge (e.g., school, courses, books, equipment, fitness, and more).

My Own Example

Right after high school, I worked at Best Buy, making $45k/year. Instead of investing that money in the market, I paid for community college and then university expenses for a Computer Science degree. Those qualifications and internships helped me land a job that paid 4x my previous salary.

When Do You Stop Investing in Yourself?

Never. Life is a continuous learning process, and it’s far more exciting to keep growing than to settle.

Pillar 3: Taking Risks

I’m generally risk-averse, which is why Pillars 1 and 2 focus on stable, long-term growth. However, I also believe in calculated, high-upside decisions.

Why Take Risks?

Many highly successful people make a few high-risk moves—like starting a business or moving cities—that lead to massive growth. The “worst-case scenario” rarely happens, but the fear can hold us back.

My Take

By having a stable “trampoline” with the S&P 500 and the S&Me 500, I can aim for 10x, 20x, or even 50x opportunities rather than settling for smaller 2x or 3x deals that distract from bigger goals.

Bonus Pillar: Other Investments

These don’t fall under my core pillars but are still part of my overall portfolio:

Property

• I own my primary residence, which has about $60k in equity. If I moved and rented it out, it could cash flow about $600/month.

Equity From Work

• Some high-paying jobs (especially in tech) offer part of your compensation in stock.
• For example, you might get a salary plus $120k in stock over 4 years. If the stock doubles, you’ve turned $120k into $240k. Of course, it could also go the other way, so choose wisely.

Crypto

• Less than 1% of my total portfolio.
• It’s extremely high risk, so I only invest what I’m willing to lose.
• I bought some Bitcoin and Ethereum in high school (2017) and mostly track it for entertainment.

Once again, this is not financial advice—just what works for me. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: build a strong foundation, invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to pursue high-upside risks.