The Trendy Lens

When I first started trading, my "research" consisted of reading a three-sentence rocket emoji post on a forum and checking if the stock chart looked like a mountain range. I thought I was being savvy; in reality, I was flying a plane without checking if there was fuel in the tank. If you are starting on a budget and can’t yet afford a professional financial advisor, you have to be your own Chief Investment Officer. While hiring a professional financial or investment advisor is the gold standard for protecting your future, these seven fundamental questions are the "safety check" I wish I had used before I hit the 'buy' button. 1. Does This Company Actually Make Money? (Net Income) It sounds obvious, right? But I once bought a "revolutionary" EV startup that hadn't sold a single car. I was buying a dream, not a business. The Question: Is the Net Income positive, and has it been growing over the last three years? The Red Flag: "Adjusted ...

 We’ve all seen the headlines. A "meme stock" rockets 400% in a week, or a neighbor claims they turned their tax refund into a down payment on a house just by "playing the market." It looks so easy from the outside. When I first opened my brokerage account, I didn’t just want to invest; I wanted to win. But within six months, I had lost nearly 30% of my initial capital. My portfolio was a sea of red, and I was on the verge of deleting the app and swearing off investing forever. Looking back, I realized I wasn’t "unlucky." I was making classic rookie mistakes that are almost designed to separate new traders from their money. If you’re just starting out, here is the honest truth about the traps I fell into—and how you can avoid them. 1. The FOMO Trap: Buying at the Peak My biggest mistake was a classic: Buying when the stock was at its peak. I remember watching a tech company’s stock climb higher every single day. I waited on the sidelines for a week, convi...

That feeling when you get your first allowance, your first stipend, or your first paycheck from a campus job or a small gig – it's pure excitement! It's not just money; it's a taste of independence, a reward for all those lectures and late-night study sessions. But beyond covering your basic needs, what if this money could do more? What if it could actually grow and set you up for a financially strong future? This guide is specifically for you, the ambitious African college student , ready to transform your understanding of money. We'll show you how to save, invest, and make your money grow , using practical steps that fit your reality, inspired by the incredible journeys of African leaders who, just like you, started from the ground up. Your Unique Advantage: Resilience and Resourcefulness As an African student, you already have powerful tools in your arsenal: resilience and resourcefulness . You've learned to make the most of what you have, adapt to challenges, ...

Bert Mueller's story, recently spotlighted by CNBC, isn't just a fascinating tale of a 35-year-old who swapped American comforts for the chaotic energy of India and built a $23 million burrito empire. It's a sizzling platter of actionable insights for students and recent graduates hungry for success in a rapidly evolving world. Forget the predictable career paths; Mueller's journey with California Burrito offers a bold, flavorful recipe for navigating the post-graduation landscape and potentially building something extraordinary. In a digital age where standing out is paramount, Mueller's audacious move – venturing halfway across the globe to introduce a relatively unknown cuisine – provides a powerful blueprint for identifying untapped opportunities and embracing the unconventional. His narrative isn't just inspiring; it's a practical guide for those looking to make their mark. 6 Spicy Startup Secrets for Students & Grads, Inspired by India's Burrit...

 In this era of rising inflation, the cost of living continues to climb, putting financial pressure on many households. Inflation erodes purchasing power, making everyday expenses such as groceries, housing, and utilities more expensive. One effective way to cushion yourself from the impact of inflation is by having a side hustle. A side job provides an additional income stream, helping offset the higher costs and maintain your standard of living. It boosts your financial resilience and offers opportunities to diversify your skills and career prospects, providing a safety net in uncertain economic times. According to  Forbes , here are five lucrative remote side jobs you can start in 2024. #1. Software Developer Software development remains one of the most lucrative side jobs available. You can find remote opportunities on platforms like DevIT Jobs, Turing, and Dice. As a software developer, whether freelancing or working part-time, you can expect to earn an impressive average...

 Lieberman said that retirement opens the door for passion projects that can pay dividends. "Just because you've retired doesn't mean you have no other ways to make money," he explained. "If you've got time on your hands, writing a book can set you up for passive income once you've published it. If your book sells, you'll receive royalties from every copy, which can be unlimited lifetime income." Another option is creating video courses based on areas of expertise. "If you have specific knowledge, you can capture it and share it for profit," Lieberman said. "Create the course once, and you can get paid no matter how many times it gets downloaded." Stevenson added that once the upfront investment in production is made, these goods can continue generating sales for years down the line with minimal additional effort. For retirees who have authored books, composed hit songs, or produced any other valuable intellectual property ove...

Okay, let's get real for a second. We've all been there. Scrolling through social media, seeing these "overnight success" stories, and thinking, "How do they do it?" I know I have. And when I stumbled upon Jasmine McCall's story – a mom building a $143,000/month business? My jaw dropped. But what resonated with me, and I bet with you, too, is that her success wasn't magic. It was built on a foundation of learning, and those five books she mentioned? They're like a blueprint for anyone wanting to level up. Let's be honest; we've all got those stacks of books we intend to read. But Jasmine's story made me realize it's not just about reading them; it's about applying them. And I bet you've felt that, too, that drive not just to consume information but actually to use it to change your life. Think about these five questions: #1. Feeling stuck with limited resources? "The Power of Broke" by Daymond John: We'...

  Are you an Etsy seller looking to elevate your business through print-on-demand services? Finding the right partner is crucial for success. Forbes Advisor has curated the crème de la crème of print-on-demand companies for 2023, presenting you with the top contenders to consider enhancing your business in 2024. Printful: Elevating Standards in Quality As crowned by Forbes Advisor, Printful stands tall for its uncompromising commitment to quality. From apparel to accessories, Printful ensures top-notch craftsmanship, setting a benchmark for print-on-demand excellence. Printify: Seamlessly Integrating Multi-Shop Platforms Embracing the spirit of versatility, Printify emerges as the best choice for multi-shop integration. Streamline your Etsy store effortlessly while expanding across various platforms for maximum exposure and sales. Gelato: Bridging Boundaries with International Reach Forbes Advisor recognizes Gelato for its remarkable global presence. With a widespread network,...