Learning to Invest as a Woman

For a long time, investing felt like something I was supposed to understand… but didn’t.

It always sounded complicated, intimidating, and honestly a little unwelcoming. A lot of fast talk. A lot of confidence. A lot of acronyms that made me feel like I was already behind before I even started.

So instead of diving in, I avoided it.

Lately though, I’ve been doing something different. I’ve been learning — slowly, imperfectly, and without any pressure to be an expert. And what I’ve realized is this: investing doesn’t have to be scary, aggressive, or all-or-nothing. It can actually be thoughtful, intentional, and aligned with the life you want to build.

Starting with curiosity, not pressure

I didn’t wake up one day suddenly “good with money.” I started by asking questions.

What’s the difference between investing and saving?
Why do some people focus on growth while others care about income?
What does it actually mean when people talk about dividends?

Instead of trying to learn everything at once, I gave myself permission to learn one concept at a time.

What I’m learning about dividends

One thing I’ve been especially curious about lately is dividend investing.

In simple terms, dividends are payments some companies make to their shareholders, usually on a regular basis. Instead of only hoping the stock price goes up, dividends offer a way to earn income just by holding the investment.

What I like about this idea is that it feels steady. Less about chasing the next big thing, more about building something sustainable over time. It’s not flashy — but it’s comforting.

That doesn’t mean it’s the right approach for everyone. And it doesn’t mean I’ve “figured it out.” It just means I’m learning what resonates with me.

Growth, income, and personal goals

One of the biggest shifts for me has been realizing that investing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Some people focus on growth — investing in companies they believe will increase in value over time. Others care more about income and stability. Most people fall somewhere in between.

What matters most isn’t picking the “right” strategy. It’s understanding your own goals:

• What kind of life do you want to support?

• How much risk feels comfortable to you?

• Do you want long-term growth, passive income, or a mix of both?

These questions matter more than trends or hype.

Why I think more women should talk about money

The more I learn, the more I wish we talked about this openly — especially as women.

Money conversations often come with shame, silence, or the assumption that we should already know better. But learning later in life isn’t a failure. It’s just life unfolding differently than planned.

You don’t have to know everything to start learning something.

And you don’t have to invest aggressively, constantly, or perfectly to be investing wisely.

Learning as I go

I’m still very much in the research phase. I’m reading, listening, asking questions, and paying attention to what feels aligned with the life I’m building now — not the life I thought I’d have ten years ago.

This isn’t financial advice. It’s just my experience of learning, unlearning, and realizing that investing can be part of self-trust, not stress.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by investing, you’re not alone. And if you’re curious but unsure where to start, that curiosity might be the best place to begin.

I’d love to know:
Have you started investing yet, or are you still in the learning phase like me?

Until the next chapter—may your coffee be strong and your heart stay open, and you always lead with kindness
— Jen