The Moment I Knew I Had to Invest
For years, I thought investing was only for people with thousands of dollars lying around. As someone on a low income, I couldn’t imagine how I’d ever build wealth when most of my money went toward essentials. But at the same time, I knew I needed another source of income.
I didn’t want to trade more of my time for money, I was already balancing everything I could. Trading more time wasn’t realistic, my time was already stretched thin. That’s when I came across dividend investing and realized something powerful: my money could work for me even when I wasn’t working.
But before I put a single dollar into the stock market, I spent two years studying everything I could. I read books, devoured articles, and watched experts break down how to build wealth through investing. One thing became clear, I didn’t want to gamble. I wanted to invest in strong companies, hold for the long term, and build wealth steadily.
Why I Chose Dividend Investing
Many people see the stock market as a way to “get rich quick,” but I knew that wasn’t for me. I wasn’t interested in short-term trading or chasing the latest trend. I wanted something stable, something that could grow over time without requiring constant attention.
That’s why dividend investing made the most sense. Unlike growth stocks that rely on price increases to make money, dividend stocks pay you just for holding them. Every quarter, companies share a portion of their profits with investors, and that money can be reinvested to buy more shares, creating a compounding effect over time.
I realized that if I picked strong, reliable companies, even small amounts of money could grow into something meaningful.
Putting My First $50 Into the Market
I started investing in 2020, but in 2024, I decided to start documenting how someone on a low income could build a portfolio up to $1,000 with just small amounts. That’s when I bought my first shares of Kenvue (KVUE)—a blue-chip company spun off from Johnson & Johnson.
Why Kenvue?
- It was a well-established brand with steady demand for its healthcare and personal care products.
- It paid dividends, meaning I’d start earning passive income right away.
- It fit my buy-and-hold strategy, which was important to me.
At first, I didn’t buy all my shares at once. Instead, I started with $50 and slowly added $2 here, $5 there, whenever I could. Over time, this approach allowed me to accumulate 30 shares.
At the time, those amounts felt insignificant. But I knew that investing wasn’t about quick wins, it was about consistency.
What Happened Next
Over time, my investment in Kenvue grew. That $50 turned into $686.35, and I now earn $6 in dividends every quarter. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s proof that small investments add up.
The best part? That $6 isn’t just sitting in my account. It’s automatically reinvested into more shares of Kenvue, which means I earn more dividends with each cycle. This is how compounding works, your money starts working for you, and over time, the effects multiply.
Seeing these small gains stack up reinforced what I had learned years ago: Wealth isn’t built overnight. It’s built through smart decisions, patience, and consistency.
What I Learned From This Experience
If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself to start even sooner. But more importantly, I’d share these key lessons with anyone who’s hesitant to start investing:
1. You Don’t Need a Lot of Money to Start
Many people think they need hundreds or thousands of dollars before they invest, but that’s not true. I started with just $50, and even small additions like $2 or $5 made a difference.
The important thing isn’t the amount, it’s the habit. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow.
2. Reinvesting Dividends Speeds Up Growth
Instead of withdrawing my dividends, I let them buy more shares automatically. This small decision means that my returns grow faster over time. It’s like planting seeds that turn into more trees, which then produce even more seeds.
3. Long-Term Thinking is Key
There were times when my stock price dropped, and I could’ve panicked and sold. But I reminded myself why I invested in the first place: passive income and long-term wealth-building.
By focusing on strong companies and a long-term strategy, I avoided the stress of trying to time the market.
4. Even Small Investments Can Lead to Big Results
Most people assume that investing only pays off if you have thousands to put in upfront. But my experience showed me that even small, consistent investments add up.
What if I had waited until I had “enough” money? I’d still be sitting on the sidelines, missing out on growth.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Start Today
If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start investing, let me tell you, there isn’t one. The perfect time was yesterday, but the second-best time is today.
I used to think I couldn’t afford to invest. Now, I see that I couldn’t afford not to. That first $50 investment wasn’t just about the money, it was about building the habit, shifting my mindset, and creating a future where my money works for me.
So if you’re on the fence, take that first step. Even if it’s just $5, $10, or $50, it’s not about the amount. It’s about starting.
Your future self will thank you.
The Broke College Student 
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