What are some of the ways I could begin preparing for a future in investing while I’m still in high school?
Aside from doing my best in school and getting good grades, what are some other things I could do? Any books I should read? Any clubs I should join? Any after school programs I should look for? Thank you for your advice #finance #financial-services #investment-management #investing
5 answers
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
You have a great answer above...I will add 2 things...whenever I want to learn about something new, I turn to 2 places first...youtube and a website/book series called "for Dummies ... ". www dot dummies dot com and www dot youtube dot com. There you can learn a little about a lot of different things like finance, inventing, money, etc.
good luck
Janette’s Answer
Hello Sam,
Amazingly there is a wealth of information about investing right at your finger tips through programs and websites set up through Banks and Credit Unions. Bank of America, for example has such a website. Just search Bank of America Merrill Edge Education Center Other banks may have similar sights but this one is within my personal knowledge. It is user-friendly and understandable. This would be a good start...Some of these institutions may also have internships for high school and/or college students so try doing a search for these type of internships and the requirements for applying. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Dan’s Answer
Hi Sam. I'm copying my answer to another student but hope it is helpful.
Michael Lewis is a great writer and boils down complicated finance topics in a really entertaining way. Some of his books that I really enjoyed and that would help you understand finance better: The Big Short, Boomerang, Flash Boys, Liar's Poker. You might know this already, but The Big Short got turned into a movie last year and was nominated for Best Picture.
Also, try to reach the Wall Street Journal occasionally and you will find that you will start picking up on the lingo of finance more and more. You can eventually add The Economist as another magazine that has great info on the markets as well as politics and business.
Reading about Warren Buffet is helpful as he is considered one of the greatest investors of all time. The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein is the book I read in college that helped me learn more about him and his investment approach.
Anita’s Answer
Even in high school you can use temp agencies to find summer jobs at banks/companies
They usually screen interview, maybe even take a basic skills assessment
My company also offers summer opps for high school students...might be good exposure in a company's treasury department
Michael’s Answer
A few things to add;
1) The Economist - I try to reach this cover to cover each week. It keeps good discipline and a lot of very useful knowledge in there.
2) Articles on Bloomberg
3) Building out your personal network to include other folks that also have a passion for Finance/Investing.
4) Start Investing. With many platforms now offering free trading, your underlying position doesn't have to be material. More for the experience to understand how it is done and I will bet that you will then keep a keener eye on stocks/markets given you are personally invested.
Cheers.