If I Started Investing In 2026, This Is What I Would Do (Full Beginner’s Guide)

Humphrey Yang · 7 months ago

At a glance

Length
26 min
Channel
Humphrey Yang
Video from
Nov 2025
Rating
✅✅ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Anyone new to investing who wants a clear foundation before making their first trade.

Starting Your Investing Journey in 2026: A Beginner's Foundation

This guide walks you through the essential knowledge every beginner investor needs before making their first investment decision. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of investing or simply unsure where to start, the video breaks down the core concepts that transform investing from an intimidating topic into a manageable, actionable plan you can execute with confidence.

This resource is designed for people who are new to investing and want a clear roadmap—not overwhelming jargon or advanced strategies. If you've delayed starting to invest because you didn't know the fundamentals, this tutorial gives you permission to move forward with actual understanding.

Key Moments

Core Concepts Every New Investor Should Know

  • Understanding why investing matters and how it builds long-term wealth beyond saving alone
  • Recognizing why stocks are a vehicle for growth rather than the only investment option available
  • Learning the basic mechanics of how investing works in practical terms
  • Identifying what to invest in without needing to pick individual companies
  • Timing your entry into investing based on your personal financial readiness, not market conditions
  • Evaluating your own temperament and goals before committing money to investments
If I Started Investing In 2026, This Is What I Would Do (Full Beginner’s Guide)
Photo by StockRadars Co., on Pexels

What to Expect from This Tutorial

The video progresses logically from motivation through execution. It starts by answering the foundational question—why invest at all—before moving into the specific mechanics of stocks and how to actually purchase them. The middle sections focus on the strategic questions: what assets make sense for a beginner, and when in your financial journey should you start. The tutorial acknowledges that investing isn't one-size-fits-all, so it dedicates time to helping you understand your own financial situation and risk tolerance before showing a live demonstration of making an actual investment. This structure ensures you're not just following steps blindly, but making an informed decision that aligns with your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beginning to Invest

Why should I invest if I can just save money in a bank account?

The video addresses this early on by explaining the power of growth over time. Savings accounts earn minimal interest, while investing in stocks historically provides greater returns, allowing your money to work harder toward your long-term financial goals.

How much money do I need to start investing?

Rather than requiring a large lump sum, modern brokers allow you to start small. The video discusses the practical entry points for beginners, though the exact minimum may vary by platform. The key principle is that you should invest what you can afford to leave untouched for years.

Should I invest in individual stocks or something else?

The video covers multiple investment vehicles beyond individual stock picking. It explains the different approaches available to beginners and helps you understand which might suit your situation better than trying to research and select individual companies.

Is there a "right time" to start investing?

Timing the market perfectly is impossible, and the video addresses this myth. Instead, it focuses on personal readiness: Do you have an emergency fund? Are you out of high-interest debt? These questions matter far more than whether the market is at a particular level.

How much income do I need before investing makes sense?

The video discusses the relationship between income and investing, exploring whether there's a minimum earning threshold. The underlying principle is that investing is about your financial priorities and what you can afford to set aside, not about hitting a specific salary figure.

Key Terms

Stocks
Ownership shares in a company that can increase in value over time and potentially pay dividends to shareholders.
Brokers
Platforms or companies that allow you to buy and sell investments like stocks.
Long-term investing
Buying investments with the intention of holding them for years or decades rather than trading frequently.
Emergency fund
Money set aside in an accessible account to cover unexpected expenses without disrupting your investment strategy.
Asset allocation
The strategy of dividing your investment money among different types of investments based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Sources: Stocks · Brokers · Long-term investing · Emergency fund · Asset allocation — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video succeeds because it treats beginners like intelligent people who've simply never learned this material before. Rather than oversimplifying to the point of uselessness, it builds a logical framework for understanding investing, then applies it to real decisions. What I appreciated most is how the tutorial refuses to rush past the psychological aspects of investing—understanding yourself and your goals matters as much as understanding the mechanics.

If you've been putting off investing because the topic felt too complex, this is genuinely worth your time.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

Justin Johnston is the CEO and editor of ExplainedBetter.com, which he founded to turn confusing videos and complicated topics into clear, plain-English guides anyone can follow. He’s also the founder of Helicopterstour.com, built on the same principle — explaining helicopter tours and travel destinations better so readers can plan with confidence.

Video by Humphrey Yang on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

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Description

In this video I break down everything beginners need to know to start investing. Investing can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out, so my goal is to make the basics clear, simple, and actionable—so beginners can confidently make their first investment and know how to keep investing for the long term.

Buying a Stock on Fidelity Example: https://youtu.be/iCzBVWdNOeE

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WHO AM I?
Hello 👋 I’m Humphrey, I used to be a financial advisor, worked in gaming/tech, and started my own eCommerce business. I make practical, rational content on investing, personal finance, the news, and much more with a data-backed approach. My goal is to help you with financial literacy and creating wealth.

PS: I am no longer a current Financial Advisor, any investment commentary are my opinions only. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I do receive a commission for & they help support the channel!

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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Start Here
0:51 - Why Invest?
3:09 - Why Stocks?
5:19 - How Do We Invest?
7:08 - What To Invest In?
10:43 - When Should You Invest?
14:25 - How Much Should I Be Making?
15:26 - Understanding Yourself
17:48 - Live Demo

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