5 honest questions to figure out your investing style

Welcome to the 1 year anniversary edition of The Greenline!

I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your day to read this (of I’m sure many, many) newsletters.

I hope it’s been worth your time!

When I first started investing, I thought there was one “right” way to do it.

Buy index funds. Be consistent. Chill.

And honestly? It works for me.
(I still dollar-cost average every month.)

But if you’ve ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or unsure if it’s your way?
You’re not alone.

There isn’t one “correct” strategy.
Investors are successful with all sorts, from index funds to real estate to full-on trading.
(Some with more risk and effort than others. The ETF guide I shared last week walks through these.)

The key is figuring out what will work for you.

Here are 5 honest questions I ask myself to figure that out:

1. What’s the goal ? And, when do you need the money?
Retirement in 30 years? A home in 5?

Your timeline drives your risk tolerance.
Long runway = more room for volatility.
Shorter term = more stability.

2. How much mental energy do you want to spend on this?
Some people love tracking markets. Others want to set it and forget it.

If researching stocks sounds like a chore,
no strategy, no matter how “smart”, will stick.

3. When the market dips, how do you react?
Do you panic? Do you get curious?

Your emotional response matters more than your IQ.
If you know you’ll want to pull out at the first dip,
you need a calmer, more automated system.

4. Do you crave simplicity or enjoy the details?
Be real with yourself.

Does the idea of dissecting investments light you up?
Or is that a fast track to overwhelm?

The more complex the strategy, the more energy it takes to sustain.
Simple isn’t lazy, it’s sustainable.

5. Are you building a strategy you’ll actually stick to?
Forget what your coworker is doing.
Forget what that one newsletter said (including mine).

The best strategy is the one that fits your goals, your brain, and your life.

Bottom line:
There are dozens of ways to invest.
Only one you.

Start there.

The information contained in this newsletter is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as financial or investment advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.