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Marieke Agatha Stoop
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Home / Blog / ⦾ Wealth and Investment

Why Should I Start Investing in Stocks?

By Marieke Agatha Stoop⦾ Wealth and Investment
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⏱ 7 min read

Last updated September 20, 2026

Why should you start investing in stocks? Many people, including me in the past hesitated to start thinking about an investment strategy because of questions like: “Is it only for the rich?”, and “How do I start”?

I used to think wealth was about working hard, and earning more, but this is not entirely the case. True financial freedom comes from hard work, knowing how to make your money work for you, even while you sleep.

Start your research today and find more information how to invest in stocks, ETFs, gold, silver and other long-term assets.

☰ In this article

  • Money alone does not make you rich. Financial education does.
  • The Problem: Why Saving Is Not Enough
  • The Problem: Short-Term Spending versus Long-Term Wealth
  • Best Books About Money Mindset
  • The Psychology of Investing
  • The Factual Reason of Investing
  • The Financial Reason of Investing: Money Needs to Work for You
  • Why Start Investing in Stocks?
  • More Articles on Investing in Stocks

Money alone does not make you rich. Financial education does.

You do not need a finance degree, the AEX index memorised, or a Wall Street mentor. What you need is clarity about smart investing, and how to build a money machine that supports the life you actually want.

If you are ready to escape the rat race and build real wealth, you are in the right place. That is why, I wrote this article to share my experiences and why understanding the fundamentals of money is essential.

Note: We have been misled about money and investments. I would like to invite you, to find out for yourself, if investing in stocks would be a path for your in growing your wealth.

The Problem: Why Saving Is Not Enough

You might believe that saving money in a bank is enough to secure your financial future for retirement. But here is the problem of today: saving alone will not keep up with inflation, and over time, your money loses value.

Why should you start investing in stocks? Even today banks are giving you low interest rates and without a strategy to grow wealth, it becomes harder to achieve big goals. This could be having money for buying a home, funding your retirement, or gaining financial freedom.

Note: it is still essential to keep some savings in a bank account, money that you can access quickly and safely. Investing is about growing your long-term money. 

The Problem: Short-Term Spending versus Long-Term Wealth

Social media, advertising, and the ease of online shopping have made it more tempting than ever to prioritise experiences and swiping shopping gratification over your future with financial security.

Even when saving is possible, that money often goes toward lifestyle, designer clothes, handbags, groceries and other purchases, leaving little money left for investing.

The result is that money, that could have been working for the future gets spent today, delaying your wealth-building and financial freedom.

Thinking about an investing strategy offers a way to shift this pattern: it supports you think long-term and start with a small budget, with monthly contributions to start caring for your future self.

Best Books About Money Mindset

Money does not buy happiness, but sure it is handy to have!

Reading my top five (5) best books about money mindset could be a starting point for growing your wealth. Money and your mindset about it could positively or negatively affect every aspect of your life.

Although there are a lot more books to shift your mindset, I am sharing this short list of books as you need the fundamentals. These books will give you the basics of a money mindset with the insights from a psychology, philosophical, and practical point of view.

The reason why I wanted to create this list and combining different perspectives, is so that you can better understand your relationship with money and take more confident steps toward your financial freedom.

The Psychology of Investing

First, let’s look at the psychological reasons of starting investing your money.

When you invest in for example stocks, you change your mindset from consumer to owner. Instead of just spending money, you begin participating in the growth of companies shaping the world.

This could support you in:

✓ Feeling more engaged and informed about financial decisions.

✓ Developing patience and discipline, since markets move up and down.

✓ Gaining confidence in managing your financial future.

Investing your money empowers you. It gives you a sense of control and helps you build financial confidence, which often improves other areas of your life too!

The Factual Reason of Investing

Historically, stock markets have delivered average returns of about 7 to 10% per year after inflation. That is significantly higher than what most banks offer in interest on savings accounts.

Although the stock market could feel new and it takes time for growing of wealth in the long-term trend, still investing could be considered as one of the best strategies for building wealth over decades. It all comes down to start doing your research and start reading the best books about money mindset.

The Financial Reason of Investing: Money Needs to Work for You

Finally, there is a financial reality that your money needs to grow to protect your future.

Many of us, including me, have been taught to focus on working harder and earning more as the only path to financial security. However, this is only one part of the story. We need to work hard, but your money itself also needs to work for you to protect your future.

Inflation quietly reduces the value of money sitting in your bank savings account. You may also want to fund major life goals like buying a home, traveling, or achieving financial freedom.

That is why investing in stocks matters! It gives your money the chance to grow faster than inflation, supporting you build a future that reflects your hard work, without relying solely on a job working harder.

Why Start Investing in Stocks?

When you only save money in the bank, you will face three (3) key problems:

  1. Your money is losing value over time because bank interest rates often do not keep up with inflation.
  2. You miss out on growth opportunities, limiting your ability to achieve financial goals like buying a home, retiring comfortably, or achieving financial freedom/independence.
  3. You remain passive about money, potentially leading to insecurity or dependence on the government later in life

Why you should start investing in stocks is, because investing in stocks empowers you to take control of your financial future. Psychologically, it builds confidence and financial awareness. Factually, stocks have historically delivered strong long-term returns, outperforming other asset classes.

Financially, stock investing supports your money growing faster than inflation, supporting your future goals.

Even a small portion of your money, monthly consistent investments can add up, and making investing in stocks a smartest step for long-term wealth.

In summary, consider starting to invest in stocks because:

  1. Psychologically, it gives you confidence and ownership over your financial future.
  2. Factually, stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes.
  3. Financially, it is one of the most effective ways to grow wealth and protect it from inflation.

 

More Articles on Investing in Stocks

➺ What Is a Stock and Stock Market?

➺ European Broker Trade Republic: claim your welcome bonus, credited within 21 days after first transaction.

➺ Stock Investment Strategies: How Much to Invest, What to Buy?

➺ Discover the Best Books About Money Mindset.

➺ Stock Market Terminology You Can Use in Conversations.

➺ Employee Stock Ownership: Types of Stocks & Employee Actions.

 

※ This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. Investing involves risks, and you should always do your own research and/or seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or other professional regarding your specific financial situation. Any actions you take based on this content are entirely at your own risk. References to (trading) platforms, financial products, or services are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, or a guarantee of future performance.

By Marieke Agatha Stoop

My name is Marieke Agatha Stoop, founder of Human in Progress, an international HR Governance & Compliance firm, established in 2009.

Widely recognised for my books and over 200+ articles, I am empowering professionals with practical insights on leadership, career, health & wealth. This might inspire you to lead with clarity, confidence, and live your best life.

See all posts by Marieke Agatha Stoop

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