How to Get Started with Investing When You’re Young with TJ van Gerven - 169

This week, I’m joined by TJ van Gerven, a financial planner and founder of Modern Wealth Builders, to talk about how young adults can get started with investing—even when money feels tight. We cover everything from the best first steps to investing to simple financial planning strategies and even touch on Bitcoin and how to avoid financial pitfalls.

If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed about where to begin, this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you start building wealth now.

The Money Talking Points for this week are:

1. What small thing can you do to get started with investing?
2. How can you invest simply?
3. What simple financial planning step can help your finances now?

Timestamps & Key Takeaways

[00:01:00] – Meet TJ van Gerven

• TJ’s background and why he started Modern Wealth Builders
• His mission to help millennials achieve financial flexibility

[00:03:00] – The Biggest Challenges for Young Adults & How to Overcome Them

• Why investing feels so hard when you’re just getting started
• The importance of tracking your money
• How living below your means is the foundation of investing

[00:06:30] – The Power of Tracking Your Spending

• How tracking your expenses reveals where to cut back
• My high school experience of discovering how much I spent on eating out 🤯
• Use tracking as a tool, not a restriction!

[00:09:00] – Investing for the First Time: Where to Start

• Why a Roth IRA is an awesome first investing account
• The Rule of 72 and how to double your money over time
• Understanding tax-free growth vs. traditional investing accounts

[00:12:00] – How to Invest Simply Without Overthinking It

• The easiest way to get started: S&P 500 or total world index funds
• Why automating your investing makes a huge difference

[00:16:00] – Avoiding Common Investing Mistakes

• Don’t fall for meme stocks and crypto scams 🚨
• Why timing the market is impossible—just keep investing
• Understanding market dips and why they’re normal

[00:19:00] – Should You Consider Bitcoin?

• TJ’s take on Bitcoin vs. other cryptocurrencies
• The history of Bitcoin and why it’s unique
• How Bitcoin compares to gold as a store of value

[00:22:00] – Financial Planning for Young Adults & Couples

• Why you and your partner should combine financial goals
• How to set up joint accounts while maintaining independence
• The importance of tax planning & risk management

[00:27:0