What to Invest In: Index Funds, Stocks, and ESG Explained
What to Invest In: Index Funds, Stocks, and ESG Explained
MIf you’ve ever Googled what to invest in and immediately felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Between index funds, individual stocks, ESG labels, Reddit advice, and TikTok hot takes, most people don’t need more information. They need clarity.
I’m a trans Latinx money coach and former stockbroker, and I’ve helped hundreds of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and first-gen folks invest with confidence without turning their lives into a second unpaid finance job. This post breaks down what actually matters when it comes to investing and what you can safely ignore.
Start With the Right Accounts Before Picking Investments
Before you even think about what to invest in, you need to know where you’re investing.
Accounts with contribution limits are the most powerful because they come with tax advantages. If an account has a limit, it’s usually because it’s good.
Your priority order should look like this:
- Employer 401(k) or 403(b)
- Roth IRA
- HSA, if available
- Taxable brokerage account
A taxable brokerage account is not bad, but it’s not the main character. I call it the side hoe. You don’t prioritize it until your retirement accounts are handled.
Index Funds Are the Foundation
If you’re wondering what to invest in long term, index funds are where most people should start.
Index funds are baskets of companies that track the overall market. Instead of betting on one company to win, you’re investing in the economy as a whole. They’re boring, stable, and effective.
They don’t go viral because they do their job quietly.
I invest almost exclusively in low-cost index funds that track the stock market. This is the same strategy I teach my clients because it works without constant monitoring, emotional spirals, or trying to time the market.
Individual Stocks Are Optional, Not Required
Buying individual stocks can feel exciting. It also comes with more risk and more emotional stress.
When I worked as a stockbroker, I saw people with millions tied up in one or two companies. That works until it doesn’t. Companies can fail. Entire industries can collapse.
If you’re going to buy individual stocks, they should be a small part of your portfolio, not the foundation. Most people do not need them to retire early or build wealth.
The Truth About ESG and Socially Conscious Investing
A lot of people delay investing because they’re trying to find a perfectly ethical option.
Here’s the truth: there is no such thing.
Most ESG funds still hold the same large corporations as regular index funds. The difference is you usually pay higher fees to feel better about it.
Not investing doesn’t make you anti-capitalist. It just makes you more vulnerable to the system. Investing gives you ownership, leverage, and options.
You can care deeply about justice and still invest strategically. In fact, having money makes it easier to support the causes you care about.
Fees Matter More Than You Think
One of the fastest ways to delay retirement is paying high fees without realizing it.
Expense ratios compound just like growth does. A fund that charges more doesn’t have to perform badly to cost you hundreds of thousands over time.
This is one of the first things I review with clients. We look at what they’re invested in, what it costs, and whether it’s actually doing its job.
Consistency Beats Income
You don’t need a six-figure salary to build a six-figure retirement.
I’ve never made more than $45K in salary, and I’m on track to retire early because I invested consistently, prioritized Roth accounts, and avoided overcomplicating things.
What matters most is:
- Opening the right accounts
- Investing regularly
- Letting compound growth do its thing
Wondering what to invest in is normal. Staying stuck there forever is expensive.
Listen to the Full Episode
If this post resonated with you, listen to the full episode:
“The Simple Investing Habits That Let You Retire Early“
🎧Listen to episode 137 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Spotify here
🎧 Listen to episode 137 of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast on Apple Podcasts here
Work With Charly 1:1
If you’re ready to maximize your savings and invest it, let’s work together.
We’ll get you on track to:
- Crush debt without shame
- Grow your cash in the right places
- Raise your credit score (see how my client raised her by 100 points in less than 6 months)
- Learn to sell stock without guilt
- Start building a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary
Coaching includes bi-weekly calls, daily messaging, and a full curriculum covering savings, credit cards, debt payoff, investing, and money mindset.
Investment: $6,000 or two payments of $3,100.
Six-Month 1:1 Coaching includes:
- Bi-weekly calls
- Daily messaging support
- A full curriculum on savings, debt payoff, credit, investing, and money mindset
- Investment: $6,000 or two payments of $3,100
Or, sign up for my Crush Debt, Retire Early Emails here.
About Charly
I’m Charly Stoever (@travelercharly) — a trans Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast. I help LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and first-gen folks crush debt and build a six-figure retirement—even without a six-figure salary.
As a formerly undocumented Mexican American and ex-stockbroker who’s traveled solo to 39 countries, I now coach full-time while also international pet sitting.
If you’re ready to stop avoiding your finances and start using your money on purpose, work with me.
Get your coaching FAQs answered here, and book a call with Charly to get started with 6 month coaching here.