Investing 101 for Beginners in Their 20s & 30s | Stackwise

Investing for beginners in your 20s and 30s: finally know which account to open, how to choose what to buy and where to click. Investing 101: The First Portfolio Kit walks you step by step from "I don't know where to start" to a simple, low-cost portfolio on autopilot — starting with as little as $50 a month.

No stock picking. No jargon. Just five steps that spell S.T.A.C.K.:

S — Secure your base (a cash cushion + a plan for debt)

T — Take the free money (your full 401(k) or 403(b) match)

A — Open the right account (a Roth IRA in about 15 minutes)

C — Choose simple funds (1–3 low-cost index funds)

K — Keep it on autopilot (automate it and ignore the noise)

★ WHAT'S INCLUDED (5 FILES)

1. Step-by-Step Guide (43-page PDF) — the S.T.A.C.K. Method, 5 build-alongs with real-life examples, 3 starter portfolios, a Fund Types Cheat Sheet, a 30-day plan, a quiz and a 30-term glossary.

2. First Portfolio Workbook (Excel + Google Sheets, 15 tabs) — the Next-Dollar Ladder tells you where your next dollar should go. Also: Match Finder, Roth IRA & Saver's Credit checker (2026 limits), Growth Projector, Fee Check, Risk Quiz, My Portfolio (dollars per fund), 3-C Fund Check, Contribution Log, 30-Day Plan and a Dashboard.

3. Fillable Worksheets (14-page PDF with 12 worksheets) — type on screen or print and write.

4. First Portfolio Studio calculator (HTML file) — opens in any web browser and works offline on your phone or laptop: Next Dollar, Growth, Fee Check, My Mix and Learn & Quiz.

5. Quick-Start Guide (4-page PDF) — how to open every file and what to do in your first 60 minutes.

★ AFTER THIS KIT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO

✓ Know where every dollar should go — debt, savings or investing

✓ Collect every dollar of your employer match

✓ Open a Roth IRA in about 15 minutes (and avoid the "money sitting in cash" mistake)

✓ Build a simple 1–3 fund portfolio using the 3-C Fund Check

✓ Invest automatically every month — and stay calm when the market drops

★ WHO IT'S FOR

• Beginners in their 20s and 30s starting from zero

• New grads and anyone in their first "real" job with a 401(k) or 403(b)

• Freelancers and self-employed people with no plan at work

• Anyone paying off debt who keeps asking "pay off debt or invest?"

• Anyone starting small — $50 a month is enough to begin

Made for U.S. investors. Uses 2026 U.S. figures: 401(k) limit $24,500, IRA limit $7,500, Roth IRA income limits and the Saver's Credit.

★ WORKS WITH

Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (free), Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or any PDF app, GoodNotes and Notability, and any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge). Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone and Android.

★ HOW IT WORKS

1. Buy and download your 5 files instantly

2. Open the Quick-Start Guide first.

3. Fill in the My Setup tab and follow the 30-day plan — about 15–30 minutes a day.

★ PLEASE NOTE

• This is a digital download. No physical item will be shipped.

• Educational content only — not personal financial, investment or tax advice. Stackwise does not recommend specific funds. Returns are never guaranteed and investing involves risk, including loss of money.

• For personal use only. Please don't share or resell the files.

• Because this is a digital product, all sales are final. Having trouble opening a file? Send me a message — I'm happy to help.

Stack money. Be wise. — Stackwise