I am a research scientist and a nerd with PhD degree. I was always trying to avoid finance. I feel like it is too complicated and I have no interests on it at all. However, COVID-19 changed me. I am still the research scientist and doing the research I love, but I am now very interested in finance and love reading finance related books.

In 2020, the stock market got hit when COVID-19 started. The bad news about market was everywhere. Even a nerd like me started saw news about the market fall. One day, when I told my wife about the market, she suggested me to buy some stocks since the market is low. I was hesitated, and we asked her brother’s opinion. He said it was a good time and suggested us to put some money on S&P500. I don’t even know what S&P500 is. But still, we put some money in VOO after I read a little bit on S&P500. Like all the people who is new to investing, I was emotionally on the stocks. I check the price many times a day on my phone. I care it so much; however, VOO did not care my feeling at all and jump up and down like roller coaster. By the end of the 2020, I sold the stock for a profit.

This experience gives me the initially idea about the investing. Since then, I started reading book on finance and investing. I read Peter Lynch, Buffet, Howard Marks, and lots of others. I found myself really enjoy reading these books and it became a hobby for me.

Before thanksgiving, I met several financial advisors. When I talked with them, I found I understand most of the things they talked. One of them told me that I don’t need him and I can I it by myself. He doesn’t think he will change much one what I am doing with my money. The experience really gives my confident and the desire to know more about finance. Thinking about the process, it didn’t take me that long to understand the finance. I also have the desire to become a financial planner/advisor someday.

From a totally naive on finance to comfortable make my own investment decision, reading book really helps me a lot. I bought lots of books. I want share my knowledge and experience with others and help others to overcome the fear. Finance is not boring, and actually lots of fun!

(1) Why I Write?

It all began with an unexpected twist in my life. As a research scientist with a Ph.D., finance seemed like an alien world that I actively tried to avoid. The complexity of it felt overwhelming, and I had no interest whatsoever. However, the winds of change blew with the onset of COVID-19. Despite remaining dedicated to my research, the turbulence in the stock market during 2020 caught my attention. The ubiquitous bad news about market fluctuations prompted an unexpected curiosity about finance.

(2) My Experience

In the midst of the pandemic-induced market chaos, my wife made a suggestion that altered my perspective. She encouraged me to invest in stocks while the market was down. Hesitant and uninformed, I sought advice from her brother, who recommended putting money into S&P500. Despite my initial lack of understanding, we invested in VOO, an ETF tracking the S&P500. Emotions ran high as I monitored stock prices obsessively, experiencing the roller coaster of market fluctuations.

By the end of 2020, I decided to sell the stocks, and to my surprise, it resulted in a profitable venture. This initial experience on investing ignited a spark within me. Eager to understand the world of finance better, I dived into books by financial Gurus such as Peter Lynch, Warren Buffett, Howard Marks, and many others. Reading became more than just a learning experience; it evolved into a newfound hobby.

Meeting financial advisors before Thanksgiving provided a significant revelation. I discovered that I understood most of what they discussed, with one advisor even suggesting I could manage my finances independently. This encounter boosted my confidence and intensified my thirst for financial knowledge. The journey from finance novice to making my own investment decisions was surprisingly swift, instilling in me the desire to become a financial planner or advisor in the future.

(3) My Goals

From complete naivety about finance to comfortably making informed investment decisions, the role of reading books in my journey has been pivotal. My growing collection of finance-related books reflects my genuine interest, and I am driven to share my knowledge and experiences with others. I aim to help individuals overcome the fear associated with finance, proving that it is not just about numbers but an engaging and fulfilling domain. Finance, I’ve come to realize, is not boring at all—it’s a realm of endless possibilities and, surprisingly, a lot of fun!