🩻 64 Skills for Complete Newbies at Investing and Finance
64 steps to start the journey of a lifetime
To Smart Investors,
I’m happy to announce that I’ve finished putting together the first guides on The Oracle Indicator:
Core Survival Skills
Master the art of frugal living
Cut costs creatively—thrift flips, meal prep, and free entertainment—without feeling deprived.Build a bulletproof budget
Map your income and expenses to escape the "Where did my paycheck go?" spiral.Open a high-yield savings account
Store cash where it grows (not shrinks) with interest—your future self will thank you.Organize financial docs like a pro
Digitize receipts, tax records, and insurance policies—no more panic-digging during audits.Demystify credit cards
Use them for rewards and credit-building, but never let interest turn them into debt traps.
Debt & Emergency Shields
Crush high-interest debt first
Attack credit cards or payday loans like a boss—stop throwing money at interest.Stockpile a 3–6 month emergency fund
Create a financial bunker for job loss, medical bills, or surprise home repairs.Audit your insurance coverage
Avoid overpaying for health, renters, or auto policies—tailor them to your actual risks.Track spending for 30 days
Expose hidden cash drains (subscription creep, impulse buys) and plug the leaks.Build credit like a strategist
Monitor scores, pay bills on time, and keep utilization low to unlock better loan rates.
Wealth Building & Growth
Invest in low-cost index funds
Hitch your savings to the stock market’s long-term growth—no stock-picking required.Launch a side hustle
Monetize a skill (writing, coding, baking) to diversify income streams and beat inflation.Avoid lifestyle inflation
When you earn more, bank the difference—don’t inflate your life to match your paycheck.Max out retirement accounts
Supercharge your 401(k) or IRA with automated contributions—retire with options.Learn tax optimization
Harvest deductions, credits, and HSA perks to keep more of what you earn.
Advanced Tactics
Ditch unnecessary subscriptions
Cancel gym memberships, apps, or services you don’t use—trim the fat.Negotiate bills like a pro
Haggle with cable, internet, or insurance providers—save hundreds yearly.Right-size your housing/transport costs
Downsize, relocate, or go car-free to slash your biggest monthly expenses.Create a will (even if you’re young)
Protect your assets and loved ones—no lawyer needed for simple estates.Study market cycles
Learn to spot recession signals or bull runs to adjust investing strategies.
Mindset & Long-Term Plays
Practice radical transparency
Review bank statements weekly—know your cash flow like you know your Netflix queue.Upskill for higher earnings
Certifications, courses, or networking can pivot your career into higher-paying lanes.Avoid get-rich-quick traps
MLMs, crypto hype, and gambling are financial landmines—stay disciplined.Teach someone your best money hack
Share budgeting or investing tips—solidify your knowledge while helping others.Plan for aging parents/kids
Factor elder care, college savings, or inheritance into your financial roadmap.
Legacy & Impact
Donate strategically
Support charities with proven impact—align giving with your values.Explore FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)
Aggressively save 50%+ of income to retire decades earlier—extreme, but possible.Invest in real estate
Build equity through rental properties or REITs—diversify beyond stocks.Write a financial manifesto
Outline your money principles (spending, saving, risk) to stay accountable.Leverage compound interest
Start early—even $100/month can snowball into six figures over decades.
Pro Moves
Use a robo-advisor for lazy investing
Automate portfolios with low fees—perfect for hands-off growth.Refinance debt strategically
Lower interest rates on student loans or mortgages to save thousands.Hedge against inflation
Invest in TIPS, commodities, or dividend stocks to protect purchasing power.Start a micro-business
Turn a hobby into a LLC—learn taxes, branding, and cash flow management.Master Monte Carlo simulations
Stress-test retirement plans against market crashes or longevity risks.
Guardrails & Security
Freeze your credit
Lock out identity thieves—unfreeze only when applying for loans.Shred sensitive docs
Destroy old tax returns, bank statements, and cards—no dumpster-diving breaches.Avoid payday loans at all costs
They’re financial quicksand—seek alternatives (emergency funds, side gigs).Set up fraud alerts
Monitor accounts for sketchy activity—act fast if something’s off.Password-protect everything
Use a manager for banking, investments, and crypto—no reused passwords.
Big-Picture Strategy
Calculate your net worth quarterly
Track assets vs. debts to measure progress toward financial freedom.Research tax-loss harvesting
Offset gains with losses in taxable accounts—keep more profit.Diversify globally
Invest in international markets to avoid overexposure to U.S. downturns.Plan for healthcare costs
Factor in premiums, HSA limits, and long-term care as you age.Avoid emotional investing
Stick to your strategy during market chaos—FOMO kills returns.
Lifestyle Design
Geo-arbitrage your life
Move to a cheaper city (or country) to stretch income and savings.Rent out unused space
Monetize a spare room, garage, or parking spot—passive income FTW.Buy quality over quantity
Invest in durable goods (appliances, clothes) to avoid replacement costs.Travel hack with points
Leverage credit card rewards for free flights and hotels—no budget travel required.Practice mindful spending
Ask: "Does this purchase align with my goals?" before swiping.
Civic & Collective Power
Advocate for better policies
Push for paid leave, affordable housing, or tax reforms—your voice matters.Join a union or professional group
Collective bargaining can boost wages, benefits, and job security.Support small businesses
Local economies thrive when you spend outside corporate chains.Vote with your wallet
Choose ethical banks, ESG funds, and B Corps that reflect your values.Teach financial literacy
Mentor teens, friends, or community groups—break cycles of debt.
Endgame
Achieve debt-free status
Burn mortgages, car loans, and credit card balances—own your life outright.Hit your "F-you money" number
Accumulate enough wealth to walk away from toxic jobs or situations.Design your retirement
Plan hobbies, travel, or encore careers—retirement’s a blank canvas.Leave a legacy
Fund scholarships, trusts, or charities that outlive you.Celebrate milestones
Reward progress (debt payoff, net worth goals) without splurging—stay hungry.
Wildcards
Learn to code
High-income skill + remote work flexibility = financial leverage.Invest in yourself
Spend on therapy, fitness, or education—ROI on personal growth is unmatched.Build multiple income streams
Side gigs, rentals, dividends—never rely on a single paycheck.Stay curious
Read books, follow markets, and adapt—financial literacy is a lifelong game.
With every good wish, I remain
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Dr. Jack Roshi
Applied Mathematics Department, MIT
Lead Quant and Board Member, Sabre Capital GroupOpinions are my own