Background: Emily, 30, works as a freelance graphic designer. She wanted to take control of her financial future, especially since her income fluctuated every month. After researching different platforms, she chose Fidelity for its variety of investment options and low-cost index funds.
The Plan: Emily started with a Fidelity brokerage account, choosing a mix of low-cost index funds and ETFs for long-term growth. Since she didn’t have a stable income, she decided to set up automatic monthly contributions from her checking account when possible. She also opted for a Roth IRA to take advantage of tax-free growth.
Execution: Emily used Fidelity’s Investment Finder tool to identify low-cost funds that matched her risk tolerance and goals. She built a diversified portfolio with both U.S. and international stocks and bonds. During market downturns, Emily used Fidelity’s mobile app to stay informed but didn’t panic-sell her investments.
Outcome: By the time Emily reached 35, her portfolio had grown substantially. She took advantage of Fidelity’s Tax-Advantaged Planner to estimate future tax savings from her Roth IRA. Emily also reinvested her dividends, which helped grow her investments even more.
Lessons Learned: Emily learned the importance of consistency and patience. By using Fidelity’s tools to automate investments and diversify her portfolio, she was able to grow her wealth, even with unpredictable income.