#01 - Everyone Has a Baseline

Welcome to the first edition of Graham's Gazette, your home base for all things investing, financial and personal growth! Here you will find a blend of market insights, current events, and reflections of my personal and financial journey. I will also be documenting the growth of my public “Freedom Fund” brokerage account that I started in October 2022.

After 4 years of college and now 9 years of professional experience in product & project management the truth is it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you know, or what you started with. What matters is where you are going and what you are working towards. Next week will be more of a typical newsletter since this is the first one I have created I wanted to break down below what started Graham’s Gazette.

How did we get here?

I have spent the better part of the past decade reading, listening, working, and investing. I have made some great decisions and some unwise ones when it comes to personal finance, investing, fitness, and career (which I will begin to share). However, I decided it was time to take action and start being more of a contributor in a space that not many take a swing at.

My main reasons for starting Graham’s Gazette are to:

• Document growth. It’s really easy to focus on what you don’t have in this day and age and be defeated by your current standing in life. But if you looked at where you were 5 or 10 years ago you would be much more impressed with your progress in your growth. For example below is a graph showing my monthly dividend income continue to increase through my Freedom Fund investment growth by just investing $100/ week (soon to be $200/week).

• Spread knowledge. Let’s be honest when it comes to financial, investing, and personal growth people are very reserved and gate keep information. I will share what I think through the week in the market and in my own financial journey. There are so many things that I wish I would have known in my later teens and early twenties that I had to learn the hard way. And hopefully I can help spare some people the time from my own experiences.

• Help others start their investment and personal growth journey. Financial education, career, and personal growth is by far the biggest side passion I have discovered about myself. Listen I get it… everyone feels defeated, insecure, and unprepared when starting anything as a beginner. When starting at the beginning, a $0 savings or investment account, or entry level position it is intimidating to start. But the biggest thing to remember is that starting is the hardest part!

What can you expect in the Gazette?

Freedom Fund Updates

• In October 2022 I started a brand new public brokerage account and committed to contributing $100 a week to it every Friday (and random extra contributions when possible).

• Since starting the Freedom Fund the account has grown to over $11,000 and over $400 in dividends received & reinvested to date.

• The reason I created a public account is because I want to show people how even investing $100 a week can grow wealth over time. You just have to stay consistent and not let the turbulence of the market hold you back.

• The blend of the funds positions are in growth and dividend stocks that I feel are a solid base to build on in the future. Remember the companies, REITs, and ETFs I choose and trade are by no means stock recommendations but merely an example of assets that I feel have solid metrics, diversification, and a potential for future growth/income.

• Every week and month I post on X on my account @GrahamInvesting updates about the purchases, exits, dividends, and growth of the fund. If you want to follow in real time be sure to follow me over on X.

• Hopefully I can spark some minds to get started on their investing journey. You are never too late to start and starting is the hardest part.

Articles, Podcasts, Books, and Product Reviews

• I am constantly reading, listening, and searching for ways to open my mind about personal finance, career, personal growth, health & fitness, sports, and business.

• If I see economic data, an article, or a video that I find interesting you will be the first to know.

• I try to consume media that is positive, based on growth, and provides different perspectives. Remember that you have a choice to decide what media and information you consume.

Deep in Thought

• When something is on my mind I have a tendency to deep dive into it and learn about it. You’ll get a fresh perspective and breakdown here.

• I follow some of the best minds (in my opinion) in business and finance and will share what stands out to me from those individuals.

• History & future. I am very curious about where the future of society and our economy is going and what is causing it.

The purpose of Graham’s Gazette and my account @GrahamInvesting is to help others get started and stay consistent on their own personal, professional, and financial journey. I appreciate the time you take in reading & interacting with me and look forward to growing together.

Thanks for investing your time reading this! And hope you check back in next week when I break down the Freedom Fund more, where I think investors should begin, and tips to staying focused.

-Graham (@GrahamInvesting)

Disclaimer: Graham’s Gazette provides information and resources related to investing, financial topics, and personal growth for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content presented is not intended to be construed as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Graham’s Gazette and its creators do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided nor do they guarantee any specific results from such use of information.