Investing Today: Is It Really Worth It? Find out in this Reading Comprehension lesson

Have you ever wondered if investing is only for rich people in expensive suits?

Or maybe you think it’s too complicated, too risky, or just not for you?

You’re not alone.

But today, investing is more accessible than ever—and even small amounts can grow over time thanks to compound interest and modern apps.

In this lesson, you’ll:
✅ Learn useful finance words and idioms.
✅ Read real stories about how people invest.
✅ Practise understanding details and big ideas.
✅ Build confidence to talk about money in English.
✅ Try planning your own dream investment portfolio!

📊 Who Is Investing — And Who Isn’t?

Recent research shows that about 58% of Americans are investing today, up from 53% in 2019— a record high. However, over 40% of Millennials (aged 23–38) have never invested even a small amount.

Why? Common reasons include:

• “I don’t earn enough yet.”

• “I don’t know how or where to start.”

• “It feels too risky.”

• “I want to wait for the perfect moment.”

• “It sounds confusing—I’m not an expert.”

⏳ A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Investing is more like training for a marathon—it’s about long-term habits, not quick results.

Even small contributions, like $10 or $20 a week, can grow significantly over time through compound interest. A popular approach is microp‑investing, where apps let you invest small amounts regularly—removing stress about timing the market.

Gen Z often starts investing much earlier. In the U.S., Gen Z begins at 19, Millennials at 25, Gen X at 32, and Boomers at 35. Nearly 60% of Americans now invest, and Gen Z and Millennials show rising confidence thanks to better access and communication tools.

🌍 Investing Through Tough Times

Markets go up and down, but long-term investors often come out ahead. Even during crashes like the Great Depression or the pandemic recession, staying invested has historically paid off.

As finance advisor Katie Oelker says: “The earlier you start, the easier it is to reach your goals.”

🧩 What Are People Investing In?

Modern investors aren’t limited to stocks anymore:

• Stocks: Shares in companies.

• Cryptocurrency: Digital coins like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

• Gold: A traditional store of value.

• REITs: Investment trusts that pay dividends from property.

• Collectibles: Rare items like wine, art, or classic cars.

• Peer‑to‑Peer Lending: Loans where individuals earn interest.

• Sustainable (ESG) Investing: 80% of Gen Z and Millennials plan to increase ESG allocations—driven by both potential returns and values.

• Startups/side business: Passive income like Dean Brown’s REIT journey, or Estelle Winston’s gold investment.

🗂️ Common Myths That Stop New Investors

Myth vs. Reality:

• ❌ Myth: You need perfect timing.
  ✅ Reality: Dollar cost averaging removes timing stress.

• ❌ Myth: Investing is only for experts.
  ✅ Reality: Beginners can start small and learn gradually.

• ❌ Myth: It takes too much time.
  ✅ Reality: Automatic transfers and occasional check-ins work fine.

Even Warren Buffett began investing small as a teenager.

🏦 Design Your Own Portfolio

Imagine you have $200,000 to invest. How would you split it? For example:

• $60,000 — Stocks

• $20,000 — Cryptocurrency

• $30,000 — Gold

• $40,000 — REITs

• $20,000 — Healthcare/Tech

• $30,000 — Your own business

What choices would you make? Why? Discuss with classmates or a teacher!

🧠 Vocabulary Builder

Look for these bold words in the text:

• Paycheck — the money you earn from work.

• Outlook — future expectations.

• Lump sum — a big, one-time amount of money.

• Dip — a small drop in price.

• Attainable — realistic to reach.

• Momentum — the drive that builds over time.

• Financial product — things like stocks, bonds, or funds.

• Down the line — later in the future.

Phrasal Verbs & Idioms:

• Hold back — stop yourself.

• Cash out — sell and take your money.

• Play it safe — choose low risk.

• Throw money at — spend without thinking.

• Save the cheddar — slang: save money.

💡 Interesting Facts & Stats

• Gen Z and Millennials are beginning investing earlier than ever—Gen Z average start age: 19, Millennials: 25.

• Nearly 60% of Americans now invest—higher than before, showing increased access and confidence.

• Gen Z heavily invests in crypto (55%), individual stocks (41%), and mutual funds (35%).

• 80% of Gen Z and Millennials plan to increase sustainable investing; 66% of Gen Z already hold ESG investments.

• Retail investor activity exploded in 2025: U.S. retail investors bought $270 billion in stocks in H1 2025; global ETFs inflows hit record highs.

✅ Reading Comprehension Quiz

1️⃣ What is dollar cost averaging?
A) Investing one large amount.
B) Investing small amounts regularly.

2️⃣ Why do many Millennials delay investing?
A) Worried about crypto.
B) Waiting until they earn more money.

3️⃣ What does Dean Brown’s story illustrate?
A) Safe investments are best.
B) Smart investing can lead to freedom.

4️⃣ Which statement is NOT a myth?
A) You must know everything first.
B) Small, steady investments work well.

✅ Answers

1 – B
2 – B
3 – B
4 – B

💬 Discussion Prompts

• Do you or your family invest in anything? What type?
• If you had $50,000, how would you invest it?
• Which investments feel safe, and which feel risky?
• Should investing be taught in schools? Why or why not?
• How do investing habits vary across generations in your country?

✏️ Writing Task

Write 5–6 sentences about which soft skill or hard skill you want to improve this year—and how you plan to do it. Use at least two bold vocab words from above!

🧾 General Reflection & Call to Action

Don’t let myths hold you back. Even modest lump sums can grow over time if you play it safe and stay consistent. Investing is attainable, builds momentum, and gives your money a chance to work for you.

Stay curious, start small, and keep learning. As you grow, so can your financial outlook.

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