I Invested in Tesla at Age 18 (and Amazon at 19)
“I’m going all in.”
While other graduates were popping sparkling grape juice and embarking on senior trips, I was putting almost all of my entire life savings into the stock market. Just kidding, I didn’t do that. After other graduates and I popped sparkling grape juice and embarked on senior trips, I put almost all of my entire life savings into the stock market.
’Twas a suggestion from my dad, who — despite working at a semiconductor company — had always possessed a special curiosity for personal finance. He explained why saving money in the bank was actually a loss due to inflation and began talking about investing in the markets. Before he could finish, I had already grabbed my laptop and locked myself up in my room, impatient to jumpstart my investing journey.
As a naive 18-year old, I began my “market research.” Equities were easiest so that’s where I started, consequentially stumbling upon Tesla (TSLA). I had heard of the company before: his autobiography had recently been released and Elon Musk seemed pretty bad*ss in both his lifestyle habits and management. Cool industry, too. Cool enough to be a disruptive industry? Hmmm, close enough!
“Seems legit.” I confidently placed the order for the trades. Tesla was now the majority of my portfolio. Satisfied, I went about my day…
