When someone under 18 asks you, “Do people my age actually invest in the stock market?” You must realize how common that question is among young adults. They are young, curious, and think investing is for rich folks in suits or finance nerds glued to six screens. Spoiler: it’s not.
In fact, the number of young investors is growing fast, and they’re not all rolling in money or sipping lattes on Wall Street. So let’s break it down.
So, What’s the Actual Percentage?
Right now, around 40–50% of Americans aged 18 to 29 have money in the stock market in some shape or form. That includes individual stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and strategies like copyinvesting. Not too long ago, that number was closer to 30%. The shift is real.
What changed? A few things:
- Apps that make investing as easy as ordering a pizza
- Zero trading fees, which removed a big reason people stayed away
- Financial content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, which made investing less boring and more relatable
Even a few years ago, stock market talk felt like another language. Now? It’s part of daily scrolls.
What’s Stopping Young Adults?
When you ask someone 22 years old why he hadn’t jumped in yet, he admits:
“I don’t have time to figure this stuff out. And I’m scared of losing money.”
Sound familiar?
Here’s what you can tell him and what you would tell anyone aged 18 to 29 who’s curious but cautious:
Top Concerns for First-Time Investors
Q: I don’t have time to learn stocks.
You don’t need to study charts or financial books. With copy-investing platforms, you can follow experienced investors and mirror their trades without needing deep expertise.
Q: I don’t have enough money to start.
Starting doesn’t require thousands. Many apps let you begin with just $10 or $50. The habit matters more than the amount.
Q: What if I lose everything?
That’s a common fear. But you can limit risk by picking low-volatility investments like ETFs or following long-term strategies from trusted investors.
Why Starting Early Makes a Massive Difference
Here’s the example you can give young minds:
- If he invests $200 a month at 22, with an average 10% annual return, by age 40, he’d have about $138,000.
- If he waits until 30 to start? That drops to $59,000.
Same monthly amount. Same return rate. Just a later start. That’s the power of compounding. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow and multiply.
But Isn’t Investing Still a Bit Complicated?
Let’s be honest! There’s still a little hesitation in the air. Young adults often hear terms like “market volatility,” “diversification,” and “long-term strategy” and think, I’ll figure it out later. But putting it off comes at a price.
Investing today doesn’t mean knowing everything. It means taking one step:
- Create an account on an investing app built for beginners.
- Set up small monthly contributions—even $50 counts.
- Consider following a low-risk investor or choosing index funds that mirror the broader market.
Ask your young cousin or brother to start this way. And a few months in, he will definitely send you a message:
“I wish I hadn’t waited so long. This is actually kind of fun.”
What’s Driving Young Adults to Invest Now?
This new wave of young investors isn’t just showing up for the numbers. They’re driven by:
- A desire for independence: They want control over their financial future.
- Access: Investing used to feel out of reach. Now, it’s in their pocket.
- Community: TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram are all filled with real people talking about gains, losses, and lessons.
Even copy-investing communities are built around transparency and shared progress. You’re not in it alone.
It’s Not About Being Rich; It’s About Building a Habit
The idea that investing is only for those already wealthy is fading fast. A lot of people in their 20s are starting small but building habits that could change everything down the road.
Think of it like brushing your teeth. Not exciting. But years later, it pays off big.
The key isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be consistent. It’s not about picking the next Amazon. It’s about giving your future self more options, whether that’s a home, travel, or just not stressing about money all the time.
A Few Takeaways for Anyone Aged 18–29
- You don’t need a finance degree to invest. You just need to start.
- Waiting can cost you thousands. Time is your best friend right now.
- You’re not too broke to begin. Even $50 a month can turn into something meaningful.
- You don’t have to do it all yourself. Use tools and strategies like copyinvesting if it feels less intimidating.
Final Thought: The Best Time Is Now
If you’re in your 20s and wondering whether you should invest, the answer is simple: yes. Not because someone on social media said so. Not because you’ll turn into a millionaire overnight. But because the earlier you start, the more freedom you give yourself later.
And if you’re already investing? Great. Stick with it. If you haven’t started yet? That first step is easier than you think.
Even so, many young people who thought investing was some “rich people thing” are now growing their money while still figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
So yeah, nearly half of young adults are investing now. The other half? Many of them are just waiting for the right moment. But spoiler: there’s no perfect moment.
There’s just today.
Michael Adams is a professional finance writer with a focus on tax education, budgeting, and personal finance. His goal is to make income tax topics clear and practical for individuals and entrepreneurs.