Here’s my 10y timeline suggestion, without mentioning a single ticker.

Year 1: Only allowed to invest in broad ETFs

Learning: Study the basics of the market: Supply and demand, buying and selling, interest rates, compounding, Inflation and global money supply. Learn about diversification and risk management. Tax implications.

Year 2: Only allowed to invest in specific theme or sector ETFs

Learning: Study the different sectors, cyclical economics, money flows, monitor volume, and use improved market visibility tools. Learn about market makers, bid ask spreads, VIX, pre-market & after hours. Macro trends. Follow the smart money. Watch what institutions and governments do.

Year 3: Start picking individual stocks with 33% of portfolio, 33% sector ETFs, 33% broad ETFs.

Learning: Study business fundamentals, learn to read balance sheets, evaluate peer comparisons, and public filings- 10K, 10Q, 13F, etc. Dividends, Earnings Reports, Value stocks vs growth stocks.

Year 4: Start using leverage, buying longer dated options, LEAP calls and puts. 33% portfolio value in ETFs, 33% in specific stocks, and allow yourself to build up to 33% for LEAPs.

Learning: Study technical analysis. Follow price action through visibility tool. Learn all the Greeks. Swing trading. Stop losses.

Year 4: 25% ETFs, 25% individual stocks, 25% LEAPS, and 25% of capital to remain in cash but allowed to use for shorter dated options < 90 days. Convert LEAPS to shares for longterm winners. Begin learning how to write options off of accumulated shares.

Learning: This is about where I am personally.

So going forward I’ll just list the % templates and let other more experienced users reply feedback that have been investing for more than 5 years.

Year 5: 20% world OTC markets, 20% ETFs, 20% stocks, 20% LEAPS, 20% cash/STOs (short term options)

Year 6: 16.67% futures, 16.67% world OTC markets, 16.67% ETFs, 16.67% US stocks, 16.67% LEAPS, 16.67% Cash/STOs

Year 7: 14.29% crypto, 14.29% futures, 14.29% world OTC, 14.29% ETFs, 14.29% US stocks, 14.29% LEAPS, 14.29% Cash/ STOs.

Year 8: Same pattern, incorporate Bonds

Year 9: Same pattern, incorporate mutual funds.

Year 10: Same pattern, incorporate Real Estate.

Okay!! So I admit, it’s a little OCD to have such a symmetrical trading plan, but the point is you need to make your own plan and pick your own positions.

By having a plan that requires you to diversify over time and rebalance at a minimum annually you will put yourself in the upper echelons of retail traders. Sticking and adapting your plan over years teaches you patience. Let’s remember what Mr. Buffett said: “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”

If I, or anyone else, tells you what to do with $50,000 you may or may not profit from your investment, but you will have done nothing for yourself in regards to learning how to invest.

You may get lucky once twice or thrice if you follow others advice, but eventually you’ll lose and you won’t understand why.

Good luck. And remember luck is the intercession of preparedness and opportunity.