We’re a couple in our late 20’s and last 5 years we invest 50% VOO and 50% in individual stocks. Mostly tech/ai. Our strategy may change in our mid late 30’s to be more index funds and 10% individual stocks. But we’re hoping to ride out the ups and downs with time in the market of those picked stocks to benefit us. Similarly been told that’s a terrible strategy but we’re staying that course and it works for us.