What if building wealth began with $52 and a decision to stop waiting on perfect conditions?
That is exactly how I started. No lump sum. No fancy financial advisor. Just a consistent $52 invested every two weeks and the commitment to show other women how to move with intention and still build freedom.
As a full-time flight attendant, caregiver, and legacy architect, my income shifts often. But I move with structure. I automate everything. And I stay transparent about what works.
In this post, I break down the exact system I use to grow my investments through Robinhood and my employer-sponsored 401(k). This is not financial advice. It is my lived experience, my receipts, and my results. If you are navigating caregiving, inconsistent income, or rebuilding after illness, read this slowly and take what serves you.
āØ The Financial Landscape Most Folks Never See Coming
Here is what the data says:
- 63% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. That includes many earning over $100,000 annually.
(LendingClub, 2024) - Only 31% of Black families have retirement accounts. That compares to 60% of white families.
(Federal Reserve, 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances) - Four in ten adults would need to borrow money or sell something to cover a $400 emergency.
(Federal Reserve, 2023)
This gap is not new. But how we respond can be.
We are not broken. We are under-leveraged. Wealth is not about how much you earn. It is about what you do with what you have.
š¼ Why I Max Out My 401(k) First
I contribute 7% of my paycheck to my 401(k). My company matches 9%, which means I am investing 16% of my income toward retirement without doing anything extra.
Why This Strategy Matters
- The 2025 limit for 401(k) contributions is $23,000
- If you are 50 or older, you can add a $7,500 catch-up contribution
- Employer matching is essentially free money
- Tax-deferred growth increases the long-term power of your portfolio
- Time and compound interest are how wealth is really built
Tools I Use
I use Excelās Future Value (FV) formula to project retirement growth. This helps me calculate what I need to stay on track to retire early.
Need help running your numbers? I offer 1:1 guidance through my Stan Store.
š What My $52 Biweekly Robinhood Strategy Looks Like
Here is what I invest in every other week using Robinhoodās automated investing:
| Investment | Amount | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola (KO) | $5 | Dividend income, strong brand |
| QQQ ETF | $7.50 | Tech and growth exposure |
| SCHD ETF | $15 | Dividend-focused ETF |
| Main Street Capital (MAIN) | $5 | Monthly dividend payout |
| Global X Robotics (BOTZ) | $7.50 | AI and automation play |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $5 | Long-term digital asset |
| Ethereum Classic (ETC) | $5 | Small speculative position |
Why These Picks
- Fractional shares allow me to invest small amounts in big companies
- Dividends reinvest automatically
- I get exposure to tech, AI, consumer goods, and crypto
- Stock lending earns me extra income passively
- Everything is automated and tracked for growth
My 3-Month Result
In 90 days, I saw my portfolio grow from a combination of price appreciation and dividend reinvestment. Even when the market dipped, my consistency kept me in the game. This portfolio is simple, intentional, and accessible.
š¤ Robinhood Referral: How I Earn Free Stock While Helping Others Start
Most referral programs offer points. Robinhood offers shares.
Here is how it works:
- When someone signs up using my link and links a bank, we both get free stock
- Most rewards range from $5 to $10, but some users receive up to $200
- Robinhood lets you earn up to $1,500 per year in free stock from referrals
- Shares can be kept or sold after holding for the required time
- You do not need a lot to begin. Just a bank account and the willingness to start
Fractional shares mean you can own part of a stock. You do not need to buy a full share of Tesla to invest in Tesla. You just need to start.
šš¾ Here is my Robinhood link: https://join.robinhood.com/marendh2
ā ļø Financial Disclaimer
This is not financial advice. I am not a licensed advisor. I am sharing what I personally do to build wealth on a flexible, unpredictable income.
Please consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. My goal is to spark ideas, not to replace expert guidance.
š” If You Have an Old 401(k), Letās Talk
Did you leave a job but never roll over your 401(k)? That money could be growing. Instead, it is just sitting.
I help clients find and roll over their old accounts into new plans that align with their current goals. If you need help, I got you.
š„ Book a financial clarity session at: stan.store/marenda
š§ Your Turn: Whatās Holding You Back?
Leave a comment below or message me directly.
- Are you scared of losing money?
- Not sure how to choose a platform?
- Unsure where to find extra cash to invest?
Letās talk through it. And if you are already investing small, share your strategy.
