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Finance Myths Busted

  • Asia Torres
  • Mar 6, 2025
  • 4 min read

Investing in Stocks as a Young Adult Means A Gamble?


The trick to investing in stock is knowing the market, which, yes, is rather difficult. But what does this mean to young investors? First, let’s break down what buying stock means. “Buying a share of stock” refers to gaining or losing partial profit whenever a company earns profit in the stock market. Using analytics and critical thinking, we can better assess the market as shareholders rather than trying to predict the unpredictable. 


So, is this a gamble? Not if you’re an experienced investor, of course. Since we are young, the next best thing is to receive guidance on what trends to look for in shareholdings. Recall that prices constantly fluctuate. A trick many investors recommend is actually to buy while your desired stock is at its low, in order to sell the stock for a higher amount while it rises.


Here’s how we advise you to start investing as a young adult:


How Do I Invest?!

There are going to be good days and bad days. Here are some great ways to start your investment journey!

  1. Monitor your investment accounts regularly to track any suspicious activity.

  2. Conduct background checks on those you are investing in! Get to know who you’re funding.

  3. Be aware of FALSE investment pitches from scamming companies

Image by: Polina Tankilevitch
Image by: Polina Tankilevitch

Will Paying the Minimum Credit Card Payment Hurt My Credit?

We understand—things happen, and sometimes we end up paying the lowest possible amount on our credit card bill.

Image by: Marcial Comeron
Image by: Marcial Comeron

It is a complete MYTH that paying only the minimum card payment will hurt your credit score. The minimum card payment is the lowest possible amount you can pay while not receiving any late fees or penalties from the bank. This amount can usually be found on your credit card statement. However, paying only the minimum will take far longer to pay off your total balance. According to Discover, the minimum payment is better than a missed or late payment, which will definitely hurt your score.


Is it worth paying the smallest amount? While it’s tempting, we suggest trying to pay off as much as possible while still supporting yourself. The leftover balance accumulates interest, making repayment harder! 


If you’re a high school student getting that letter in the mail—do not accept the credit card! This is a scam that can potentially lower your credit score. While this is technically legal, morally, it’s an attempt to profit off of financially uneducated teenagers entering the real world.


Below, you will find an example of a minimum-payment table where the minimum payment is $25, the interest rate is 21% and the statement balance is $1,000 from the news source CNBC.

If you make no additional charges using this card and each month you pay...

You will pay off the balance shown on this statement in about...

And you will end up paying an estimated total of...

Minimum Payment

5 years 10 months

$1,734

$30

4 years 3 months

$1,513 (savings of $221)


Should I Bother Filling Out The FAFSA?


The worst they can say is no! Teachers, schools, or anyone else are not responsible for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is something you and your family must do yourselves and take accountability for.


It is FACT that you should fill out the FAFSA! What is the FAFSA? The FAFSA is an electronic form you and your parents must fill out in order to receive financial aid for college. This is not a scam, and it doesn't cost you anything to fill out. A common myth is that the majority of families are not eligible to receive financial aid from the government and that it is reserved only for low-income families.

Image by: Richard Stephen
Image by: Richard Stephen

Who Qualifies For This? 


Any student entering college who has a social security number, even if their parents do not. Depending on your financial standing, family matters, and number of siblings, the FAFSA will provide semesterly/yearly amounts of financial support. The truth is, you won’t know if you qualify until you fill it out. Submit early while supplies and funds last. You do not need to repay this financial aid, and it is not merit-based (it is not based on academic/extracurricular activities).


Where Can I Sign Up?!

Here is the link to apply for the FAFSA application, remember it cannot hurt you to fill it out! 



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