For those who’ve been following my journey since May 2023, you know I’ve been consistently investing $50 a week into VOO, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. What started as a simple experiment to show the power of consistent investing has turned into a routine that’s taught me more than just how to grow wealth—it’s been a masterclass in discipline, patience, and the magic of automation.
You can follow some of the past updates here:
- Investing in VOO
- From Sandwiches to Stocks: A Year of Investing $50 a Week in VOO
- Weekly $50 Investment in VOO: A 22-Month Review
- How to Invest in VOO with Just $50 a Week
Today, I’m thrilled to share a personal milestone: my investment account has crossed the $10,000 mark.
Well… kind of.
Let’s Be Honest
That $10,000 balance didn’t come from just VOO. In July 2024, I decided to add another leg to the stool—QQQ, the ETF that tracks the Nasdaq-100 and is heavy on tech and innovation stocks. Since then, I’ve been investing $50 weekly into QQQ as well. So for the past 10 months, my weekly investing total has been $100—split between VOO and QQQ.
So yes, the $10,000 milestone includes both contributions. But the principle remains the same: small, consistent contributions can grow into something meaningful.
The Power of Discipline and Automation
If you take away anything from this journey, let it be this: wealth isn’t built overnight—it’s built by habit.
- I didn’t wait for the market to dip.
- I didn’t try to time the perfect entry.
- I didn’t pause when things looked uncertain.
Instead, I set up automatic weekly contributions, treated it like a non-negotiable bill, and let time do its thing. That’s the beauty of automating your investments—it removes emotion, builds consistency, and compounds over time.
And here we are, a little over 2 years later, staring at a five-digit portfolio.
Why QQQ is a Great Compliment to VOO
So why did I add QQQ to the mix?
VOO gives me exposure to the S&P 500, a broad and diversified slice of the U.S. economy—think steady, blue-chip companies across all sectors. It’s like the reliable engine of a well-balanced car.
But QQQ? That’s the turbocharger. It’s tech-heavy, innovation-focused, and includes giants like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon. While it’s more volatile, it also has higher growth potential, especially in bull markets or tech-driven cycles.
Here’s why I see them as the perfect pair:
- VOO = Core Stability (broad market exposure, lower volatility)
- QQQ = Growth Potential (focus on innovation and tech leadership)
- Together, they create a blend of diversification and dynamism—a portfolio that can weather storms and still capture upside when the market runs.
Final Thoughts
Crossing the $10,000 mark wasn’t the goal—it’s just a mile marker. The real win is sticking with the plan, staying disciplined, and building a habit that compounds for years to come.
If you’re thinking about starting your own investing journey, don’t wait for the “right time.” The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time? Today.
All it takes is $50 a week. Set it. Forget it. And let the magic happen.
Related Articles:
- Keep Calm and Stay Cool: Why VOO, QQQ, and SCHD Deserve a Spot in Your Portfolio
- Beginner guide to ETF Investing
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