I'm VFC.
After years of blowing through spare money and then starting a family, I decided it was time to bear down with the finances and look towards the future; after all, it wasn't just me I had to support anymore.
I never trusted the stock market, but I also never trusted handing my hard earned money over to a third person to invest for me; Especially not when I saw the outlandish fees that some of my friends were paying money managers to do for them what I suspected I could learn how to do myself.
After researching various investment ideas, I hadn't saved much over the years, but what I had saved ($50), I used to open an online investment account and off I went.
I learned as I went, and at times that ended up costing me money (especially when I got too greedy); but I've learned from those mistakes while also realizing that I have a pretty good tolerance for risk.
After a few good stock hits, friends of mine would ask me for tips or advice, but rather than repeat my thought processes over and over, I started my 'VFC's Stock House' blog to keep everyone (that wanted to be) informed of what I was doing.
Make no mistake, I'm just a small time investor. I started with nothing. But I knew that the 'Big Boys' get richer and richer off the stock market and I started out just looking for the crumbs.
A lot of time has gone into researching my investments and when I started out I think my wife thought I had an online girlfriend, but after a few good stock hits that paid for some nice vacations, she fell in love my online girlfriend, too- the stock market.
I have stocks that I trade and some that I hold for the long term, but the goal is always the same- making money.
However, it's not all about me. I try to take the time to discuss the lessons that I've learned because I think everyone should take the time to learn the stock market, especially young people who, like I did, blow through spare cash wthout a thought of the future riches that could become of that money.
As always, It is important to do your own Due Dilligence before investing in any particular stock. Do not Buy/Sell based solely on VFC's stock picks or opinions.
Seeking Alpha editors have contact information for all contributors to enable ongoing communication regarding articles published.
See Seeking Alpha's policy on anonymous authors.