Investing Beyond The Comfort Zone | How I Learned to Take Smart Risks as a New Investor

Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but growth begins when you step beyond your limits. In this episode of Loud Investing, Chanel reflects on what it means to take calculated risks as a new investor. From choosing your first assets to managing uncertainty, she explores how courage and strategy work together to build knowledge in the markets. You’ll Hear Highlights On: What it means to take a calculated risk in investing. How to evaluate opportunities using research, not emotion. How diversification and asset mix protect you from big losses. Why growth in investing often starts outside your comfort zone. Actionable Steps You Can Take Toward Your Financial Future: Research two asset classes you are unfamiliar with and compare their risk profiles. Start a small, new investment outside your usual comfort zone and track your progress. Review how much of your portfolio is allocated to low, medium, and high-risk assets. Read one educational resource per week about risk management. Reflect on a personal fear you overcame and apply the same mindset to your investing journey. Key Moments within the Episode: (00:00) Why taking risks matters for growth (01:10) How calculated risks differ from reckless ones (02:25) Learning from early investing mistakes (03:08) Building courage through small experiments (04:20) How diversification reduces risk (05:40) Understanding risk and reward balance (07:00) The role of confidence in decision-making (08:15) How research creates certainty in uncertainty (09:20) Stepping outside your comfort zone as an investor Helpful Links: Understanding Investment Risk https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risk.asp   eToro Academy: Diversification in Investing   https://www.etoro.com/investing/how-to-build-a-diversified-portfolio/   eToro Academy: How to Build an Investment Portfolio   https://www.etoro.com/academy/courses/building-your-portfolio/   Investment Strategies Explained: eToro Academy https://www.etoro.com/investing/investment-strategies/  How to Choose an Investment Strategy   https://www.investopedia.com/investing/investing-strategies/  Understanding Asset Classes   https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/wealth-management/asset-class/  Investopedia: What Is Risk Tolerance https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/risktolerance.asp  Understanding Portfolio Diversification   https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/diversification.asp  S&P 500 has never suffered a loss over a 20-year period https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cant-lose-investing-strategy-has-never-lost-money-2017-05-12 Important Disclosures: This podcast is for information and educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment advice, a personal recommendation or an offer of or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. This material has been prepared without taking into account any particular recipient's investment objectives or financial situation and has not been prepared in accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements to promote independent research. Past performance is not an indication of future results.