Stock Investing Strategies That Actually Make You Money

Let’s face it: the stock market can feel like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. One minute, you’re sipping tea with Tesla shares in your portfolio; the next, you’re wondering if you should’ve just stuck to a savings account. But here’s the good news – you can absolutely make money in stocks, whether you’re a newbie, a busy professional, or someone trying to build wealth for the long haul.

In this post, I’m breaking down 10 investing strategies that work. From good ol’ buy-and-hold to the sneaky little dividend capture strategy, these methods can help you make smarter moves with your money.

1. Buy and Hold (The OG Strategy)

This is the Beyoncé of stock investing strategies – classic, powerful, and always in style.

What it is: You buy shares of solid companies and hold them for years, letting them grow like fine wine.

Why it works: Time in the market beats timing the market. Compound interest and growth = chef’s kiss.

✅ Best for: Long-term investors who want to “set it and forget it.”

💡 Example: You invest £5,000 in Amazon and leave it alone for 10 years. No stress. Just growth.

2. Growth Investing

This strategy is like dating a start-up founder – high risk, high reward.

What it is: You invest in companies expected to grow faster than average (think tech, AI, EVs).

Why it works: These companies reinvest profits to expand quickly, so your shares grow in value.

✅ Best for: Risk-takers who want to multiply their money.

💡 Example: You jumped on Nvidia or Shopify before everyone else did.

3. Dividend Investing

A.k.a. the “get paid while you wait” strategy.

What it is: You buy stocks that pay regular cash dividends (usually quarterly).

Why it works: You earn passive income and still enjoy potential stock price growth.

✅ Best for: People who love stability and cash flow.

💡 Example: Investing in Coca-Cola or Johnson & Johnson for 3 – 5% yearly dividends.

4. Dividend Capture Strategy

This one’s for the savvy (and slightly cheeky) investor.

What it is: A short-term play where you buy a stock just before the ex-dividend date, hold it through the date, and sell shortly after.

How to do it:

• Buy before the ex-dividend date.

• Hold on the ex-dividend date to qualify for the payout.

• Sell soon after and (hopefully) keep your profit.

Risks:

• The stock may drop after the dividend payout.

• It’s not foolproof, especially after taxes or fees.

✅ Best for: Traders who like fast wins and understand timing.

💡 Example: Stock XYZ pays a £2 dividend. You buy it the day before, hold it, then sell after collecting your £2 – if the stock price holds steady.

5. Index Fund Investing

The ultimate chill strategy for those who don’t want to pick stocks.

What it is: You invest in ETFs or mutual funds that track entire markets (e.g., S&P 500).

Why it works: You get broad diversification and low fees.

✅ Best for: Beginners or people who just want to not mess it up.

💡 Example: Buying Vanguard’s VOO ETF every month without thinking twice.

6. Value Investing

Buy the dip – but strategically.

What it is: You invest in undervalued stocks that the market has overlooked.

Why it works: You buy low, wait for the world to catch on, and sell high.

✅ Best for: Analytical minds who love digging into numbers and finding bargains.

💡 Example: Warren Buffett’s favorite way to invest.

7. Swing Trading

For those who like a little spice in their portfolio.

What it is: You hold a stock for a few days or weeks to profit from short-term price moves.

Why it works: You capitalize on volatility, news cycles, and technical patterns.

✅ Best for: People with time to track the market regularly.

💡 Example: Buying Meta shares after a dip and selling them on the rebound.

8. Day Trading

Caution: HIGH RISK

What it is: Buy and sell stocks within the same day, often multiple times.

Why it works: You’re looking for tiny, fast gains using charts, news, and technical indicators.

✅ Best for: Professionals or people who treat it like a full-time job.

💡 Warning: Most beginners lose money at this game. Enter at your own risk.

9. Pies and Auto-Investing

A modern, app-friendly way to build your portfolio.

What it is: Apps like Trading 212 or M1 Finance let you build a “pie” of your favorite stocks and ETFs. You can automate monthly investments into each slice.

✅ Best for: Busy investors who still want control and customization.

💡 Example: Build a pie with 40% tech, 30% dividend stocks, 30% ETFs – and let it run.

10. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)

Consistency is your money’s best friend.

What it is: Invest a fixed amount regularly, no matter what the market is doing.

Why it works: It removes emotion, lowers the risk of bad timing, and builds discipline.

✅ Best for: Anyone with a paycheck and a plan.

💡 Example: Investing £200 every month in a brokerage account or Stocks & Shares ISA.

✨ Bonus Tips for Winning at Stock Investing:

• Use tax-free accounts like ISAs (UK) or Roth IRAs (US) to maximize returns.

• Reinvest dividends to supercharge your compounding.

• Stay diversified – don’t bet it all on one shiny stock.

• Automate your investments so you can build wealth in your sleep (literally).

🎯 Final Thoughts: Pick a Strategy That Fits Your Life

You don’t have to use all of these strategies – just pick the ones that align with your personality, lifestyle, and financial goals. Whether you’re building long-term wealth or looking for quick wins, there’s a strategy out there with your name on it.

And hey – if you’re feeling stuck or want help creating a beginner-friendly investing plan, grab my free “Beginner’s Stock Investing Starter Kit” https://selar.com/77s059 or DM me on Instagram @savvymoneygirl . Let’s grow that money tree, bestie 🌱💸