When we talk about ‘Women Invest,’ we mean it in more ways than one. Yes, we’re talking about the dollars and cents of the financial markets—but we’re also talking about the many ways we invest in our families, careers, communities, and the future.

On Wednesday, July 23, our Confident Investing breakfast event brought those ideas together to offer clarity around a topic that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Johnson Bixby CFP® professionals, Heidi Johnson Bixby, Amanda Reynolds, and Patricia Spies, broke things down with a relatable metaphor: the stock market as a grocery store. It’s a place full of choices—brands, categories, products—and your investment portfolio is your shopping cart. What you fill it with depends on your personal goals, preferences, and priorities.

Just like you wouldn’t head to the store without a list, you shouldn’t invest without a plan. We talked about how your goals and timeline should shape your investment decisions. Are you saving for retirement? A future home? A child’s education? Knowing your ‘why’ is the first step toward building a portfolio that works for you.

From there, we covered foundational principles like diversification, understanding your risk tolerance, and the powerful impact of compounding over time. Starting early—even with small amounts—can significantly lighten the lift needed to meet your long-term goals.

We closed out the morning by turning ideas into action. The panel walked us through the practical steps of setting up different types of investment accounts—from choosing the right registration to understanding the advantages one type of account over another. We also talked about maximizing benefits such as matching contributions in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k), can be a smart and accessible starting point for anyone beginning their investing journey.

There’s still so much more to explore when it comes to investing, but this session was a powerful starting point. We left the room a little more informed, a little more inspired, and more connected.

Have ideas for future Women Invest topics you’d love to see?

Drop a note to rachel@johnsonbixby.com and help shape what’s next for the community we’re building together.

Advisory services offered through Johnson Bixby, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services. Member FINRA/SIPC. Johnson Bixby and PCS are separate and unaffiliated. Material presented here is meant for general informational purposes only and is not and should not be construed as individualized tax, legal or investment advice. Individual results can vary. Markets fluctuate continuously. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification does not ensure against loss.