Business

Investing for Beginners in 2024

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

In 2024, investing as a beginner may appear both promising and daunting. The world of finance is rife with opportunities, yet navigating it requires a compass of knowledge and a steady hand. In this era of ever-evolving markets, it’s essential for novice investors to embark on their financial voyage well-prepared, armed with insights from those who have navigated these waters successfully.

“In the ever-changing landscape of investing, knowledge is your North Star,” says Asim Hafeez, an early growth and real estate investor, and GP/LP in over 60 companies, “begin with a solid foundation of information, and the path to financial success will become clearer.”

Identifying key considerations

For many novice investors, the initial challenge lies in the sheer lack of information. The world of investments can be overwhelming, with numerous opportunities vying for attention.

Hafeez acknowledges this hurdle and advises newcomers to pause and gather knowledge before diving in. Instead of succumbing to the allure of every new investment idea, he suggests a deliberate and informed approach, which entails acquiring a foundational understanding of investing and developing a discerning eye for opportunities that align with one’s financial goals.

“Another critical consideration,” highlights Hafeez, “is the need to clarify investment objectives.” Before selecting specific investments, you need to define your financial aspirations clearly. Whether the goal is long-term wealth accumulation, generating regular monthly cash flow, or securing a comfortable retirement, having a well-defined objective helps choose the most appropriate investment vehicles.

Furthermore, Hafeez emphasizes the importance of avoiding “shiny object syndrome.” This refers to the temptation to chase after novel and high-return investment opportunities without a clear strategy.

“Beginner investors must remain steadfast in their commitment to their established investment goals,” Hafeez advises. “That way, they can evaluate potential investments with focus and ensure that each opportunity aligns with their unique financial objectives.” This disciplined approach guards against making impulsive and ill-informed decisions, promoting a more prudent and profitable investment journey.

Recommended investment for new investors

Investing in assets that provide a steady cash flow is a cornerstone of a successful investment strategy. Consider the option of residential real estate, particularly multi-family properties. These properties can be acquired with a modest down payment, usually ranging from three to five percent of the property’s value.

The most attractive aspect of real estate investing is the potential for a reliable monthly cash flow, which often increases over time due to inflation-driven rent adjustments. Moreover, as the property appreciates in value, your investment portfolio continues to grow.

“Investing in a multi-family property can create a solid foundation for financial security,” Hafeez says. “It combines steady cash flow with long-term wealth-building through property appreciation.”

Maximizing contributions to a Roth IRA

Another smart move for new investors is to leverage tax-advantaged accounts like the Roth IRA. With a current annual contribution limit of $7,000 (subject to potential future increases), a Roth IRA allows tax-free withdrawals during retirement.

To make the most of your Roth IRA, Hafeez advises allocating your contributions to low-cost index funds, such as those offered by Vanguard, which are known for their minimal management fees and diversification benefits. By consistently contributing to an S&P 500 index fund within the Roth IRA, you can allow your wealth to grow tax-free over time.

“Maxing out your Roth IRA contributions annually is a prudent move,” Hafeez emphasizes. “It ensures that your investments are not only diversified but also shielded from future tax implications, providing financial security in retirement.”

Diversification and risk management

Diversification involves spreading your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. By diversifying, you can potentially enhance returns while safeguarding your portfolio from the negative impact of a poorly performing asset.

Hafeez advises beginners to adopt a multifaceted approach to diversification, considering various asset classes, industries, and geographic regions. This strategy minimizes your portfolio’s vulnerability to the performance of a single asset or sector, ensuring greater stability.

However, balancing risk and return is equally crucial. Your willingness to take on risk should align with your financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, so assess your risk appetite and tailor your investment strategy accordingly.

While high-risk investments may promise higher returns, they can also bring higher volatility and may not be suitable for long-term objectives like retirement planning. “Finding the right balance between high and low-risk investments based on your unique financial circumstances is crucial,” Hafeez says.

Your investment preferences are another essential consideration. Some investors prioritize assets that generate a steady cash flow, while others seek investments with significant potential for capital appreciation.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” Hafeez explains. “Your investment choices should align with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal preferences. Ultimately, the allocation of your investments will depend on your risk appetite and your personal preferences. What’s most important is that your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals.”

Embarking on an investment journey as a novice can seem daunting, but with the proper guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding. As Hafeez wisely notes, knowledge is the key that unlocks financial success. By first developing a solid foundation of investing fundamentals, clarifying your goals and risk tolerance, and remaining focused despite distractions, you can equip yourself to make the best investment decisions in 2024.

— Asim Hafeez is the Owner and Operator of Empower Energy Solutions, a company with over 200 million in revenue to date. Solar is their product, but Asim considers Empower Energy a people company, putting employees and customers first. He is the Owner of Bamboo Tech and Apex Construction as well as a real estate, early-stage, and growth investor and is a GP or LP in over 60+ companies. Born in Pakistan, he moved to the US at 10 years old, knowing no English. He started in performance-based pay at 18 years old and was managing several thousand people by 21 years old. He has managed over 10,000 people in various roles throughout his career. His comments have been featured in AOL, SHRM, and Startup Nation.

Business

Derik Fay and the Quiet Rise of a Fintech Dynasty: How a Relentless Visionary is Redefining the Future of Payments

Published

6 days ago

October 17, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Long before the headlines, before the Forbes features, and well before he became a respected fixture in boardrooms across the country, Derik Fay was a kid from Westerly, Rhode Island with little more than grit and audacity. Now, with a strategic footprint spanning more than 40 companies—including holdings in media, construction, real estate, pharma, fitness, and fintech—Fay’s influence is as diversified as it is deliberate. And his most recent move may be his boldest yet: the acquisition and co-ownership of Tycoon Payments, a fintech venture poised to disrupt an industry built on middlemen and outdated rules.

Where many entrepreneurs chase headlines, Fay chases legacy.

Rebuilding the Foundation of Fintech

In the saturated space of payment processors, Fay didn’t just want another transactional brand. He saw a broken system—one that labeled too many businesses as “high-risk,” denied them access, and overcharged them into silence. Tycoon Payments, under his stewardship, is rewriting that narrative from the ground up.

Instead of the all-too-common “fake processor” model, where companies act as brokers rather than actual underwriters, Tycoon Payments is being engineered to own the rails—integrating direct banking partnerships, custom risk modeling, and flexible support for underserved industries.

“Disruption isn’t about being loud,” Fay said in a private strategy session with advisors. “It’s about fixing what’s been ignored for too long. I don’t chase waves—I build the coastline.”

Quiet Power, Strategic Depth

Now 46 years old, Fay has evolved from scrappy gym owner to an empire builder, founding 3F Management as a private equity and venture vehicle to scale fast-growth businesses with staying power. His portfolio includes names like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, BIGG Pharma, Results Roofing, FayMs Films, and SalonPlex—but also dozens of companies that never make headlines. That’s by design.

Where others seek followers, Fay builds founders. Where most celebrate their exits, Fay reinvests in people.

While he often deflects conversations around his personal wealth, analysts estimate his net worth to exceed $100 million, with some placing it comfortably over $250 million, based on exits, real estate holdings, and the trajectory of his current ventures.

Yet unlike others in his tax bracket, Fay still answers cold DMs. He mentors rising entrepreneurs without cameras rolling. And he shows up—not just with capital, but with conviction.

A Mogul Grounded in Real Life

Outside of business, Fay remains committed to his role as a father and partner. He shares two daughters, Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay, and has been in a relationship with Shandra Phillips since 2021. He’s known for keeping his personal life private, but those close to him speak of a man who brings the same intention to parenting as he does to scaling multimillion-dollar ventures—focused, present, and consistent.

His physical stature—standing at 6′1″—matches his professional gravitas, but what’s more striking is his ability to operate with both discipline and empathy. Fay’s reputation among founders and CEOs is not just one of capital deployment, but emotional intelligence. As one partner noted, “He’s the kind of guy who will break down your pitch—and rebuild your belief in yourself in the same breath.”

The Tycoon Blueprint

The playbook Fay is writing at Tycoon Payments doesn’t just threaten incumbents—it reinvents the infrastructure. This isn’t another “fintech startup” with a flashy brand and no backend. It’s a strategically positioned venture with real underwriting power, cross-border ambitions, and a founder who understands how to scale quietly until the entire industry has to take notice.

In an age where so many entrepreneurs rely on noise and virality to build influence, Fay remains a master of what can only be called elite stealth. He doesn’t need the spotlight. But his impact casts a long shadow.

Conclusion: The Empire Expands

From Rhode Island beginnings to venture boardrooms, from gym owner to fintech force, Derik Fay continues to build not just businesses—but a blueprint. One rooted in resilience, innovation, and long-term infrastructure.

Tycoon Payments may be the latest chess piece. But the game he’s playing is bigger than one move. It’s a long game of strategic leverage, intentional legacy, and generational wealth.

And Fay is not just playing it. He’s redefining the rules.