Don’t Just Save It... Multiply It
Why Saving Alone Isn’t Enough
Let’s get something straight — saving money is important. But in today’s economy, saving alone won’t make you wealthy. Inflation eats at your savings. The cost of living keeps rising. And that $1,000 you tucked away in a bank account a year ago? It didn’t grow. In fact, it lost value.
If you truly want to build wealth, you need to adopt a new mindset. You need to think like an investor. You need to think like a boss. You need to multiply your money — not just protect it.
So, what do you do with your first $1,000?
I’m going to break down 3 powerful ways to turn that small stack into long-term success:
1. Dividend-Paying REITs
2. S&P 500 Index Funds
3. Starting Your Own Side Hustle
Let’s get to it.
1. Dividend-Paying REITs: Make Your Money Work While You Sleep
What Are REITs?
REIT stands for Real Estate Investment Trust. These are companies that own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate. When you invest in a REIT, you’re basically buying shares of a company that owns real estate — like apartment buildings, shopping centers, data centers, and more.
REITs are required by law to pay out 90% of their income to shareholders in the form of dividends. That means you earn passive income every month or quarter, just for holding your shares.
Why REITs Are a Smart Move for Beginners
✅ Low Entry Point: You don’t need to buy a building. You can start with as little as $100.
✅ Passive Income: You earn money while you sleep.
✅ Liquidity: You can buy and sell REITs just like regular stocks.
Top Dividend REITs to Consider
1. Realty Income (O) – Known as “The Monthly Dividend Company.”
2. STAG Industrial (STAG) – Focuses on single-tenant industrial properties.
3. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) – Diversified REIT ETF.
Real Example:
Let’s say you invest $1,000 into a REIT paying 5% annually. That’s $50 a year in passive income — and that grows as your investment grows. If you reinvest those dividends, you compound your returns even more.
Pro Tip:
Use apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, or Webull to buy REITs with zero commission fees. And always reinvest those dividends to grow your income over time.
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2. S&P 500 Index Funds: The Long Game That Builds Real Wealth
What Is an S&P 500 Index Fund?
The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the 500 largest companies in the U.S. Think Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson — all in one basket.
An index fund is a type of mutual fund or ETF that mirrors the performance of a market index — in this case, the S&P 500. When you invest in it, you’re investing in all 500 companies at once.
Why It Works
✅ Diversified: Spreads your money across top companies.
✅ Low-Risk, High-Return: Historically returns 7–10% annually.
✅ Set it and forget it: No need to pick individual stocks.
Top S&P 500 Funds to Consider:
1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO)
2. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
3. Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index Fund (FNILX) – no fees!
Compound Interest Is Your Superpower
If you invest $1,000 and earn 8% annually for 30 years, without adding another penny, your investment will grow to $10,063. Now imagine if you consistently invested $100 every month — we’re talking about six figures over time.
Real-World Tip:
This is perfect for retirement or long-term goals. Don’t check it every day. Let it grow quietly in the background. This is how everyday people become millionaires.
3. Start Your Own Side Hustle: Invest in YOU
Why a Side Hustle?
Because no one will ever pay you what you’re truly worth.
Because you control the outcome.
And because the return on investing in yourself is often higher than any stock you’ll ever buy.
Side hustles allow you to build your own brand, create extra income, and one day, even replace your full-time job.
What Kind of Hustles Can You Start with $1,000?
Here are just a few:
🛒 E-Commerce Store
Launch a Shopify store and sell print-on-demand products like motivational hoodies (like my Ambitious Society brand).
Use dropshipping or buy small inventory.
💻 Digital Products
Write an eBook (like I did).
Sell courses, templates, or digital downloads on Gumroad or your own website.
📦 Flipping
Buy underpriced items at garage sales or Walmart clearance.
Resell on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Amazon.
🎯 Affiliate Marketing
Promote Amazon products through your link (like my Merach Rowing Machine).
Earn commissions for every sale made through your link.
Why This Works
✅ Unlimited Income: You set the ceiling.
✅ Tax Benefits: Deduct business expenses.
✅ Ownership: You build something with your name on it.
My Story: Building Ambitious Society
I started Ambitious Society with a vision: to motivate people, inspire growth, and show them that greatness is earned, not given. I sell inspirational clothing, affiliate fitness gear, and invest in myself daily — waking up at 4 AM, building my brand, and never quitting.
Your story could be next.
The Power of Multiplication
Let’s break it down like this:
Saving $1,000 = Still $1,000 next year (minus inflation).
Investing in a REIT = $1,050 next year, maybe more.
Index funds = $1,080–$1,100 next year.
Side hustle? That could turn into $10,000, $50,000, or more.
But only if you commit. Only if you stay consistent.
Only if you believe in your power to multiply.
How to Get Started Right Now
Step 1: Open an investment account.
Use Robinhood, Fidelity, or Vanguard.
Step 2: Pick 1 investment route (REIT, Index Fund, or Hustle).
You don’t need all 3 to start. Pick one and go all in.
Step 3: Reinvest and stay consistent.
If you’re in stocks, reinvest dividends.
If you’re in business, reinvest profits into growth.
Step 4: Keep learning.
Read books. Follow wealth builders. Listen to podcasts while you drive. Learn something new every day.
Step 5: Track your results.
Your wealth will not grow by accident. Pay attention to where your money goes and what it brings back.
Build the Life You Deserve
You weren’t put here to struggle.
You weren’t born to just get by.
You were born to create, to build, to inspire.
$1,000 isn’t a lot — unless you know what to do with it.
And now you do.
So don’t just save it.
Multiply it.
Your future self is depending on you.
✊🏿 Let’s Get It
Lovie J. Fulse III
Founder of Ambitious Society
📍 AmbitiousSociety.com
📱 IG: @ambitious_society_1972