As high school seniors prepare for life after graduation, many are turning to the stock market as a way to build financial security and gain real-world experience with investing. With the rise of accessible trading apps and a growing interest in personal finance, seniors at Lakeview High School are taking their first steps into the world of stocks, options, and cryptocurrency.
In recent years the market of cryptocurrencies has skyrocketed, providing new avenues to investors willing to invest in them. However, these new forms of currency are not quite as predictable as traditional stocks which causes many people to steer away from investing in them. For some people however, it is an opportunity to make quick money if you know what you’re doing.
One of these people is senior Ben Schmidt, who has been investing through the Robinhood app. “I started a few months ago, and I’ve already made over $300 just from investing in some of the new cryptocurrencies coming out,” Schmidt says.
His portfolio includes a mix of traditional stocks and cryptocurrency, reflecting the diverse opportunities available to new investors. “It’s a great way to make money work for you instead of just sitting in a bank account,” he adds.
Another form of trading stocks is called stock options. Options allow investors to buy or sell a certain number of shares for a stock at a set price before a specific date, giving them the opportunity to profit more from market fluctuations. While options can be risky, they also offer high rewards for those who understand the market and time their trades correctly.
Senior Mike Nigrin has taken this more aggressive approach to investing, using Cash App to manage his portfolio. With over $4,000 invested, Nigrin has also ventured into stock options, a more advanced trading strategy. “I’ve made somewhere over $1,000 trading options, I actually made almost 300 a few days ago on a lucky call,” he says.
The stock market is not just about making money by trading and selling stocks. The market is a safe place to store your money that can serve as a savings account. By investing in blue chip stocks you’re investing in the slow, long term positive growth of trusted companies. Some examples are companies like Apple, Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft. This is the safest way to invest, watching your savings slowly grow as the companies you’ve invested in increase in value.
For senior Jake Langmeyer, the stock market serves as more than just an investment tool—it’s his savings account. “Every dollar I save, I put it into the market,” he explains. By consistently investing, Langmeyer is taking advantage of long-term growth potential and the power of compounding interest. “It forces me to think about my future and not just spend money on things I don’t need.”
The accessibility of investing has increased significantly with the rise of apps like Robinhood, Cash App, and Webull, which allow users to trade with little to no fees. These platforms have made it easier for young investors to learn about financial markets, experiment with different strategies, and build wealth from an early age.
However, while the potential for profit is enticing, investing also comes with risks. The stock market is unpredictable, and new investors must be cautious about putting in money they can’t afford to lose. Financial experts advise beginners to start with well-known, stable companies, diversify their investments, and avoid making impulsive trades based on market hype.
For seniors at Lakeview, investing is more than just a way to make money—it’s a valuable learning experience. Whether it’s Schmidt testing out stocks and crypto, Nigrin making strategic options trades, or Langmeyer using investing as a savings strategy, each of them is gaining knowledge that will serve them well in the future.
As graduation approaches and these students look ahead to college and careers, their early experiences in the stock market could give them a head start on financial independence. With careful planning, patience, and smart decision-making, young investors have the potential to turn their high school investments into a foundation for lifelong financial success.
