Lauren Simmons, the youngest female equity trader on Wall Street, says investing doesn’t have to be intimidating. Her advice? Diversify your money, know your risk tolerance, and treat investing like a marathon—not a sprint. For women in Santa Ana and Orange County, these lessons matter for building wealth and protecting your financial future.
Breaking Barriers on Wall Street
In a field long dominated by men, women are increasingly taking their place in investing and finance. Among them is Lauren Simmons, author of Make Money Move, who became the youngest female equity trader on Wall Street.
Her journey highlights a growing truth: women aren’t just participating in investing—they’re reshaping it. Simmons’ tips focus on confidence, diversification, and realistic expectations.
The Power of Diversification
Simmons stresses one of the oldest but most powerful investment rules: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Instead of focusing only on the stock market, she recommends balancing with safer assets like:
- Treasuries
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
- Money market accounts
For families and individuals in Orange County, diversification can provide stability in volatile markets and reduce the risk of major losses.
Risk Management: Know Your Style
According to Simmons, every investor needs to ask: Am I conservative, moderate, or aggressive?
Her rule of thumb is to invest with money you’re willing to lose. She uses the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
- 50% → Needs (housing, bills, essentials)
- 30% → Wants (entertainment, lifestyle)
- 20% → Savings (and from here, investments)
This approach prevents people from gambling with money they can’t afford to lose—a mistake that can derail financial security.
Tips for Beginners
Simmons reminds us that investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Some of her tips for new investors include:
- Start small and keep learning.
- Expect your investing style to evolve as your salary and responsibilities grow.
- Treat investing like shopping—research products, check reviews, and look for value.
- Don’t rely on one “expert.” Seek multiple sources before making big decisions.
This advice resonates for Santa Ana families, where balancing daily expenses with long-term financial goals is essential.
What’s a “Good Investment”?
Simmons emphasizes that a good investment is personal—it depends on your needs and goals.
In today’s environment, she suggests focusing on consumer staples—companies that sell everyday essentials like:
- Water
- Cleaning supplies
- Food products
These are items people will always need, making them more stable during economic ups and downs.
Investing and Protecting Your Future
Simmons’ advice underscores a broader lesson: building wealth isn’t only about investing—it’s about protecting what you’ve built.
For many in Santa Ana and Orange County, that means combining smart investing with the right insurance coverage. Whether it’s life insurance, business insurance, or health protection, creating a financial safety net ensures your family and assets are secure while your investments grow.
A Local Partner for Financial Security
At Neighborhood Insurance Agency in Santa Ana, we understand the importance of both wealth-building and risk protection.
Founded in 1989, our agency has proudly served the community for more than 30 years. As a Family-owned agency, we focus on education, honesty, and personalized guidance.
👉 Whether you’re new to investing or balancing multiple financial goals, our team can help protect your assets with insurance solutions tailored to your life in Orange County.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Frequently Asked Questions about Flood Insurance
Lauren Simmons encourages beginners to treat investing as a marathon, not a sprint. She recommends starting small, continuing to learn, and using everyday habits—like comparing products when shopping—as a model for evaluating companies.
Simmons warns against putting all your money in one basket. She suggests balancing stock market investments with safer options like Treasuries, CDs, and money market accounts to reduce risk in volatile markets.
Local families in Santa Ana and Orange County can use Simmons’ 50/30/20 budgeting rule, focus on consumer staples when investing, and combine wealth-building with protective measures like life and business insurance for long-term security.
Absolutely! We’re happy to review your needs and explain options without pressure. Talk to us today!
Reference
Schwab Network. (2024, September 2). Market Minute: Sitting Down with Lauren Simmons. Retrieved from https://schwabnetwork.beehiiv.com/p/market-minute-sitting-lauren-simmons Schwab Network
Crystal Ball Markets. (2025, June 4). Women Leading Finance: An Exclusive Interview with Lauren Simmons. Retrieved from https://crystalballmarkets.com/blog/women-in-investing-breaking-barriers
