You’ve probably heard people say that investing in the stock market is a smart way to build wealth. But in 2025, with all the uncertainty in the world, you might be wondering if that still holds true. Maybe you’ve seen headlines about market crashes, inflation, or new technologies changing how companies work.
If you’re unsure about whether you should invest your hard-earned cash, you’re not alone. Many people your age—and even older—have the same questions. Let’s break it down and look at whether putting your money into the stock market in 2025 is really worth it.
Looking at the Average Stock Market Return
When deciding whether investing is worth it, one of the first things to understand is the average stock market return. Over the long run, the stock market in the U.S. has given an average return of about 7% to 10% per year after adjusting for inflation. This means that if you invested your money and didn’t touch it for many years, it would most likely grow a lot more than if it sat in a savings account.
Of course, this doesn’t mean every year will bring gains. Some years, the market can drop—sometimes by a lot. But historically, people who held onto their investments over time usually came out ahead. If you’re new to investing, you can also check out platforms like SoFi.
Why the Stock Market in 2025 Still Matters
Even though 2025 has its fair share of challenges, the stock market continues to be a powerful way to grow your money. Sure, there’s inflation, interest rate changes, and global conflicts, but companies are still growing, making profits, and looking for ways to serve new markets.
Technology is also making it easier for more people to invest. Today, you don’t need to be rich to buy stocks. With just a few clicks on your phone, you can open an account, buy fractional shares, and track your investments from anywhere.
The Risks Are Real, but So Are the Rewards
Like anything in life, investing in the stock market comes with some risk. There’s no way to guarantee you’ll make money. Stocks can go up or down at any time. But if you have a steady income, you can invest regularly and avoid trying to time the market, which is where most people make mistakes.
If you only invest what you can afford to leave untouched for a few years, you’ll give your money time to recover from short-term dips. This is often called “investing for the long term,” and it’s one of the safest ways to make the most of what the market can offer.
Start Small, Learn as You Go
The good news is, you don’t need a lot of money to get started. Many platforms let you begin with just a few dollars. You can choose simple investments like index funds, which are a mix of many different stocks and are usually safer than betting on one company.
Once you’re more comfortable, you can learn about other types of investments too. The important thing is to stay consistent. Even small amounts invested each month can grow into something big over time. And the sooner you start, the more time your money has to work for you.
