Eric’s FinLit Challenge Portfolio

eric

Eric is a rugged and energetic handyman who thrives on action and competition, always looking for the next challenge or project to tackle with his hands-on skills and booming personality. He used to play football in school, and now plays recreational softball on weekends.

About Eric

He can be described as:

  • Confident
  • Competitive
  • Hands-on
  • Energetic
  • Loud and boisterous
  • Creative

His money habits are:

  • His money habits are:
  • Eric is not naturally inclined to track his spending, and often relies on his partner or friends to keep him in check.
  • He’s prone to making impulse purchases, especially when it comes to sports equipment or tools for his next project.
  • However, as he gets older and wiser, Eric begins to take his financial future more seriously, seeking out advice and resources to help him achieve his long-term goals.
  •  He’s willing to make sacrifices and put in the hard work necessary to build wealth and secure his financial future.

His goals and motivations are:

  • Eric’s short-term goal is to finish remodeling a vintage muscle car that he’s been working on for years.
  • His long-term goal is to retire a millionaire, with a dream of traveling the world and enjoying his golden years in style.
  • Eric has a tendency to dominate conversations with his loud voice and strong opinions, but he’s also a good listener and values his friends opinions.
  • Eric loves woodworking and handcrafting, and often spends his free time building furniture or fixing up old cars.

Eric’s Investing Portfolio

Eric’s investing portfolio is a mix of ETFs and stocks.

Eric’s ETFs and Mutual Funds

SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)“This one’s a classic. It’s a solid, broad-based investment in the stock market, which is perfect for my long-term goal of becoming a millionaire. I want to play it safe but still see good returns over time.”

Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR)“Since I love tools, sports gear, and all things related to building and creating, this ETF focuses on companies that produce those types of goods. It’s a good way to get exposure to the consumer brands I love.

iShares MSCI All Country World Index ETF (ACWI)“Since I want to travel the world someday and enjoy my golden years, I’d like to diversify my investments globally. This ETF gives me exposure to international markets, and I’m all about securing my future no matter where the opportunities are.”

Eric’s Stocks

Tesla (TSLA)“I’m all about innovation, and Tesla’s revolutionizing the automotive industry. Plus, I’ve always had a thing for cars—especially muscle cars. Tesla’s electric vehicles and their push toward a sustainable future resonate with my desire to build something great.”

Home Depot (HD)“As a handyman, Home Depot’s the go-to place for tools, building materials, and DIY projects. Investing in a company I already love and frequent would make a lot of sense. It’s reliable and tied to my passion for creating and fixing things.”

Nike (NKE)“I’ve always had a competitive edge, especially with sports, and Nike’s brand is synonymous with that. They’re not just about shoes; they represent strength, performance, and pushing yourself to the limit. Plus, I’m sure a lot of folks would agree—Nike’s one of those companies that never stops innovating.”

Caterpillar (CAT)“I’m into things that are built to last, and Caterpillar’s heavy machinery and equipment are the epitome of that. Whether it’s construction, mining, or farming, Caterpillar’s equipment is essential for getting big projects done, and they’ve been a leader in the industry for years.”

Eric’s Short-Sells

General Electric (GE)“GE has struggled to keep up with the times and maintain its status as a leader in the industrial sector. The company has faced leadership issues, restructuring, and a decline in its core business. I’d be skeptical about GE’s ability to make a strong comeback, so I am short selling this one.”

Macy’s (M)“Retail’s been going through a lot of changes with the rise of e-commerce, and Macy’s, while still a household name, is struggling to adapt. With the shift to online shopping and changing consumer habits, Macy’s brick-and-mortar stores could face a tough road ahead. I’d short sell it because I don’t see it bouncing back as easily as other retailers that are embracing e-commerce fully.”

Eric Overall

Eric’s portfolio has a focus on broad-range (with his wide-net ETFs) and durable sustainability. His choice of Tesla can be seen as a bit riskier – but that is to help him reach his long-term goals.