From being in debt to having $1 million – that was the result of countless days and nights of reflection and analysis.

This year I turned forty, and I can finally say with confidence the words I've kept in my heart for so long: I did it.

After years of navigating the US stock market, I've accumulated a million dollars through rational investing and long-term holding. This money didn't fall from the sky, nor did I rely on any speculative tricks. It represents my gradual understanding of the market, my careful management of risk, and my day-to-day persistence. Looking back on this investment journey, I have so many feelings, and I've summarized a few practical experiences that I hope will be helpful to you. I've always believed in long-term investing. The US stock market is never without volatility, but volatility also hides many opportunities. In the beginning, I chose index funds and some high-quality blue-chip stocks. They not only have stable growth potential but also help me diversify risk. Every month, I consistently invested a fixed amount, and by holding onto these investments, I gradually experienced the magical power of compound interest. Those seemingly insignificant small gains, accumulated over time, brought such a great surprise. In investing, mindset truly determines success or failure. The hardest part is never choosing a good stock, but managing your own mindset. Ups and downs in the US stock market are common, and I've gradually learned to remain calm during market downturns. Every time I see the market falling, I calmly consider whether this is just short-term market volatility or whether the long-term value of these stocks is being underestimated. Often, market panic gives me good opportunities to buy at low prices; the more chaotic the situation, the more I need to stick to my own judgment. I never blindly chase trends. Over the years of investing in US stocks, I've seen wave after wave of popular tech stocks or stocks with short-term momentum emerge, but I've never followed the crowd. I value value investing more; companies with sound financials, steady growth, and sustainable future development are what I truly focus on. Like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, these long-leading technology companies, although they experience short-term fluctuations, their growth potential has always been there, giving me peace of mind. The stock market is never smooth sailing, and I've also learned to control my emotions and accept volatility. I don't let the ups and downs of the stock market dictate my life. No matter how well the market performs or how badly it crashes, I don't let it affect my normal life. I've always adhered to diversified investing, never putting all my funds into a single stock. Even when facing short-term losses, I don't rush into decisions, but instead take a long-term perspective, focusing on long-term growth. Time is truly the best friend. The power of compound interest is a principle I've always firmly believed in; with time, the investment returns become increasingly evident. By holding these stocks long-term, I've not only earned profits from rising stock prices but also increased my investment returns through dividends. All of this is thanks to that unwavering persistence and sufficient patience. Sometimes, going slower allows you to go further and more steadily. Investing is never just about putting money out there; it requires an understanding of the market and insight into industry trends. Over the years, I've never stopped learning, continuously optimizing my investment portfolio and adjusting my strategies based on market changes. Whether it's calmly reviewing financial statements, paying attention to various industry trends, or even enrolling in online investment courses, I've tried everything to become a more rational and astute investor. Every lesson learned, every adjustment made, has given me more confidence on my investment journey. Now, I'm planning to retire and finally do the things I truly love.

In the coming days, I won't have to worry about my monthly salary anymore, but can focus on my personal growth and a life of freedom. I want to write down my thoughts, see places I've never seen before, exercise regularly, and spend more time with my family. These things I neglected because of work and investing can finally be prioritized. Financial freedom is indeed inseparable from market dynamics and investment decisions, but what I cherish even more is that through this process, I've learned how to control the pace of my life. No longer being pushed around by external rhythms, being able to arrange each day according to my own wishes—this feeling is truly wonderful. I hope my sharing can offer some inspiration to those of you pursuing financial freedom. Whether through stock market investing or other means, the most important thing is never the short-term returns, but rather a long-term perspective and unwavering persistence. If you have any specific investment questions or want to discuss more details, I'd be happy to chat with you. After all, I've received help from many people along this journey, and I hope to pass on this kindness. I also wish you all smooth transactions!