My fascination with investing started early. I devoured books and articles about the stock market, real estate, and alternative investments, trying to piece together what separated great investors from the rest. I wanted to understand not just how to make money but why certain financial decisions led to long-term success.
That curiosity led me to a career in finance. I worked at Merrill Lynch and Glencore Ltd., where I gained firsthand experience in investment strategy, commodities, and the inner workings of the financial world. The lessons I learned, both professionally and personally, shaped the way I think about investing, and have helped me make a few smart financial moves. This, in turn, has allowed me to see the power of some fundamental ideas in finance like the power of compounding, and that wealth is built by leveraging capital as opposed to your time.
I suppose it didn’t hurt that my investing journey began shortly during the depths of the Great Recession. And this was after getting my first job (reasonable paying job) in finance.
In hindsight, it was a fantastic time to put money to work. I bought stocks. I bought residential real estate. More importantly, I learned that successful investing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding the qualitative aspects of a business, the competitive landscape, and the psychology behind market movements.
And then, somewhat unexpectedly, my journey took a turn. Those smart financial decisions gave me the freedom to pursue something I deeply cared about: teaching.
For over a decade, I taught finance and investing concepts to high school aged students. Teaching gave me a unique perspective. Two, actually. I, effectively, learned that teaching may be the greatest way to learn something. It also reinforced how powerful knowledge can be when shared and how impactful financial literacy is in shaping futures.
That passion for education is what drives Arbalist Money. This site is the next evolution of my teaching, a place where I can share what I’ve learned about investing, wealth-building, and personal finance. My hope is that it will be in a way that’s both practical and engaging.
But Arbalist Money isn’t just a blog. It’s a resource, a portfolio of research, and a place where investing ideas are broken down with deep analysis of both companies and the industries they operate in. The goal is simple: to identify and justify investment opportunities for long-term investors.
Over time, my investing strategy has evolved through research and experience. I’ve studied and experimented with different approaches, ultimately coming to a key realization: long-term investing in quality companies at a reasonable price and allowing them to compound over time, offers the greatest potential for wealth creation.
Because of that, readers can expect coverage of quality compounders, the kinds of stocks that have the potential to drive long-term portfolio returns. These ideas will be shared through:
The mission is to cut through the noise of the overwhelming stream of opinions, market reactions, and short-term distractions that cloud smart investing decisions. Instead, Arbalist Money will offer a balanced, unbiased perspective rooted in research and a long-term mindset.
Along the way, I’ll also share my thoughts on personal experiences related to my personal finances that I feel are valuable to understanding wealth creation. This will include my ongoing learning journey including books, articles, and discoveries that continue to shape my thinking.
This isn’t just a blog. It’s a place for curious minds and ambitious investors to connect, learn, and grow.
A question I am often asked when I share this pursuit is, Why the name “Arbalist Money”?
As an Italian American, I’ve always been fascinated by my family’s history. My last name, Balestriere, translates to “arbalester” or “crossbowman.” These medieval foot archers used a powerful weapon called an arbalest. The name “Arbalist” reflects precision, focus, and the strategic mindset of those archers. These are qualities I believe are essential in the world of investing.
As for “Money,” well, that part’s self-explanatory. This site is all about sharing ideas to build wealth. How to grow it, protect it, and use it to build a future you can be proud of.
And so, the combination produced, Arbalist Money.
With that, thanks again for visiting, and don’t hesitate to reach out in the Contact page.
Creating a community interested in exploring and discussing investing, money, personal finance, and generating cash flow.
📌 **Please Read Our Disclosures** 📌
**Privacy Policy:** We value your privacy. We will never sell or disclose your email address or any data collected from this site. Registration is solely for community interaction and posting access.
**Disclaimer:** Arbalist Money is designed to provoke thought and foster a community of learners. The insights shared on this website are for educational and informational purposes only. Any financial decisions you make are solely your responsibility. Always conduct your own research and carefully consider risks before making investment decisions. We are not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use of this information.
