In a plot twist worthy of Sherwood Forest itself, my July bet on the modern-day Robin Hood – minus the green tights and bow – just hit my target.
Yes, I invested in the company that lets people trade stocks on their phones while waiting for their lattes, essentially stealing time from the rich (investment bankers) to give to the poor (anyone who’s ever tried to place a trade during lunch break).

The Famous (or Infamous) 40% Free Stock Strategy Strikes Again (Like a Merry Man in the Night)

For those just joining this merry band of investors, here’s my monthly treasure hunt that I share with my blog readers (no forest ambush required):

1. Every single month, I invest exactly $1,500 in one new stock (my version of collecting from passing nobles)
2. Wait patiently until it goes up 40% (like hiding in the greenwood)
3. Sell just enough shares to get my initial investment back (redistribute the wealth, if you will)
4. Keep the remaining shares forever as “free shares” (my personal share of the sheriff’s taxes)

The HOOD Trade Breakdown – By The Numbers (Or: How to Rob From Your Own Investing Account)

The Entry (July 2024):

• Buy Date: July 6, 2024
• Shares Purchased: 70 units (my quiver of arrows)
• Purchase Price: $22.61 per share
• Total Investment: $1,582.70

The Exit (December 2024):

• Sell Date: December 10, 2024
• Shares Sold: 43 units (arrows returned to the sheriff)
• Selling Price: $37.8813 per share
• Amount Recovered: $1,628.85
• Remaining “Free” Shares: 27 units (my spoils from Nottingham)

Performance Metrics:

• Price Appreciation: 67.5% (would make Friar Tuck proud)
• Hold Period: 157 days (about five months of merry making)
• Return Achieved: Significantly beat my 40% target

Why I Picked HOOD for My July Investment

Back in July, while everyone was still debating whether Robinhood was a “real” broker (much like the sheriff debated whether Robin Hood was a “real” threat), I saw an opportunity:

1. The Ultimate Meta-Investment: Investing in Robinhood through another broker is like Robin Hood stealing from the sheriff to pay his tax bill – delightfully ironic.
2. Millennial Appeal: Just as the original Robin Hood democratized wealth distribution in medieval England, Robinhood Markets democratized investing for a generation that thought stocks were just something Campbell’s made soup with.
3. Controversy Discount: Like its namesake, the company had its share of wanted posters (or in modern terms, regulatory scrutiny), creating opportunities for bold investors.

How It Played Out

Not only did HOOD hit my 40% target, it shot past it like an arrow through the sheriff’s tax collections, delivering a stunning 67.5% gain in about five months. By selling 43 shares at $37.88, I recovered my initial investment (plus a little extra), leaving me with 27 “free” shares – my very own piece of the digital Sherwood Forest.

The Uncomfortable Truth

While traditional finance folks were acting like the Sheriff of Nottingham, guarding their traditional trading fees, Robinhood was busy redistributing market access to the masses. Sometimes the best opportunities come from companies that, like their legendary namesake, aren’t afraid to shake up the establishment.

Lessons Learned

1. Sometimes you need to be as bold as a medieval outlaw to find good investments
2. The market often overreacts to negative sentiment (just ask the sheriff about property values in Sherwood Forest)
3. When your investing strategy works, it works better than a perfectly aimed arrow (67.5% in five months!)
4. Modern-day wealth redistribution might not require archery skills after all

What’s Next?

With my initial investment back in my pocket and 27 free HOOD shares tucked safely in my digital quiver, I’m already hunting for next month’s opportunity. Meanwhile, my other monthly picks from August through December are still out there, waiting to hit their targets (pun absolutely intended).

Stay tuned for next month’s selection. Will it be another controversial pick? As sure as Robin Hood wore green tights. Will it work out as well as HOOD? Well, even the best archer occasionally misses.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for entertainment purposes only. If you’re taking investment advice from someone who makes medieval outlaw references while discussing fintech stocks, you might want to reconsider your life choices. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor who, unlike the Merry Men, actually has proper credentials. And yes, I really do make a new $1,500 investment every month, because apparently, I never learned the moral of any fairy tale ever.