What’s on *your* vision board for 2026? Maybe it’s starting a side hustle (hiii, Etsy bracelet biz), auditioning for the spring musical or finally publishing your poems for the world to see.
Dreaming big is one thing, but actually taking the leap? That can feel…kinda intimidating.
So we’re here to help: Welcome to Make It Happen 2026, your guide to glowing up your goals this year. All week long, we’re sharing real advice from GL girls who decided to go for it—whether that’s growing an online platform, writing a book or turning a creative hobby into actual income. Ready to get majorly inspired? Thought so!
Meet Sophia C., 19, who’s working the stock market *and* earning major cash.
📈 The Biz:
“I bought my first stocks with only $300 when I was 14. At the time, I didn’t know much about investing, so I started following finance content creators on YouTube and TikTok. At first, I just picked a few companies I believed in, like Apple. The more I learned, the more I expanded my portfolio. Now, I mix safe investments with some riskier ones.”
💰 The Bucks:
“Let’s just say I bought my dream car and can travel without feeling financially stressed.”
⭐ Your Turn:
Have a bunch of babysitting money stashed away? Use that to invest. But if your funds are low, talk to your parents or a trusted adult about a small loan to get you started. Then, follow finance content creators like Sophia (@sophia.castiblanco) to learn the basics. Apps like Acorns, Robinhood and Stash are all designed to make trading easy (you have to be 18 to download them, so be sure to have your parents help you with that as well). When it comes to deciding which companies to invest in, start with those you know and believe will be popular long-term, have consistent growth and a solid reputation.
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this originally ran in our June/July 2025 issue. Read our print mag for *free* today when you click HERE!
Want to talk more finance? Check these out!
📈Where are teens spending their money rn?
📈12 ways to make *major* money right now
📈Money matters: 5 tips for managing your hard-earned cash
Top image: Alesia Kozik
