By the time you read this, I’ll be in Turkey, a country that sits at the crossroads of east and west — much like where I find myself as an investor, bridging the lessons of Africa with the opportunities of America.
Earlier this year, I spent three weeks in Zimbabwe, the country where I was born and raised.
The visit wasn’t just emotional; it was educational. It reminded me that the foundations of good investing — patience, discipline, and resourcefulness — are not built in boardrooms or on Wall Street.
They are built in places where people learn to do more with less, where resilience is a daily currency.
Before I delve deeper, remember, this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
Always do your own research or consult a licensed advisor before investing or trading.
- The power of patience
In Zimbabwe, patience isn’t a virtue — it’s a survival skill. From long queues at fuel stations to delayed construction projects, you quickly learn that not everything happens on your schedule.
That same principle applies in investing. The US stock market is built on time horizons, not quick trades. Every legendary investor — from Warren Buffett to Charlie Munger — has emphasised that time in the market beats timing the market.
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During my time back home, I spoke with young entrepreneurs and small investors who are eager to grow their wealth but frustrated by slow progress.
I told them what I often remind myself: markets, like life, reward patience.
In 2023, I lost US$33 000 by rushing trades and using leverage. That loss taught me that growth takes time — and that sustainable wealth requires delayed gratification.
Today, I approach my 2026 US portfolio with the calm I learned in Zimbabwean queues: stand still, stay patient, and wait for your turn.
- Scarcity breeds creativity
One of Zimbabwe’s greatest teachers is scarcity. When resources are limited, creativity thrives.
You see it in entrepreneurs turning old containers into shops, in farmers re-using irrigation pipes, and in mechanics who can repair anything with three tools and faith.
That same creativity has shaped how I now invest. The U.S. market offers thousands of stocks, but true opportunity lies in selective thinking — in finding value others overlook. Scarcity sharpens focus.
In 2026, I’m concentrating on undervalued US companies that generate strong cash flow, carry low debt, and maintain resilient business models.
Just as Zimbabweans stretch every dollar, I’m stretching every decision — studying fundamentals deeply before committing capital.
Scarcity also taught me risk awareness. In a market where every mistake costs real money, discipline replaces impulse. I now invest with clear rules:
-Never risk what I can’t afford to lose.
-Always hold cash reserves.
-Focus on quality over quantity.
- Value creation over speculation
In Harare, I met small-business owners who understand value better than many traders on Wall Street. They know that value isn’t created by flipping goods — it’s created by solving problems.
That’s the core of value investing: buying companies that create real, lasting value, not those chasing hype.
In my U.S. portfolio, this philosophy translates into focusing on sectors with intrinsic productivity — technology that improves efficiency, banks that manage capital prudently, and consumer staples that stay profitable through recessions.
For 2026, I’m particularly watching companies like Apple (AAPL), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Walmart (WMT), and Palantir (PLTR) — firms with solid balance sheets and strong leadership.
I’m also using cash-secured puts to generate income while waiting to buy these stocks at fair value.
Zimbabwe reminded me that speculation is exciting but short-lived. True wealth comes from ownership — of productive assets, of time, and of mindset.
- Inflation and the lesson of real value
Anyone who has lived in Zimbabwe understands the pain of inflation. It quietly erodes savings and punishes inactivity.
That experience has made me more cautious about holding idle cash, even in stronger economies.
In the US, inflation may hover around 3 %, not 300 %, but the principle remains: cash loses value over time. The antidote is investing in assets that grow faster than inflation — equities, real estate, or well-selected ETFs.
My strategy for 2026 includes continuing to reinvest dividends and sell covered calls on long-term holdings.
It’s a slow but consistent way to outpace inflation and compound returns — a financial version of Zimbabwe’s lesson: make your money work, or it will fade quietly while you sleep.
- The importance of systems
Zimbabwean resilience depends on community systems — informal savings clubs, family support networks, and small cooperatives. They are imperfect but effective.
In investing, systems are what keep emotions in check. I use structured rules for entry, exit, and risk management. Every trade must fit into a larger plan.
A system gives you clarity when markets are noisy — the same way a routine gives order in uncertain environments. In 2026, I’m refining my portfolio system around three principles:
-Fundamentals first: I buy only businesses I understand.
-Options for income: CSPs and covered calls enhance yield.
-Cash for flexibility: at least 20 % remains liquid for opportunity.
- The psychology of money
Traveling through Zimbabwe made me realise that financial freedom starts with mindset. You can’t build wealth if you view money as something external. It’s a reflection of habits and beliefs.
In the US it’s easy to get caught up in market noise — chasing the next tech stock or crypto rally. Zimbabwe reminded me that contentment is a form of wealth.
This perspective has become central to my 2026 investing philosophy:
-Avoid FOMO (fear of missing out).
-Focus on long-term compounding.
-Be comfortable sitting in cash when nothing looks attractive.
-Markets are emotional, but successful investors remain rational. The calmer I became in Zimbabwe, the more confident I became as a trader.
Learning to think globally
Moving between Zimbabwe, Canada, and the US has given me a front-row seat to globalisation’s impact on markets.
Zimbabwe taught me adaptability; North America taught me scalability.
For 2026, my investing lens is global. I look for companies that earn revenue across multiple continents, hedge currency exposure, and can thrive in both strong and weak economies.
Whether it’s Nvidia in AI, Visa in payments, or Coca-Cola in consumer goods, the future belongs to firms that think beyond borders — just as investors should.
Zimbabwe’s resourcefulness and the U.S.’s innovation are two sides of the same coin: one survives, the other scales. A smart investor learns from both.
- Freedom through knowledge
Back home, I often meet people who ask, “How can I start investing in the U.S. market?” My answer is always the same: start by learning before you earn.
Financial literacy is the bridge between curiosity and confidence. Whether it’s reading annual reports, studying basic accounting, or watching educational videos, knowledge compounds faster than capital.
That’s why I continue to share insights through my Streetwise Economics YouTube channel here and www.streetwiseeconomics.com — to help others take the first step.
Because financial freedom doesn’t come from geography — it comes from understanding.
The journey ahead
Zimbabwe taught me humility. The US market taught me opportunity. And together, they’ve taught me balance.
In 2026, I’m not chasing trends — I’m building systems. I’m not timing markets — I’m buying time through patience.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from both places, it’s this: wealth is a journey of behaviour, not brilliance.
Markets will rise and fall, currencies will strengthen and weaken, but the principles remain the same — discipline, patience, and a willingness to learn.
Final thoughts
As I write this from Turkey, watching the Bosphorus flow between two continents, I’m reminded that investing, like travel, is a journey across time and borders.
-Zimbabwe gave me the lessons of scarcity.
-The US offers the stage of abundance.
- And somewhere in between lies wisdom — the ability to make sound decisions, no matter where you are.
So as we move into 2026, I encourage every investor, beginner or experienced, to remember: Financial freedom isn’t luck; its discipline repeated daily.
And the best time to start your journey is today.
Follow my journey:
Visit www.streetwiseeconomics.com for insights, coaching, and resources.
Watch Streetwise Economics on YouTube for weekly videos on investing, trading, and global finance here.
- Isaac Jonas is a Zimbabwean-Canadian economist, trader, and founder of Streetwise Economics — a global platform blending real-world experience with financial education for emerging market investors. Based in Canada, he shares financial education through his YouTube channel and social media. His website: www.streetwiseeconomics.com and his email [email protected]. Disclaimer: Educational content only — not financial advice.
