Blake Alewelt

Blake Alewelt Helping everyday heroes take control of their finances, grow wealth, and make confident real estate moves.

I'm your Money Copilot—guiding veterans, first responders, and hard workers on their journey to financial freedom.

06/24/2026

Day 79 of this Investing challenge, And Today Was Another Opportunity to Buy the Dip! The market gave us another red day, which means we stuck to the plan and doubled down.

In this investing challenge, we're using the Averaging Down strategy, which is designed to take advantage of market pullbacks by buying more shares when prices decline.

The rules are simple:
• Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
• Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), a low-cost index fund that gives exposure to thousands of companies across the entire U.S. stock market.

Why Buy the Dip?
Most investors get nervous when markets pull back. Our strategy does the opposite.

By purchasing additional shares on red days, we're lowering our average cost per share and positioning ourselves for potentially stronger returns when the market rebounds.

The goal isn't to predict every move in the stock market. The goal is to stay consistent, invest through volatility, and let compound growth work over time.

Why We Use VTI
Instead of trying to pick individual winners, VTI allows us to invest in the broader U.S. economy through a single ETF.

That means:
• Broad diversification
• Lower risk than individual stocks
• Long-term growth potential
• A simple investing strategy anyone can follow

Want to Invest Alongside Me?
You can use this exact strategy inside a Roth IRA, allowing your investments to potentially grow tax-free over time.

If you haven't opened one yet, I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Roth IRA in Fidelity.

👉 Check out that video next and I'll see you back here tomorrow for Day 80!
Subscribe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/23/2026

Day 78 of this Investing challenge And Today Didn't Go As Planned!
Not every day in the market goes the way you expect.

That's exactly why we're following a system instead of relying on emotions.

In this investing challenge, we're using a strategy called Averaging Down, which is designed to take advantage of market pullbacks and lower our average cost per share over time.

The rules are simple:
- Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), one of the most popular index funds for long-term investors.

Why This Strategy Matters
Over the last 13 trading days, VTI has declined on 7 of them. That's more than half the time.

While most investors get frustrated by red days, we've been using those opportunities to buy additional shares at lower prices.

The goal isn't to predict what happens tomorrow. The goal is to build a larger position when prices are temporarily discounted so that when the market recovers, those purchases can potentially generate even stronger returns.
That's the entire idea behind buying the dip.

Long-Term Investing Is About Consistency
Some days the market surprises you. Some days it does exactly what you expected.

But over the long run, staying consistent often matters more than trying to perfectly time every move. That's why we're documenting this challenge in real time.

Want to Invest Alongside Me?
If you're ready to start investing, I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a brokerage account in Fidelity.

Check out that video next and I'll see you back here tomorrow for Day 79!
Subscribe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/19/2026

Day 77 of this investing challenge, And We Finally Got Some Relief!
After several red days recently, the market gave us a little breathing room today.

In this investing challenge, we're using an Averaging Down strategy, which is designed to take advantage of small market pullbacks and lower our average cost per share over time.

The rules are simple:
- Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), one of the most popular index funds for long-term investors.

Over the last 12 trading days, VTI has declined on 6 of them, giving us multiple opportunities to buy shares at lower prices.

And that's exactly why we're doing this challenge.

Instead of trying to predict the market, we're consistently investing and using volatility to our advantage.

The Results So Far
Some of the investments we made during the March and April pullbacks are now showing double-digit returns.

Those red days didn't feel great at the time, but they turned into some of our best-performing purchases.

That's the power of long-term investing, buying the dip, and staying consistent when others get nervous.

Want to Invest Alongside Me?
You can use this exact strategy inside a brokerage account and start building your own long-term investing plan. Check out my step-by-step Fidelity brokerage account tutorial next.

Tomorrow is a federal holiday, so I'll see you back here Monday for Day 78!

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/18/2026

Day 76 of this investing challenge And We Bought the Dip Again!
Two days in a row, the market gave us another opportunity to buy more shares at lower prices.

In this investing challenge, we're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) using a simple strategy called averaging down, which is designed to take advantage of market pullbacks.

The rules are simple:
- Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

Both yesterday and today, we were able to double down and buy more shares at a discount.

What Moved the Market?
A major factor behind today's weakness was the latest Federal Reserve meeting.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signaled that a rate cut this year may no longer be on the table, and some investors are now beginning to price in the possibility of a future rate hike instead.

Higher interest rates can create pressure on stocks, which is why markets reacted negatively.

But that's exactly where this strategy shines. Instead of fearing red days, we're using them as opportunities to accumulate more shares and lower our average cost per share.

Why We Use VTI
VTI gives exposure to thousands of companies across the entire U.S. stock market through one low-cost ETF.

Rather than trying to predict which stock will outperform, we're focusing on long-term investing, consistency, and letting compound growth do the heavy lifting.

Want to Invest Alongside Me?
You can use this exact strategy inside a brokerage account and start building your own long-term investing plan. Check out my step-by-step Fidelity brokerage account tutorial next.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/17/2026

Day 75 of this investing challenge And We Bought the Dip Again!
Today was another opportunity to buy VTI at a discount. In this investing challenge, we're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), but with a slight twist on traditional dollar-cost averaging.

The rules are simple:
- Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

Today was one of those red days, so we doubled down and added more shares at a lower price.

Why Did the Market Drop?
Two major stories are influencing investors right now:
• The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the proposed peace agreement between the United States and Iran
• The latest Federal Reserve meeting and concerns about inflation

Recent inflation reports have remained high, reducing expectations for future interest rate cuts. As a result, investors are watching closely for any signals from the Fed that could impact the stock market moving forward.

That's exactly why I like having a system.
Instead of trying to predict what happens next, we simply continue investing and take advantage of lower prices when they appear.

Why VTI?
VTI gives exposure to thousands of companies across the entire U.S. stock market in one low-cost ETF. Rather than trying to pick individual winners, we're investing in the long-term growth of the overall market while letting compound interest work over time.

Don't Like the Volatility?
If you'd rather earn interest without the ups and downs of the stock market, I put together a video covering 17 of the best High Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) available right now.

Check that video out on the youtube channel, and followe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/13/2026

Day 73 of Averaging Down, And We Had Another Green Day!
This investing challenge continues to move higher.

The rules are simple:
- Invest $100 every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

We're investing in the VTI Index Fund (Vanguard's Total Stock Market ETF), which is a low-cost index fund that tracks thousands of companies across the U.S. stock market.

Today, markets pushed higher as oil prices declined on hopes of a potential agreement with Iran, easing some of the uncertainty that has weighed on investors in recent weeks.

Another major story today was the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO.
SpaceX surged 19.22% on its first day of trading and continued climbing in after-hours trading, making it one of the most talked-about stock market events of the year.

This is exactly why I prefer broad index funds like VTI. Instead of trying to predict which individual stock will win, I'm investing in the long-term growth of the entire U.S. market while staying diversified.

The strategy remains the same:
• Stay consistent
• Buy the dips
• Let compound growth do the heavy lifting over time

Want to invest alongside us?
You can use this exact strategy inside a Roth IRA and potentially grow your investments tax-free over the long term.

If you haven't opened one yet, I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Roth IRA in Fidelity. Check out that video next, and I'll see you back here Monday for Day 74!

Subscribe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/12/2026

Day 72 of this investing challenge, and Yesterday's Dip Buy Is Already Up 1.81%!
This is exactly why we're doing this challenge.

Our strategy is simple:
- Invest $100 every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), and after buying the dip yesterday, those purchases are already up 1.81% in a single day.

Today's rally came after reports that President Trump is pausing military operations against Iran as negotiations for a potential peace agreement continue.

Of course, we've heard similar headlines before, so we're taking today's win and staying focused on the long-term plan.

But tomorrow could be even more interesting... SpaceX is expected to begin trading tomorrow in what many are calling the largest IPO in history.

That means markets could see significant volatility as investors react to one of the most anticipated public offerings ever.

For us, nothing changes.

We'll continue investing consistently, buying dips when they happen, and tracking whether this strategy outperforms traditional dollar-cost averaging over time.

Want to invest alongside us?
You can use this exact strategy inside a Roth IRA and potentially benefit from tax-advantaged growth.

If you haven't opened one yet, I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Roth IRA in Fidelity. Check out that video next on the youtube channel and I'll see you tomorrow for Day 73!

Subscribe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/11/2026

Day 71 of this investing challenge, and This Is Exactly When This Strategy Shines.
The market has been under pressure lately, but that's actually where this challenge gets interesting.

Our investing strategy is simple:
- Invest $100 every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips
Over the last 6 trading days, we've doubled down 4 times. That's 80% of the time.

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), which gives exposure to thousands of companies across the entire U.S. stock market.

Recent tensions involving Iran have created more uncertainty in the markets, while many investors appear to be taking profits ahead of the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO later this week.

While some investors are running from volatility, we're doing the opposite.
By continuing to buy during pullbacks, we're lowering our average cost per share and positioning ourselves for a stronger recovery when markets rebound.

This is exactly why this challenge exists: to compare buying the dip against traditional dollar-cost averaging and see if the extra purchases during red days make a meaningful difference over time.

Not comfortable with stock market volatility?
If you'd rather earn interest with less risk, check out my video covering 17 of the best High Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) available right now.

Watch that video next and I'll see you tomorrow for Day 72!

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/10/2026

Day 70 of this investing challenge. Can a daily Vanguard ETF Investing strategy beat dollar cost averaging into the market?

This investing challenge follows two simple rules:
- Invest $100 every trading day
- Invest another $100 whenever the market dips
Over the last 5 trading days, we've doubled down 3 times. That's 66% of the time. This changes our money mindset.

We're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF), a low-cost index fund that gives exposure to thousands of companies across the U.S. stock market.

Recent reports of renewed attacks involving Iran have increased market uncertainty, while many investors appear to be taking profits ahead of the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO later this week.

Personally, I'm fairly risk-averse, which is one reason I chose VTI instead of individual stocks. If SpaceX eventually becomes part of major stock market indexes, funds like VTI could gain exposure automatically without having to chase the IPO.

For now, we're taking advantage of the nearly 3% pullback and continuing to buy the dip.

Want to know how I've invested over $10,000 in just 3 months? Check out my latest budget video where I break down exactly how we automate our finances, save more money, and consistently invest every month.

Subscribe for regular updates about how to make your money work for you.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

06/09/2026

Day 69 of buying the dip, and today we got another opportunity to buy at a discount.

In this investing challenge, we're investing in VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) using a simple strategy designed to take advantage of market volatility.

The Rules
• Invest $100 at the start of every trading day
• Invest another $100 whenever the market dips

This strategy is called Averaging Down or Buying the Dip.
The goal is simple: lower our average cost per share and capture more upside when the market recovers.

What Happened Today?
The market actually opened higher than yesterday's close and spent most of the day moving sideways.
- No huge rally.
- No major selloff.

Just one of those quiet days where investors are waiting to see what happens next. With continued uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict and global markets, there's still plenty of volatility on the horizon.

Why Consistency Matters
Even if VTI simply climbs back to where it traded earlier this month around $372.18 per share, many of our recent purchases will show stronger gains because we continued buying during the pullbacks.

That's the whole point of this challenge:
• Stay invested
• Buy through uncertainty
• Let time and consistency do the heavy lifting

Want to Invest Alongside Me?
You can use this exact strategy inside a Roth IRA and potentially benefit from tax-free growth over the long term.

If you haven't opened one yet, I made a full step-by-step tutorial showing how to open a Roth IRA in Fidelity.

Blake Alewelt
Shieldline Financial and Bravo Ridge Group at eXp Realty
[email protected]
https://www.shieldlinefinancial.com/
West Des Moines, IA
Licensed to Sell Real Estate in Iowa

Address

5550 Wild Rose Lane #400
West Des Moines, IA
50266

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Blake Alewelt posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Blake Alewelt:

Shortcuts

Share

Category