No Finance Degree? No Problem. Ryne Did It with Next to Nothing

Vero chats with Ryne Williams—a self-taught dividend investor who started with next to nothing and built a solid portfolio over just five years. Ryne proves that anyone willing to learn can do this.

He shares how ETFs and individual stocks both play a role, why he’s all about balance over hype, and how to create a portfolio that can weather any market.

If you’re just getting started or looking to invest with more conviction, this one’s packed with actionable tips and a mindset that’ll keep you going for the long run.

You’ll Learn

The Power of Starting Small

Ryne began investing with just a few dollars a week. He highlights how developing the habit matters more than starting with big numbers.

The Buffett Quote That Sparked It All

“If you don’t find a way to make money in your sleep, you will work until you die.”

That single quote lit the fire that led Ryne to build a life of financial independence.

Learning During Market Volatility

Ryne began investing during the uncertainty of 2020. He shares how experiencing drawdowns early helped him build emotional resilience and discipline.

ETFs vs. Individual Stocks

Ryne believes ETFs are a great entry point for beginners, but they can also be a lifelong strategy. His current portfolio is about 80% individual stocks, 20% ETFs—though that’s shifting over time.

Why Simplicity Wins

With so many ETFs available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ryne cautions against buying 10–20 ETFs with too much overlap. One or two solid ETFs can do the job just fine.

Dividend Growth Over High Yield

Instead of chasing 10%+ yields, Ryne builds a balanced portfolio with a mix of high-yielders, dividend growers, and blue-chip defensive plays like Visa, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble.

How He Decides What to Buy or Sell:

Tracks cost basis and adds when stocks dip below it.
Compares dividend and free cash flow yield to historical averages and treasury rates.
Sells only when fundamentals change, performance deteriorates, or better opportunities arise.

Teaching as a Form of Discipline

By creating content, Ryne holds himself accountable. He aims to share actionable, sensible advice—especially for investors trying to navigate the noise online.

Investing Is an Infinite Game

Like weightlifting or running, dividend investing is about making small progress over time. Ryne’s goal is to live off his dividends in 10–15 years, and he’s building toward that day by day.

About Ryne Williams

Ryne profile picture.

Ryne Williams is a self-taught dividend investor and content creator based in Las Vegas. He began investing in 2020 with no financial background and a few dollars a week—and has since grown a dividend portfolio while helping thousands of investors through his YouTube channel and newsletter. With a focus on transparency and long-term thinking, Ryne shares his journey to financial independence, one dividend at a time.

Watch his content: Retire with Ryne YouTube Channel