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.

09/15/2026

Day 136 of Investing Every Trading Day And AI Fears Are Hitting the Stock Market

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $21,553.09 as we continue working toward our next goal of $30,000.

We’re using the Averaging Down Strategy:
1. Invest a base amount at the start of every trading day
2. Invest again whenever VTI dips

The goal is to stay consistently invested while using red days to potentially lower our average cost per share.

Today, technology and semiconductor stocks sold off after several major AI leaders called for slowing the pace of artificial intelligence development because of growing safety concerns.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for a deliberate slowdown in frontier AI development, while other major industry leaders also voiced support for taking AI safety more seriously. Nvidia and other chip stocks fell as investors questioned whether slower AI development could affect future spending and growth.

At the same time, we’re just days away from the next Federal Reserve interest-rate decision.

Markets are currently pricing in roughly a 90% probability of a 0.25% rate hike at this week’s Fed meeting as inflation remains elevated and oil prices stay above $100 per barrel.

Here’s the interesting part:
Because investors already expect a rate hike, the market could react more to what Fed Chair Kevin Warsh says about future rate increases than to the hike itself.

For our strategy, either direction works:
- If VTI rises, our existing investments grow
- If VTI falls, we get another opportunity to buy the dip

Want Something Less Volatile Than Stocks?
If all of this market uncertainty has you looking for a safer place to park your cash, I made a video covering some of the best high-yield savings accounts currently paying around 3–4%.

👉 Watch that video next, subscribe to follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 137!

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

09/12/2026

Day 135 of Investing Every Trading Day, And Inflation, Oil Prices, and the Middle East Are Raising Rate-Hike Fears

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $21,446.28 as we continue working toward our next goal of $30,000.

We’re using the Averaging Down Strategy:
- Invest a base amount at the start of every trading day
- Invest again whenever VTI dips

The goal is to stay consistently invested while using market pullbacks to potentially lower our average cost per share.

Today brought several major developments.
1. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed inflation running at 3.4% year over year in August. Core inflation also remained sticky, reinforcing concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy tighter.

2. Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down its critical East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks damaged the route. That pipeline has become especially important because it allows Saudi oil to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and reach the Red Sea.

3. Meanwhile, Iran-aligned Houthi forces seized Mayun Island near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, another crucial global shipping route. That raises even more concern about Saudi oil exports and global energy supplies.

All of this is increasing expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike.

Markets are now pricing in roughly an 87% chance of a rate increase next week, up sharply after the latest inflation data.

Higher rates could make mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and business borrowing more expensive.

That’s exactly why we’re documenting this challenge in real time.

Want to Invest Alongside Us?
I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and start investing in index funds like VTI.

Watch that video next, subscribe to follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you for Day 136!

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

Fidelity Investments

09/11/2026

Day 134 of Investing Every Trading Day, And Inflation Fears Are Pushing the Stock Market Lower Again

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $21,172.41 as we continue working toward our next goal of $30,000.

We’re using the Averaging Down Strategy:
1. Invest a base amount at the beginning of every trading day
2. Invest again whenever VTI dips

The goal is to stay consistently invested while using red days to potentially lower our average cost per share.

Today brought another round of stock market volatility.
Brent crude surged above $108 per barrel as tensions in the Middle East intensified and Iran-aligned Houthi forces captured the Yemeni port city of Mokha, increasing concerns about shipping and global energy supplies.

At the same time, the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) showed wholesale prices rising 5.4% year over year. The monthly number was in line with expectations, but rising energy costs and other inflationary pressures increased concerns that inflation may remain stubbornly high.

That caused investors to increase their expectations for another Federal Reserve interest-rate hike.
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are now pricing in roughly a 70% chance of a rate hike at the Fed’s next meeting.

Higher oil prices, sticky inflation, and rising Treasury yields helped push the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow lower today.

We don’t know where the market goes next, but we’re going to keep following the same system and documenting every investment.

Want to Invest Alongside Us?
I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and begin investing in index funds like VTI.

Check that out on the YT channel, follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 135!

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

09/10/2026

Day 133 of Investing Every Trading Day And Rising Oil Prices Are Creating More Buying Opportunities

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $21,103.46 as we continue working toward our next major goal of $30,000.

We’re using the Averaging Down Strategy:
- Invest a base amount at the beginning of every trading day
- If VTI dips near the market close, invest more

The goal is to stay consistently invested while using red days to potentially lower our average cost per share.

Today, the stock market moved lower again as oil prices surged above $102 per barrel.

Brent crude settled at its highest close since May, as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran increased concerns about global oil supplies and the Strait of Hormuz.

Higher oil prices can create more inflation pressure, which is also influencing expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next interest-rate decision.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are currently pricing in roughly a 60.2% chance of a 0.25% rate hike at the September Fed meeting.

That combination of higher oil prices, inflation concerns, and rising interest-rate expectations helped push the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow lower today.

If oil continues climbing, inflation comes in hotter than expected, earnings disappoint, or economic data creates new recession concerns, we could see even more stock market volatility.

For our strategy, that means more potential opportunities to buy VTI at lower prices.

If the market rises, our existing investments participate in the gains.
If it falls, we average down.

Looking for Index Funds to Invest In?
I made a video breaking down several different types of index funds and ETFs you can research for a long-term investment portfolio.

Follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 134!

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

09/09/2026

Day 132 of Investing Every Trading Day, and our VTI investing challenge has officially grown to $21,017.59 as we continue our Road to $30,000!

We’re using an Averaging Down Strategy with VTI, Vanguard’s Total Stock Market ETF:
- Invest a base amount at the beginning of every trading day
- If the market dips, invest more near market close

The idea is to consistently invest while taking advantage of volatility to potentially lower our average cost per share.

Today gave us another opportunity as the stock market pulled back amid renewed inflation concerns, rising oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding what the Federal Reserve may do with interest rates.

With another Fed meeting approaching, every inflation report, jobs report, and economic data release could create more volatility, which means potentially more opportunities for this challenge.

Want to start investing but aren't sure what index funds or ETFs to research? Check out my next video where I break down several different types of funds for long-term investors.

Follow along to see if Averaging Down can outperform traditional Dollar-Cost Averaging over time.

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

09/05/2026

Day 131 of Investing Every Trading Day, And Today Gave Us Another Chance to Buy the Dip

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $20,935.65 as we continue working toward our next goal of $30,000.

Today’s market pullback came after a much stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report.

The economy added 162,000 jobs in August, while unemployment remained at 4.1%. That stronger labor market caused investors to increase their expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

Markets are now pricing in roughly a 62–65% chance of a rate hike, compared with lower odds before the jobs report. Treasury yields also climbed as investors adjusted to the possibility of higher interest rates.

If Fed Chair Kevin Warsh ultimately decides to hold rates steady, we could see some of that uncertainty ease.

If rates do go up, we could see more stock market volatility, which for our strategy could mean additional opportunities to buy VTI at lower prices.

Either way, our plan stays the same:
- If the market rises, our existing investments grow
- If it falls, we buy the dip

Want to Join the Investing Challenge?
I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and begin investing in index funds like VTI.

Watch that video next, follow our road to $30,000, and since the stock market is closed Monday for Labor Day, I’ll see you Tuesday for Day 132!

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

09/04/2026

Day 130 of Investing Every Trading Day And We’re Already at $20,801.82!

After officially passing our $20,000 milestone, we’re now working toward our next investing goal of $30,000.

In this challenge, we’re investing in VTI, Vanguard’s Total Stock Market ETF, using a strategy called Averaging Down.

The strategy is simple:
1. Invest a base amount at the beginning of every trading day
2. If VTI dips during the day, invest more before the market closes

This combines two popular long-term investing strategies:
Dollar-Cost Averaging + Buying the Dip

Instead of trying to predict exactly when the stock market will bottom, we stay consistently invested while using red days as opportunities to buy additional shares at lower prices.

The goal is to gradually lower our average cost per share.

Then, when VTI eventually has a strong green day like today, those shares we purchased during previous market dips have more room to participate in the rebound.

That’s exactly what we’re testing throughout this investing challenge:
Can Averaging Down outperform traditional Dollar-Cost Averaging over the long run?

💰 Want to Invest Alongside Us?
I made a complete step-by-step tutorial showing how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and begin investing in index funds and ETFs like VTI.

👉 Watch that video next, subscribe to follow our journey toward $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 131!

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

09/03/2026

Day 129 of Investing Every Trading Day, And the Stock Market Finally Broke Its Losing Streak!

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $20,481.54 as we continue working toward our next major goal of $30,000.

After three straight losing sessions, the stock market bounced back today as Treasury yields eased slightly from their recent highs.

Unfortunately, the geopolitical situation remains extremely uncertain.

The United States completed another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, and Iran retaliated against U.S. assets in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. Oil prices also remained elevated as investors continued watching the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.

That means we could continue seeing major swings in the stock market.

For our Averaging Down strategy, that volatility can create opportunity:
1. Invest every trading day
2. Invest more whenever VTI dips, potentially lower our average cost per share

We don’t know whether the market will rally tomorrow or fall again. But our plan stays the same.

If stocks rise, our existing investments participate in the gains. If stocks fall, we get another opportunity to buy shares at lower prices.

Want to Join the Investing Challenge?
You don’t necessarily need to use a taxable brokerage account.

You can also invest through a Roth IRA, where qualified growth and withdrawals can potentially be tax-free in retirement. Just remember that Roth IRAs have annual contribution limits and eligibility rules.

👉 I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Roth IRA in Fidelity and begin investing.

https://youtu.be/4T4s7RNo6iM

Watch that video next, subscribe to follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 130!

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

09/02/2026

Day 128 of Investing Every Trading Day, And The Middle East is Putting More Pressure on the Stock Market!!! 😡

Our VTI investing challenge is now worth $20,288.81 as we continue working toward our next goal of $30,000.

Renewed military strikes on Iran and US military bases pushed oil prices higher, while government bonds sold off and Treasury yields climbed. Wall Street also finished lower, with the Nasdaq falling more than 1% as investors reacted to higher borrowing costs and renewed inflation concerns.

So why should everyday investors care about Treasury yields?
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is one of the most important interest-rate benchmarks in the economy.

When Treasury yields rise, borrowing costs can also move higher across areas like:
1. Mortgage rates
2. Auto loans
3. Business financing

The 10-year Treasury yield has now reached its highest level since early 2025, as investors worry that higher oil prices could keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to maintain tighter monetary policy.

Higher Treasury yields can also create competition for stocks.
If us investors can earn more from relatively lower-risk government bonds, expensive stocks, especially growth and technology companies, may become less attractive by comparison.

For our Averaging Down strategy, though, market volatility can create opportunity:
- Invest every trading day
- Invest more whenever VTI dips
- Potentially lower our average cost per share

If the market rebounds, our existing investments participate in the recovery. If prices continue falling, we get another opportunity to buy shares at lower prices.

If you want to invest alongside us, I made a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and begin investing in index funds like VTI.

👉 Watch that video next, follow the road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 129!

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

09/01/2026

Day 127 of Investing Every Trading Day, And We’re Starting the Road to $30,000!

After officially crossing $20,000 last week, our VTI investing challenge is now worth $20,248.79 as we begin working toward our next major goal of $30,000.

Today was a rougher day for the stock market.
Renewed tensions between the United States and Iran pushed stocks lower after U.S. forces struck Iranian launchers on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later responded by launching missiles toward U.S. military bases in Jordan.

The uncertainty also sent oil prices sharply higher.
Brent crude climbed about 2.7% to $90.49 per barrel, while U.S. crude rose roughly 2.8% to $85.76. Higher energy prices can add to inflation concerns and create more pressure for both stocks and interest rates.

The Dow finished down approximately 0.70%, the S&P 500 fell 0.33%, and the Nasdaq declined 0.12%. Even with today’s losses, all three major indexes still finished August with gains.

And this is an important reminder about long-term investing:
Even with all the negative headlines, geopolitical uncertainty, interest-rate concerns, and market volatility we’ve experienced this year, VTI is still up approximately 12.79% year to date.

That’s a return I would happily take in a normal year.

We’re continuing to use the Averaging Down strategy:
1. Invest every trading day
2. Invest more whenever VTI dips

If the market rises, our existing investments grow.
If it falls, we get another opportunity to buy shares at lower prices and potentially lower our average cost per share.

Want to invest alongside us?
I created a step-by-step tutorial showing exactly how to open a Fidelity brokerage account and start investing in index funds like VTI.

👉 Watch that video next, follow our road to $30,000, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 128!

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