Ari Gutman is a VP at Defiance Investments, retail investor, and finfluencer YouTuber.
How Did you get started investing Ari?
I have always been fascinated by money—particularly not only how to earn it, but more importantly, how to make it work for us. From a young age, I was intrigued by my uncle, who worked at Fidelity and managed billions of dollars. He consistently emphasized the importance of investing, advising me to focus on assets I truly understood. I vividly recall him using the newspaper to show me stock tickers, encouraging me to “pick a stock and track its performance.” Though I was just a pre-teen at the time, his advice stayed with me. By my early 20s, once I felt financially secure, I decided to begin investing in the stock market. My journey began with Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Fund (VTI), which eventually evolved into a dividend investment portfolio. Today at age 30 my focus has shifted toward growth-oriented investments, particularly in light of our rapidly advancing technological landscape.
How Did You Become A Finfluencer And What Platforms Do You Use?
In 2020 I began creating YouTube videos with the goal of helping individuals improve their financial well-being, with the hope that the impact would extend to their families. The Talmud’s powerful quote, “to save one life is to save the world,” has always resonated with me. I apply this philosophy to my work—helping just one person financially can have a profound ripple effect on many lives. Currently, my primary platform is YouTube, though I am beginning to expand my presence on X as well in 2025.
What Are Your Favorite ETFs Right Now?
Initially, I began investing with a focus on single funds. Over time, my strategy has evolved towards a growth and dividend-oriented approach, with two key ETFs forming the foundation of my portfolio.
Aside from Defiance Funds, my primary ETF choice, aligned with the future technological landscape, is Vanguard’s Technology ETF (VGT). What do you do in your personal life that helps with your financial success? I am an avid reader and have come to appreciate the profound impact that knowledge has on success. Through reading, I gain more than just the information presented on each page. I also learn to see the world from diverse perspectives, enhancing my ability to approach challenges and opportunities with a broader mindset—an invaluable skill in making informed investment decisions.
What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Retail Investors?
That investment advice would be to constantly “Feed the fire” of your assets. What I mean by this is simple: never stop investing. Once you have established a dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy, just stick with it. Whether weekly or monthly, consistently contribute to your investments. Over time, you will be pleasantly surprised by how your money grows and works for you with the power of compound interest.
Thank you so much for the exclusive interview Ari J Gutman!