I believe index funds are the way to go, but one can buy companies that are no brainers and substantially outperform he market. I bought Intel and Microsoft in the 90’s, both no-brainers; in recent years, I bought Starbucks, another no brainer for long-term outperformance.
Shredded on FR, but the management have to be geniuses.
They sell a Hyundai at a Lexus price, and just keep growing.
I am amazed at how financially illiterate many people are. Saving early is the key. When I left my first job after college 30 years ago I had $4K in 401K and $4K in IRA that I have kept separate from other savings as my own little experiment. My annual rate of return average over 30 years is just a bit over 12% annually and that $8K is now worth $300K.