Hi, my name is Michael, and I’m the owner and editor of Cut to the Deal. I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the W. P. Carey School of Business, where I led and participated in several financial clubs that deepened my passion for investing.

My journey started in middle school when my dad first introduced me to the stock market. By high school, I had opened both a custodial and paper trading account. That early exposure pulled me into a world I couldn’t get enough of.

Growing up alongside Gen Z and the explosion of online content, most of what I learned came from the internet and videos. But the more I explored, the more I realized how much misinformation there was. The online financial space felt like an unmanageable terrain. One filled with “gurus” promising results they couldn’t deliver, preying on desperation and inexperience.

The lack of good information along with my growing passion eventually led me to create Cut to the Deal.

My values lead me to believe the stock market should be accessible to everyone. During my time leading a student organization at Arizona State, I saw people from all walks of life come through our club’s doors, different backgrounds, creeds, and stories, all connected by a shared curiosity about investing. That experience reinforced something I’ve always felt, the stock market is not just for the wealthy or the privileged. It’s a tool that, when understood, can empower anyone to build stability and opportunity for themselves. I strongly believe that financial literacy and access to the markets can help level the playing field, giving people the chance to take control of their own circumstances.

Which Leads to My Mission Statement:

Cut to the Deal is about bringing honesty and transparency back to investing. My goal is to share real experiences—wins, losses, and lessons. I want to make the markets more accessible and help others learn alongside me.

This isn’t financial advice — it’s my personal journey of growth, discipline, and learning. I only hope this wil be a net benefit. Writing has never been my strong suit, so this will also help in that regard.

Let’s cut to the deal.