Why did no one tell me about investing in the stock market? Im having huge regrets

Im 29 years old, and up until 28 i never invested and just thought you are supposed to be frugal and stack up cash in the bank. It thought investing is similar to gambling and that you have to have alot of knowledge about it. I didnt know about the simplicity of investing in the S&P500

I still was able to save alot of money since i live in my parents house and now have it all invested through a lump sum but everyday i think about the bull market i missed in 2023-2025. I hate how online finance content online says “save” instead of “invest” because i thought they meant save your money in bank.

It baffles my mind how we aren’t taught this in school when its one of the most important things in life and you realistically cant retire unless you invest your money. I know other people in my life who have the mindset i used to have and think investing is a niche thing only smart people can do, i think we have to do a better job at teaching how ETFs work for the common person.