Location: Auckland

Passionate about: Helping more people realise that investing isn’t that hard! In fact, it’s actually quite simple.

 

When did you start investing?

At the start of university, when I realised that investing was something I could do. I didn’t take it that seriously until the end of my degree when I was scared about what I was going to do with “all this money” that I was going to make in my first big girl job! I thought I needed to learn how to invest properly, and to learn it fast!

What are you investing for?

I want to invest so that I can retire early. My current investment portfolio covers the costs of all my basic expenses, so in a way I could retire and live a very frugal life. Instead, I’m investing so that I can have choice, I’m investing so I can choose to work, not have to work. I can go on holiday, I can spend more time with my friends and family. I’d like to maybe even have a child one day - and nothing would bring me more joy than to know that by investing now, I’m giving myself the gift of time in the future.

Describe your approach to investing

I believe in boring investing and that passive investing can work. I put 90% of my portfolio in boring indices. I also invest 5-10% of my portfolio in individual shares and trickle in some angel and venture capital investing as well. 

What’s in your portfolio?

90% of my portfolio is made up of index funds and ETFs, and some emerging market funds. The rest are individual shares in private and public markets.

What shares are you watching and why?

I try not to watch too many shares, however I believe in companies that have longevity and stickiness - as in, their product is something that their customers come back to, time and time again.

Biggest investing win?

My best performing share was Tesla during covid - the shares rose 300-400% and helped me put down the first deposit for my house!

Biggest investing loss?

I invested in Rivian (Chinese EV company) out of pure speculation after my Tesla shares did well. I think beginners’ luck definitely played a part, as my Rivian shares dropped more than 80%! Thankfully I had only invested a few hundred dollars, but it was a costly mistake.

What makes you feel confident?

I feel super confident when I feel like I fully grasp a concept, I love learning and every time I learn something new that I didn’t think was something I could understand, I feel really positive about it.

What worries you?

It’s completely irrational but I worry about all my money one day going “poof”. It’s not based on logic, but when you don’t come from money it’s easy to see how many people have lost their livelihoods and have had to start over. I try to mitigate these risks by having investments more in tune with my risk tolerance.

What learnings can you share with someone just starting out?

You don’t need to be a millionaire to be an investor. You can start with whatever works for your current circumstance and adjust your investment amount as time goes on. The research is what I lean on, and it constantly reminds us that low and steady investing in broad market funds is a great way to start.

TIL (today I learned)?

If your eyes are getting tired from staring at a computer screen all day, just look out the window for 20 seconds to help readjust them.

The little win you want to celebrate this week?

Oat milk was on sale so I bought 5 bottles, it was a financial win. And now with my matcha powder, I start my day with a lovely green beverage!
 


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