Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at Motley Fool Australia, shares his investing wisdom on building wealth. He emphasizes starting small, suggesting that investing just $20 a week could lead to significant gains by 2025. The conversation highlights smart strategies like maximizing superannuation and understanding shares and ETFs. Scott also discusses budgeting and the importance of having informed guidance from financial advisors to navigate potential pitfalls. It’s a practical guide for anyone eager to kickstart their financial journey this year.
Starting to invest with as little as $50 can build confidence and financial knowledge over time through gradual portfolio additions.
Choosing a flat-fee financial advisor can help ensure effective financial planning and unbiased advice when navigating diverse investment options.
Deep dives
Starting Your Investment Journey
To begin investing effectively in 2025, the most fundamental step is to prioritize saving money. Establishing a dedicated bank account solely for investments can help create a habit of saving a portion of your paycheck for investment opportunities. With advancements in investment platforms, individuals can now start with as little as $50, allowing for the purchase of partial shares or exchange-traded funds. This gradual approach to investing not only builds confidence but also enhances financial knowledge as one progressively adds to their portfolio.
Understanding Different Investment Options
Investors can choose from a range of asset classes, including shares, property, and superannuation, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Shares are generally expected to yield an average annual return of around 8-9%, offering high liquidity and the potential for diversification. Property investment, while requiring larger capital outlays, benefits from leverage but can face challenges with high prices and low growth expectations. Superannuation stands out for its tax advantages and long-term growth potential, though it is less accessible until retirement.
Choosing Financial Advisors Wisely
Selecting a suitable financial advisor is crucial to ensure effective financial planning and to avoid unnecessary expenses. It is recommended to choose advisors who charge a flat fee for their services, as this reduces the likelihood of receiving biased advice based on commission incentives. For those with simpler financial situations, utilizing free resources like the ASIC Money Smart website can be beneficial. Being well-informed about various investment scenarios can empower individuals to seek the most appropriate guidance for their unique needs.
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Deep Dive: We're fresh into a new year, and you might be feeling like it's time to start building some more long-term wealth. But where do you start, and how much money do you need to get things going?
From making the most out of your superannuation to buying shares and knowing when to get into the property market, here’s our straightforward guide to investing this year.
To kick off The Briefing’s week-long series on how to start your 2025 right – we’re bringing you Bension Siebert’s chat with Chief Investment Officer at Motley Fool Australia, Scott Phillips.
Note: This episode contains general information. Always seek personalised advice from a financial advisor before investing.