I’m Thomas, a 22-year-old recent graduate with a Bachelor of Property Development, Investment and Valuation (Honours) from RMIT University. I’ve worked as a casual employee at Myer for over seven years and have a passion for travelling, global politics, and learning about investing.
What sparked my interest in investing
My interest in financial independence started early. At 15, I got my first job as a Christmas casual at Myer. Every time I received a paycheck, I thought about how much time I had to work for that money. That mindset made me very conscious of my spending—I didn’t just see a price tag, I saw hours of my life.
I also watched my parents work incredibly hard, often travelling for work and putting in long hours. Their dedication gave me a great upbringing, but it also reinforced my desire to be in a financial position where money wouldn’t be a source of stress.
My journey with money management
I’ve always been a disciplined saver, sometimes putting away 80% of my paycheck. Living frugally comes naturally to me—I don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on nights out or tens of thousands on the latest car. But after years of saving, I started thinking: Is there a better way to grow my wealth?
I initially gravitated towards property, but I soon discovered low-cost index funds and ETFs as a great way to build wealth passively. Now, while I still save for big purchases and emergencies, I also invest a portion of my paycheck automatically into Stockspot’s Topaz portfolio to accelerate my financial growth.
Why I chose Stockspot
I trust Stockspot because of their investment philosophy and strong track record over the past 10 years. Their approach is transparent, their fees are low compared to traditional fund managers, and their platform makes investing simple. They also provide a wealth of resources to help investors like me make informed decisions.
My investing experience with Stockspot
The signup process was seamless—I was able to start depositing money into my account within just a few days. Since then, I’ve had a great experience. The team is knowledgeable, the desktop and mobile interfaces are user-friendly, and Chris Brycki’s insights via blogs and YouTube videos have been invaluable.
I also love how Stockspot allows for customisation, such as adding ETFs like IVV (S&P 500) to my portfolio. This flexibility lets me diversify my investments and gain exposure to global markets.
My advice to those hesitant about investing
Quite simply: don’t leave all your money sitting in a savings account. Inflation and taxes will eat away at your savings over time, making you poorer without realising it. If you’re saving, be intentional and know what you’re saving for. If it’s not for a short-term goal like a house, car, or emergency fund, consider investing. Over the long term, investing beats saving when it comes to building wealth.
Final money tip
If you’re young, don’t waste money on things you don’t need. Money spent on unnecessary stuff is gone forever, but money invested can generate returns for life. Focus on acquiring assets that generate cash flow, not liabilities that drain your finances.
