I’m Vicky, a 60-year-old primary school teacher with over 30 years of experience. I’m also a proud mum of two grown-up daughters and a new grandmother. After a recent separation, I found myself taking control of my finances for the very first time. With retirement getting closer, I knew I needed to take charge, not just for my own future but also to help set up my grandson.
What sparked my interest in investing
For most of my life, someone else looked after the finances. I didn’t really know much about managing money or planning for retirement until it became my responsibility. Facing the fact that I would have to rely on myself was a huge wake-up call.
I decided to enrol in a financial course for women, and it completely changed my mindset. It pushed me to look beyond property, which had always been my fallback. That course gave me the confidence to explore shares and ETFs, something that once felt out of reach.
My money journey and why I questioned property
I grew up as the child of immigrant parents who worked hard, lived within their means and saved to buy property. That was their path to security, and I believed it was mine too.
But after owning an investment property and working two jobs to keep up with the costs, I started to wonder if it was really worth it. The effort didn’t match the returns. I realised there had to be a smarter and more sustainable way to build wealth.
How I discovered Stockspot
During that financial course, I first heard about Stockspot. It immediately stood out because it was so simple and transparent. I liked that I could see exactly where my money was going, pick the level of risk that suited me, and set up automatic payments. It felt like a trustworthy and straightforward option, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Why I chose Stockspot
The signup process was seamless. The Stockspot team was fantastic and always quick to respond to any questions I had. I also really value the regular updates that explain how my portfolios are performing and what is happening in markets. This keeps me informed and calm, even when the news can be worrying.
I love how Stockspot seems to know the things people might stress about and sends out helpful updates before you even think to ask. This has made the whole experience of investing feel surprisingly easy and stress-free.
Investing for myself and my grandson
I now have two Stockspot accounts, one for myself and one for my grandson. Every time I get paid, money goes into both accounts automatically. I hardly notice it leaving my account, but I like knowing it’s being managed automatically in the background.
It makes me so happy to think about the future I am helping create for my grandson. My plan is to gift him his Stockspot account on his 18th birthday. Based on the Stockspot compounding calculator, it could be enough for a house deposit, which would be an incredible start for him.
My advice to anyone hesitant about investing
If your money is just sitting in a savings account, it is actually losing value over time. My biggest piece of advice is to take action and start as early as possible. Even if it is a small amount, the most important thing is to begin.
My final money tips
Time is your greatest asset. The earlier you start investing, the better off you will be. I always make a plan for my money the moment I get paid. I allocate some for spending and then direct the rest into savings and investments straight away. That discipline has made all the difference for me.
It is never too late to start. I am living proof of that. At 60, I finally feel in control of my finances and excited for what is ahead. You can always improve your financial situation, one small step at a time.
Disclaimer: Stockspot ABN 87 163 214 319 is a licensed Australian Financial Services provider (AFSL 536082) regulated by ASIC. Any advice contained is general advice only and has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs except in circumstances where you have provided your personal financial details via our online application process and received a Statement of Advice from us. Before making any investment decision we recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your situation and seek appropriate taxation and legal advice. Past performance of financial products is no guarantee of future performance. Please read our Financial Services Guide before deciding whether to obtain financial services from us.
