Let’s be honest: we all know someone who’s got their financial life figured out, right? That one friend who started investing years ago and drops phrases like “diversification” while we’re still sorting out how to budget for both Friday night plans and an emergency fund.
But here’s a secret—they started somewhere, too. Investing doesn’t have to be intimidating or reserved for financial “experts.” The best time to start investing is as soon as you’re ready (spoiler: that might be right now).
Why Start Now?
One of the best things about investing early is that it gives your money time to grow. Think of it like planting a tree; the earlier you put that sapling in the ground, the taller it’ll be in a few years. While you might not see it growing day-to-day, give it some time, and suddenly you’ve got some decent shade. The same principle applies to investing. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to “work for you,” thanks to the magic of compounding.
FOMO, But Make it Financial
You know that “fear of missing out” feeling? Maybe it’s when you see friends getting new jobs, new places, or even starting to invest on their own. Turns out, the FOMO is real with finances too. Starting early means you won’t have to look back and wish you’d jumped in sooner, watching everyone else’s trees growing while you’re still in the plant section at Bunnings trying to pick one. And sure, investing takes a little courage, but it’s less about having a huge amount of money to start with and more about consistency.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting
It’s easy to feel like you need to “have it all together” before you start investing. But the truth is, no one has all the answers at the beginning. Start small, start with what you’re comfortable with, and watch how even the smallest steps build your confidence over time.
Why not start now? There’s a world of financial tools and advice out there to help you make those first steps. Besides, if you wait too long, you might have to explain to future-you why you’re just getting started.
