Investor Journeys—Emiliano CoutoInvestor Journeys—Emiliano Couto

Why did you start investing?

I’ve been saving for a while. I spent ten years working in the banking industry in New Zealand and Brazil. I spoke with many people about money over those years and learnt a lot of lessons from others' mistakes. With this being said, over the years I’ve obviously made my own mistakes and ended up in some bad financial situations. I’ve learned the hard way how important it is to make sure you have money saved for a ‘rainy day’.

Tell us about your first investment

Well, to be honest, it started slow after I broke up with my ex-partner. Being on my own, and wanting to spend time with my kids, I had to start saving money and making wiser decisions. I had a house that was sold after the break-up, which helped pump up my savings. 

Before I started investing, I split my savings between savings accounts and Bonus Bonds. I know now that isn’t very clever, because your money isn’t working too hard for you—but I was dreaming of getting some big prizes from Bonus Bonds!

I learned from my friend Diego that I can start investing small with Sharesies. I looked into it and loved the idea of getting into the share market. It was something I’d always dreamed of! I didn’t have thousands to get started, and I didn’t need it. Today I save AND invest—spreading my money into savings, Bonus Bonds and Sharesies. I’m definitely new to investing, but my Portfolio is growing.

How do you manage your money and investments?

I try to make small investments every week. I’ve got a system in place where I put the first 10% of my income to the side for myself to invest. After this, I pay my bills and forecast my expenses for the week. What's left goes towards savings and investments. I’ve got automatic payments set up every week from my bank, into my Sharesies Wallet and other accounts that I use. I don’t usually like to see my money, otherwise I'm tempted to spend it. Splitting my money out has worked for me so far, and I’m happy with that.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about investing or managing your money?

• Have a goal, and create a budget for yourself that’s manageable 

• Ask if that item you want to buy is really important

• Take 24 hours before you make any decision to buy something expensive 

• Pay your bills in advance

• Only own things you can pay for

• When receiving your wages or salary, pay yourself first at least 10%

After a while, you’ll notice and feel the difference. 💪🏼 

What are you investing towards?

I want to buy my own house! 

How have your attitudes towards investing changed since you became an investor?

I’m still learning, but getting started has been the best thing for me! The hardest part of investing is waiting to see what the future holds, and not being afraid of the market. The market’s always moving, but I trust in my decisions that I’m making for future me, and the kids.

What tips would you give someone who think you need loads of money to invest?

Stop moaning, and start doing it. Look at your expenses and cut something. Think about your future and what you want. Start small, and go from there. The results WILL come.