Getting Your Bearings First
Starting an investment journey without proper preparation is like sailing without checking the weather forecast. You might get lucky—but why leave it to chance?
Most people who struggle with investing don't fail because they picked the wrong stocks or missed the perfect entry point. They stumble because they started before they were actually ready. Before you dive into market trends or portfolio allocation, there are some foundational questions worth answering honestly. This isn't about delaying your success—it's about building something that lasts beyond the first market correction.
What Should Be in Place Before You Begin
- An emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses—because market downturns don't announce themselves in advance
- Clear understanding of your actual risk tolerance, not what you think it should be when markets are climbing
- Basic knowledge of how different investment vehicles work and what they're designed to do
- Honest assessment of your time horizon and what you're actually investing for
- Comfortable grasp of fees and costs, because small percentages compound just like returns do
- Realistic expectations about volatility and what normal market behavior looks like
Building Your Financial Base
Think of your financial foundation like the basement of a house. Nobody gets excited about basements, but they determine whether everything above stays standing.
- High-interest debt should be addressed first. Credit card rates usually outpace any realistic investment returns you'll see in your first years.
- Your monthly cash flow needs to make sense on paper. If you're consistently spending more than you earn, investing won't solve that—it'll just add complexity to an existing problem.
- Insurance gaps can wipe out years of careful investing in a single event. Health, disability, life insurance—these aren't exciting, but they protect what you're trying to build.
- Tax-advantaged accounts should be understood and used appropriately. The difference between a taxable account and a registered account adds up significantly over decades.
- Your investment timeline should match your actual life plans. Money you'll need in two years shouldn't be in the same place as money you won't touch for twenty.
Who's Here to Help You Navigate This
Our team has seen people succeed and struggle with investment decisions for years. We've learned that the best outcomes come from honest conversations about where you actually are right now.
Lachlan Toivonen
Financial Readiness Advisor
Works with new investors to establish solid financial foundations and realistic expectations. Believes that knowing when not to invest is just as valuable as knowing when to jump in.
Bronwyn Eilish
Investment Strategist
Helps clients understand different investment vehicles and match strategies to their actual circumstances. Specializes in translating complex concepts into decisions you can feel confident about.
Desmond Strand
Portfolio Consultant
Focuses on risk assessment and helping investors understand their true comfort levels before committing capital. Has seen enough market cycles to know preparation beats prediction.
Ready to See Where You Stand?
Our autumn 2025 planning sessions help you assess your current position and identify what needs attention before you start investing. No pressure to jump in—just honest evaluation of where you are and what makes sense next.
Schedule a Planning Session