Getting Started with Investing
Your complete guide to preparing for and making your first investment. Follow this step-by-step guide to build a strong financial foundation.
Your Progress
0 of 8 completedBuild an Emergency Fund
essentialSave 3-6 months of expenses before investing. This protects you from having to sell investments at a loss during emergencies.
Pay Off High-Interest Debt
essentialCredit cards and personal loans often charge 15-25% interest. Pay these off first - it's a guaranteed return.
Optimize Your KiwiSaver
essentialEnsure you're contributing at least 3% to get the full employer match and government contribution ($260.72/year).
Create a Budget
importantKnow your income and expenses. Only invest money you won't need for at least 5 years.
Define Your Goals
importantAre you saving for retirement, a house deposit, or building wealth? Your goals determine your strategy.
Educate Yourself
importantUnderstand basic concepts like diversification, compound interest, and risk vs return before investing.
Assess Your Risk Tolerance
helpfulUnderstand how much volatility you can handle emotionally and financially.
Choose a Platform
helpfulCompare fees, features, and investment options across different platforms.
Investing can be exciting, but jumping in without preparation is like building a house without a foundation. Here's what you need to have in place first:
The Financial Foundation Pyramid
Your Foundation Progress
💡 Tip: Build your foundation from bottom to top for financial stability
Important: Never invest money you might need in the next 5 years. The stock market can be volatile in the short term, and you might be forced to sell at a loss.
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Ready to Take the Next Step?
You've learned the basics of getting started. Now it's time to deepen your knowledge with our investment fundamentals guide.