Before beginning your investment journey, it's important to sit down and map out your financial position and goals so that you know where you are and exactly what you're working towards.

Start by looking at your savings, income, living expenses and personal debts – this will paint a clear picture of your financial position and what funds you have available to invest.

A common misconception when it comes to investing is that you need a large sum of money to start building your portfolio.

Not so, Vanguard Australia has investment options that start from just $500.

2. Create clear goals

It's important to plan your goals clearly when you invest to give yourself the best chance of success.

Without a plan, it's easy to get distracted by daily headlines or rattled by short-term share market bumps. You may end up trying to time the market, chasing unrealistic investment returns and missing out on long-term gains. Make sure your goals are clear, you have a plan and you know where you're heading.

Write down your financial goals in weeks, months and years. Keeping your goals front of mind will help you create an investment plan and stick to it.

3. Diversify your assets

Diversification is an investment strategy that lowers your portfolio risk and helps you get more stable returns.

Diversification lowers your portfolio's risk because different asset classes do well at different times. An important decision for every investment portfolio is how much to allocate to different types of investments. This mix of investments such as shares, bonds, property or cash is referred to as your asset allocation.

What this essentially means is that if one business or sector fails or performs badly, you won't lose all your money. Having a variety of investments with different risks will balance out the overall risk of a portfolio.

4. Do your research

When it comes to investing, many people seek the opinion of friends and families and get their information from the media and social influencers.

While talking to a financial planner is the most effective way to manage your personal finances, there are other ways to do your own initial research as a jumping-off point. Beginner investors can consider reputable podcasts, seminars and investment company websites for general information.

Having the right information at hand before you begin investing will allow you to make considered decisions.

5. Keep your eyes on the prize

While it's tempting to impulse buy a new outfit or order takeaway three times a week, make sure to exercise some financial discipline. A useful way to stay on top of your spending is to create a realistic budget. If you know you will buy a coffee every single day, add this to your budget – you need to be transparent and honest with yourself about where your money is going.

Above all, stay focused on your end goal and what you're hoping to achieve. This will be the biggest motivating factor for you to maintain your discipline.

_{Important information and general advice warning}

_{Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) is the product issuer and the Operator of Vanguard Personal Investor. We have not taken your objectives, financial situation or needs into account when preparing this article so it may not be applicable to the particular situation you are considering. You should consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and the disclosure documents for any financial product we make available before making any investment decision. Before you make any financial decision regarding Vanguard products, you should seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. A copy of the Target Market Determinations (TMD) for Vanguard's financial products can be obtained at vanguard.com.au free of charge and include a description of who the financial product is appropriate for. You should refer to the TMD before making any investment decisions. You can access our IDPS Guide, PDSs, Prospectus and TMDs at vanguard.com.au or by calling 1300 655 101. Past performance information is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as, and is not, an indication of future performance. This article was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions.}

_Vanguard
November 2023
vanguard.com.au