Money and Investing: 5 investments we’d make if we were starting from scratch

This week on Money and Investing, Mitch Olarenshaw and I share the five investments we’d make if starting from scratch, offering practical advice for anyone building wealth from the ground up.

1. Invest in Your Financial Education

Before committing any money, build a solid understanding of the basics. Compound interest, opportunity cost, and the risk-free rate all shape how well your decisions perform over time, and most of this knowledge is freely available.

2. Build an Emergency Fund and Clear Bad Debt

A cash buffer covering three months of expenses brings genuine peace of mind. Clear high-interest debt first, then build the fund, so you’re never forced back into borrowing.

3. Start Early with Index ETFs

Broad, low-cost index funds tend to outperform actively managed funds over time. Starting sooner, even by a year or two, makes a real difference through compounding.

4. Make a Small, Calculated Allocation to Bitcoin

A modest position in a higher-growth asset can add long-term upside without exposing your broader portfolio to unnecessary risk. Size it so a downturn won’t derail your plan.

5. Invest in Yourself

Health, proper structuring advice and open communication about money within a relationship all compound just like financial assets. Better decisions in each area lead to better outcomes everywhere else. 

For more Info about Money and Investing, you can go to the podcast; The Wealth Playbook: Your Ultimate Guide to Financial Security; and The Wealth Playbook by Andrew Baxter – Audiobook, which is on Audible.

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Disclaimer: Wealth Magnet Pty Ltd (ABN 52 618 868 830) trading as Australian Investment Education is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR no. 1255231) of Grange Financial Services Pty Ltd (AFSL No. 488609).

The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. Viewers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. For full disclaimer information, please click here.