Recently, my 19-year-old neighbour came to me with a great question: “What kind of ISA should I open?” He knows I invest in property and have an interest in other money investments, so I was honoured that he sought my advice. But before I gave him any answers, I did something else. I asked him a series of questions. After all, what I would do and what he should do are likely very different because we’re different people with different goals and risk profiles.
This encounter got me thinking about how crucial it is not just to jump into investments, but to have a strategy first. In this article, I want to explore why starting early is a fantastic first step, why asking questions matters more than finding quick answers, and why it’s essential to tailor your investment strategy to your individual goals and circumstances.
Starting Early: Why It’s Never Too Soon to Think About Investing
At 19, my neighbour is already thinking about how to invest his money. And that, in itself, is a huge win. The earlier you start thinking about how to manage and grow your money, the more opportunities you have to make it work for you. Whether it’s property, stocks, or a simple ISA, the most important thing is that you’re starting now.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” — Chinese Proverb
Investing is about playing the long game, and the earlier you begin, the more time you have for your investments to grow. This young man was already one step ahead because he was taking action. He wasn’t just waiting for things to happen—he was proactive in thinking about his future.
Asking Questions Before You Invest (And Why It’s Like Shopping for Clothes)
When my neighbour asked what type of ISA he should open, I didn’t give him an immediate answer. It reminded me of something we all do at some point—buy clothes without trying them on. I’ll admit it: I hate shopping for clothes. Half the time, I can’t be bothered to try them on, and I end up buying something that doesn’t fit properly. All I do is create more work for myself because I have to return it or figure out how to make it work. Investing without asking the right questions is a lot like that. It might look like a good option from the outside, but without considering your personal “fit”—your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon—you might end up with something that doesn’t work for you.
Just like you wouldn’t buy shoes without knowing your size, you shouldn’t jump into an investment without asking yourself the right questions. What works for me might not work for my neighbour, and that’s okay. The key is to tailor your investments to what fits you best.
“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” — Oscar de la Renta
The Importance of Seeking Credible Advice
My neighbour made another great decision—he sought advice from someone with experience. And this is an important step for anyone starting their investment journey. He wasn’t looking for a get-rich-quick scheme or trying to guess what might work. He was willing to learn and listen, and he reached out to someone he knew had a bit of knowledge in the space.
Seeking advice from credible sources is essential because the world of investments can be confusing. There are a million options, and not all of them are right for everyone. Whether it’s property, stocks, ISAs, or pensions, the first step is to get a full understanding of your options from someone who can offer perspective and credibility.
But it’s also important to recognise that no one can give you the “perfect answer.” Instead, the best advice comes from those who help you ask the right questions and figure out what’s best for you.
Finding Your Strategy: It’s About More Than the Investment
Here’s where the conversation with my neighbour really started to take shape. Once he answered my questions about his goals and risk tolerance, it became clear that what he needed was not just advice on ISAs or property, but a strategy.
You see, investing isn’t just about picking the right product or platform. It’s about understanding your personal goals, your time horizon, and how much risk you’re willing to take on. For some people, property is the right path, but for others, it might be stocks, bonds, or even cash savings.
What matters most is having a clear plan—one that aligns with your personal circumstances, your goals, and your risk profile.
“The individual investor should act consistently as an investor and not as a speculator.” — Benjamin Graham
When you have a strategy, it’s like having a roadmap. You know where you’re going, and you can make informed decisions along the way. For my neighbour, that meant thinking not just about today’s ISA but about his long-term financial goals and how to build a strategy that works for him.
Taking Action: Don’t Leave it to Chance
At the end of our conversation, I didn’t give my neighbour any specific advice about which ISA to choose. Instead, I pointed him to resources so he could do his own research and left the door open for more discussions if needed. The most important thing, though, was that he was already taking action.
So many people leave their financial future to chance, hoping that things will “work out” without taking the time to really think about how to grow their wealth. But here’s the truth: nothing will happen if you don’t take action. My neighbour was already ahead of the game simply because he was thinking about his future, asking questions, and taking steps to learn more.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
Advice for Young Investors (or Anyone Just Starting)
If you’re just starting your investment journey, here’s my advice:
- Start Early – The earlier you begin, the more time your investments have to grow. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” because it might never come.
- Ask Questions – Don’t just follow the crowd or take someone else’s advice without thinking. Ask yourself what your goals are, how much risk you can handle, and what your strategy should be.
- Seek Credible Advice – Find someone who has experience and who can help you ask the right questions—not just give you a quick answer.
- Take Action – Once you’ve done your research and have a strategy, take action. Don’t leave it to chance.
Investing is Personal
At the end of the day, there is no single “right” way to invest. Whether you choose property, stocks, ISAs, or something else, what matters is that your investment strategy is aligned with your goals and your situation. Start by asking the right questions, do your research, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from credible sources.
Most importantly, take action. Don’t wait for luck or chance to guide your financial future—be proactive, build a strategy, and set yourself up for success. The first step is taking control and knowing that you can make decisions that will impact your financial future in a positive way.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, download my Property Evaluation Checklist today. It’s a great resource to help you evaluate property opportunities as part of your investment strategy. You can also book a free call on my website to discuss your goals and get guidance on your next steps. By joining my community, you’ll get regular tips, insights, and practical steps to help you build your wealth and take action on your goals. Don’t leave it to chance—start today!
Kelly Lemon
