The three most common mistakes investors say they made at the start
Ask almost any long-term investor what they would do differently, and you’ll hear similar answers.
Not complex strategies.
Not stock picking regrets.
Not fancy timing techniques.
Just three simple things.
The good news? They’re all avoidable.
1. Starting too late
This is the one you hear the most.
“I wish I started earlier.”
Many people delay investing because they think they need to know more first. They want to understand every term, every risk, every possible outcome.
But investing is not a university degree you complete before you begin. It’s something you learn by doing.
The irony is that time is one of the most powerful tools in investing. The earlier you start, even with small amounts, the more time your money has to potentially grow and compound.
Waiting until you feel 100 per cent confident often might means missing out on years of growth.
You don’t need to know everything. You need to start, stay curious, and keep learning along the way.
2. Panic selling in bad years
Markets do not rise in a straight line. There will be negative years. There will be uncomfortable headlines. There will be moments when your app shows your returns in red.
For new investors, that can feel alarming. The instinct is to protect yourself by selling.
But here’s what many experienced investors say when they look back: their biggest mistake wasn’t a bad investment. It was selling during a downturn and missing the recovery.
Historically, markets have gone through cycles. Downturns have been followed by recoveries. The problem is, no one knows exactly when that recovery will begin.
Selling in fear can lock in losses. Staying invested, if your timeframe allows, gives your money the opportunity to recover and grow.
Time in the market has generally mattered more than trying to jump in and out at the “right” moment.
3. Not getting the foundations right first
This one is less talked about, but just as important.
Before you invest heavily, your basics matter.
- Do you have an emergency fund?
- Do you understand your cash flow?
- Is your debt manageable?
If you don’t have a buffer in place, every market dip feels more stressful. You’re more likely to panic because you might need that money in the short term.
Strong foundations make you a calmer investor.
When you know your bills are covered and you have a safety net, you’re far less likely to react emotionally to short-term market movements.
Remember: Most investors don’t regret starting.
They regret waiting.
They regret reacting emotionally.
They regret skipping the basics.
You don’t need to be an expert to begin. You just need to avoid the common traps and thankfully, you can learn from others’ mistakes.
If you want to get your foundations sorted and build confidence as an investor, head to Raiz Academy and take the next step.
Investing for your kids. Why starting early matters
Most adults have had this thought at some point.
“I wish I started earlier.”
Earlier with saving.
Earlier with investing.
Earlier with understanding money.
The good news? You can give your kids that head start.
Why time is your child’s biggest advantage
When it comes to investing, time is powerful.
The earlier money is invested, the longer it has to potentially grow. That growth can build on itself over the years. It doesn’t happen overnight. But over 10, 15 or 18 years, small amounts can turn into something meaningful.
That’s why investing for your child early can make such a difference.
It’s not about putting away huge sums. It’s about consistency and time.
More than just money
Investing for your kids isn’t only about building a balance for their 18th birthday.
It’s also about teaching them how money works.
When children see money being invested, and understand that it can grow over time, they start to build financial confidence.
They learn that money is not just for spending. It can also be used to build opportunities.
That education can be just as valuable as the dollars themselves.
How Raiz Kids works
Raiz Kids makes it simple to invest for your children with as little as $5.
You can make lump sum contributions or set up regular investments, just like your own Raiz account.
Each Raiz Kid account has its own separate investment portfolio, so you can personalise it.
And with parental permission, your child can access their account. That means they can see how investing works in real life, not just in theory.
It’s a practical way to combine saving, investing and financial education in one place.
Remember: You can’t control everything about your child’s future. But you can give them time.
Time to grow their money.
Time to learn about investing.
Time to build confidence.
Starting early, even with small amounts, can make a meaningful difference later on.
If you want to invest in your child’s future and help them build strong money habits, explore Raiz Kids in the app and see how easy it is to get started.
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Important Information
This blog has been issued by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) as Responsible Entity of the Raiz Invest Australia Fund (ARSN 607 533 022) and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on such information, you should conduct your own review or consult a financial advisor before making a decision to invest. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distributions Obligations, we maintain Target Market Determinations for our Funds. All documents can be found on the Raiz website www.raizinvest.com.au, or calling the Customer Support team on 1300 754 748. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator or guarantee of future performance. Historical returns, forecasts, and market commentary are provided for general informational purposes only. All investment carries risk and may result in loss of capital.
