How to invest your first (or next) $1,000 in 2026
Every January, millions of Australians set resolutions, but few turn them into real goals. The difference matters: resolutions rely on motivation, while goals rely on action. And when it comes to money, small consistent actions always win.
If you’ve been meaning to start investing but haven’t quite got there yet, you’re not alone. Life gets busy, and “investing” can sound like something you’ll do later, when you have more time, more money or more confidence.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need any of those things to begin. All you need is a simple plan, a bit of consistency and the right tools to make it easy.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on what you already have, here’s how to turn small weekly habits into your first (or next) $1,000 investment in 2026.
Step 1: Break it down into weeks
$1,000 might sound like a big goal, but let’s make it smaller.
If you invest $20 a week, you’ll reach around $1,000 in a year.
If you invest $40 a week, you’ll get there in about six months.
If you’re starting later in the year, simply work out how many weeks there are between your start date and your goal date, then divide your target amount by that number. That’s how much you’ll need to invest each week to reach your goal.
Step 2: Automate your investing
Here’s where most people slip up: they rely on memory or motivation. The trick to building wealth isn’t willpower, it’s automation.
Set up a recurring transfer from your account straight into your Raiz account each week (or fortnight if that suits your pay cycle). This way, your investing happens automatically, and you don’t have to think about it.
Tip: Align it with your payday so you’re investing before you even see the money sitting in your account.
Step 3: Choose your portfolio
Once you’re set up, pick a portfolio that matches your comfort level and goals. Raiz offers a range of options from conservative to aggressive, so you can choose how much risk you’re comfortable taking.
If you’re new to investing, remember that time in the market matters more than timing the market. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow and compound.
Step 4: Give your balance a boost
Want to hit your $1,000 goal faster or add a little extra without noticing it? Use these simple built-in features in the Raiz app.
• Round-Ups: Every time you spend, Raiz rounds up your purchase to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change. Spend $4.60 on coffee, and 40 cents gets invested automatically. It’s effortless, and those cents really add up.
• Raiz Rewards: When you shop with Raiz partner brands, a portion of what you spend is invested back into your account. Think of it as cashback that grows over time.
Together, these two features can quietly boost your balance throughout the year without you lifting a finger.
Step 5: Stay consistent
Investing isn’t about doing it perfectly, it’s about doing it consistently. Markets will move up and down, but your habit of regularly investing will smooth those bumps out over time.
By this time next year, your small weekly contributions could add up to something you’re proud of: your first (or next) $1,000 invested and growing for your future.
Want to keep learning? Head to Raiz Academy to learn how to get started, set goals and see how easy it is to invest from as little as $5.
Don’t have the Raiz App?
Download it for free in the App store or the Webapp below:
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.
