Skip to main content

Why I Started This Blog: Learning, Sharing, and Growing Together


Sharing, and Growing Together

Welcome! I’m thrilled to begin this journey of documenting my financial learning, investment ideas, and the lessons I’ve gathered over the years. This blog isn’t just for me—it’s for my children, friends, and anyone interested in improving themselves, building wealth, and making smarter choices with money.

My Motivation

  • Reflection: Writing helps me crystallize what I’ve learned from books, mentors, and my own experiences in the market.
  • Legacy: I want my children and future generations to have a roadmap to financial literacy—something practical, thoughtful, and modern.
  • Sharing: Friends, family, and readers can avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made, benefit from my research, and join the conversation about money and investing.
  • Community: We’re all learning, and there’s always more to discover. By sharing ideas here, I hope to spark curiosity and help others on their journeys.

My Recommended Reading and Resources

If you’re looking to build a strong foundation in personal finance and investing, these books and materials have shaped my thinking the most:

Essential Books

  1. Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki
    (A classic on mindset, assets, and liabilities.)
  2. The Richest Man in Babylon – George S. Clason
    (Timeless parables on saving and wealth-building.)
  3. The Barefoot Investor
    (Straightforward, practical steps for everyday Australians.)
  4. Money Made Simple – Noel Whittaker
    (Explains complex money concepts in plain language.)
  5. The Interpretation of Financial Statements – Mary Buffett & David Clark
    (Clear guide to reading company results.)
  6. Teach Yourself About Shares – Robert Kiyosaki
    (Basics of stock investing for beginners.)
  7. Charting Made Simple: A Beginner's Guide to Technical Analysis
    (An easy introduction to technical trading charts.)
  8. Fundamental Analysis For Dummies – Matt Krantz
    (A hands-on book on evaluating companies.)
  9. The Intelligent Investor – Benjamin Graham
    (The legendary value investing bible.)
  10. Warren Buffett Interviews (YouTube)
    (Learn directly from the world’s greatest investor.)
  11. The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life
    (Insightful biography and investing wisdom.)

Web Resources

  1. Warren Buffett’s Annual Letters to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders
    (See the Berkshire Hathaway company site for decades of easily-readable, practical guidance straight from Buffett.)
  2. Books on ETFs and Mutual Funds
    (Find at your local library, bookshop, or online retailer. These are essential for understanding diversified, passive investing.)
  3. Review Vanguard and BlackRock for Index Fund Research
    (Explore their sites for guides on low-fee diversified funds:
    - Vanguard Australia
    - BlackRock Australia)

Moving Forward

This blog is my way of keeping myself accountable, revisiting key lessons, and helping others grow. Whether you’re starting out or looking for new ideas, I hope you find something here that inspires you to take your financial knowledge to the next level.

If you have questions, book recommendations, or want to share your own journey—please leave a comment or get in touch. Let’s learn and succeed together!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Watchlist for 2025: A Blend of Growth, Yield & Diversification

Thinking about how to position my portfolio for 2025, I wanted a mix of established blue chips, high-quality ETFs, tech giants, global brands, and opportunities for strong yield and growth. Here’s a rundown of the stocks and funds I’m researching, why I’m interested, and how I see them fitting into a well-rounded investment strategy. Australian Equities 1. BHP Group (BHP) World’s largest miner, exposure to iron ore and copper. Strong dividend history and capital returns through market cycles. Diversification across bulk commodities, global operations, and entry into potash signals long-term growth. 2. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Australia’s largest bank, robust dividend payer, market leader in retail banking. Consistent earnings and a 4.65/share dividend as of 2025. Defensive qualities in the financial sector yet at a historical premium valuation. 3. Macquarie Group (MQG) Global investment bank with diversified asset management and infrastruc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Australian ETF Investment Guide: Maximizing After-Tax Returns Across Tax Brackets - With my thoughts on allocation

Australian ETF Investment Guide: Maximizing After-Tax Returns Across Tax Brackets When it comes to investing in dividend ETFs as an Australian, the tax implications can make or break your returns. While US markets offer compelling options like VIG and JEPI, the reality is that franking credits and withholding taxes significantly impact your net returns. Let's break down the optimal ETF allocation strategies for different Australian tax brackets. The Tax Landscape for Australian ETF Investors Australian ETFs: The Franking Advantage Australian dividend-paying companies provide franking credits - essentially pre-paid tax credits that can reduce your tax bill or even result in refunds. This creates a significant advantage for domestic ETFs like: VHY (Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF) : 8.66% dividend yield with ~20% franking credits VAS (Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF) : Broader mar...
Post a Comment
Read more