Starting your investment journey can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a finance expert to invest — you just need the commitment to get started.
Many people intend to invest or mean to start saving but never take the first step. Don’t let your goals end up in the graveyard of good intentions. This guide will help you start building your financial future one rand at a time.
Who Can Invest?
Anyone.
You don’t need a degree in finance to start investing — all you need is a goal and commitment. While there’s no secret formula to investing, it helps to understand basic financial concepts such as interest rates, return on investment, and the types of investment options available.
The more you learn, the more confident you become in making financial decisions.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start?
Whether it’s R100, R500, or R1,000 a month, what matters most is consistency. Investing isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to secure their financial future and achieve personal goals. Set aside a manageable principal amount. This can be as little as R10 each month deposited into your savings account. You can gradually increase this amount as you see fit.
The key is to start small and stay consistent.
Where to Start
Before you invest, define your goals.
Are they short-term (within 1–3 years) or long-term (5–10 years)?
Once you know what you’re working towards, you can choose the right investment option for your time frame and risk appetite. For example:
- Short-term goals might suit low-risk, liquid investments such as money market funds.
- Long-term goals can benefit from higher-risk, higher-reward options such as equities or property funds.
Create a detailed plan and time frame for your investments. Having a clear idea of what you wish to achieve and by when will keep you grounded and on track.
Understanding Different Asset Classes
When you invest, you’re essentially choosing an asset class — a category of investments with similar characteristics. Here are the main types:
1. Equities (Shares)
Equities are shares of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). They’re designed for long-term growth and come with higher risk and potential returns.
2. Fixed Income (Bonds)
These are debt investments that pay you regular interest. They’re moderate-risk options for investors seeking predictable income.
3. Cash
Cash investments include savings and money market funds — low-risk options ideal for short-term goals or emergency funds.
4. Listed Property
Investing in property funds gives you access to commercial and industrial real estate returns. These carry higher risk but offer both capital growth and income potential.
Having a diversified investment portfolio — with exposure to different asset classes — helps you manage risk. That way, if one part of the market dips, your other investments can help balance things out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned investors make mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Investing long-term funds in short-term products — match your investment horizon to your goals.
- Not researching interest rates or fees — these can eat into your returns.
- Being impatient — wealth building takes time. The longer your money stays invested, the higher your potential return.
Remember: patience is a powerful investment tool.
Keep Learning
The most successful investors are lifelong learners. Markets change, products evolve, and your goals may shift too. Start where you are, with what you have. The earlier you begin, the longer your money has to grow — and that’s the real secret to financial freedom.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a lot of money or advanced knowledge to begin investing. You just need the courage to start — and the discipline to keep going.
