Build a $20 per Week Habit
At The Holistic Money Co., we see people holding themselves back financially because of one simple belief — “I don’t have enough to start.”
Whether you’re saving for your child’s education, your first home, or your future retirement, the habit you build today is far more powerful than the amount you start with.
Small, Consistent Steps Matter
Putting aside even $20 a week creates real momentum.
While savings accounts and term deposits offer returns between 2% to 4%, a broadly invested global share fund could return an average of around 10% per year. If you start investing when your child is born:
By the time your child starts school, the fund could be worth around $6,500
When they finish school and are considering further education, or buying their first home, the fund could be worth between $47,000 - $52,000
This is the power of starting early — and sticking with it.
How to Build a $20 per Week Investment Habit
Here’s how to turn a small weekly amount into a meaningful long‑term plan.
1. Pay Your Future Self First
Before money disappears into everyday spending, direct a portion of your income toward your goals.
Action steps:
List your fixed costs (rent, power, insurance)
Identify your discretionary spending
Decide on a weekly or monthly amount you can commit to saving
Even a small amount becomes powerful when it’s consistent.
2. Match Your Investment to Your Timeframe
Your investment strategy should reflect when you’ll need the money.
Action steps:
Speak with a financial advisor about the fund(s) that are most suitable for your personal circumstances, goals, and investment timeframes.
Short‑term (under 5 years): keep risk low
Medium‑term (5–10 years): balanced or growth funds
Long‑term (10+ years): growth or high‑growth funds to maximise returns
The longer your timeframe, the more compounding will work in your favour.
3. Give Your Money a Purpose
We’re far less likely to dip into savings when the money is for something specific.
Action steps:
Name your account or fund: “Kids’ Uni Fund”, “First Home Deposit”, “Future Me Fund”
Write down your goal and investment timeframe
Remind yourself what this money is for when temptation strikes
Purpose creates discipline.
4. Automate and ‘Level Up’ Over Time
Automation means your investment keeps growing without you having to think about it.
Action steps:
Set up an automatic payment to your managed fund of $20 a week or $40 per fortnight
Increase your automatic payment when you can e.g., Can you increase the amount you’re putting aside by $1 - $2 each month? If you get a raise, can you commit all of that to investment?
Add lump sums e.g., a work bonus - invest it, don’t spend it. Cash for Christmas or birthdays? Throw some of that in there as well.
Review your progress every 3–6 months
Small increases make a big difference over long periods.
5. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time
There is no perfect moment to start investing. Markets rise and fall — that’s normal. What matters is staying invested long enough to benefit from compounding returns.
Action steps:
Start now, even if it’s small
Stay consistent
Focus on the long term, not short‑term market noise
The biggest mistake is waiting.
Ready to Build Your Own Investment Habit?
If you’d like help setting up a simple, sustainable investment plan — or want clarity on where to start — I’m offering a free, no‑obligation financial review.
We’ll look at your goals, your timeframe, and your options, and build a plan that feels achievable and aligned with your life.
Go to https://www.holisticmoney.co.nz/and schedule a day and time that suits.
Alternatively, feel free to reach out directly by emailing kelly@holisticmoney.co.nz.
Let’s put you in control of your money, and build the future of your dreams — one small step at a time.
Warmest regards, Kelly