The “Soft Capitalism Starter Kit”.
For when you're trying to build wealth, but gently. No Wolf of Wall Street energy here. Just good habits, tidy apps, and the occasional oat latte.
📱 ING Savings Maximiser:
Australian, simple, and non-overstimulating. Offers 5% interest per annum if you transfer $1,000 monthly and grow your balance (you can grow it by literally a few dollars to be eligible the month).
📈 Sharesies:
Beginner-friendly investing with charming UX/UI and $5 parcel options. Feels like investing without being screamed at by charts or crypto bros.
💰 Sub-Accounts:
This took me far too long to implement. Now I separate my money into clear zones: salary → expenses → disposable → savings → investments → “future me will thank you.” It’s something simple that we’ve all undoubtedly heard, but goodness does it make a difference once you choose to finally commit…
🎙️ Raising The Curve (Podcast):
Obsessed. This NZ-based podcast talks about money and investing like your stylish older sister walking you through it over wine and cheese (as opposed to a patronising lecture or some hustle bro cult vibe). Their approach to educating women on finance and investing is genuinely interesting, refreshingly jargon-free, and keeps my eyes from glazing over. Oh, and their adorable Kiwi accents remind me of home. ♡
🪷 Thinking Beyond The Now:
This isn’t an app or a digital tool… it’s a mindset shift. My impulse spending dropped dramatically once I realised most things I’d bought didn’t make me happier (groundbreaking, I know). So now I ask: “Once this item arrives, will you feel fixed? Cured? Emotionally aligned?”. If the answer’s no (and it usually is), I keep scrolling.
💭 Final Thought:
One of the biggest things I’ve learned this past year is that you don’t have to be wealthy to start building wealth. And that’s not to say it comes without sacrifice, but getting financially literate doesn’t have to cost a thing.