What is your net worth? $2,700,000
Are you filling this out as an individual or a couple? Individual
At what age(s) did you become a net worth millionaire? Not sure… I separated from my husband about five years ago and that is when I became more money aware.
What region of New Zealand do you live in? Tairawhiti
How did you accumulate your net worth, what are you invested in? Property, shares, ETFs, managed funds.
What was your highest average household WEEKLY income after tax? $1,200
What is your career? Various roles - teaching, public health, drinking water advisor.
Do you have children? YES
Do you have a tertiary qualification? YES
Did you inherit any of your money? YES
If YES, how much did you inherit? $150,000
What's the approximate value of your house? I own one house worth $600K, and also half own a house. My share of that is $1,000,000.
Are you debt free now? YES
Are you in KiwiSaver? YES
Were you taught about money? YES
If YES, how were you taught? Enforced savings. I worked on the farm from when I was young and my father bought shares. Husband was very money savvy and he invested mainly in shares.
What is the most enjoyable thing you do with money? Use it to provide experiences for my daughter/grandson and myself.
Do you use your money or your time to help others? YES
If YES, can you please elaborate. I run a pickleball morning session for a group. Help friends needing lawns, gardening etc. Pop money into grandchildren's KiwiSaver regularly. Lent money to family.
What is your greatest financial win? Ummm not sure there is one thing in particular. Maybe investing in KiwiSaver.
What is your worst financial mistake? I gave $10,000 to a person who persuaded me they had a programme that could beat betting odds… I was silly in retrospect.
What advice do you have for others? Start saving early in higher risk investments, e.g. ETF (S&P 500), and add to savings regularly.
What is the point of having a net worth above $1,000,000. What does it mean to you? Gave me the opportunity to retire early and to have a range of choices in my everyday life that I would not have otherwise had.
Finish these sentences:
If you want to build wealth do this… Pay off debt if it makes sense and start saving early in higher risk investments e.g. ETF (S&P 500), and add to savings regularly
If you want to build wealth avoid doing this… Giving money to the banks, e.g. by not paying off your credit card every month and paying interest etc.