Money Myth #2 It's Too Late and Too Difficult to Invest

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m too old to invest,” or “It’s too late for me,” keep reading - we’re about to retire that belief.

I hear this from women in their late 40s, 50s, even mid-50s. And my response is always the same: no, it's not too late or too difficult. You can absolutely start now. What matters is matching your money moves to the life you want. Here’s the five-step path I teach:

1) Clarity. Before numbers or products, decide what you want money to do for you. What does a “comfortable” or “dignified” life actually look like in your world—annual Europe trips, a caravan adventure, more time at home with family? Define it, then cost it. Your vision is your financial GPS.

2) Knowledge. Investing doesn’t have to be complicated. Women are excellent investors precisely because we’re often less reactive. Learn the basics (shares, funds, property, superannuation) and how each might serve your goals. Get advice where needed—but remember every specialist has a bias. Gather information, compare options side-by-side, and choose what aligns.

3) Know yourself. This is risk tolerance in real life. Can you watch markets dip without panic-selling? Does taking on property debt make you feel stretched or steady? Tune into your body’s signals and separate genuine “not for me” from old money stories that just need reframing.

4) Make a plan. Small, steady contributions compound quietly. Example: start with $10,000 and add $200/month at an assumed 8% average return—roughly ~$56k in 10 years and ~$96k in 15. Increase to $500/month and you’re looking at ~$100k+ in 10 years and ~$200k in 15. Numbers will vary, but the direction is clear: time + consistency = momentum.

5) Take action. This is where change happens. Optimise cash flow to free up that $200–$500/month (renegotiate insurances, trim low-joy spending, simplify subscriptions). Keep superannuation working, reduce bad debt, and funnel the difference into your chosen investments. For property, expect early years may be cash-flow negative—plan for the top-up until rents and growth flip the equation.

You don’t need a time machine—just today’s decision. Pick the step you’re stuck on (clarity, knowledge, self-understanding, plan, or action), move it forward, and your future self will be so grateful you started now. If you want help mapping your pathway, that’s my jam. Let’s build the plan that funds the life you actually want.