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@withtheaims

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A lot of people put off investing because they feel like they need to know everything before they start.

I know I felt that way when I first started 🙈.

With so many terms, platforms and investment options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the “right” decision.

That’s why I put together this simple step by step guide for you guys! ✌️

Knowing what I know now, this is the exact roadmap I’d follow if I had to start investing all over again with my first $1,000.

Looking back, I realised that having a simple plan mattered far more than trying to learn everything upfront. I didn’t need the perfect strategy, I just needed to take that first step and stay consistent over time.

I would also keep choosing an investing platform simple. Things I would look for in a broker include one that’s easy to use, offers access to the markets I want to invest in, is CHESS sponsored, has competitive brokerage fees and provides useful research tools.

🙆🏻‍♀️ That’s why I use Moomoo. It lets me invest, research ETFs, compare investments side by side, keep up with market news and set up recurring investments, all within the one app.

📌 Moomoo is currently offering 30 days of $0 brokerage on AU and US stocks/ETFs, plus up to 38 free shares if you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you’d like to check out the investing platform I use, you can find the link in my bio! ✨

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💬 If you’re already investing, what’s one thing you wish you knew before you started?

🌱 If you haven’t started yet, what’s the biggest thing holding you back?

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Sponsored by Moomoo Securities Australia Ltd, ABN 51 095 920 648, AFSL No. 224663.

Disclaimer: Based on my own personal experience and intended for educational purposes only. This is not financial advice. Investing involves risk and different platforms/products will suit different people.

#investing101 #investingtips #ozdebtfreecommunity #wealthbuilding #investingforbeginners by @withtheaims

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9 days ago

Hey, it’s Aims 👋.

It’s been a while since I shared a post about me, why I started this account, and how my journey’s unfolded.

If you’re new here, welcome & thanks for tuning in ✨ .

And if you’re an OG follower, thank you for being here through the ups & downs! 🫰🏻

▫️ I started this page a couple years ago looking for a community to help me stay accountable with my financial goals, connect with like-minded people & to learn from others.

▫️ It’s a space where I share my journey to financial freedom. Here you’ll find me from chatting about investing, budgeting, tracking finances to career chats & the occasional life/wellness/health content too. I hope you can take away gems from my journey, feel less alone on yours & to know that anything is possible!

▫️ Here are 9 facts so you can get to know me better:
1. My family migrated to 🇦🇺 when I was 5. I used to feel like I didn’t fit in, but now I fully embrace my background & how it shaped me.
2. Before 25, my finances were a mess! I lived paycheck to paycheck, got a credit card too early & never invested a dollar in my life.
3. My go to beverages are dirty chai or matcha latte 🍵.
4. I’m a bit of a health/fitness junkie. Love a good gym sesh, running, cyclin, and reformer pilates. Also snowboarding (pic here is from Japan ❄️).
5. I got married earlier this year, I wouldn’t be where I am today without his teachings, support & advice.
6. We have a 4.5 year old Frenchie, he’s the best and occasionally stars in my stories/posts 🐶.
7. My first job was at Maccas when I was 14. I also worked in retail & cafés before corporate life. I now work in risk, but was an auditor & accountant to begin with!
8. I started an Etsy store in 2022 to sell money tracker templates that I made. It’s small but seeing others use them to hit their goals is the best feeling! 🫶🏻
9. We’re working towards financial freedom, not to never work again, but to have more options, more time with loved ones & more flexibility to do what we love.

Let me know if any of these surprised you or if we’ve got anything in common!

#financialfreedomjourney #firejourney #personalfinancetips by @withtheaims

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a year ago

Budgeting doesn’t have to mean limiting yourself or avoiding avo toasts 🤪; it’s about using your money with intention so you can create the life you actually want 🤌🏻.

This month’s paycheck came in at $9,154 after taxes and super retirement funds were taken out from my 9 to 5 and here’s exactly how I split it up using zero based budgeting. Lots of transparency in this one — hope you guys find this helpful 🙏.

For me, this method means every dollar has a job, whether it’s going towards rent, groceries, our dog, sinking funds, or investments. It’s how I stay intentional with my money and keep building towards financial freedom with my husband ✨.

Not every month looks the same (because life happens 😬), but that’s the beauty of having a budget and adjusting as you go. It keeps me on track, while letting me be intentional with my spending and allows me to allocate my money towards the goals that matter most.

📍 I always use my Personal Finance & 5 Year Budget Tracker to budget and track my money. If you’re interested and keen to start your financial journey, the link to my tracker is in my bio ✨.

[Context: I’m 30, currently rent-vesting with my husband. We have one doggo, and while we don’t combine our finances, we do share joint expenses & savings accounts. Although we currently invest separately, we’re fully aligned on our goals and the life we want to achieve.

Other sources of income like dividends, rental income, and side hustles are excluded here, this breakdown focuses only on my 9 to 5 salary. Lastly, shared expenses discussed are only my portion shared with my partner!]

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Let me know if any of these budgets or costs resonate with you or if any surprised you 👀

#budgetbreakdown #paydayroutine #zerobasedbudgeting #personalfinanceaustralia #millennialmoney #financialfreedomjourney #budgeting101 #budgetingtips #ozdebtfreecommunity by @withtheaims

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a year ago

I accidentally paid too much in overseas ATM fees on our last overseas trip... so I wasn’t making that mistake twice 🥲.

Ahead of our next holiday, I decided to compare 3 of Australia’s most popular travel debit cards, and @youtripau ticked the most boxes for me!

With zero FX conversion fees, higher fee free ATM withdrawal limits and handy travel features, it’s officially earned a spot in my travel wallet 🙌.

📌 Use my code AIMS10 to receive $10 AUD when you sign up in the app. That’s enough for a bowl of ramen in Japan or a few onigiris!!

📌 Sign up before 31 Aug to receive 2% cashback on eligible overseas purchases for your first 5 months. We love a good cashback 💸.

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✈️ I’d love to know, where are you travelling next, and which travel cards are coming with you? 🙂‍↕️

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Comparison is based on my own research. Always check the terms and conditions and choose the travel card that best suits your travel needs.

#traveltips #travelhacks #travelbudget #travelcard #youtrip by @withtheaims

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2 days ago

This post has been sitting in my content schedule for 3 months 🙈; I’ve finally come around to sharing photos from my fave airport lounge of all time!!

A few months ago, we flew to Hong Kong and China, which meant we got to visit @cathaypacific The Pier Business Class Lounge (Gate 65) again!

This lounge honestly feels more like a luxury hotel than an airport.

I genuinely look forward to the 3 to 4 hour layovers here. There was even a moment where I didn’t want to leave because I wanted to eat more, explore another section and just soak it all in!

I think I’ve officially been spoiled because I genuinely don’t know if I can go back to regular airport lounges now lol.

Anyways, here are 10 things I love about The Pier (in no particular order):
1. The famous shortbread cookies - Worth the hype. I had too many and even put some in my pocket when I left 🤫.
2. The lo por beng (wifey cakes) - Say no more. I had about 4 to 5 in one sitting lol. One of my favourite canton desserts!
3. The tea house - Such a beautiful space with a range of loose leaf teas, freshly brewed by the tea host.
4. The endless places to relax - Lounge chairs, day beds, quiet areas... there was always somewhere peaceful to potato 🥔.
5. The bathrooms - Yes, the bathrooms! Spotless, beautifully designed and they even smelt amazing 🙈.
6. Power outlets everywhere – A must in a world class lounge!
7. Barista made coffee was perfecto!
8. The beautiful bars - I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but they looked incredible.
10. The food was splendid - Everything from Western dishes to canto faves like wonton noodles and char siu pork. I went back for 3rds hehe.

Experiences like this remind me why I budget, save and invest! For us, that’s travelling comfortably and treating ourselves every now and then. That’s what money should do - help you build a life you genuinely enjoy.

All photos taken from my @fujifilmx_au 🫶🏻.

📌 What’s the best airport lounge you’ve ever visited? Have you been to The Pier?

#cathaypacific #airportlounge #businessclass #travelhacks #traveltips by @withtheaims

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3 days ago

When I look back on my career in my 20s, there are so many things I wish I’d known sooner.

Some of these came from managers, mentors and colleagues. Others came from making mistakes myself. Either way, they’ve shaped how I approach my career.

So I wanted to share them in case someone else needs a little nudge too 😌.

1. Everyone you work with is a future networking contact.
The world is smaller than you think. Build genuine relationships, be kind, and leave every role on good terms.

2. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start before you’re ready.
You’ll rarely feel 100% prepared. Confidence comes from taking the first step.

3. You’re paid for the value you bring, not just the hours you work.
I used to think longer hours led to promotions. They don’t. Impact, problem solving and communication matter just as much.

4. Remember that you’re interviewing the company too.
You’re not just proving you’re a good fit. You’re deciding whether the role, manager and culture are right for you. I learned this one the hard way 🙈.

5. Do what you say you’re going to do.
Following through builds trust, credibility and a strong reputation.

6. Go to your manager with solutions, not just problems.
You don’t need every answer, but bringing ideas shows initiative.

7. Take ownership of your career.
Don’t wait for opportunities to find you. Seek feedback, ask for challenges and be intentional about where you want to go.

8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Nobody expects you to know everything. Asking questions is one of the fastest ways to grow.

9. Soft skills matter just as much as technical skills.
Communication, EQ & relationship building often separate good employees from great leaders.

10. Don’t let work become your whole life.
Your career should support your life, not become your identity. Build hobbies, nurture relationships, travel, start a side hustle - whatever fills your cup 🫶🏻.

I’m still learning, but these lessons have made a huge diff in my career. I apply them just as much to my side business & content too 🙆🏻‍♀️.

📌 What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? by @withtheaims

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4 days ago

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11 days ago

As we’re planning our next holiday, I started reviewing some popular travel debit cards on the market to see if there were any better options than the ones I currently use. I thought I’d share my research in case it’s helpful for anyone else travelling soon 🤓.

The travel card you use can make a bigger difference than you might think. Things like international transaction fees, exchange rates, ATM withdrawal fees and FX fees can all impact how much your trip ends up costing 👀.

One thing that’s worth knowing is that not all exchange rates are created equal. Some cards use the mid-market exchange rate (the rate you see on Google), while others use Visa, Mastercard or near-interbank rates. They’re all generally competitive, but some providers may apply small markups in certain situations.

At the end of the day, there isn’t one “best” travel debit card for everyone. I usually travel with 2 to 3 different cards, just in case one isn’t accepted, stolen or stops working. You just never know!

The right travel card ultimately depends on how you travel, where you’re going, whether you prefer a traditional bank account or a multi currency wallet, how often you’ll be withdrawing cash, and which features matter most to you.

As always, this isn’t an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other travel debit cards available. This post is simply intended to help you compare some of the most popular options and hopefully make your research a little easier 😊.

📌 If you’re interested in checking out @wiseaccount or @youtripau, I’ve included my referral links in my bio. You can get a free Wise card when you sign up, or use code AIMS10 with YouTrip to receive $10 AUD 🙂‍↕️.

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I’d love to know, what travel debit card(s) do you use when you travel overseas? Or do you prefer using your credit cards instead? 👀

#traveltips #debitcards #travelessentials #travelbudget #travelcards by @withtheaims

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17 days ago

Have you ever wondered what some of the best performing ETFs in Australia are? 👀

@canstar.com.au recently ranked the highest return ETFs across different categories based on their 1, 3 and 5 year returns. Here are some of the top performers 👇

🇦🇺 Australian Broad Based ETFs
▪️ QOZ
• 1Y: 19.12% | 3Y: 15.22% | 5Y: 10.87%
• Tracks the FTSE RAFI Australia 200 Index.
▪️ VLC
• 1Y: 11.15% | 3Y: 12.94% | 5Y: 9.29%
• Tracks Australia’s largest listed companies.
▪️ A200
• 1Y: 7.13% | 3Y: 11.14% | 5Y: 8.22%
• Tracks around 200 of Australia’s largest companies.

🏦 Australian Sector ETFs
▪️ HCRD
• 1Y: 5.07% | 3Y: 7.96% | 5Y: N/A
• Australian investment-grade corporate bonds.
▪️ QPON
• 1Y: 5.01% | 3Y: 5.44% | 5Y: 3.84%
• Senior floating-rate bonds from major Australian banks.
▪️ FLOT
• 1Y: 4.58% | 3Y: 5.04% | 5Y: 3.58%
• Floating-rate Australian corporate debt.

📈 Australian Strategy ETFs
▪️ IHEB
• 1Y: 22.30% | 3Y: 17.17% | 5Y: 10.77%
• High-dividend Australian companies with ESG screening.
▪️ GEAR
• 1Y: 7.97% | 3Y: 16.59% | 5Y: 11.75%
• Geared exposure to Australian shares.
▪️ ILC
• 1Y: 11.01% | 3Y: 12.68% | 5Y: 8.85%
• Tracks the 20 largest ASX-listed companies.

🌏 International Broad Based ETFs
▪️ VLUE
• 1Y: 49.61% | 3Y: 26.17% | 5Y: 17.71%
• Global developed market value stocks.
▪️ IHOO
• 1Y: 39.11% | 3Y: 25.02% | 5Y: 16.19%
• Tracks the S&P Global 100 Index (AUD hedged).
▪️ NDQ
• 1Y: 27.23% | 3Y: 24.35% | 5Y: 19.19%
• Tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index.

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Curious to know, do you hold any of these? Let me know in the comments 😌.

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📌 Keep in mind: These ETFs are from different categories, so they aren’t directly comparable. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns, so always consider what an ETF tracks, its fees and whether it suits your investment goals.

Source: Canstar Highest Return ETFs in Australia (July 2026). Returns effective to May 2026. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. by @withtheaims

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18 days ago

This month was a higher income month vs usual^, but it was also a higher spending month too 😬.

Even so, I’m still happy with how it turned out. I managed to invest $10k across my share portfolios, despite having to pay annual landlord insurance and having a few extra expenses throughout the month.

My total actual expenses came to $8k, which includes my personal expenses plus my portion of our shared expenses.
— Personal expenses ($5.1k) came in just over $1k over budget 🥲. The biggest contributors to this was more eating out and catch up plans throughout June, renewing my passport (gotta be ready for the next holiday hehe ✈️), gifting, and paying my annual landlord insurance for my investment property (took up almost half of the total amount).
— Shared expenses ($2.7k) was only slightly over budget. Everything else is per usual. The main tip over was paying our friends back for tickets to a comedy show and Hans Zimmer later this year. I’m so excited for both, gonna be so worth it! Hehe

I usually aim to keep my monthly expenses between $4k to $4.2k, so this month was definitely MUCH higher than normal 😅. But that’s exactly why I track my finances so closely.

Not every month is going to go to plan. Some months you’ll have annual bills, one off expenses, or simply spend a little more than usual. The important thing is knowing where your money went, understanding why you went over budget, and using that information to make better decisions moving forward :).

If you want to feel more in control of your money, my Budget Tracker can help you stay accountable, plan ahead and work towards your financial goals.

📌 Comment “BUDGET” and I’ll send you the link! 🔗

(^Income this month includes 9-5 salary, rental income, affiliate income, digital products, collabs, dividends and interest.)

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👋 How did your spending go in June? I’d love to know if you also had any hefty expenses like I did 🙈.

#budgeting #budgeting101 #savings101 #investing101 #wealthbuilding by @withtheaims

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19 days ago

Can’t believe 1 July has come around already! A new financial year usually means a fresh set of money changes for us Aussieeees 👀.

I always find it interesting to see what’s changing each year, especially which changes will actually impact me, so I thought I’d put together a quick overview of the 11 biggest money changes and how they could affect you too.

A couple of changes I didn’t include in this carousel are the confirmed changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and negative gearing, as they don’t start until the next financial year (1 July 2027). I’ve already covered them in previous posts, so feel free to scroll back through my feed if you’d like a more detailed explanation!

Here’s a quick recap of what’s coming next year:
🏠 Capital gains tax (CGT): From 1 July 2027, the current 50% CGT discount for newly acquired eligible assets will be replaced with cost-base indexation and a minimum 30% tax rate on net capital gains. Existing investments are generally subject to transitional rules that split gains accrued before and after this date.
🏘️ Negative gearing: From 1 July 2027, negative gearing will generally be limited to newly built residential properties. Existing residential properties purchased after this date won’t generally be eligible, while existing investments are generally expected to be grandfathered.

I’m slowly coming to terms with the CGT and negative gearing changes, but either way, it’ll be interesting to see how they play out over the next couple of years 🥲. We’re already starting to see property prices soften in some parts of Australia, so it’ll be interesting to see what impact (if any) these reforms have once they come into effect.

📌 How is everyone feeling about all these money changes this year? What are you most looking forward to or not looking forward to? 👀

#taxchanges #superannuation #moneytips #wages #ausfinance by @withtheaims

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25 days ago

The new financial year always feels like a fresh start! 🤓

Every July, I do a full money reset. I review my spending, reassess my investment allocations, and make sure my money is aligned with the goals I’m working towards over the next 12 months.

One thing that changed this year was adding Bitcoin as a small, intentional allocation alongside my ETFs.

When I reviewed my portfolio, I realised almost all of my wealth was tied to traditional assets like shares and property. Bitcoin helped fill a gap that was previously missing from my portfolio and gave me exposure to an asset outside the traditional financial system.

I use @bitcoin.com.au for all my Bitcoin buys. They’re Aussie-operated, AUSTRAC regulated, and have been around since 2013. I’ve set up recurring buys so I can invest consistently without having to think about it, making it as automatic as my Super contributions 😎.

Do you do an annual money reset? What’s one thing you’re changing in FY27? 👇

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Risk warning: Cryptocurrency is a volatile asset subject to sharp declines in short timeframes. Capital at risk, consider your risk tolerance and invest responsibly.

#cryptoinvesting #investing101 #ozdebtfreecommunity #wealthbuilding by @withtheaims

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25 days ago