Podcast: Guest – Stocks or Real Estate: Deciding Your Investment Path with Financial Coach Jess Clifford

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jess Clifford from @greenpockets_ as we delve into the world of investing and financial freedom.

In this episode, we simplify investing concepts and explore why gaining understanding is crucial for achieving financial independence.

Jess shares her journey into the financial field and explains why she started her Instagram page to demystify personal finance.

Discover practical steps to start investing, understand the importance of cash flow management, and learn how investing can provide passive income streams for a life of freedom.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, this episode offers valuable insights to help you take control of your financial future.

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You Have My Interest is brought to you by Everlend, a mortgage and finance broking firm built for the purpose of educating and empowering you to make informed financial decisions tailored to your wealth goals. Find out more and book in your free initial consultation at ​​https://www.everlend.com.au/

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Find out more about You Have My Interest at everlend.com.au/podcast and connect with us at podcast@everlend.com.au

You Have My Interest provides information and educational content relating to mortgages, finance and property. You Have My Interest‘s content is general in nature and does not take into account the individual financial, legal or tax needs or objectives of its audience members.

It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Listeners should seek out a licensed professional to discuss their individual financial, legal and tax requirements.

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Podcast produced with Apiro

Please find a Podcast summary below with the interview highlights:

Evelyn, the host of the You Have My Interest podcast, interviews Jess Clifford, a financial planner and creator of the Instagram page “GreenPockets_.” The episode focuses on simplifying investing, addressing misconceptions, and offering practical financial advice.

Key Topics Discussed:

  1. Jess’s Background
    • Jess developed an interest in the stock market at a young age, inspired by her mother.
    • Initially unfamiliar with financial concepts like compound interest, she pursued a career in financial planning.
    • She recognised a gap in financial services for those needing foundational money management skills, leading her to start her Instagram page to empower others with financial confidence.
  2. Philosophy on Investing and Financial Freedom
    • Investing doesn’t require high income; it’s about smart money management.
    • Financial freedom is personalised, not tied to luxury or specific income but defined by having time and choice without financial stress.
    • Effective money management (budgeting, investing) is more about behaviour than complex mathematics.
  3. Common Misconceptions About Investing
    • Investing is like gambling: Jess debunks this by explaining the calculated, long-term nature of investing compared to the chance-based nature of gambling.
    • Property is less risky than shares: She highlights the hidden costs of property and the comparable long-term returns of shares, often with lower maintenance.
    • “I’m not smart enough to invest”: Jess encourages a focus on learning and consistency rather than intelligence.
  4. Starting Points for Investing
    • Begin with budgeting and building an emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses).
    • Start small with micro-investing platforms like Perla, Raise, or ComSec Pocket.
    • Passive investing (e.g., index funds) is ideal for beginners, avoiding the stress and complexity of active trading.
  5. Practical Financial Advice
    • Use investment calculators to visualise long-term outcomes and motivate saving.
    • Review budgets regularly to ensure spending aligns with income and goals.
    • Automate finances for smoother cash flow management.
    • Understand that consistent, small contributions lead to significant results over time.
  6. When to See a Financial Planner
    • Particularly valuable for retirement planning, managing substantial wealth, or receiving a large windfall.
    • Financial planners optimise wealth strategies but are not typically focused on foundational budgeting or money management.

Jess’s Instagram Page:

Jess shares tips on investing and personal finance at GreenPockets_. She encourages followers to focus on financial confidence rather than perfection.

The episode concludes with an invitation to tune into next week’s Q&A session, where Jess and Evelyn answer listener questions about investing.