50 Weeks of Investing with Maggie
- Dr Jo
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
WEEK 1 - October 19, 2025
Meet Maggie...
Maggie’s 62, recently retired, and ready to take control of her financial future.
After years of dabbling in managed funds and holding a few shares with mixed success, she’s decided to learn how to invest actively — with Market Monkey.
"I just want to learn how to invest without losing sleep.” — Maggie, Market Monkey Investor
This week, Dr Jo sat down with Maggie for the first time, to talk through how she’s starting her journey, what’s motivating her, and the first small steps she’s taking to grow her confidence (and her portfolio).
Interview Week 1: Dr Jo & Maggie
Getting Started — Maggie starts to build her confidence
Dr Jo: Good morning, Maggie! Welcome to the Market Monkey community. What made you decide to start your active investing journey?
Maggie: Thanks, Dr Jo! I’ve tried a few things over the years — managed funds, a few shares here and there — but honestly, I never really knew what I was doing. Sometimes I made a little money, sometimes I lost it. I just want to understand the market better so I can invest with confidence — and ideally, match or even beat market returns.
Dr Jo: That’s a really common story. Most people have had mixed experiences, often because they’ve invested at the wrong time or without a clear plan. That’s exactly why we built Market Monkey — to simplify investing and help people like you learn how active portfolios can outperform those “average” returns in a calm, structured way.
🪜 Starting Small, Thinking Smart
Dr Jo: So where do you want to begin, Maggie?
Maggie: I think I’ll start small. Maybe $500 or so — just enough to get my feet wet. Once I feel more confident, I’ll invest more.
Dr Jo: Perfect approach. It’s far better to learn the ropes with a small amount and focus on the process — how to choose, buy, and review your stocks. Even 12 months of small-scale, practice investing can set you up for success later.
💡 Tip: For beginners, starting with around AUD $500 per trade is common. Most brokerage platforms require a minimum like this, though some allow smaller investments. Here’s our beginner’s guide to setting up your brokerage account →
🧩 Choosing Where to Invest
Maggie: Any suggestions on where to open my account?
Dr Jo: Many of our members start with platforms linked to the major Australian banks — like CommSec, NABtrade, or CMC Markets — because they’re reliable and familiar. There are also independent platforms such as Moomoo or SelfWealth, but always check whether you actually own the shares and not just a synthetic version.
💡 See a list of well known ASX trading platforms here →
🏦 Sticking with the ASX
Dr Jo: The Australian market has more than 2,500 listed companies, many of them world-class performers. You don’t need to look overseas to find great returns — and staying local means fewer headaches around currency exchange and tax rules and declarations.
Maggie: That sounds good. I’d rather start with companies I know and trust.
Dr Jo: Exactly. For beginners, it can be a simpler first step to just focus on the Top 20 to 100 blue-chip stocks first — companies like BHP, Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths, and Coles. They’re household names with solid track records and form the backbone of most successful Australian portfolios.
Dr Jo: Good luck with your first week as an active investor, Maggie! Look forward to speaking again soon!
📘 Explore our Blue Report for a snapshot of the ASX’s leading blue-chip performers.
🎓 Maggie’s Week 1 Homework
Start the Market Monkey Active Investing Course (12 Months of Access)– Watch a few modules this week to learn how to read trends and use key indicators.
Browse the Blue Report – Identify 3–5 potential strong, low-risk companies from the Top 100.
Choose a brokerage platform – Compare fees and usability before opening an account.
Prepare for your first investment – Aim for your first $500 stock purchase within the next few weeks.
🌱 What Maggie is learning
“It’s not about throwing money into the market and hoping for the best. It’s about learning a system — and building confidence one step at a time.” — Maggie
📅 Next Update from Maggie:
Maggie makes her first trade! We’ll check in on what she chose, how she decided, and what she learned along the way.
For more Stock Market essentials, check out the Market Monkey course.
#InvestSmart #MarketMonkey #FinancialWellbeing #InvestmentStrategy #FinancialTips #IndexRebalancing #SmartInvesting #50WeeksofInvesting
To find a Financial Advisor in Australia, visit MoneySmart.gov.au 's financial advisor register.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in ETFs and other financial instruments carries risks, including potential loss of principal. Before making any investment decisions, consult with a licensed financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.
Consulting a financial advisor ensures you receive expert guidance tailored to your needs, helping you make informed decisions and manage your investments effectively. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking professional advice to understand the potential risks and rewards associated with your investment choices.
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