Natasha's financial journey is a testament to the power of long-term investing and a simple strategy. At 28, she boasts an impressive net worth of over $1 million, and here's how she did it.
As an 18-year-old, Natasha Etschmann, now known as TashInvests online, was far from a financial guru. She worked tirelessly as a disability support worker, pulling long shifts and saving diligently. Her father offered her a piece of advice that would change her life: invest in an S&P 500 ETF and hold onto it. (https://www.vanguard.com.au/corporate/?cmpgn=SL1025AUBANME0040EN)
Fast forward a decade, and Natasha's financial landscape looks dramatically different. Her share portfolio is valued at approximately $310,000, and she owns both an apartment and a house. But here's the twist: she achieved this not through get-rich-quick schemes but by embracing a 'Get Rich Slow' philosophy.
Her strategy is straightforward: buy, hold, and diversify. She began with a $1,000 investment in an ETF at 18 and consistently added to it. This approach, she believes, is the key to her success, allowing her wealth to grow steadily over time.
But it wasn't just about investing. Natasha worked incredibly hard, often pulling 56-hour shifts in a week, and traveled the world on a shoestring budget, visiting over 40 countries. Her secret? Intentional spending. "Figure out what you care about and spend there, but be ruthless about cutting what you don't," she advises.
Her journey wasn't without mistakes. During the COVID pandemic, she bet against the market by buying an inverse leveraged ETF, losing $5,000. This experience taught her a valuable lesson: never bet against the market's resilience. Yet, her biggest financial gain came from property, as she purchased her first apartment during the pandemic when competition was low, and it has since doubled in value.
Now, at 28, Natasha is a financial influencer, podcast host, and author. She inspires others, especially young women, to take control of their finances. However, she reminds her followers that her success is not a guarantee for everyone, as investing always carries risks. Past performance is not a crystal ball for future results, and thorough research is essential.
Natasha's story is featured on the 7NEWS Money Talks podcast powered by Vanguard (https://www.vanguard.com.au/corporate/?cmpgn=SL1025AUBANME0040EN), where she joins host Tim McMillan to discuss how simple, consistent investing can be a game-changer for anyone's financial future. The podcast aims to demystify personal finance for Australians, covering topics from investing and superannuation to saving and retirement. And it's not just about the experts; listeners share their honest money confessions, creating a space for open and jargon-free financial conversations.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Natasha's 'Get Rich Slow' strategy truly revolutionary, or is it just a rebranded version of traditional long-term investing? And is her success solely due to her strategy, or did her hard work and frugal travel habits play an equally significant role? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
