#32 When to Stop Saving and Start Investing

Most Australians were told to save. Nobody ever said when to stop. Alex McBain sits down with Vision Wealth Strategies advisers Ashleigh Dodt and Luke Kaprilian to work through what saving actually does, the cost it quietly carries, and why investing brings risks of its own worth understanding. Emergency buffers, diversification, risk profiles, crypto, ETFs, and the difference between a loss on paper and a real one. An educational conversation about the point where saving alone stops doing the job, and what people weigh up when they get there. Key Takeaways: The combination of saving and investing provides a comprehensive framework for financial security and wealth-building, as savings serve immediate needs and investments cater to long-term growth. Understanding and aligning investments with personal risk profiles is essential, as it helps in making informed decisions that suit one's financial goals and comfort levels. Investing early, even with small amounts, can result in significant long-term benefits, with compounding potentially leading to much higher returns than regular savings accounts. While social media can be a resource for investment strategies, it’s crucial to verify information through reliable sources to avoid risky and poorly informed financial decisions. Financial advisors offer invaluable guidance by helping individuals identify their risk tolerance, manage emotions around investments, and stay focused on long-term objectives. Notable Quotes: "Savings and investing both work together. Savings act as our emergency buffer, while investing is really thinking about your future self and long-term goals." – Ashleigh Dodt "The biggest issue that I have with saving alone is that saving itself is inherently risky if you're not considering opportunity costs and inflation." – Luke Kaprilian "Time in the market beats timing the market. People need to get past their fear and perhaps get comfortable with the idea of investing early on." – Luke Caprilian "Don't let the time that’s gotten away prevent you from