I Started at 45. Here Are 5 Things I'm Doing to Build Wealth When I Start Late
No trust fund. No early start. And my future is still bright
This week was a big one for me.
At work, I’ve been tasked in a new project that’s consumed every last bit of my energy.
And with Melbourne’s weather doing its usual autumn dance (warm one day, chilly the next), my body finally gave in. I caught a cold.
I’m typing this in bed, battling with my sore throat and body ache.
There were moments this week when I thought, I’ll just skip the newsletter — no one will notice anyway.
And maybe that’s true.
But I care. I notice.
This inspired me about this week’s post because building wealth is also about discipline, and showing up for yourself, it’s your own journey and no others.
I didn’t start investing in my 20s.
I didn’t have a trust fund.
And when I finally looked at my bank balance and realised I needed to do something, I panicked a little.
But I didn’t let that stop me.
Because the truth is - it’s not too late to build wealth. You just need a plan that works for you.
Here are the 5 things I’ve been focusing on to grow long-term wealth, even as a late starter:
1. I keep my investing stupidly simple
Between a full-time job, a 7x-a-week workout schedule, and a handful of hobbies, I don’t have time to watch the market or research every little thing.
So I made it easy for myself.
I don’t chase hot stocks or time the market. I buy boring ETFs like VOO or VAS and let them do their thing.
Every payday, I invest a little and then I move on with my life.
Simple = sustainable. That’s what works for me.
2. I live below my means without feeling miserable
I’ve stopped trying to cut every corner. Instead, I’ve built habits I can live with:
I meal prep, track my spending, and unsubscribe from the temptation in my inbox.
I’m more intentional now. I spend on what brings me joy, and I save on what doesn’t.
For example: I’ll happily spend $1,000 on personal training, but I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of spending $100 drinking at a bar.
Building wealth is about the choices you make.
3. I protect my mindset like it’s a full-time job
When the market dips, I stay off the apps.
When the hype gets loud, I put my blinkers on.
My focus is on my timeline, not anyone else’s.
4. I work on earning more
There’s only so much you can cut — and eventually, the real power comes from earning more.
Some of you already know I write on Medium. I also run a little Etsy store selling digital products.
Whether it’s career moves, upskilling, or side hustles, I treat earning like a skill I can improve.
5. I respect time
Sure, I started later than some. But every month I stay consistent, reinvest dividends, and keep going, I may not have a million dollar portfolio when I’m 65, but I may have half a million, and that’s better than zero.
And that’s enough.
Starting at 45 just means I have to be more intentional. Not perfect, just committed.
“Wealth is built by the patient, not the perfect.”
Final thoughts
I used to think I was late to the game.
Now I realise I’m just playing it differently. Slower, quieter, but with way more intention.
You’re not behind. You’re just building from where you are, and that’s more than enough.
I’m on a mission to empower all the late starters to build a better financial future. You’re only too late if you never start.
For years, I spent mindlessly, assuming things would work out. Now I look back and wish I had: Saved more, Invested earlier and been intentional with my money. If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. Let’s figure this out together.
Disclaimer: Information shared in this newsletter is not financial advice. Always do your own research before making any financial decisions.
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