In this episode of Jess Learns to Invest, Jess sits down with Tom Hartmann, Personal Finance Lead at Sorted, to unpack one of the most important concepts in investing: portfolio diversification.

Together, they break down what a portfolio actually is, why diversification matters, and how spreading your investments across different assets, industries and regions can help manage risk over time. They also explore how diversification works inside managed funds and KiwiSaver, the difference between diversification and asset allocation, and why “set and forget” doesn’t mean “never check”.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What a portfolio is (and why it’s more than just one investment)
• What diversification really means and how it helps manage risk
• The difference between diversification and asset allocation
• How managed funds and KiwiSaver can help you diversify from day one
• Why rebalancing matters and how fund managers do it for you
• Common diversification mistakes and how to avoid them
• Why fees matter over the long term

🎧 Jess Learns to Invest is a podcast helping New Zealanders understand investing in a clear, practical way.

🔗 Find tools mentioned in this episode at sorted.org.nz

This podcast is general information only and is not financial advice.

Jess Learns to Invest is back for Season 2! In Episode 1, Jess is joined by Dr Pushpa Wood, Director at Massey University, to unpack investment psychology and explore how emotions and biases influence the way we make money decisions.

This episode covers loss aversion, anchoring, and herd behaviour along with practical, behaviour‑based strategies to keep investing aligned with your goals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How emotional investing can impact money decisions
• The most common decision-making biases (and what they look like in real life)
• How to avoid FOMO investing

Important: This episode is for general information only and is not financial advice.

#JessLearnsToInvest #Investing #FinancialWellbeing #InvestmentPsychology #FOMO #BehaviouralFinance

Jess Learns to Invest season 1 offers a comprehensive introduction to investing, emphasising the importance of starting small, being consistent, and learning progressively. The series covers fundamental concepts such as compounding interest, market volatility, and different investment types, while also addressing practical tips and ethical considerations.

Some of the key takeaways from this season include:

• Start investing with small steps: Jess highlights that perfection is not required to begin investing; consistency and gradual learning are key. Starting with manageable amounts builds confidence over time.
• Investing grows wealth beyond saving: Simran Kaur explains that investing helps money grow through compounding, unlike saving which merely keeps money safe. Regular contributions, even if small, can accumulate significantly.
• Automate investments for ease: Frances Cook advises setting up automatic transfers to savings and investments to build good financial habits effortlessly and avoid procrastination.
• Understand managed funds: Managed funds pool money from multiple investors and are managed by professionals who invest in income-generating or growth assets, making them a good starting point for new investors.
• Be patient during market volatility: Brad Olsen explains that market volatility involves rapid price changes; investors should maintain perspective and avoid panic during downturns.
• Creative approaches to property investing: Vanessa Williams discusses that property investing can involve strategies beyond buying a home to hold, such as renting rooms or partnering with others, tailored to individual goals.
• Invest in familiar companies through shares: Natalie Ferguson notes that buying shares means owning a part of a company, and starting with companies one knows can be a practical approach.
• Ethical investing aligns with values: Victoria Harris emphasises that investing in companies supports their growth and success, essentially voting with one’s wallet for the future one wants.
• Stay vigilant against scams: Samantha McGuire warns about increasingly sophisticated scams targeting everyday investors, urging caution, verification of credentials, and scepticism of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Crypto is a digital means of payment. If you’re curious about Crypto, Peter explains that you should start small, stick to reputable platforms, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

Season 2 is in the works so stay tuned!