How I Finally Started Investing (and Why It Took So Long)
I joined the financial industry in 2011, fresh out of university. It seemed like the perfect path, combining my degree in Economics to real-world financial outcomes. Unfortunately, I was still stuck on the “theory” mode for some time. While I worked within the investment industry, handling investments for others, I wasn’t personally investing myself.
Not sure why but I just didn’t feel ready or believed the fact that investing was for me.
The doubts
It’s ironic, really. I had more understanding of markets and investment strategies than the average person, yet the thought of putting my own money at stake made me hesitate. Imposter syndrome set in hard. I questioned my own ability. At least at work we had a team and a manger for certain decision making. In my personal life, it was just me.
The fear was very real. It wasn’t just about the technical side of investing, but a deeper fear of failure. What if I lost money? What if my knowledge wasn’t enough?
Seeing compounding in action
A few years went by, and as I watched other portfolios grow and evolve, something began to shift. I saw the power of compounding in action, not just as a theoretical concept but as a tangible force shaping wealth over time. Watching a portfolio grow exponentially through disciplined investing was eye-opening. The reality of compounding hit me: this wasn’t just a number on a page or a projection—it was real wealth creation, happening right in front of me.
That was the turning point.
I realized that my hesitation was costing me. I had been missing out on one of the most powerful tools in wealth-building—compounding. While I had allowed fear to hold me back, time and the magic of compound growth were slipping away. The longer I waited, the more potential I was losing.
That’s when I decided to take the plunge.
The minority factor
I no longer saw investing as something I wasn’t ready for, but as a necessity for long-term financial growth. The numbers don’t lie—investing, especially with the power of compound interest, is the most effective way to grow wealth over time.
But my story doesn’t exist in isolation.
Coming from an ethnic minority background, I didn’t have any direct exposure to investing from family members. Investing in growth assets wasn’t something that was openly discussed or practiced in my household. And this isn’t just a personal experience—it’s a reality for many people in ethnic minority groups or from low socioeconomic background. Historically, these communities have often missed out on opportunities to invest in growth assets like stocks, sometimes due to a lack of access to knowledge, resources, or simply not seeing it modeled within their own circles.
The result? The wealth gap continues to widen.
Breaking the cycle for you & the future generation
I want to break the cycle and change that narrative, not just for myself but for future generations. It became clear that investing wasn’t just about personal wealth—it was about creating opportunities and laying a foundation that could benefit others in the long term.
Today, I look back and wonder why I waited so long. But in a way, that hesitation taught me something important: the mental barriers we put up are often the biggest obstacles to achieving our goals. Once I confronted that fear and understood the cost of waiting, everything changed.
If you are on a similar boat to where I was a decade now – now is the time to start. If you are ready, you only need to decide on 3 things:
- The investment platform that is right for you
- The investment account that is most suitable for you (ISA, SIPP or GIA)
- The investments and the amount you can afford!
The summary
- Fear is real and it can hold you back for longer than you’d expect. Unless you face it.
- You are not the only one to feel “not ready” or “unsure”, even professionals working in investing and looking at markets day in day out can feel this way.
- It takes a moment and an honest conversation with your self to start!
- Investing is not complicated, a lot of people make it look complicated for various reasons. You need to start with the above 3 checklists. If you feel you would be best supported by talking to someone, don’t hesitate reaching out to a professional.
I wish you and your family all the very best. p.s. I’m more active on my Instagram account so do give it a follow here
With Hope,
Sejuty – Subtle Investor