Trecy Tshuma, Wealth Manager at Alexforbes

Youth Month is a reminder of potential, growth and the power to shape the future. But the reality is that building wealth does not happen overnight. It is not about quick wins or chasing trends. It is about building something meaningful over time. Just like getting fit.

Why money is like going to the gym

No one goes to the gym once and expects to be fit the next day. It takes time, patience and consistent effort.

Investing works the same way. As a young person, your biggest advantage is time. The earlier you start building healthy money habits, the more time your investments have to grow into something powerful.

The results take time: trust the process

Going to the gym teaches patience. You might not see visible change after your first few sessions, but that does not mean progress is not happening.

Investing is no different. You might invest today and not see results immediately. That is normal. Wealth builds gradually and over time those gains can become more noticeable.

Preparation: Build a strong foundation

Before you invest, start with the basics. No one walks into the gym without some sort of plan. You start by learning the basics and building the right habits.

You usually begin with easier exercises like walking on the treadmill or light cycling. As your confidence and strength grow, you can move on to more challenging training, such as weightlifting and endurance training. Investing works in a similar way. You start small, learn the basics and build up over time.

As a young investor, your preparation should include:

Getting a financial adviser, like hiring a personal trainer, to show you how everything works and build a plan for you, just as you would choose a weightlifting coach rather than a running coach if your goal is to build strength.

• Learning the basics of investing, such as stocks, ETFs, unit trusts and risk is the same as knowing how all the machines work. You can get hurt if you don’t know all the functions.
• Setting clear financial goals like buying a home, starting a business or achieving financial freedom. Are you trying to lose weight or lift weights? Different financial goals use different solutions.
• Understanding your personal risk tolerance.
• Starting with what you can afford, even small amounts. When training you don’t have to jump straight to running a marathon, you start with shorter training sessions that build up to longer distances. It is often the time that money is invested and not the amount that gives the best outcomes. Use the benefit of compound interest over time to make the small amounts add up to big results.
• Investing regularly instead of waiting for the perfect time to start. Consistency matters and one session every six months is not going to give you results that regular weekly sessions will give.
• Diversifying across different types of investments instead of putting everything in one place. Just like not every session is leg day, vary your investments to give you the best overall results.
• Taking a long-term view rather than chasing quick wins. You might be quickly trying to look good for one event but building exercise, like financial planning, into your regular lifestyle will have the best long-term results. It will likely set you up for any spur of the moment future events or financial needs.
• Reinvesting returns so your money can keep compounding over time.
• Thinking beyond borders and considering offshore investments.

Speaking to a financial adviser can also make a big difference, especially when you are starting out. An adviser can help you understand your options, set realistic goals and build a plan that matches your needs, risk tolerance and stage of life. That kind of guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and make more confident decisions over time.

These are simple strategies that can help young investors build confidence, stay consistent and grow their money over time.

Check your progress: Stay aware, not obsessed

People who get results in the gym track their progress, but they do not weigh themselves every hour or change their routine every day.

As a young investor, you should review your investments regularly, but not so often that you react to every small market movement. Stay informed about market trends and opportunities so you can understand what is happening and spot changes that may affect your goals. Adjust your strategy when necessary, but do so thoughtfully and with a long-term view rather than out of panic or impatience.

The payoff: Enjoy the results wisely

Eventually, consistent effort in the gym pays off, and so does investing.

Over time, investing can help you build financial independence, create passive income and put you in a stronger position to support your family. It can also help you fund the lifestyle you want or turn future business ambitions into reality. However, the goal is not to spend everything as soon as you see results, but to use your money wisely so it can continue to sustain and grow over time.

Understanding risk without fear

Just as getting fit comes with challenges, investing comes with risks too.

For young investors, the main risks include pressure to follow trends, exposure to scams and emotional decision-making. These challenges can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you are just starting out, but they are part of the investing journey. Avoiding risk entirely means missing out on growth, which is why it is important to understand risk rather than fear it.

How to protect your money routine

Successful gym routines plan for setbacks, and so should you.

You can manage your financial risks by diversifying your investments, investing consistently even in small amounts and maintaining an emergency fund that gives you a safety net. It also helps to stay disciplined and focused so you do not make rushed decisions when markets change. If there is a time when life happens and you need to change your plans, or when staying the course feels difficult, don’t feel guilty or give up completely. Just start again when you can and adjust your plans to get you back on track.  Meeting with a financial adviser can give you guidance and help you build a plan that suits your goals.

Your money gym strategy

Youth is not just about energy, it is about opportunity. You do not need a large amount of money, perfect knowledge or the perfect moment to begin. What matters is taking the first step, staying consistent, and being informed and calculated rather than fearful, because wealth is built the same way fitness is built: through patience, discipline, smart risk-taking, time and the right guidance when you need it. This Youth Month, do not just think about your future – start building it, stay focused even when it is not perfect. Do not be afraid to speak to a financial adviser who can help you make more confident decisions from the start.

ENDS