PHOTO: Courtney Lorking. White Wolf Nutrition
A young single mother found herself at her lowest point before turning a mere $5 into a $17,000 share portfolio and acquiring three investment properties. Courtney Lorking, residing on the New South Wales Central Coast, relied on Centrelink support following the birth of her daughter, Jordyn, in 2019. Financially strapped, she hustled through various odd jobs, including personal training and mechanics, before landing a full-time marketing position.
Driven by a desire for financial stability, Courtney embarked on a self-taught journey into investing. Despite initial doubts about needing substantial capital, she plunged into the stock market with just $5, swiftly realizing the fallacy of her assumptions. Utilizing the New Zealand stock platform Sharesies, Courtney gradually built her portfolio, currently valued at $16,988, with investments spanning major banks and supermarkets.
Today Courtney’s portfolio consists of a variety of company shares, such as major banks and supermarkets. Now she invests a minimum of $100 per week in shares
Reflecting on her journey from adversity to success, Courtney emphasizes the necessity of taking action over worrying. Her determination led to the establishment of a marketing agency and a commitment to investing a minimum of $100 weekly. Courtney’s investment philosophy now prioritizes companies aligned with her values, a testament to her evolved financial mindset.
In addition to her ventures in the stock market, Courtney ventured into property ownership, a concept she once viewed solely as a place of residence. Acquiring her first property in 2019 on the Central Coast, she subsequently purchased properties in Melbourne and Perth, totaling three investments in her portfolio.
‘I know now that if I didn’t experience that initial struggle I wouldn’t be where I am today, so I’m grateful for that,’ Courtney said. Four months ago she opened her own marketing agency
Sharing her insights, Courtney advocates for starting small, making investing a priority, and cultivating an investing mindset. She emphasizes the importance of automating transfers to facilitate consistent investment habits. Brooke Roberts, founder of Sharesies, echoes Courtney’s sentiment, highlighting the platform’s mission to democratize investing. With over 600,000 investors collectively contributing $2.3 billion, Sharesies aims to empower users, particularly women and Gen Z, in navigating the investment landscape.
As for advice to others, Courtney suggested ‘starting small and make it a priority’, along with ‘working on an investing mindset’ and ‘set up automatic transfers’
Aspiring investors are advised to familiarize themselves with investment avenues, whether specific company shares or ETFs, aligning choices with personal financial objectives. Courtney’s journey underscores the transformative power of resilience, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach to financial literacy.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL