Steps to invest with confidence

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Whether you're considering your first investment or already building wealth for the future, taking time to strengthen your knowledge can help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Focus on your long-term plan

Investing works best when you have a long-term plan.

The value of investments can go up and down. That is a normal part of investing. Making quick decisions because prices have changed can leave you worse off.

Before you invest, think about:

• what you're saving for
• when you'll need the money
• how much risk you're comfortable with
• whether you have money set aside for emergencies
• how to spread your money across different investments.

If you're new to investing, take some time to learn about the different options available and how they work.
And remember, you may already be an investor through your super.

2. Be selective about where you get information

Financial information has never been more accessible. Social media, podcasts, online communities and artificial intelligence tools can all provide investment content within seconds.

But easy access doesn't always mean reliable information.

Our recent research found that many younger Australians use social media and AI when making money decisions.

Before acting on investment information:

• check where it comes from
• compare information from a few trusted sources
• understand the risks as well as the possible rewards
• be careful of posts designed to create excitement or urgency
• use AI tools to help you learn, not to make decisions for you.

Taking a little extra time to check the facts can help you make better investment decisions.

3. Watch out for investment scams

Investment scams continue to evolve, and new technology is making them more convincing.
Scammers may use fake websites, cloned voices, fabricated videos, social media profiles or AI-generated endorsements to appear legitimate. So, before investing, take time to check that the opportunity is legitimate.

Warning signs include promises of:

• high returns with little or no risk
• guaranteed profits
• exclusive investment opportunities
• insider information or stock tips
• early access to investments before other investors
• a trading platform or investment strategy that supposedly beats the market
• the ability to get rich quickly 

If something doesn't feel right, stop and look into it further before handing over any money.

Take the next step

You don't need to be an expert to start learning about investing or to seek financial advice. 

By making a plan, checking information carefully and staying alert to scams, you can make more informed decisions about your money.