Maria and Michelle were late financial bloomers who only really got started in their 50s. Now 71 and 69, they’ve paid off their mortgage and student loan, invested in the sharemarket, built up $1,000,000 in savings and investments, and receive NZ Super and a US pension. Through hard work, investing as much of their income as they possibly could, and carefully tracking and measuring their progress, they went from feeling anxious about retirement to completely calm about it. For Maria, money had always meant security, yet for a variety of reasons, she kept making poor financial decisions throughout much of her adult life. She knew what to do, save, invest, be sensible, but never quite managed to pull it all together. Moving from the US to New Zealand at age 50, however, felt like pressing a giant reset button. She’d always invested in her education, and she brought that knowledge with her. Soon after, she met her partner Michelle, who was equally qualified but also late to the financial party. Together, they realised they were well set up to succeed if they put in the effort. And so, they did. They’re a textbook example of starting right where you are, no matter your age. And I have to say, this was one of the most enjoyable conversations I’ve had in a long time.

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