Sue


If you're born into a family with investing experience you're lucky. But if like Sue you're the first person in the family to get a university education, let alone a run a successful business you've got a huge learning curve when it comes to your personal finances

Sue was born in "The Valleys" in Wales. Her parents were factory workers, her brother is a heroin addict and as far as she knows, Sue was the first person in the village to go to university.

Fast forward a decade and Sue has gone from living in a caravan to having a PhD, industry experience, and a successful sustainable waste management business under her belt.

"All I owned before I went into business was a kayak, two push bikes, and some other sports gear. I had never purchased any property except for the caravan (in Wales)."

"It has been an amazing journey," adds Sue. But it has come with a whole new set of logistical problems to deal with such as setting up business structures, family trusts, and learning how to invest.

"I had no idea what to do with money and my accountant told me that I needed to put some structures in place and set up some financial plans," says Sue. A recommendation led Queenstown-based Sue to meet with a financial adviser, Joy. Joy's informal approach appealed to Sue, who after years of working several jobs to either travel or study, wouldn't have been comfortable with a stuffy adviser.

"I needed somebody that could relate to me and understand my history and background and my using my money wisely was really important to me." Sue knows that you can never guarantee future cash flows in business and as a result she has chosen to live frugally and invest wisely.

What surprised Sue was how much more Joy did than simply advise her about investing. Joy worked with the accountant and a lawyer to set up company structures and then organised a mortgage for Sue and her partner's first home as well as setting up an investment plan with long horizons. She also helped solve problems with Sue's bank. "I feel like I am surrounded by a team of business supporters," says Sue.

It's important for Sue to understand what she's investing in and she relies on Joy's ability to explain everything to her in layman's terms."She had infinite patience with me."

With business and a new baby taking up most of Sue's waking hours she says it was unlikely she would have begun investing at all had she not met Joy. "I just haven't got the time to acquire the knowledge or do anything. That is why having an adviser feels right."
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