“To put a bit of money away and do it often is a piece of advice I’m grateful for”

What was your first job?

I grew up outside a little town called Uralla in regional NSW. My parents owned a farm so you were always required to chip in, even from a young age. My first tax paid job was cotton chipping on a farm in Wee Waa. We’re talking 5am starts and working in the stinking heat. It was a baptism of fire for my entry into the workforce, but it taught me about work ethic and the value of money.

What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?

It came from Mum and Dad – save a little a lot. No matter how small your savings may be, compound interest will work for you. To put a bit of money away, and do it often, is a piece of advice I’m grateful for.

What’s the best investment decision you’ve made?

During the Howard Government I received a $1000 handout. I thought about what others would spend it on, something like a new TV or other electrical goods. I figured Harvey Norman would be a good company to invest in and it paid off. That small investment kickstarted my share portfolio (set and forget strategy), making a reasonable profit since.

What’s the worst investment decision you’ve made?

When bitcoin became really popular I was almost tempted to invest, but I wanted to learn more. So I paid to attend a two-day seminar and that turned out to be a scam.

A bad decision at the time, but it meant I stayed away from bitcoin.

What is your favourite thing to splurge on?

I’m not really into material things, so it’s holidays and experiences – holidays that involve some adventure, like skiing for example – and spending time with friends and family.

If you had $10,000 where would you invest it?

I’d be investing for the long term and I reckon anything to do with robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) would be a good start. I am also a fan of health technology and the health sector in general.

What would you do if you had only $50 left in your bank account?

That would be a nightmare. The first thing I would do is take a long, hard look at myself. Then I’d think about what material assets I had and try to sell them on eBay, and of course get another job.

Do you intend to leave an inheritance?

We’ve got a 15-monthold child and, yes, we would love to leave an inheritance. It is also about the ongoing engagement with your children around financial education and creating a good set of values to live by as a family. Ideally, my wife and I would rather invest with our children along the way.

What’s Healthy Harold’s best health tip?

Oh, there’s so many! It’s important to identify what it means for you to be healthy and happy and then set in place initiatives that help you get there, and make them nonnegotiable. Things like diet, exercise, mindfulness or time with family and friends, put time in your diary and make it habitual.

Finish this sentence: money makes ...

... me feel secure and confident about my family’s future. It’s an aid not a solution to relationships; it’s a tool or resource to help you live a happy and healthy lifestyle.