Success is a great feeling. What’s been your greatest financial achievement?

BLOWING our own trumpets? Most un-Australian. We don’t like bragging. Usually makes us sound like tossers.

But that’s what the editor wants, so … I’ve got two answers. One personal, one professional. And, neatly, they’re linked.

As a kid, I was always a good saver. Sure, I spent money on lollies and footy cards and other rubbish. But I’d always save something.

However, in my 20s, I came to the realisation that fortunes cannot be saved. Fortunes require commitment to real investment strategies. And probably requires using other people’s money – aka, gearing.

When signing up for my first (investment property) mortgage, a good portion of my body screamed: “Don’t do it!” It’s a huge commitment. It is, somewhat, scary.

But thankfully my head won over. Once that first step was taken, as Justine says, it’s a case of balancing between enjoying life now and long-term investing for your future.

So, most importantly, that you’re not eating pet food in retirement.

Making sure I’m making some worthwhile investment – shares or property or business venture – every year is the achievement I’m proud of and constantly striving towards. You must add to your investment portfolio every year.

Professionally, it’s getting our Generation X and Y clients (and readers) to understand they need to go on a similar journey. Once that lightbulb switches on, it’s a pleasure to help them do it.

Getting them to understand the steps they then need to take to achieve what they’re after? Like the Mastercard slogan, it’s priceless.

Bruce Brammall is the principal adviser with Bruce Brammall Financial (www.brucebrammall.com.au) and author of Mortgages Made Easy.