On The Right Track

Young Investor AJ Jones tells us about her rocky start in property investment and how becoming a Young Investors Club member with Property Club got her back on the right track.

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What is something most people don’t know about you?

I was an exchange student to the USA for 12 months after finishing high school.

What is your best advice for early stage investors?

If the numbers make sense, go for it. Get the best advice you can from those who are successfully investing in property.

What investment goals do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like to have two additional investment properties.

What is the most rewarding aspect of property investing?

Knowing I'm creating my own financial destiny free from reliance on a pension or superannuation.

What helps keep you motivated to continue investing?

Knowing I will be able to support myself and can help those who cannot help themselves more and more over time.

Why did you become an investor?

Since an early age I've felt conviction in supporting myself and not ever having to rely on the pension or my superannuation. This was the catalyst for looking for ways to achieve financial freedom, which led to property.

How do you measure success?

For me, success means having options and the freedom to choose between options.

How did you first get involved in Property Club?

Through my parents and our Property Mentor Fred Zanette. Fred is absolutely awesome! He rang them one day to keep in touch, which was at a time when our investment properties’ financial situation was becoming increasingly untenable.

What was your first impression of Property Club?

Enthusiastic and friendly people who are like-minded regarding property investing. Everyone is so willing to impart their vast knowledge and experiences, and help you achieve your goals.

What is the best thing to happen since you joined Property Club?

Through the assistance of a broker affiliated with the Club, my parents and I untangled our financial mess (because of which I ended up with zero borrowing capacity), and am now in a position to borrow funds to purchase another property.

What do you wish other people knew about Property Club?

I wish more people would believe Property Club is not after your money. There’s no catch, they’re upfront and they genuinely want to help you achieve a successful investment portfolio through property.

Tell me about some of the other people you've met since joining Property Club.

I met a lovely lady at the conference last year who, now once again on a single income, grew her investment portfolio to qualify for the PMC in a few short years. Being ‘unattached’ myself for now, this gave me added confidence that I can achieve financial freedom on my own.

Tell us about someone who has influenced your decision to invest in property.

My parents and I have always been on the same page regarding purchasing property as investments; we bought into our first three investment properties together. And while we didn’t get the best advice in the past and ended up with cross-collateralised properties (even though our intention was to never do this), we still believed in what we set out to achieve (I’ll admit there were times when it was extremely difficult to maintain the faith!).

What would you tell someone who is thinking about investing in property?

Educate yourself. Talk to people who are already successfully investing in property. If you have doubts or concerns, ask questions and get answers to satisfy/justify those worries. The truth is some people will never do it, no matter how much good sense they see it makes. For others, it may take years to be convinced or feel comfortable to invest in property. That’s OK – as the Club tells us all the time, it’s never too late to start.

What do you think will change with the property market in the next five years?

I hope we will see more young first-time buyers realising the positives of entering the investment property market rather than buying a home for themselves upfront.

As an investor, what sort of trends do you see?

In my area, the market is presently on the upswing and people are definitely taking advantage of the moving market and selling up. I think they could be using equity to purchase another property, which is what I'm hoping to do in the not-too-distant future!

What do you do when you aren't working and investing?

I am a foster carer with a dog rescue group, which gives me great satisfaction and joy, and provides great company for my own dog, Jagger. I really enjoy planning and cooking for dinner parties with family and friends. At the moment, I am working towards completing the renovation of my home, and very much looking forward to my first trip overseas in almost 10 years!

What is your favourite travel destination and why?

It may sound clichéd to some, but I feel a distinct spiritual connection with north-west Australia (WA/NT), having lived over that way as a child and visiting several times since. On the other hand, I’d really like to live and travel in the USA again.

What is the quality you most admire in others? Why?

Honesty and kindness. What goes around comes around, so be kind to one another and have compassion. I also really appreciate people who tell it to you straight, in a respectful manner.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I love to watch the V8 Supercars – a day spent sitting on the couch watching a big race is a day well spent!

Thank you AJ for sharing your experience and good luck with your investing!