Hi there! If you’ve just watched my video on how I’d invest $10,000 from scratch, welcome. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can check it out below:
This article is for anyone who likes my approach but might not have a full $10,000 ready to invest. Maybe you’re starting with smaller amounts, building your portfolio slowly, or investing from each paycheck. Whatever the case, the key is finding a way to start that works for you and sticking with it.
A quick recap of my $10K strategy
Here’s how I’d split $10,000:
| Amount | Investment Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| $8,000 (80%) | Global ETFs | VGS or VESG |
| $1,000 (10%) | Australian ETFs | VAS, A200, A300 or FAIR |
| $500 (5%) | Bitcoin | Direct or Bitcoin ETF |
| $500 (5%) | Thematic ETF (like tech) | TECH or HACK |
I chose this split because it’s diversified, low-cost, and focused on long-term growth. I also like including a small allocation to something a little more exciting (but sometimes riskier), like crypto or a tech ETF.
As you read through this article, remember that this is just my take. It doesn't take into account individual circumstances or preferences, like yours. If you need support on your investing journey, consider reaching out to a licensed financial adviser.
What if you’re starting with less?
Not everyone has a full $10,000 ready to invest. That’s completely fine. Most people build their portfolios gradually, and I did too.
This is where dollar-cost averaging comes in. Instead of trying to pick the perfect time, you invest the same amount regularly. Over time, this can help smooth out market ups and downs and make investing feel more manageable.
If you’re investing directly through the ASX , your first trade in any ETF needs to be at least $500, and you need to buy whole units. One option is to build your portfolio in $500 blocks, adding one ETF each time.
But if that’s not realistic for you right now, Pearler Micro makes it easy to get started with less. You can begin with as little as $5, or set up round-ups from everyday spending like groceries or coffee, and invest the spare change. This is known as micro-investing – you can learn all about it in Pearler's micro-investing guides . Pearler Micro uses managed funds that track popular ETFs, so you still get instant diversification across hundreds of companies.
It's built for beginners, simple to automate, and helps you build confidence over time. You can start small, then move into full-unit ASX trades when you're ready.
Both approaches can work. What matters most is consistency.
Building your plan: manual vs automatic
Because of the $500 minimum required to trade on the ASX, you’ll usually build your portfolio one ETF at a time. You’re still following your overall strategy, just spreading it out in blocks.
Here’s a purely hypothetical example of what that might look like if you're working toward a mix of 80% global ETFs, 10% Aussie ETFs, 5% thematic ETFs , and 5% Bitcoin ETFs :
| Month | Investment Focus | ETF Example | Running Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Global ETF | VGS or VESG | 100% Global |
| Feb | Global ETF | VGS or VESG | 100% Global |
| Mar | Global ETF | VGS or VESG | 100% Global |
| Apr | Global ETF | VGS or VESG | 100% Global |
| May | Aussie ETF | VAS or FAIR | 80% Global, 20% Aussie |
| Jun | Global ETF | VGS or VESG | 83% Global, 17% Aussie |
| Jul | Thematic ETF | TECH or HACK | 76% Global, 15% Aussie, 9% Thematic |
| Aug | Bitcoin ETF (e.g. EBTC) | EBTC or VBTC | 80% Global, 10% Aussie, 5% Thematic, 5% Bitcoin |
This method can work, but it takes time and attention to track your contributions and stay close to your intended allocation. It’s a popular option among those who prefer hands-on control and like building gradually.
Or, let Pearler Automate do the heavy lifting
If rotating $500 trades sounds like a lot to manage, Pearler Automate can do it for you. Choose your ETFs, set your target percentages, and pick a schedule that fits your cash flow. When your cash balance reaches the investing threshold – usually $650 to allow for price moves – Automate splits the money across your ETFs. It allocates funds according to the weights you set, then places the trades.
For example:
- 80% into a global ETF, such as VGS or VESG
- 10% into an Australian ETF, such as VAS or FAIR
- 5% into a thematic ETF, such as TECH or HACK
- 5% into a Bitcoin ETF, such as EBTC or VBTC
Top up your account, and Automate keeps your portfolio aligned with your plan. No spreadsheets, no guessing which ETF to buy next, and no manual rebalancing. You can adjust allocations or holdings any time as your goals evolve.
Why I picked each investment type
Global ETFs (80%)
Global ETFs make up most of my portfolio. They give me access to hundreds of large, well-known companies around the world, not just in Australia. When you invest in something like VGS or VESG, you’re spreading your money across companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia , all in one go.
This can help reduce risk because you're not relying on just one country or industry. Global ETFs are popular for strong long-term growth potential, especially because they include a lot of tech and healthcare companies that are leading the global economy.
- VGS is a popular ETF that invests in hundreds of global companies (excluding Australia).
- VESG is a version that excludes companies involved in fossil fuels, weapons, gambling, and other industries that some people prefer to avoid.
- You can invest in these through ASX trades (in whole units) or start smaller through micro-investing, where you can buy fractions of these ETFs.
Australian ETFs (10%)
Australian ETFs give me exposure to companies I know and see in daily life, like the big banks, supermarkets, and healthcare firms. They can also be helpful from a tax perspective, thanks to something called franking credits. These reduce the tax you pay on dividends , which is money companies return to you as an investor. Learn more about how franking credits work .
- VAS , A200 , and A300 track the largest 200 to 300 companies on the Australian stock market.
- Ethical ETFs like FAIR and VETH screen out fossil fuels and other industries, while still giving access to strong Australian companies.
- Dividends from Aussie companies can be higher than global ones, which may help generate passive income as your portfolio grows.
You’ll need at least $500 to invest in these ETFs through the ASX, but you can start with less using micro-investing.
Bitcoin (5%)
This is the smallest part of my portfolio, and it’s where I take on more risk. I personally invest a small amount into Bitcoin each week because I believe in its long-term potential as a digital asset. But I also know it’s extremely volatile. Prices can swing up and down quickly, which means it’s not the right fit for everyone.
- I invest $50 per week into Bitcoin to build my position gradually.
- If I’m wrong, I’ve only put in a small percentage of my portfolio.
You can invest in cryptocurrency directly or through Bitcoin ETFs (available on some platforms, but not on Pearler Micro).
Thematic ETFs (5%)
This section of my portfolio is where I invest in sectors I think have strong long-term growth potential. For me, that includes technology and cybersecurity. These ETFs give me focused exposure to trends I believe in, without needing to pick individual companies.
- TECH focuses on large tech companies that dominate their industries, especially in software and digital infrastructure.
- HACK invests in global cybersecurity firms, which are becoming more important as online threats grow.
Because these sectors can be more volatile, I keep this part small. It gives my portfolio some growth potential without taking on too much risk.
Just like the other ETFs, you can invest in these with full ASX trades or build up gradually with micro-investing.
Why I use dollar-cost averaging
This strategy helped me stay consistent when I was learning to invest, and it still does today.
Here’s what it looks like for me now:
- I set aside 20% of my pay each month
- I automatically invest in ETFs
- I consistently invest $50 a week in Bitcoin
- I stick with the plan, even when markets are down
Whether you’re doing this through ASX trades or using a micro-investing app, the concept stays the same. Regular, automated investing helps build discipline and takes the emotion out of it.
The platform I use
I use Pearler to manage my investing because it helps me stay consistent. I’ve set up auto-investing so I don’t need to log in and place each trade manually. My investments happen automatically on a schedule that suits me.
The brokerage is low, which makes it easier to invest regularly without worrying about fees adding up. All the ETFs I mentioned in this plan are available on the platform, and I can also track things like franking credits and dividends over time.
Wrapping it all up
If I were starting over today, this is how I’d build my portfolio.
I would put 80% into a global ETF like VGS or VESG and 10% into an Australian ETF like VAS or FAIR. Another 5% would go into Bitcoin and 5% into a thematic ETF I believe in. I would use dollar-cost averaging to stay consistent. That means setting aside part of my pay each month, automating my investments, and sticking to the plan even when the market feels uncertain.
You don't need $10,000 to follow this plan. You can start smaller, using $500 blocks on the ASX or building your portfolio gradually through micro-investing. The structure stays the same. The amounts just change depending on what works for you.
This approach helped me avoid some of the mistakes I made early on. It is simple, flexible, and designed to grow with you over time.
Disclaimer:
This information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal financial circumstances. It is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute personal financial advice. You should always do your own research and seek professional advice that is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Queenie Tan and Marquetable Group PTY LTD (ABN 85 635 225 259) are authorised representatives (1301362 and 001301337 respectively) of Money Sherpa PTY LTD ABN 321649 27708 (AFSL: 451289). You can read our financial services guide here: http://bit.ly/3kuwQMQ
Marquetable Group PTY LTD (ABN 85 635 225 259) is a corporate authorised credit representatives (Number: 542464) of Moneysherpa Pty Ltd ABN 32 164 927 708 (Australian Credit License: 451289). You can read our credit guide here: http://bit.ly/3kuwRQU
