Investing for the long term: Scott Phillips’ guide to financial success in 2025

As we step into 2025, many of us are setting new goals—and that includes getting our finances on track for the long term. But where do you start?

Whether you’re looking to grow your superannuation, get into the share market, or dip your toes into property, now is the time to start building your long-term financial plan.

Shares, property and super: How to invest in 2025

In the first episode of The Briefing’s week-long series on how to start the year right, we spoke to Scott Phillips, Chief Investment Officer at Motley Fool Australia.

He broke down the essentials of investing and shared his top tips on how to make smart, long-term decisions with your money this year.

Phillips suggests people start saving before considering investing. He advises having a portion of your paycheck automatically transferred into a savings account each payday, to consistently build the financial resources for future investments.

“The best thing I can tell people is (to) work out how much you can afford to put aside from your paycheck,” he said.

You don’t need a fortune to begin investing. Thanks to modern brokerage platforms, you can start with as little as $50.

Phillips said the rise of fractional shares means you can even buy a part of high-value stocks like Commonwealth Bank for just $20.

“Put in 20 bucks at a time, and another 20 bucks next week, another 20 bucks the week after. You’re slowly, steadily building that investment portfolio, while also growing your confidence and knowledge,” he added.

Superannuation is one of the best ways to invest for the future. Every dollar you contribute is taxed at a lower rate, and the returns within your super fund are also taxed less.

For many, this locked-in nature can be a pro rather than a con, as it forces discipline and ensures your money compounds over decades.

“The more money you add to super, the better, because you’re going to have more compounding away in the background. If you’re 20 today, you’re probably gonna live to 85 or 90. This compounding for 70 years is going to make you an absolute Mozart if you can leave it alone,” he said.

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