Jack’s Money Journey

How I Built a £7,100 Stocks & Shares ISA (Even While Paying Off Debt)

When I first opened my Stocks & Shares ISA, I only had £1,500 to put in. Over the last year, I’ve been adding £300 a month and now my balance has grown to £7,100. Not bad considering I’m still paying down debt at the same time.

But the numbers are only half the story. What really changed was my mindset about money. Before, saving and investing felt complicated, like something “other people” did. Then I came across two books that flipped my thinking: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Live on Less, Invest the Rest by Andrew Craig.

They taught me that money isn’t just about earning more, it’s about freedom, control, and building options.

That’s why I started investing. It wasn’t just about growing my wealth. It was about creating opportunities. I want to build a future where Miles and Lara can choose their own paths, while I work toward early retirement without relying solely on my salary.

Investing isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Markets can crash, portfolios can drop 50% or more, and it can feel scary. But those moments are when mindset matters most. Instead of panicking and selling at a loss, I try to see it as a sale a chance to buy at a discount. Consistency wins over timing. Small, repeated contributions over time are what truly add up.

A few principles guide me:

• Live on less, invest the rest; simple, but life-changing.
• Diversification; spreading your money across different investments so you’re not relying on just one.
• Compounding; letting returns build on themselves over time, turning small contributions into meaningful growth.

Some lines that stuck with me:

• “The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them.” Robert Kiyosaki
• “Spend less than you earn, invest the surplus, avoid debt, and you will become financially free.” Andrew Craig

So, £7,100 might not sound huge, but it’s proof that small, consistent steps actually work. Every month I invest, I’m moving a little closer to financial freedom. And the best part? It feels doable, even while still managing debt and a busy life.

Takeaway for readers: Start small. Stay consistent. Focus on the long term. The sooner you start, the more those small steps compound into something life-changing.