Starter Packs: A Simple, Low-Maintenance Investment Solution
Rivkin Report – Starter Packs are designed as a straightforward, “set and forget” alternative to actively managed stock portfolios. With built-in sector diversification and minimal trading activity, these packs are designed to endure over time, providing a hassle-free way to start your investment journey.
Many people find the stock market intimidating, which often holds them back from investing. However, investing is not as complicated as it seems, though it does involve some risks. Fortunately, we are here to guide you every step of the way—from setting up your account to making your first stock purchase. At Rivkin Report, we are committed to supporting you throughout the process.
The goal of our Starter Packs is to simplify investing, providing an accessible and seamless entry into the world of investments. We encourage you to read through the following guide to help you get started. Ready to dive in? We’re excited to be part of your investment journey!
Step 1: Set Up Your Account
Before you can begin purchasing stocks, you need to set up a stockbroking account. Think of it as a bank account for your shares—this is where your stocks will be purchased and stored in your name. Your stockbroking account serves as your gateway to the markets, giving you access to buy, sell, and monitor your investments.
Setting up a stockbroking account is typically free, and most brokers do not charge account-keeping fees. This means you can open an account without paying any upfront costs. However, it’s important to note that once you begin trading, brokerage fees will apply to each transaction. Understanding these fees is essential, as they can impact your overall returns.
At Rivkin Report, we’ve partnered with leading brokerage firm CMC Markets to offer our members excellent brokerage rates. Most of our clients trade through this platform, ensuring competitive pricing and a reliable trading experience.
It is not mandatory to use a Rivkin Stockbroking Account to invest in your Starter Pack stocks, and there are a variety of other fine stockbroking platforms on the market. It’s up to you to choose the platform that suits you.
If you’d like to learn more about stockbroking platforms or want to open a Rivkin Stockbroking Account, please give us a call at 1300 748 556 or use the chatbox in the lower right corner to talk to a Rivkin Report representative.
| Brokerage | |
| Australian Shares | AUD $16.50 up to $15,000, then 0.11% (Inclusive of GST) |
| US Shares | AUD $6.00 up to $6,000, then 0.11% (Inclusive of GST) 2% FX Buffer |
Step 2: Choose Your Starter Pack
Once you’ve set up your stockbroking account and are ready to purchase stocks, it’s time to choose your Starter Pack. Before you begin investing in one of our Starter Packs, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my investment time horizons?
Before you start investing, it’s important to understand your investment horizon. You may have heard that, over the long term, stocks are one of the highest-returning asset classes. While this is generally true, it’s important to note that high returns often come with a high level of volatility. At Rivkin Report, we recommend that investors have at least a 2-3 year investment horizon if they are looking to invest in stocks. Many of our clients have an even longer investment timeframe. - What is my risk appetite?
All investments involve some degree of risk. In finance, risk refers to the level of uncertainty and potential financial loss that comes with an investment decision. Typically, as investment risks increase, the potential returns also rise to compensate for taking on that risk. Each Starter Pack has a different risk/return profile. As a Rivkin Report member, you’ll always have access to our expert investment advice and team, allowing you to assess your financial situation, risk appetite, and investment horizon. You can then make informed decisions to enter or exit different products without complications or stress. - What markets am I interested in?
Rivkin Report’s Starter Packs provide exposure to both the Australian and US markets. Australian markets are more heavily weighted in sectors such as financials, materials, industrials, and consumer staples, while the US market offers greater exposure to sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer discretionary. Understanding which markets align with your interests and goals will help guide your decision when selecting the right Starter Pack for you.
Step 3: Purchase Your Shares
We offer the Starter Pack with a 10-stock portfolio for both the U.S. and Australian markets, designed to help you get started with diversified investments.
The key factors to consider when selecting your Starter Pack are your investment amount and trading costs. For instance, if you are investing $5,000 or more, the 10-stock portfolio offers excellent diversification and spreads your risk across various sectors, providing a balanced approach for long-term growth.
- Brokerage Costs:
For Australian Shares, the brokerage is AUD $16.50 for investments up to $15,000, and then 0.11% (inclusive of GST) for amounts above that.
For U.S. Shares, the brokerage is AUD $6.00 for investments up to $6,000, and then 0.11% (inclusive of GST) for amounts above that. Additionally, there is a 2% FX Buffer for currency conversion when investing in U.S. shares. For example, if you invest $10,000 in an Australian Shares Starter Pack, you would pay $16.50 in brokerage for the trade. As your investment grows, the brokerage becomes more proportionate, but it’s always kept at a reasonable level given the diversified nature of the pack. The 10-stock portfolio spreads these costs across your holdings, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term investors. - Diversification & Cost-Effectiveness:
With the 10-stock Starter Pack, you gain exposure to A portfolio of 10 best-diversified stocks carefully identified by our analysts from the ASX 200 (Australian Diversified Pack) or A portfolio of 10 best-diversified stocks carefully identified by our analysts from the S&P 500 (U.S. Diversified Pack). This gives you access to leading companies across key sectors, balancing potential risk and reward. The diversification within the 10-stock portfolio helps mitigate individual stock volatility, enhancing the stability of your investment over time.
Once you’ve selected your pack, it’s time to make your move and start investing! Simply log in to your stockbroking account, and you’ll be guided step-by-step through the purchasing process. If you need assistance, our team is here to support you at every step.
By investing in shares with Rivkin, you can look forward to low ongoing costs and an efficient, long-term investment strategy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at 1300 748 556.
Additional Investments – Watch Your Portfolio Grow
As part of your investment journey, additional investments will allow you to build on your portfolio and watch your investments grow.
Each quarter, we will review and update the stocks most suitable for set-and-forget investors, adjusting our portfolios accordingly. If a stock you purchased is no longer part of the recommended portfolio, there’s no need to sell it. However, for future investments, we advise purchasing the updated recommendations to ensure you’re buying the most optimal stocks at the time.
This product is ideal for investors who want to begin investing in the market with limited capital and time. Feel free to contact us to discuss other investment options that might better suit your evolving needs.
When the time comes to sell a portion of your portfolio, remember the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio. Keeping this in mind will help you manage risk and support long-term growth.
