Investing early pays off - Business News
The recipient of a prestigious scholarship for students urges young people to do what she has done – start investing while in their teens. Rachael Coleman, 21, who has been awarded a Craigs’ Investment Partners Women in Business 2026 Scholarship, tells how she started investing when at high school. See: It all adds up forRead More
The recipient of a prestigious scholarship for students urges young people to do what she has done – start investing while in their teens. Rachael Coleman, 21, who has been awarded a Craigs’ Investment Partners Women in Business 2026 Scholarship, tells how she started investing when at high school. See:It all adds up for Rachael“Even though my savings were not large, I thought that I should try to protect what I had from the effects of inflation,” the former Ōtorohanga College student says. “I had learnt about how inflation could erode purchasing power over time and investments could help protect and grow purchasing power,” she says, adding she knew investing came with greater potential risk than simply keeping her money in a bank savings account. Her solution was to ensure investments she made were well diversified across different asset classes and across different markets. Plus, she ensured she had enough savings in her bank account for weekly expenses as well as unexpected events. “My advice for young people would be for them to try and save some of their income (where possible) and put some of those savings into diversified investments. I would also say that investing comes with risk, so it is important to be careful, and it could be a good idea to speak with an experienced person or professional before starting,” she says. Coleman is in her third year of a Bachelor of Business studies. The scholarship she has received has been co-designed by Craigs and the University of Waikato to support and encourage women to pursue careers in business and financial services. The University of Waikato student initially aims to be a qualified chartered accountant. “Over the longer term I am interested in the possibility of building a career within the finance industry. I am particularly interested in investment management and behind-the-scenes strategy and research that shapes investment decisions,” she says. Coleman concedes there were early signs this would be her career path. “I have always been good at saving and managing my own money and then I started learning about investing while I was in high school”. The scholarship selection panel said Coleman’s academic performance was outstanding and bolstered by her strong interest in finance and investing. She achieved top results in economics papers, including a perfect course grade, and has been actively investing since high school. Panel members found her application demonstrated a clear understanding of financial markets, long-term investing, and macroeconomic trends, alongside a commitment to supporting more women into business and finance. Craigs’ Central North Island general manager Yvonne Davie says the scholarship provides tuition support and mentoring to a “standout” final-year female undergraduate studying either a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Management Studies (Hons) at the University of Waikato. Davie will mentor Coleman over the coming year sharing insights and advice from her extensive career in wealth management and financial services. She will also have opportunities to connect with a range of Craigs’ leaders and specialists, helping her build knowledge, confidence, and networks within the industry. When not studying or watching the markets, Coleman dedicates time to polocrosse, once again at a high achiever level. She has represented New Zealand multiple times, including selection for the 2026 Under-21 team. Craigs’ chief People officer Mel Dyer, left, with scholarship recipient Rachael Coleman, and Craigs’ Tauranga branch general manager Yvonne Davie.