I have started investing for my son who is 7 this year. We receive money from his Grandparents for him and I decided to invest it. Currently I invest with Betashares. Link: https://www.betashares.com.au/direct/account-types/kids-account Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Betashares. It is a personal preference I have as I find it very easy to use.

Investing safely as a mum involves prioritizing financial stability, reducing high-interest debt, and using automation to build long-term wealth without taking excessive risks. Key strategies include diversifying investments, leveraging tax-advantaged accounts like superannuation (in Australia), using mortgage offsets, and, for many, focusing on low-cost, broad-market Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Here is a guide to investing safely for us mums, focused on practical, manageable steps. 1. Build a Solid Financial Foundation Before investing, ensure your household is secure: - Establish an Emergency Fund: Aim for 3 to 6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account or money market fund. - Eliminate "Bad" Debt: Pay off high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans, BNPL) first. Paying off 20% interest debt is equivalent to a 20% guaranteed return on investment. - Budgeting: Use the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/investments) to automate savings. 2. Low-Risk Investment Options For safety, focus on investments with lower volatility and capital protection: - High-Yield Savings & CDs: FDIC-insured (or equivalent) accounts offer guaranteed returns with no risk to capital. - Government Bonds/Securities: Considered among the safest investments, offering steady, predictable returns. - Blue-Chip Dividend Stocks: Investing in established companies with a history of paying dividends provides income and potential growth. - Mortgage Offset Account: If you have a mortgage, directing spare cash into an offset account provides a "risk-free" return equal to your mortgage interest rate. 3. Smart Investment Vehicles for Mums - Superannuation (Australia): Topping up your super is highly tax-effective (15% tax), making it a powerful, long-term wealth builder, though the funds are locked away until retirement. - ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds): These allow you to buy a "basket" of shares, offering instant diversification across many companies, which reduces risk. - Micro-Investing Apps: These apps allow you to start with small amounts of money (e.g., $500 or even spare change), making it easy to build a habit. - Investment Bonds: These are tax-paid investments that can be useful for higher-income earners to avoid higher personal tax rates.