In honour and support of International Women’s Day, we’d like to share some stories from the addy community. We asked addy members and squad about their investment journey, financial goals and what they’re especially proud of. Here’s what they had to say.
addy members
Jennefer
Tell us about yourself
I am a millennial trying to survive the urban jungle. addy Charter Member since June 22, 2021.
How many addy properties have you invested in?
15. I plan to get a piece of every addy that gets dropped. My favourite property is Pilgrim’s Rest (now called Stoney Lake Resort) because of how unique of a property it is.
What are your financial/investment goals
I would love to achieve two major financial goals in this lifetime: raise enough capital to get my own real estate and invest wisely for a comfortable retirement. These goals aren’t unique or exciting, but very important to me!
Tell us about a financial/investment achievement you’re proud of?
A financial achievement I am very proud of is the act of just getting started! It’s scary to jump into something you know nothing about but I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to just start somewhere. I only started investing 2 years ago and knew very little. I still have a lot to learn but I am proud that I can say I have a diversified portfolio that will help me #getrichslow.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
Education! How I wish I had exposure to financial literacy in Secondary School, especially when I was at working age.
Megan
Tell us about yourself
30-something, hockey-loving analyst-by-day living in co-op housing Vancouver. Passionate about finance, friends and family. addy member since October 2021.
What were your first impressions of addy?
I thought it was really cool, but I was also really nervous to use it. I only put in $100 in case it didn’t work out, but it was exciting. I live in Vancouver, so I was never going to be able to buy real estate. This was a way to actually get in and have a fun investment and be invested in real estate.
What do you like about addy?
Having the Discord community open to anyone now, I think it makes people feel more confident. They can go to this community, see other users and communicate with them.
I don’t know real estate people or GPs, so I can go to Discord and ask questions.
People can ask whatever they want, see updated photos, learn what’s happening with old properties.
What addy is your favourite?
405 Main St (affordable housing development in Hamilton). I love that one.
I live in a co-op. There is no way I could live where I do if it wasn’t for affordable housing. It’s critical to actually have people of various incomes live in the cities they work in. You’ll lose talent. And people fall on hard times. People need help. (405 Main St. is) the most money I’ve put in a property.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
I wish I would have known to start early with $10, $25 a paycheck. It makes such a difference. No one ever taught me that. You should treat yourself, but manage expenses so you do have money to put away. Start small, Don’t go in and put in the maximum amount on a property, put in what you can afford.
Rochelle
Tell us about yourself
Single mom in GTA interested in non-landlord real estate investing. addy member since 2020.
What are your financial/investment goals?
To scale up real estate investing. Prioritise diverse investment strategies in a self-directed non-bank methodology.
How many addy properties have you invested in?
Seven.
Which one are you most proud of?
The recent purpose built rental with focus on affordable units. It speaks to a serious problem in current society. I look forward to more properties with (societal benefits)!
What have you learned about real estate and investing through addy?
Innovative ways of purchasing real estate can help many people. Wealth can be shared.
addy squad
Sophie
Position
Product Design Lead.
Tell us about yourself
Investor, dog-lover, entrepreneur and hustler at heart ✨
Tell us about financial/investment goals
My rule of thumb is to have 9 sources of income at all times (the more passive the better!), achieving financial freedom.
Tell us about a financial/investment achievement you’re proud of
At 23, I’ve recently invested in my first home in Toronto; very proud to say I’ve made it in that sense!
How can tech be more inclusive of women?
Under-representation of women in tech is no new topic; I know progress has been made… but it’s being made at a really slow pace. So highlight and celebrate the woman in tech ? The more representation women see in the field, the more we can feel inspired and empowered by each other.
What advice do you have for women in the tech world?
Push through. Even when you feel all the odds are against you, stand for what you believe in and be true to yourself.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
By sharing information as much as possible. The financial buzz in everyday conversation goes a long way! There are a lot more finance-focused social media groups and channels nowadays — I definitely recommend checking them out! I’ve recently started contributing my part on YouTube to help people take better control of their finances so they can take better control of their lives ✌️
Financial education is seriously lacking in formal education settings. The best way to inspire is to show others what can be achieved.
Nina
Position
EA to the CEO.
Tell us about yourself
OG from Germany, lived in 6 countries, animal, travel & food lover.
Tell us about financial/investment goals
Financial freedom – making my money work for me! And owning real estate.
Tell us about a financial/investment achievement you’re proud of?
Investing in my own e-commerce business – producing 100% sustainable dog gear! Coming Soon!!!
How can tech be more inclusive of women?
By making a conscious effort in their hiring practice to have gender equality. We need to ensure young girls have strong role models of other successful women in Tech and that women have a seat at the table so they can engage men on the topic of gender equality.
What advice do you have for women in the tech world?
Be kind and be yourself! Bring your whole self to work. Men and women see things differently and bring unique ideas to the table. The female perspective is incredibly important.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
Make investing fun and more accessible! Talking about it and sharing information.
Lindsay
Position
Social Media Specialist.
Tell us about yourself
Originally from London and currently making Vancouver my new home!
Tell us about financial/investment goals
I’ve moved around the world a few times and have had to start again with credit history and investments, so at the moment I’m thrilled to be at addy and learning about how it all works in North America.
Tell us about a financial/investment achievement you’re proud of:
I’m quite proud of having been able to put my student debt from Canadian uni on 0% credit cards (they’re a thing in the UK!) and having paid it off before the interest kicked in. International student fees are no joke!
How can tech be more inclusive of women?
You can’t be what you can’t see – in a world where all the big tech giants are run by men, we could do more to showcase the women at the top of companies, too. Mentorship is also key, to help women feel like they belong when they arrive at a tech company with a large male staff – and that they can have a voice and succeed there.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
I truly believe it needs to be part of the education system. I left school with zero knowledge of investing, personal finance or mortgages, and as someone from a low-income background, the concept of ‘financial freedom’ was not something I would ever have heard of, let alone considered attainable! I’m loving all the Gen Z and millennial YouTubers talking about this now – I hope it inspires the next generation to be money savvy.
Katie
Position
Head of Business Operations.
Tell us about yourself
New mom to Noah, frog & dog lover, foodie and cowgirl at heart.
Tell us about financial/investment goals
Achieve financial freedom by 50!
Tell us about a financial/investment achievement you’re proud of?
We bought our first home this year in Vancouver (without any help – a feat in this city!)
How can tech be more inclusive of women?
Celebrate and profile the success of women in the industry. The more women see themselves reflected in the culture and values of the leadership team, the more likely we are to be drawn to it.
What advice do you have for women in the tech world?
Find yourself a good mentor – man or woman – who can serve as a sounding board and help you navigate your career.
How can we inspire the next generation of women to become financially literate and start investing at a younger age?
Don’t be afraid to jump in and take charge! Although it might seem scary, start small. Leaving money in your savings account won’t even beat inflation.
