Sharesies review NZ: is it actually a good way to start investing?

I’m not a finance expert. I didn’t grow up talking about shares or building a portfolio. I was just a normal Kiwi trying out a new app that had come on the market – Sharesies.

In September 2017, I made my first investment through Sharesies – just $9.95 into Z Energy. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but the idea of growing my money instead of leaving it sitting in a savings account made sense.

Fast forward a few years, and in September 2020, I withdrew $11,700 from my Sharesies account to put towards my first home deposit. That money was built up slowly, bit by bit, through regular investing.

This review is based on my actual experience using Sharesies in New Zealand. I’ll walk you through what worked, what didn’t, and whether I honestly think it’s a good place to start if you’re thinking about investing – especially if you’re starting small, like I did.

The features that made me stick around

There are loads of investing platforms out there, but a few things about Sharesies really stood out… especially for someone like me, who was starting from scratch.

You can invest from just $5

This was the game-changer. I didn’t have thousands to throw into the market, and with Sharesies, I didn’t need to. You can buy a tiny slice of a company or a fund, which made it way less intimidating to get started.

No pressure, no huge risks — just steady, small contributions that added up over time.

Auto-invest made it so much easier

I was still employed when I signed up for Sharesies, and setting up auto-invest was the best idea ever.

It pulls a set amount each week and spreads it across a few investments I chose. It’s basically “set and forget” – and honestly, it kept me accountable.

Money was whipped away from my bank account and into savings before I could get my hands on it. (I am definitely a spender)

The interface makes sense

I’ve tried a few finance apps that felt like they were built for economists. Sharesies isn’t like that. Everything is laid out in plain English, with helpful explanations along the way.

Even when I had no idea what ETFs or dividends were, I felt like I could figure it out without Googling every second word.

The fees don’t make me choke (or broke)

Sharesies charges a monthly platform fee (based on your portfolio size), plus transaction fees when you buy and sell. It’s not the cheapest platform out there, but you’re paying for simplicity, access, and a really well-designed experience.

For me, the convenience was worth it — especially when I was just starting out.

What I invested in (and why)

Again. Not a professional.

I kept things simple from the start and focused on building good habits, not chasing big wins.

• Mainly ETFs: I stuck to diversified funds like the NZ Top 50 and global market options. These gave me exposure to lots of companies in one go and felt like a safer choice.
• Some individual shares: Over time, I added a few companies I personally liked or used – nothing fancy, just brands I believed in or recognised.
• Small, regular amounts: I usually invested $20 to $30 a week using Auto-invest. It didn’t feel like much, but it built up over time.
• Long-term mindset: I wasn’t trying to time the market. I just let it grow, and when it came time to put together my house deposit, I had a few thousand ready to go.

Sharesies did make it easier to get started without needing to know everything. I learnt as I went and saw steady growth by keeping things simple.

The results: how it helped my buy my first home

This is where all the small steps paid off.

• I started investing in September 2017, usually putting in $20 to $30 at a time.
• By September 2020, I had withdrawn just under $11,700 from Sharesies to help with my first home deposit.
• That money came from consistent investing over a few years – no shortcuts, just a long-term approach that worked.

I didn’t need to be an expert or have heaps of spare cash. Sharesies made it simple to build a solid portfolio over time, and when I was ready to buy, it gave me a real boost towards getting on the property ladder.

It wasn’t a miracle. It was small, steady investing – and it made a big difference.

What I’d tell my friends before signing up

If a friend asked me whether they should try Sharesies, I’d say yes, but with a few tips to make the most of it.

• Start small, but stay consistent: You don’t need heaps to begin. Even $5 a week adds up if you stick with it.
• Use Auto-invest: It takes the thinking out of it. Set it up once, and you’ll keep building your portfolio without needing to remember.
• Don’t try to time the market: It’s tempting to jump in and out, but I found the best results came from just staying in.
• Watch the fees if you’re investing large amounts: Sharesies is great for beginners, but as your portfolio grows, it’s worth reviewing whether the fee structure still suits you.
• Learn as you go: You don’t need to know everything to start. The platform explains things in plain language, and it’s easy to build confidence over time.

For me, Sharesies was the easiest and most approachable way to get started – and it worked.

So, is Sharesies actually a good way to start investing?

For me, the answer is yes.

Sharesies helped me go from knowing nothing about investing to building a portfolio worth thousands… and eventually using that money to buy my first home. It made investing feel doable. Not scary, not exclusive, just something regular people can start with a few bucks and a bit of patience.

It’s not perfect for every situation. The fees can add up if you’re investing large amounts, and it’s not built for hardcore traders. But if you’re a Kiwi looking for a simple, no-nonsense way to start growing your money, I genuinely think Sharesies is one of the best options out there.

It worked for me, and if you stick with it, it might work for you too.

Ready to Give It a Go?

If you’re curious about investing and want to try Sharesies for yourself, you can sign up using my link below. It helps support this blog, and there’s no extra cost to you.

Sign up to Sharesies here

Start small. Stay consistent. See where it takes you.