Yes jack..I had Mel too...still have some...that corella well...

Yes jack..I had Mel too...still have some...that corella well was conventional too...try telling greenies that! I should have sold day they got government payout or court case victory whatever it was!
I started in shares when 17...over 35 yrs ago...small inheritance from grandfather ...few g... bought repco from memory then I think renison ...then good old beach! Compounding and delayed gratification are powerful things...plus if u know you’re way round the sharemarkets, even better...only way to do that is to start!
Nearly always had funds in shares, sold fair amount to buy a house in 1989, though sold fair few in late 1999 and other times when market hot, normally to buy land..use as deposit. Still would have been better off sticking with shares, but I sleep better having a spread of assets.
Debated myself two months ago whether to take lot of cash out...America was worrying me,even back then....we in oz should have longer till a peak, but housing here now a worry...and flow on effects...not cashing in, but will selectively dwindle over next few months I think. Fang stocks bloody ridiculous in states I think too!