After making wise investment choices, Troy and Sharon Gunasekera are able to enjoy unlimited quality time together. 67493 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Natalie Gallenti
A CAROLINE Springs couple are living out the great Australian dream.
Troy and Sharon Gunasekera are only in their thirties and are already enjoying retirement, holidays and spending time with their three children.
In 2001, the couple realised they could begin investing in property, as they had $30,000 equity in their home.
With no experience in investing, they decided to partner with a residential property investment specialist, the Investors Club, and over the next decade have purchased seven investment properties and have a portfolio worth $4 million dollars.
“Honestly, I would have thought you were from Mars, if you said this was going to happen to us,” Mr Gunasekera said.
At only 37, the former IT consultant threw off the shackles of full-time work and now gets to spend time with his young family.
“It’s so good as a dad to spend time with my children.
“Yes, we have been fairly disciplined, but the critical point is we haven’t had to skimp on anything.”
Most of the couples’ properties are in Brisbane, which is regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Their Caroline Springs home is rented and Mr Gunasekera said despite public perception “rent money is not dead money”.
“That’s only true if you don’t save.
“We didn’t get six numbers on a Saturday night, we did it ourselves.
“Honestly sometimes I have to pinch myself.”
He did admit that after buying their first property, the debt was a mental hurdle they had to surpass.
“But now it’s just numbers.”
The couple are conscious of making sure their children realise the importance of giving back, so they have sponsor children across the globe.
“Our kids weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth. We believe in giving back, we are so lucky here.”
And for all those out there hoping to follow in this couple’s footsteps, Mr Gunasekera has come simple hints, “be disciplined with your money, know and understand your finances, work with a specialist who has property experience and remember you can buy the wrong property in the right street.”
