Oct 7, 2026 · 29 min
A breakup tests one investor’s financial flexibility
From house-sitting her way to buying property to pivoting after a break up
Larissa’s story shows how investing mistakes, unconventional saving, and financial independence can reshape property plans after a relationship ends.
- 1Early losses pushed Larissa from a high-growth fund toward a simpler, consistent ETF strategy.
- 2House- and pet-sitting helped Larissa and her former partner reduce living costs while saving for regional property.
- 3Years of saving and investing gave Larissa options after the breakup, even as she rebuilt her income and housing plans.
Don't miss
Larissa explains how house- and pet-sitting while traveling helped her and her former partner save enough to buy regional property.
The brief
Larissa began investing with confidence after early gains in a high-growth fund, then learned through losses that a simpler ETF strategy suited her better.
Her route to property was unconventional: she and her former partner left their rental, house- and pet-sat while traveling, and used the savings to buy regionally.
After the breakup, shared finances became a solo plan, but years of saving and investing provided flexibility, a substantial emergency fund, and time to reassess.
Larissa is now rebuilding independently through self-employment, regular ETF investing, and a decision over whether her next property will be a home or an investment.
Books & mentions
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