Beginner's guide
With investment, your capital is at risk
If you’re considering investing but want to understand the basics before you get started – or you’ve got some investments but want to learn more – you’re in the right place. We’ve created these lessons – along with a collection of videos, podcasts and articles – to help you on your way.
Lesson one: What is investing?
Understand the basic purposes of investing and get started with our five reasons to invest.
Lesson two: Where do I start with investing?
Prepare to invest: choose an investment platform that’s right for you.
Lesson three: Accounts – a home for your money
Discover the benefits and quirks of ISAs, SIPPs and Investment Accounts and choose the home that suits you best.
Lesson four: What can I invest in?
Get acquainted with the function and purpose of different investments from the stock markets to funds, bonds and beyond.
Lesson five: Building an investment portfolio
Find out how you can build an investment portfolio that’s aligned with your goals.
Lesson six: Investing versus cash savings
Strike your balance between investing, cash savings and inflation.
Lesson seven: Charges, fees and costs
Evaluate the range of investment fees and charges so you know what to expect.
Lesson eight: Regulation – the many commandments
Discover the regulations keeping your money safe – and how you can help.
Lesson nine: The impact of time: compounding explained
Identify why investments need time and how compounding encourages exponential growth.
Lesson ten: What is risk?
Recognise the importance of risk and three important things to consider when thinking about risk.