Investing 101
A beginner's guide to investing
The value of your investments and the income from them may go down as well as up, and you could get back less than you invested.
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 to help you on your way.
1. What is investing?
Understand the basic purposes of investing and get started with our five reasons to invest.
2. Where do I start with investing?
Prepare to invest: choose an investment platform that’s right for you.
3. 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.
4. What can I invest in?
Get acquainted with the function and purpose of different investments from the stock markets to funds, bonds and beyond.
5. Building an investment portfolio
Find out how you can build an investment portfolio that’s aligned with your goals.
6. Investing versus cash savings
Strike your balance between investing, cash savings and inflation.
7. Charges, fees and costs
Evaluate the range of investment fees and charges so you know what to expect.
8. Regulation – the many commandments
Discover the regulations keeping your money safe – and how you can help.
9. The impact of time: compounding explained
Identify why investments need time and how compounding encourages exponential growth.
10. What is risk?
Recognise the importance of risk and three important things to consider when thinking about risk.