Want to invest but don’t know where to start? Here are the basics

Have you thought about investing but are worried you don’t know enough to start? Research suggests that if you do, you’re not alone, but getting to grips with the basics doesn’t have to be challenging.

According to a Royal Mint survey, more than half of UK adults want to get into investing. It’s a step that can help them grow their wealth and reach long-term goals. Yet, the majority (76%) said their lack of knowledge is holding them back. If you’re putting off investing because you don’t feel confident in your knowledge, here are the basics you need to know.

What does “investing” mean?

An investment simply means purchasing an asset with the goal of generating an income or the asset appreciating in value. However, when people say “investing” they will often mean purchasing stocks or shares, which is where you purchase a share of a company.

If you want to generate an income, you may choose a dividend-paying company, which shares some of its profits with its shareholders. At times, a company may still pay dividends even if they don’t make suitable profits, and a company may also suspend dividends. Alternatively, you may purchase shares in a company with the plan to sell them for more at a later date.

So, in principle, investing is simple. It’s where you buy a share of a company to create income or profit. However, there are a lot of other things to consider and it’s normal to be worried about making the “wrong” choice. Here’s what you need to know.

1. You need to set a goal and a time frame

If you’re thinking about investing, you should start with your “why”. Why do you want to invest, and what do you hope to achieve? Whether you’re investing for a goal that’s five years away or thinking about a retirement that’s 30 years away, your goal and time frame play a pivotal role in how you should invest.

2. All investments carry some risk

All investments carry some form of risk. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re in a financial position to invest first. Ideally, you should have a rainy day fund in place that you can fall back on if you face unexpected costs.

The level of risk involved when investing varies a lot. You need to understand what level of risk is appropriate for you. A risk profile should consider a variety of areas, from your capacity for loss to what other assets you hold. If you’re not sure what your risk profile is, we can help you.

3. You should diversify your investments

With a clear risk profile, it’s important to start building a portfolio. While it can be tempting to put all your money in a handful of investments you have confidence in, spreading your investments is important.

The stock market can be volatile, and there will be times when investment values fall. Spreading out investments across geographical locations, industries, and more can help balance out the rises and falls that investments experience.

4. You don’t need to pick individual stocks

If you’re new to investing, you may be looking at buying stocks and shares in individual companies. Perhaps you’ve heard about a tech company that’s predicted to grow rapidly. However, there is an alternative option that is suitable for many people investing for the first time – funds.

A fund is where your money is pooled with other investors’ money. This money is then used to buy and hold investments on your behalf. This means you don’t need to make investment decisions day-to-day and can help you diversify where your money is invested. There are many different types of funds to suit your needs and goals.

5. There are tax-efficient ways to invest

When investing, you may be liable for tax on the returns. Choosing a tax-efficient wrapper to place your investments in can make your money go further. This includes a Stocks and Shares ISA. You can place up to £20,000 into ISAs each tax year and investments held in an ISA can grow free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

If you’re investing for the long term, with retirement in mind, a pension can also make sense. Assuming you don’t exceed allowances, your contribution benefits from tax relief and will be invested. Keep in mind though, that you won’t be able to access the money in your pension until your reach pension age, which is currently 55, rising to 57 in 2028.

6. The cost of investing matters too

When you think about how to measure how successful your investments are, you probably focus on the returns. But you also need to consider how much it’s costing you to invest. Even when you choose a tax-efficient way to invest, you will need to pay fees. These costs will vary depending on the provider and platform you choose, so it’s vital you understand how these could add up in the short and long term.

7. You can seek investment advice

Finally, you don’t have to go it alone when investing. Working with a professional means you have someone to talk to about your decisions and this can help you have confidence in the steps you take. By choosing a financial planner, you can make sure the investments you make fit into your wider financial plans.

If you’d like to talk about investing, whether you already have a portfolio or want to start, please contact us.

Speak to a Financial Adviser

Skerritts provides friendly, impartial advice on an extensive range of financial solutions, tailored to meet your specific financial needs through a team of highly qualified and professional financial advisers.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.