Early birds: Most investors wish they had started earlier

• 59% of investors wish they’d begun investing at an earlier age 
• Nearly a quarter (23%) plan to increase the amount they invest going forward 
• 72% of investors think more needs to be done to get people comfortable with investing

Over half (59%) of investors wished they had started investing at an earlier age, according to the latest research from Alliance Witan. Three quarters of 18-34 year olds wish they’d begun investing earlier compared to just two-thirds (66%) of 35-54 year olds and 45% of those aged 55+.

The research, which quizzed investors about what they would do differently if they could go back in time, also found that respondents would have invested more frequently. Once again, younger investors between 18 and 34 years old led the way, with 76% saying they would have invested more frequently. This compares to 63% of 35-54 year olds and just under a third of 55+ year olds (30%).

Investors were also questioned on their plans for the years ahead. The findings reveal a number of investors are planning on making financial changes this new tax year to make up for lost time. Nearly a quarter (23%) plan to increase the amount they invest, with this rising to 40% for 18-34 year olds. Nearly a fifth (16%) aim to start investing regularly, with a third (32%) of 18-34 year olds saying this compared to 20% of 35-54 year olds.

Half of investors (49%) revealed that it took them a long time to get comfortable with the idea of investing, and nearly three-quarters (72%) think that efforts are needed more widely to make investing feel more comfortable to the public.

More than a fifth (22%) of investors plan to make the same regular payments into their savings and investing accounts rather than contributing more to the latter. A further 22% are looking to increase how much they save in cash (22%), with those aged 35-54 years old most likely to do this (28%).

Mark Atkinson Senior Director at WTW, which manages the trust, comments: “As with much in life, experience is absolutely key to success, and newer, more hesitant investors can lean on those who have been in the game for years to learn valuable skills. With experience comes confidence, and ultimately, comfort.

“Much is rightly being made of the need to change the culture around investing in the UK. Earlier and better education will help build people’s confidence and understanding, empowering UK households to reap the benefits of long-term investing. Those considering starting investing should fully understand the risks, and ensure investment decisions are proportionate to their immediate financial commitments and long-term goals.”

Methodology

Research was conducted by Opinium on behalf of Alliance Witan from 18^th – 25^th March 2025. The study surveyed 1,000 UK adults with investible assets worth £10,000 and over, including 410 investors that had sold investments at a loss in the last five years.