Online investment platforms opened record numbers of accounts in lock down, as people took personal control of their finances like never before. 

 

The gulf between being a saver and becoming an investor can be wide, but much of the fear can be taken away with better financial education and a few basic principles to help you make informed investment decisions. 

Firstly, work out why you are investing. Set very personal objectives that can make a material difference to your life. 

Understand your appetite for risk and find investments to achieve your objectives without keeping you awake at night. 

 

 

Visit DIY Investor.net for jargon-free education for those seeking to invest for the long-term.  

It is for you if you are: 

  

New to Investing

 

  

You may have little knowledge of the financial world but seek better returns on your savings. 

You know stock markets tend to rise over time, and are prepared to accept some investment risk in return for potential growth. 

You may be more comfortable with a fund where investment decisions are made for you, and you can choose regular income, or target long term growth. 

You may consider a ‘ready-made portfolio’, and shelter it in a tax-free Stocks and Shares isa.  

  

Growing in Confidence

 

  

You may have some investments, but want to learn more about alternative products, balancing risk and reward and seeking potentially higher returns in the longer term. 

You may consider investment trusts, where long term returns may be higher. 

You may consider shares in individual companies you understand, reinvesting dividends to take maximum advantage of compounding. 

You understand the importance of keeping costs low and may consider low-cost passive investments, such as ETFs ee tee effs. 

You may decide to build your own retirement fund in a SIPP. 

  

Experienced Investor

 

  

You’re comfortable making investment decisions and have your own style. 

You are very conscious of fees and may choose low-cost passive investments over actively managed funds. 

You have considerable experience and may accept a high level of risk in the hope of higher returns from small cap or overseas investments. 

  

Many things can influence the performance of your investment portfolio, so ensure you understand the various moving parts and how they may impact you. 

By making it personal, you work toward goals that matter to you, and armed with good information you can remain in control. 

Your objectives and investing style will evolve over time; the longer your investment horizon, the better your ability to smooth out market movements. 

  

Whether confident and engaged enough to make investment decisions, or trusting the professionals, there will be an option with the support and access you require, at a price you consider acceptable. 

  

 

As we say – Do it Yourself, Do it With me, Do it For me – just don’t do nothing 

 

Much more financial education here >

 





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