Best way to invest?

EdInvestor

KittyKate wrote:

So I've decided to invest (not save) a small amount per month with the knowledge there is risk but possible decent return and that's what I want

Hi Kate

I would suggest you open an account with Halifax Sharebuilder, put in your regular amount per month and start buying shares. :eek:

Yes, shares. They are not nearly as risky as they sound if you go about it the right way.(If you invest in funds, you're just paying someone else to buy the shares for you.)

What shares to buy?

I would suggest very big UK companies that are household names.Look for the ones that pay good dividends, so you get (tax free) income coming into your account and can buy more shares with it.

Buy from different sectors, so you don't put all your eggs in the same basket.
eg, one big bank, one big oil co, one big telecom, one big pharmaceutical co etc etc.

Do one share a month and after you've got 10 or 15, go round again and top up.Meanwhile watch how they perform.After a year, you'll know a lot about the stockmarket, I guarantee

This free website has all the basic figures on the companies that you need:
https://www.fundies.info

The Halifax account is a real bargain, only 1.50 per trade.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. :beer:

Quarantz

dunstonh wrote:

Not in the UK they are not. Funds issued by banks and insurers tend to be more expensive and underperform the major fund houses.

Investment backed mortgages have died a death in the UK. The change in economy, taxation and regulatory solvency requirements along with the stockmarket crash killed off that method for all but experienced investors.

Thanks for clearing that up. Never too late to learn something. And she doesn't necessarily have to do it in the UK . A good financial planner could possibly overview the situation the best. And I just try to help with some ideas from the mainland...