How to move from saving to investing

Wobblydeb

Hi there,

I am hoping you can help by suggesting some good sources of information for me learning about investing.

I've got enough in ISAs to cover emergencies or redundancy, and no debt other than the mortgage. I've also got a regular saver which will mature soon with £3,000. In the past this would have vanished into a holiday / clothes / luxuries but I am determined to start acquiring assets that will give me the money for those things instead.

So....... where to start? Is there a Dummies Guide to Investing or something similar? I am happy to explore assets other than shares too.

Masomnia

Wobblydeb wrote: »

Is there a Dummies Guide to Investing or something similar?

There is: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Investing-Dummies-Tony-Levene/dp/0470992808/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253014434&sr=8-2

Hehe. Sounds like it covers diferent asset classes too so you'll probably find it good for your situation. I think there are other on here who have read it so maybe you can get some feedback, and maybe other recommendations. The only book I've read is The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, which is good, but isn't too easy going as it does assume some level of prior experience, especially of American investment terms. I found anyway.

Good luck anyway!

cheerfulcat

I didn't think much of the Dummies' Guide but can't remember why now! Alvin Hall's book was pretty comprehensive, and excellent for a beginner. I'd second the suggestion of the Graham book, in particular the edition with the commentary/updates by Jason Zweig. The Four Pillars of Investing was also an interesting read.

Lokolo

I found the Dummies guide really useful. Especially if you know nothing. If you know about shares and funds and such already then its not that useful as it goes over basics which you know already.

Jonbvn

The Motley Fool is always a good start. Lots of commentary and informal advice over on their website.

Wobblydeb

Wow - thanks everyone for such quick replies. I am very tempted by the Alvin Hall book - I've got one of his already and like the style.

I've had a thought though .... at the moment my ISAs are cash only. If I'm considering investing in shares, should I start with a share ISA rather than an independent portfolio?

Lokolo

Wobblydeb wrote: »

Wow - thanks everyone for such quick replies. I am very tempted by the Alvin Hall book - I've got one of his already and like the style.

I've had a thought though .... at the moment my ISAs are cash only. If I'm considering investing in shares, should I start with a share ISA rather than an independent portfolio?

Yep, as long as the S&S ISA isn't costing you anything.

But I wouldn't worry about that for now as depending where you want to invest (Shares or Funds are usually most popular), will determine who you have as a stockbroker.

Paul_Herring

http://www.incademy.com/pages/home.htm?ginPtrCode=10002

Dave101t

a book is a great investment, see your on your way already!