Where to start ? Stocks and Shares ISA

stanthemannn

Simple_Si wrote: »

So, since Dec2013, I have read through the book Smarter Investing, about 6 times, and have found it extremely useful in gaining an insight into how best to plan my portfolio. I enjoyed understanding the passive approach and suitable building blocks as which to use. Now its time to find these suitable funds and a platform to use. I'm planning for the long term roughly 25 years plus and have £15000 available funds to invest. I would like to use up my remaining isa allowance this tax year but am unsure which platform would be most suitable for me. Any advise is welcome

First time poster researching the same thing/ who is cheapest s&s provider. Investors Chronicle have done a comparison which says AXA Self Investor is the cheapest for this year investorschronicle.co.uk/2014/04/02/funds-and-etfs/isa-funds/lowest-cost-platforms-for-your-isa-or-sipp-Q6fhxL6c0ngSxKvVtH5MzK/article.html no charges to enter or exit but charges do start from May 2015 but you switch at that point if you wanted..

Archi_Bald

It all depends on the funds you hold/plan to hold and also, depending on the funds, how often you intend to trade. Static tables like the one in IC can be misleading since the compilers of the table must assume some vanilla portfolio and trading behaviour that is unlikely to be your portfolio and behaviour. You really need to work out the charges that will apply to you yourself.

mapk

I'm looking at taking some first steps into S&S ISAs. Any views on the AXA Self Investor platform. Seems to be recommended on the main site here.

masonic

mapk wrote: »

I'm looking at taking some first steps into S&S ISAs. Any views on the AXA Self Investor platform. Seems to be recommended on the main site here.

It also says in that guide:

You'll want to transfer out before May 2016 as the platform charge rises to 0.35% for up to £250,000 (0.20% for £250,000+), and if you don't it could cost you big.

But it fails to mention that transferring a S&S ISA can be hard work and very slow (>6 months in extreme cases). I wouldn't start a S&S ISA anywhere I wasn't planning on staying for the long term.