Help with trying to be clever!!!

Glen_Clark

A Good Idea to read about investing, in which case the best way is to buy a good book like Smarter Investing, by Tim Hale.
Why buy a book when there is so much free stuff on the internet you may ask.
Well its like if you want to replace the clutch on your car. The information is probably all available on the web for free. But it takes a lot of finding, much of what you find will be wrong, and much more will be cons selling you stuff you don't need. You need to buy a Workshop Manual, just like you need to buy a Good book on investing.

ManofLeisure_2

If you decide to take the plunge, my tip would be 'not to invest more than you can afford to lose'. Sounds obvious, but I've seen many people throw caution to the wind and all they are left with are regrets.
Best of Luck

Uncle_Stinky

Mike88's suggestion of joining an investment club seems to be a good one if you just want to have a dabble and learn about share buying.
I have been in a share club since the '90s and it is a good place to cheaply learn that you are not as smart as you thought you were; ditto your friends; ditto financial journalists; ditto fund managers.
It can also be great fun if you enjoy discussions (arguments!). You will not make much money, but then you won't lose much either (excluding drinks if you meet in a pub).
After a few years (taking in a bull and a bear market) you may feel confident enough to buy shares yourself. In the meantime keep your 'real' investment money in the boring stuff (trackers, pensions etc)

oldtoolie

<<seeing a bit of a return somewhere within a month>>

Sorry but that is not investing but gambling. You might as well go to the bookmaker.