I want to invest my £5,000

eskbanker

Cactus_Jack wrote: »

What I am struggling to gain knowledge of, is any short term investments for example, 5 years or less.

You can invest for as short or as long a period as you like, but need to understand that the shorter the period, the higher the risk. Nothing to stop you baling out of an investment at any time (subject to any Ts & Cs of course) if you're far enough in profit but if you're going to need to rely on having a certain amount in 5 years or less then investment may not be suitable. And if you see anything branded as a 'get rich quick' scheme, apply extreme caution!

Cactus_Jack wrote: »

I am fine growing my money but it'd be nice to get some faster income/accumulation too.

You should start by identifying what your objectives are, so for example you'd typically choose between income or accumulation....

coyrls

JohnRo wrote: »

The risk of losing the money is minuscule if you purchase a balanced global multi asset fund as per GGS post above.

All good advice here but the risk of losing some money (not all) if you purchase a balanced global multi-asset fund is not miniscule; there will be ups and downs, and over the long term (>5 years) you are likely to make money (but no guarantee).

jimjames

dutchcloggie wrote: »

I find it really grating that in order to start investing, you first need a lot of money or else the money making institutions are not interested in helping you...So only those with money to start with can make money? Those with a little cash are left to their own devices, reducing the chance of success?

That's just not true. You can start investments with £50 and with simple portfolio probably beat many people with far more complicated investments. You certainly don't need masses of money to get started. Some very good ideas already given for things to look at.

BananaRepublic

coyrls wrote: »

All good advice here but the risk of losing some money (not all) if you purchase a balanced global multi-asset fund is not miniscule; there will be ups and downs, and over the long term (>5 years) you are likely to make money (but no guarantee).

I quite agree. One of those funds listed is characterised as high risk on the A J Bell web site. Quite often the higher the risk, the higher the potential gains, and the higher the potential losses.

ackmanlike

Hey,

I'm sure that someone at your bank will be able to assist you. Normally all banks have advisors, also for small amounts.

You can of course just "assist" yourself. Stock picking is dangerous if you're not active in the financial sector. Why not have a look at the website of Vanguard? They offer low cost index funds that are well diversified.

All the best!

dutchcloggie

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and ideas. Luckily my wife is much better at these things than I am and she said most of it even made sense to her

I shall study your advice and get the ball rolling.

Superscrooge

dutchcloggie wrote: »

I find it really grating that in order to start investing, you first need a lot of money or else the money making institutions are not interested in helping you...So only those with money to start with can make money? Those with a little cash are left to their own devices, reducing the chance of success?

As a new investor it might be worth you considering investing via either the Hargreaves Lansdown or Fidelity platforms. Both are full of excellent advice for novice investors and certainly won't turn their noses up at a £5,000 initial investment.

colsten

ackmanlike wrote: »

I'm sure that someone at your bank will be able to assist you. Normally all banks have advisors, also for small amounts.

are you sure you are familiar with investments in the UK? Do you know what the pre-reqs for being an advisor are, and that most UK banks do not have advisors? If so, why would you recommend anyone goes to a bank for investments?

ackmanlike wrote: »

You can of course just "assist" yourself. Stock picking is dangerous if you're not active in the financial sector. Why not have a look at the website of Vanguard? They offer low cost index funds that are well diversified.

Some Vanguard funds could be a good choice, as has already been mentioned. Someone with £5,000 wouldn't get very far on the Vanguard website though. Much better to consult http://monevator.com/category/investing/passive-investing-investing/ for portfolio creation, and for brokers.

JohnRo

Sam_Safe_Property wrote: »

Just thought it would be worth posting on here. I'm sure like most people you would have seen property as a fairly safe investment with fair returns? I'd recommend looking at Group First. They offer an range of different investment opportunities within property. They promise fixed returns of 8% per annum which would be for the first two years with projected returns of 10% for years 3 and 4. There are several exit strategies available including a developer buy-back scheme for longer term investors. This would be a SIPP and HMRC approved opportunity with all acquisitions being backed by an SRA regulated group of solicitors. Investments start at approx. £3,000. I could get you in touch with a primary introducer for Group First who are open to serious enquiries.

If interested in recieving a call or further information from the introducer feel free to send me an
e-mail: loseallyourmoney@grimoutlook.com

You forgot to mention the it's a scam and you lose everything exit strategy.

jimjames

Sam_Safe_Property wrote: »

Just thought it would be worth posting on here. I'm sure like most people you would have seen property as a fairly safe investment with fair returns? I'd recommend looking at Group First.]

Would that be group first that lost all investors money who bought storage pods? And are doing the same with airport parking?
Why would anyone want an unregulated investment that will lose 100% when they can get a protected one that isn't a scam?