Investing guides- reading suggestions

racey

I’m interested in investing in shares or bonds and would like some help.
Is there a book anyone can recommend covering the buying/selling process, how to use/choose stockbrokers, etc.?
Any advice much appreciated.

badger09

racey wrote: »

I’m interested in investing in shares or bonds and would like some help.
Is there a book anyone can recommend covering the buying/selling process, how to use/choose stockbrokers, etc.?
Any advice much appreciated.

Not a book, but this isn't a bad place to start reading

http://monevator.com/category/investing/

racey

Thanks.
Will take a look.

Thrugelmir

Read the Investors Chronicle , Financial Times and other sources of news and information. Unfortunately access to research is becoming more restricted which puts Joe Public at a distinct disadvantage.

racey

Took out a free subscription to Investors Chronicle.
I decided to follow up recommendations of
"iShares $ Treasury Bond 1-3 Year UCITS ETF " and
"ETFS Physical Gold ETF".
Unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea how to buy so I'm looking for advice on how to choose a stockbroker or whatever else I need to do.

bowlhead99

Andy Bell's book (he's the guy from AJ Bell who run Youinvest and a decent SIPP pensions product, among other things) is fine - covers all the basics and practicalities. A superficial review is here http://diyinvestoruk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/the-diy-investor-new-book-review.html but there are others around the place and you can get it via Amazon.

Sounds more like the sort of thing you need than Thrug's suggestion ; his is more about awareness of world and corporate events to help you make decisions on what companies might be worthy of your capital.

What you invest in is how you make or lose money so of course it's important. Whereas what i think you're looking for is a book that doesn't tell you whether company A or company B is a better investment today, but introduces you to the idea of risk and how DIY investing practically works - assuming you are doing it like most of us rather than giving up the day job to become a trader.

racey

Yes, it's the basics and practicalities I need to learn - such as how to buy the investments I mentioned above.
The amounts of money involved would, I imagine, be very small compared to the majority of stockbrokers' clients.

BLB53

Unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea how to buy so I'm looking for advice on how to choose a stockbroker or whatever else I need to do.

Have a look through some of the articles on diy investor 'basics' page and particularly 'selecting your diy online broker'

http://diyinvestoruk.blogspot.co.uk/p/basics.html

Personally, I like the Vanguard Lifestrategy funds combining equities and bonds - very simple and good returns. My LS60 fund has averaged 8% per year over the past 5 years since launch.

racey

BLB53 - Thanks for the link. I'll try Halifax Share Dealing as it's a name I'm familiar with and I've got a credit card with them.
They also deal in the investments I mentioned above.

mgarl10024

racey wrote: »

The amounts of money involved would, I imagine, be very small compared to the majority of stockbrokers' clients.

racey wrote: »

I try Halifax Share Dealing.

Brokers tend to charge either on a percentage basis (based on the amount invested) or on a flat fee basis (regardless of the amount invested). If you are only investing a little then a percentage based broker (Halifax is flat fee) may be better.
Your activity (how often you trade(buy/sell)) will affect this, so be sure to factor that into your calculations too.

Thrugelmir

racey wrote: »

The amounts of money involved would, I imagine, be very small compared to the majority of stockbrokers' clients.

Lots of people start at the bottom. .