Knowledge
Start your investment journey
New to investing? A little bit of help and guidance can set you on your way. Find out how to get your finances in shape and invest money online.
Learn how to invest money wisely
Investing is an alternative way to save for the future, giving your money the chance to grow over time. Almost everyone should consider investing once they have paid off expensive debts and saved up a rainy-day fund.
Learn the investment basics
Kickstart your investment journey and download our guide for beginner investors. You’ll get practical guidance on:
- Shares, funds, bonds and the stock market
- Investment risk and why it’s important
- The best time to invest on the markets
- Types of investment account
- Building your portfolio
Beginner investor guide
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Are your finances in shape?
The investment world can be complex at times, so it’s advised to plan out your personal finances before investing. This could include setting up an emergency fund, paying off debts, or starting a pension. Our free financial health checklist includes:
- How to think about your financial plan
- Guidance around wills, insurance, and tax
- How to invest safely
- Protecting against fraud
Financial Health checklist
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Start investing today
Open your investment account in minutes with our secure platform and app. Build your portfolio from over 12,500 UK & International Shares, Funds, ETFs and Investment Trusts.
- Competitive charges
- Safe and secure
- Monthly investing
- Award-winning service
Direct Investment Service
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Myths of investing
There are widely held assumptions about investing that mean many people miss out on growing their money over the longer term. Here are some of the most common 'myths' of investing.
Isn’t cash always safer than investing?
Having cash available is important, but interest on cash does not usually keep up with the rise in the cost of living.
Investing and trading on the stock market could provide you with a better return through the growth of companies and the profits they make. It’s not guaranteed, though, so you could lose value, especially over shorter periods.
Isn’t investing only for experts?
You don’t need to be an expert to invest. By investing in a fund, you are spreading your money and risk across dozens of different companies, either managed by an expert or designed to track an index.
Our range of cost-conscious funds are designed to achieve a broad investment objective and keep to a certain level of risk
Don’t I need to be rich to invest?
You can start your investment journey on our Direct Investment Service with a relatively small sum of £25 a month; you might look to set up a regular Direct Debit to help build your savings gradually.
Our low-cost funds and free fund trading, combined with our competitive platform fee help make investing affordable for all.
Follow Erica on her investment journey
Erica is a beginner investor who keeps track of her investment journey with a series of video tutorials. Each lesson covers a new investment topic, helping you to understand the basics, bust the jargon, and break down the barriers to investing.
In this episode, Erica wants to learn about investing and understand the risks, creating a checklist before deciding to take the investment plunge.
- I’m contributing to my Pension Plan through my work.
- I’ve paid off any high-interest debt such as credit cards and loans.
- I have an emergency fund, 6 to 12 months of take-home pay kept in a savings account that’s accessible if I need it.
If you are unsure of the suitability of your investment please seek professional financial advice. Investors should be aware that past performance is not a guide to the future and that the price of shares and other investments, and the income derived from them, may fall as well as rise and the amount realised may be less than the original sum invested.
Latest insights for new investors
Take a look at our range of articles, podcasts and videos to help you get started with investing.
Take control and invest in your future today
Watch our video to find out more about our flexible and cost-effective investment platform suited to all levels of investor.
Watch our video
At Charles Stanley, we have been providing financial support to our clients for over 200 years. Find out how you can get started on your investment journey today.
- Sign up to our first-class investment platform and app, where you can manage savings, investments and any potential income online.
- Choose from a range of tax-efficient accounts, including ISAs, Junior ISAs and SIPPs (Self-Invested Personal Pensions).
- We also offer Cash Savings accounts allowing you quick and easy access to better interest rates.
- Request a call back to speak to one of our Financial Professionals who can help you find the right service for your needs.
Need help with getting started?
If you’d like additional support, we offer a range of services available to help you get to grips with investing and your personal finances.
Financial Coaching
Speak to a real-life financial coach, who can help you gain clarity around your money situation and take the next steps with confidence.
Financial Plans
Got a tricky financial question? Get a clear action plan tailored to meet your needs, from inheritance tax planning to retirement income.
Investment Portfolio Review
Is your portfolio working for you? Get a better insight into performance and risk with a thorough investment review.
Request a call back
Get a better understanding of your current situation and the options available to you, take advantage of a free consultation with a Financial Professional.
0207 739 8200 (Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)