Choosing the right DIY platform is crucial but a wealth of choice and changes to charges have left many investors scratching their heads. We pick some of the best. We also highlight why investing in an Isa makes sense, as it should protect your hopefully growing investments from tax forever.
The fear that the stock market is either soaring too close to the sun or sinking to plumb new depths deters many investors. And so they wait for that magical goldilocks moment, when it’s not too hot and not too cold. The problem is those moments are rare and it’s rarer still that we spot them at the time. So what can the fearful investor do?
The best way to build a handsome nest egg is to put a little aside every month in an investment fund. There are major benefits to regular saving compared with putting in a lump sum. When you invest, the value of the shares you hold goes up and down, so slowly feeding in money can help you ride out these peaks and troughs.
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Do it ONLY once year, but do it at exactly the same time, and don't get distracted shopping for new investments before you've reviewed your old ones. So how precisely do you go about an investment health check? Follow our six-step guide, which is packed with expert tips.
Fund investing helps many small investors strike it rich. Find out what funds are, how to invest, and how to save money through a fund supermarket
Savers love the tax-free income a cash Isa offers, but most are losing money to inflation, but investors like the Taylors can pick up long-term rewards from dividends.
Why are there half a dozen or more versions of the same fund listed on the performance tables, followed with abbreviations like Acc, Inc, No Trail, R, I, and Z?
Want to beat the pathetic interest paid out on many high street accounts - and turbo-charge your money for the future? Then it’s time to dip your toe into the stock market, using some of the world’s biggest and best-known companies to help you. And with the new Super Isa that will let you invest up to £15,000 a year, you can enjoy your profits tax-free, too.
The easiest way to start investing is through funds. These pool your money and allow you to invest in shares, bonds and other assets. The huge array of funds on offer - alongside their investment trust cousins - can make things slightly bewildering for a beginner. However, investing in funds is actually very simple. Our guide explains what you need to know.
The sale of Royal Mail shares last year whetted the appetite of many investors for share buying. With the stock market heading back towards record highs and the prospects of a sale of Lloyds Banking Group shares on the horizon, popular share buying is set for a comeback. But for newcomers, buying and selling may seem daunting. So here is our guide to getting started in the market.
Whether you are starting from scratch or want to make more of money you’ve already put aside, there has never been a better time to become a DIY investor. We explain how to get started on a road that will hopefully take you to riches.
Share picking means you get to choose but must do detailed research, while funds allow you to tap into experts. We explain what DIY investors need to know.
Investment companies have to produce a checklist of important details like charges and performance for each of their funds - but what do they leave out?
Assuming you heeded the investing lesson not to put all your eggs in one basket, that still begs the question of how many baskets it is sensible to carry at once?
Investing experts explain what criteria to use when selecting stocks in such a volatile industry, and how to decipher jargon-filled company updates. But beware, because share prices will often crash or soar in a day depending on whether a well in some farflung location comes up dry or strikes oil.
I have 600 shares in the firm but, with the additional shares on offer, will the value of the existing one be diluted?
The very best dividend yielding shares tend to be a fairly predictable bunch, but be warned, a frothy yield may be a sign of trouble ahead.
When you first take a bet on the stock market, it's easy to feel intimidated. Not only do some of the funds sound strange, and some of the places you can put your cash exotic, but there is the prospect of losing plenty of money, too. But once you have chosen where to invest, it's possible to ramp up your returns with some simple little tricks used by the professionals.
With the end of the tax year approaching, specialist magazine Investors Chronicle has highlighted five tips to make the most of your money this Isa season.
The rise of DIY online investing has transformed the way people are able to save for retirement, but navigating the maze of Sipp charges can be a tricky task.
A wealth manager claims to already have 15 Isa millionaires and says that even conservative investing can make you one. The attractive assertion says that taking a little risk and using your Isa allowance wisely could help you get a tax-friendly million pound pot in less than three decades. So what does it take to join the millionaire's ranks?
I was expecting a nice little windfall from the return of value to Vodafone shareholders, but I lost out in the stock consolidation. What's going on - is it a con?
With names such the Mercantile Investment Trust and the Scottish American Investment Company, these firms appear to be throwbacks to a bygone era.
Many commercial property investors did very well before the crisis hit as capital values soared, only to have their fingers burned when the crunch came. Now, against an improving economic backdrop, commercial property is back among the best selling investments.
Direct customers of fund houses are not covered by new rules that will see people using brokers or advisers get investments placed into 'clean funds'.
The FTSE 100 hit a peak in 1999 by reaching 6950.60 during trading on 30 December, but if it reaches those heights again it will be by different types of stocks
Many people like the idea of investing but just don’t want to be bothered with the hassle of thinking much about where or how. If that's you then you might want to consider a little-known breed of low-cost trackers that not only ditch fund managers, but automatically spread your eggs across plenty of baskets based on risk - into both shares and bonds.
Paul Resnik, of risk experts FinaMetrica, says investors who just hunt down the cheapest DIY platforms may lose money by missing much needed tools and services.
From a £1,000 investment in shares, over one year you’d have made £170, over ten years £629, over 20 years £1,234 and over 50 years £13,542.
The economy is racing ahead of expectations and raising hopes for investors that stock markets will follow suit. While the performance of a country's economy and its stock markets are not directly related, there are many listed businesses that are benefiting from the recovery. Rob Collins and his partner Ruth Kielty, pictured, have money in the Cazenove UK Opportunities fund.
Income seekers looking to shares for better returns will be cheered to learn that dividends are on the rise. A record £100billion is forecast to be paid out to investors in 2014, with average yields of 4.2 per cent, according to Capita Asset Services, which monitors dividend distributions.
A wealth of choice means DIY investing can be daunting. We outline six questions you should ask yourself to help create a winning portfolio.
Fancy a peek into what everyone else is putting in their share Isas this year? Optimism about growth prospects seems to be back going by the latest top-sellers.
With names such the Mercantile Investment Trust and the Scottish American Investment Company, these firms appear to be throwbacks to a bygone era.
Richard Webb, of momentum investors Saltydog, says sitting back and watching investments plummet does little for your blood pressure and long-term wealth. He explains why its investment portfolio is going against the traditional buy and hold mantra, reducing its equity stake and heading for the safe haven for cash.
To be entirely honest, usually the letters A G and M next to each other are enough to make my eyes glaze over. Yet, last week I found myself at the Finsbury Growth and Income AGM, where it was standing room only. Finsbury's Nick Train has the rare talent to beat the market and also talk about investing in an entertaining and simple way.
The number of price tweaks announced by brokers recently has been prolific as they prepare for rule changes in April. Grace Gabbitass has made her choices.
Hargreaves Lansdown reveals 7 per cent of its 577,000 clients have stashed small company AIM shares in their Isas since the rules were relaxed on 5 August 2013.
Some popular investment funds are so big that providers are actively obstructing investors from putting in more money. Which funds might also 'soft close' in future?
We asked investing experts to tip some poorly-performing managers and funds they think will be back on top.
Popstars sing about it and the internet is full of ways claiming to do it, but in reality there is no easy way to get rich. One method to make more money is by investing and while there is no magic formula, there are ways make sure you give yourself the best chance. We have picked six vital steps and highlighted helpful tools and guides.
Plenty of investors would prefer to keep it simple rather than bother to build and maintain a portfolio - they want to buy one decent fund that does everything for them. But is this a wise move and if you do decide to put all your money in one fund, how do you choose a good one. We get six experts to deliver their one fund picks.
A massive clean-up of the financial services industry banning cosy backdoor commission began a year ago. Has it cut the cost of investing or made it any easier?
Having worked in Woodford’s shadow for 17 years, 43-year-old Barnett will finally step into the limelight when he takes over as Invesco Perpetual’s head of UK equities next April.
Facebook has marked its tenth anniversary and has given a boost not just to those sharing pictures of cats but investors as well. We look at how to invest and why?
Low interest rates and dismal bond yields have forced many investors to rebalance their portfolios, in the process taking more risk with shares. We ask four top financial advisers - plus online broker Fund Expert's tipster Trigger, a Staffordshire bull terrier - how they would invest £100,000 for the long term, according to whether the client is cautious, balanced or adventurous in their attitude towards risk. They also give fund recommendations.
The Midas Dividend Surprises portfolio, having started in November, has already increased in value from £10,000 to £11,370, with airline easyJet leading the pack.
Despite mainly positive economic outlooks for 2014, Investec fund manager Alastair Mundy, says he is sticking with cash, gold and inflation linked bonds, he explains why.
Commentators are setting out which markets will be the best ones to back in 2014, but investors should start with an early spring clean, says expert Jason Hollands.
Recovering economy, low interest rates, attractive income and big tax breaks are persuading many taxpayers to consider investing in venture capital trusts.
Shares are endorsed as the asset class to be in next year, with further gains expected despite stellar performance in 2013 dimming somewhat of late.
For investors 2014 could mark the beginning of a return to normality. We get the experts view and reveal which markets look cheap and expensive.
It doesn't take much imagination to grasp that 3D printing could revolutionise many industries. But when? What sectors will it conquer? Which businesses will cash in?
Scammers are targeting those who want to chase huge returns with offers of investments in carbon credits, diamonds, wine or shares that can be worthless.
Investors in UK shares have enjoyed a bumper year but how will they fare in 2014? No one knows how the year ahead will turn out but in the investing world quality usually shines through. Broker Killik predicts 2014 will be another good year for equities and has highlighted seven UK stocks that should do well.
After years on the defensive as economies recovered from the financial crash and subsequent recessions, now may be the time for investors to go for growth.
Royal Mail investors were attracted by the lure of a bumper dividend of 6 per cent or higher. But there are lots of household names with a good dividend yield.
Neil Woodford is stepping down from his funds where he is Britain's favourite manager. We pick five alternative income funds and trusts worth a look.
Momentum investors believe in following the top performing assets, but if you want to sleep soundly that doesn't that mean you should just stick all your cash on a single table-topping share, fund or even sector. Richard Webb, of SaltyDog Investor explains how they balance the trade-off between risk and rewards and why their strategy steers away from simply choosing only the highest octane funds.
A showdown between trusts and funds operating in the same sectors - and often run by exactly the same fund managers - produced results overwhelmingly in favour of trusts.
We put 10 famous investing sayings to the test to find out which will help make you money and which it is safer to ignore.
If you have a hunch about the future but aren't sure where to put your money, City broker Canaccord Genuity has built portfolios of investment trusts for cautious and confident investors. Its 'core' list has a strong defensive bias while its 'risk-on' list takes advantage of the kind of turbo-charged markets we've seen of late.
We highlight ten ways to invest in a revival without the heavy commitment and deep pockets that buying a property requires.
There may be too many risks in putting money into one firm's shares, but you could take advantage of the revolution with a technology fund or investment trust.
The Association of Investment Companies has analysed all investment trusts to find the 20 strongest and most consistent performers of the last decade.
If the thought of solar panels on your roof seems too expensive or a wind farm in the garden too noisy, you could benefit from a new breed of funds and trusts.
Katie Roberts, product director for Fidelity Worldwide Investments, reveals some top low risk funds which have low volatility but consistent returns.
AIM’s growth companies are a fertile hunting ground, but can also prove a graveyard for the unwary. If you'd rather the experts pick your smaller companies, we highlight some of the best.
The UK's biggest sectors seem to be alive again while the manufacturing and services sectors enjoying a rebound. So how do you invest in recovery?
James Bateman, of Fidelity, outlines five basic questions that savers should ask when choosing funds for a Junior Isa and picks five of his favourites.
The banks don't want your savings, so where can you go to earn more from your cash? Those prepared to take a risk can look to funds and investment trusts that can deliver inflation-beating returns. We highlight ten of the best, away from the usual income fund suspects.
While risk is an unavoidable aspect of investing, doing your homework and having a clear idea of what you want will help to avoid unnecessary problems. With the help of an investing expert, we explain about asset allocation.
New platform providers are cropping up all the time – how can you check yours is legitimate so that your money stays safe?
Fund investing helps many small investors strike it rich. Find out what funds are, how to invest, and how to save money through a fund supermarket
What are clean investment funds, how do you find them, and should you convert your old funds to the new kind?
Investing doesn’t have to be daunting or complicated says Nutmeg's Shaun Port. He explains his golden rules.
Where once many customers found themselves treated to 'free' sessions, ultimately paid for through commission kick backs, now they must pay an explicit fee. The new rules have caused upheaval across the finance industry, as products and the sales process are reworked to make clear the complex charges that had been partially hidden prior to the changes. We explain how these changes affect you.
Isas and pensions offer investors hugely valuable tax breaks that should not be overlooked. And In a climate of low interest rates and modest returns from many investments, minimising tax is even more important. We lay out how both work and what you can invest in.
If you are new to investing then the huge number of funds and investment trusts on offer can be confusing. Fortunately, This is Money's experts have some ideas to get you started.
If you're looking to add some flair to your investing Isa with emerging markets, This is Money's experts have some ideas to get you started
Income investing can let you draw on your portfolio or reinvest dividends to build solid growth over time. Our experts give their fund and investment trust recommendations.
Latin American funds top the tables, but you could have made money by investing in just about anything since 2003 when the stock market hit its low.
We identified big investment themes that look likely to generate rich returns over the next couple of decades, and asked top experts for fund and trust tips to exploit them.
Are high frequency traders rigging stock markets?
Split-second sharks accused of profiting at expense of ordinary investors
SMALL CAP SHARE IDEAS
Hydrodec transforming into profitable business as carbon recovery takes off
Can Marks & Spencer complete its comeback?
City backs Bolland but fears persist over profitability
RUTH SUNDERLAND
Too many financial advisers are not clear about their fees, warns City watchdog
Win an ASUS MeMo Pad tablet!
This is Money and online investment manager Nutmeg are giving five readers the chance to win a tablet
How to cultivate a fertile pot from food
As food prices go up it's a ripe time to invest in agriculture
The top 10 income-paying shares in the FTSE 350 revealed
Nice yields but watch out for the dividend trap
The new price of financial advice - what the fees shake-up means for you
What to ask an adviser and how you will be hit
Six steps to get your investments to bloom
How to carry out an annual health check - and then relax
Is it time to ditch the big guns for your income Isa funds?
Why small can be better in the hunt for income and growth
Please help me decode gibberish fund names!
There are several versions - how do I know which one I need?
'Investing in an Isa is the only way to stay ahead of the game'
The power of dividends can stop inflation eating your savings
Investors who buy direct from fund houses risk paying more
Not covered by new rules that put investors into cheaper 'clean funds'
DIY investing platforms demand up to £175 to leave for a cheaper rival
What the big guns charge to move five funds
Safety net breach: Watch how much money you pile into investments
Use your full new super Isa allowance and you could hit FSCS limit
Should UK investors try to grab piece of US tech action
Or will they get their fingers burned?
How to pick the best (and cheapest) DIY investing Isa
A wealth of choice and changes to charges have left many investors scratching their heads
How to find the best (and cheapest) Sipp
Make more money from your DIY pension
How to invest in funds, investment trusts and ETFs
And save money as a DIY investor
How to invest in shares
Your complete guide to joining the excitement of individual share-picking
How to start investing in funds and pick the right ones for you
The easiest way to start investing is with funds. We explain how to invest.
What should you know before buying a fund? The DIY investors'guide
How to read a fund document and work out what you need
The importance of asset allocation
How to divide investments so your eggs aren't all in one basket
The cheap but boring tracker funds that do all the work for you
Is this as easy as investing gets?
Clean funds: what you need to know about new investments
Is it time to put your dingy old funds through the wash?
How to be a DIY investor
How to take control of your money to build a richer future
Going for growth? Fund and trust ideas for emerging markets
If you're looking to add some flair, check out our experts' ideas
Hunting for income? Fund and trust ideas for income investors
Draw an income or reinvest dividends to build solid growth over time
Why do building society bosses deserve bumper pay rises?
We asked them how they justified the hikes.
Where do you stand in the pebbledash wars
Is it a hideous eye-sore or a chance to bag a property on the cheap?
I launched my property start-up in Berlin - and bought 1,000 flats
Forget London, it's far too pricey!
Is defrosting the freezer the easiest way to cut electricity bills overnight?
It worked for the Lewis family...
Is an estate agent worth the money?
Eight reasons why you should pay the professionals to sell your home
Can Tesco dig itself out of its hole?
What does Britain's 'favourite' supermarket need to do to win us back?
Banks and building societies give 'inexcusably' bad information
Which? researchers posed as new customers
Cold callers break Hilda's heart every time they ask to speak to her dead husband:
How nuisance callers flout the rules - and there's little you can do to stop them
The best juicy bank account perks?
M&S; vouchers, cashback, 5% interest and free overdrafts to tempt you in.
No-frills credit-builder card with a market-beating low interest rate
Capital One has launched a new credit card for those with a bad credit score
The ten top destinations for buying abroad - and what you can get there for £250K
Britons' favourite spots SPONSORED
This is Money's best buy cash Isas for 2014
We pick our five favourite cash Isas for savers
Four million on alert for compensation after Aviva's £323million blunder
Aviva made hundreds of technical errors
Top ten property boom towns:
Olympics and BBC Media City create house purchase frenzy
Will Lloyds Banking Group shares be a good bet in next year's mega-float?
Private investors to be given the opportunity to buy shares
Should investors think about more than just the price tag?
Hargreaves Lansdown named best DIY investing platform
Marmite lovers hit as the price of their beloved big glass jars rockets 50% in just five months
The mysterious rollercoaster ride of the cost of Marmite
My mum died without a will, but had £5k she didn't want to go to my dad
Can we stop him inheriting her whole estate?
The best cars of the past 36 years?
From the Renault 20 to Nissan Qashqai what they cost to buy now
We live in a flood risk area and worry we won't get insurance against flooding next year
Can we get cover?
Calls to protect 30,000 women who will lose out on state pension
Married person's allowance is being scrapped
'I'm a Vodafone investor - why is HSBC leaving me dangling?
Can hold Verizon shares on its broking service?'
'Our Kia panoramic sunroof imploded after less than two years - why does it refuse to pay?
Not covered by famous warranty
House prices jump £2,000 in a month
Buyers stretch themselves the furthest for five years
Hargreaves Lansdown gives into DIY investor anger
Does a U-turn on double investment trust and shares charge
ASK TONY: My passport was destroyed
So why can't I claim for it?
I just won a £5,000 prize for my work that I didn't even know I'd been entered for
Do I have to pay tax?
'Our village paid £765,000 for flood defences but we STILL can't get insured'
Legal loophole means many may never be able to sell their homes
More free money from your bank
Nationwide offers up to £500 a year if you tempt friends to join and Co-op promises new customers £125
The best buy savings secrets
Is your local building society quietly offering the best rates to reward its members?
Train-making saved in Derby as Bombardier wins £1billion Crossrail contract
Safeguarding 800 manufacturing jobs
I paid a bogus website to renew my passport and now I'm £72.50 out of pocket and still have no passport
What can I do?
ADAM UREN: Had a problem with the interest on your Natwest or RBS Isa?
You're not alone
Lend-to-save more than doubled last year
Savers turned to alternatives amid crumbling bank rates
Revealed
The six 'secret' lenders claiming to offer better mortgage deals than high street banking giants
Does BT owe you a refund?
Callers to £2.39 a minute directory enquiries can get their money back after telecoms giant is fined
JAMES CONEY
Investors tempted to bet on the housing market boom as if the crisis never happened
Buffett vs Woodford
Two years after watershed Tesco profit alert, which legendary investor called it right?
How to choose the best (and cheapest) DIY investing Isa
And our pick of the platforms
50 ways to save money
Simple steps to cut what you spend that could clear your debts or seriously boost your savings
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What shares are you buying?