Why now Why now Why now Three questions

Why now?

Why now?

Why now?

Three questions 1. What do I want from my savings? • • • I’m going to spend it on a house/car/holiday/pet I want to build a pot which I can rely on in my retirement I want to supplement my current income which will allow me to retire early I want to be able to spend it on my children’s education I’ve just inherited some money and I want to make sure it goes as far as possible

Three questions 2. How long have I got to save for it? • I want to buy a house within 5 years • I’ve just had children and I want to be able to give them some money when they go to university • I’m thinking of retiring within the next ten years (the sooner the better) • I’m in my 20 s, have no plans for some of my money but just want it to do more than what it is doing in the bank

Three questions 3. How much risk am I prepared to take and how much time can I devote to my investments? Spend it Take an income Retirement Time on my hands 0 -5 years Low risk Medium risk Low Risk 5 -10 years Low risk Medium/high risk Pick your own Tracker funds – Life strategy products – bonds fixed income and funds – fixed and equity income and equity Pick your own Funds – active ETFs and products – bonds and passive investment trusts and equity Pick your own Funds – active ETFs and products - equity and passive investment trusts 10 -20 years Medium risk High risk 20+ years Medium/high risk High risk Medium Risk High Risk Pressed for time Incredibly busy

How much?

How much? Funds vs Stocks

How much? Which platform? Platform Good for Bad for AJ Bell Beginners Data Best. Invest Actively managed funds ETFs Barclays Smart Investor Beginners Large portfolios Fidelity International investing Complicated charges Hargreaves Lansdown Service Hidden costs IG International investing Complete beginners Interactive Investor Portfolios <£ 50 k Sporadic trading Vanguard Buying ETFs Stock pickers

1. Consider what you are investing for and how long you plan to have that money invested 2. Think about how much risk and responsibility you are willing to take on 3. Get control of your finances: set aside a rainy day fund and get your debts (if you have any) in order 4. Pick a platform based on the size of your portfolio, the risk you are planning on taking on and the type of assets you are planning on buying 5. Set up an ISA within your chosen platform – make the most of the ISA tax wrapper before considering any other investment accounts 6. Deposit funds in your ISA 7. Pick your assets – bonds, funds and shares, depending on your investment targets