Investing money - UK beginner's advice online

Apply for online investments - UK - USA

Are you considering investing your money? You will find that if you do, it will begin to work a lot harder for you. Although a UK savings account is the safest place for your money in the sense that your funds will never decrease, the interest that you earn is relatively low compared to the growth you could be looking at if you made use of alternative investments.

We've all heard that "you've got to speculate to accumulate", but that is not necessarily true with stock market investment. It might seem daunting at first, but returns on your money are generally much better than keeping it all stashed in a savings account.

If you have some spare funds but are not prepared to take any risks with it, there are still products available that could suit your needs. For example, Government-backed gilts or guaranteed growth bonds and guaranteed income bonds, which as they suggest guarantee a fixed level of interest. Alternatively try investing in the stock market by using a collective investment vehicle, which 'pools' your funds with other investors' funds, and this larger sum is then put into various different shares, thereby reducing the risk of loss.

What if I'm prepared to take some risk?

If your attitude to risk falls on the less cautious side, you may want to speculate a bit more and put your money into higher risk areas where, if successful, the returns will be greater.

Should I still seek advice?

That is your choice, but if you are a small investor you may feel more comfortable using a professional fund manager to look after your investments.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Investing