Getting started with investing can be confusing. There is a lot of financial information out there, but much of it assumes so much prior knowledge, or is couched in jargon so obscure, that it soon becomes meaningless.
MoneyWeek can help you understand the basics of investing, by presenting clear information in simple terms. On these pages, we'll introduce you to the essential concepts of investing, giving you the confidence to get started on the road to financial freedom.
Two things to do before you put a penny in the stock market
It’s important to get your house in order before you start buying shares. Here’s how to lay the foundations for successful investing.
By: John Stepek
What are the main asset classes?
A look at the main asset classes available to UK investors. Most portfolios contain a mix of these in some proportion.
How to achieve your financial goals
If you’re investing for a comfortable retirement, then you’ve got to beat inflation. And there’s really only one way to do that – here’s how.
By: John Stepek
Isa basics: what you need to know
All you need to know about how Isas work, including how much you can pay in, what you can hold, and how to transfer an Isa.
Getting to grips with commodities
Investors looking to diversify their portfolios should turn to commodities, having got to grips with shares and bonds, says Merryn Somerset Webb.
How to construct a portfolio
How do you go about putting all of your assets together? Matthew Partridge explains the art of portfolio construction.
All you need to know about bonds
In the latest of our beginner’s guides to investing, Merryn Somerset Webb explains the basics of bonds.
The best books on investing for beginners
Four of the best books on passive investing, from a very simple introduction to an in-depth analysis.
Just what is a fund anyway?
There are two main types of fund out there for investors to invest in. Merryn Somerset Webb explains how they work, and which is her favourite.
A beginner's guide to investing in gold
Gold is the ultimate insurance policy – an essential part of your portfolio. Here’s how to invest in it.
Five reasons why you can beat the City
If you think you don’t stand a chance against the City’s sharpest fund managers, think again. When it comes to investing, you’ve got the edge.
By: John Stepek
Two things to do before you put a penny in the stock market
It’s important to get your house in order before you start buying shares. Here’s how to lay the foundations for successful investing.
By: John Stepek
Why I trust shares above all else
For novice investors, the choice of what to buy can be baffling. But Tom Bulford likes shares. Here, he explains why.
By: Tom Bulford
Three great vehicles for your savings
Tom Bulford continues his short series on DIY investing with three simple ways to invest in shares: the basic share-dealing account, stocks and shares Isas, and self-invested personal pensions (Sipps).
By: Tom Bulford
Take back control of your investments today
High fund management fees and low savings rates make it more important than ever that investors take control of their money. And DIY investing is both simple and rewarding, says Tom Bulford . Here, he explains how to go about it.
By: Tom Bulford
How to find ridiculously cheap stocks
The trick to successful investing is finding cheap stocks. But how do you do that? Phil Oakley explains one classic approach, and picks three stocks worth keeping an eye on.
By: Phil Oakley
Seth Klarman - the world’s greatest living value investor
Value investing – the art of buying something worth a pound for 50 pence – works. Phil Oakley looks at what you can learn from its greatest practitioner – Seth Klarman.
By: Phil Oakley
The 'instinct test' for smart investing
Many investors buy stocks on the basis of a hunch. But relying on gut instinct is a terrible way to invest, says Bengt Saelensminde. Here, he explains a technique to help you assess your instincts and make rational buying decisions.
Can you trust reported earnings figures?
Many investors rely on the ‘earnings per share’ figure to give an idea of a company’s profitability. But it can be misleading. Tim Bennett explains why.
By: Tim Bennett
In our free daily Money Morning email, MoneyWeek's executive editor John Stepek and regular guest contributors explain to you what's been going on in the markets, how the day's economic and political developments will affect your wealth, plus the latest investment opportunities, and how you can profit.Sign up here.