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\n\t\tThis is a nice way to save money \u2013 but doing something else will get you further (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThis is a nice way to save money \u2013 but doing something else will get you further (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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Investing isn\u2019t a sexy topic, and so many of us don\u2019t put the time aside needed to get comfortable with it \u2013 meaning we\u2019re losing out on hundreds if not thousands of pounds.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Think that sounds extreme? Barclays<\/a> found that if you invest \u00a35,000 each year from the age of 18, by 60 years old, you\u2019d have over \u00a3700,000. If you waited until 30 with the same contributions, the total would be \u00a3350,000. Gulp. It\u2019s a similar story for someone who invests \u00a3200 a month<\/a> from the age of 25. At 60, they\u2019d have \u00a3313,000 to their name. If they delay until 35, they\u2019d only get around \u00a3133,000.<\/p>\n Where the highest paying savings account<\/a> on the UK market right now offers less than 5% interest, the FTSE 100 (one of Britain\u2019s best known share indexes), interest has climbed by 16.3% since the start of the year. This is where 39% of Brits<\/a>, who don\u2019t invest at all, are losing out financially.<\/p>\n On the flipside, some of us who are investing are doing it too quickly, neglecting to do the necessary self-taught education. The FCA<\/a> found that two thirds of Brits under 40 were taking less than 24 hours to consider where to invest \u2013 leading to two in five people regretting their decisions later on.\u00a0<\/p>\n But, there\u2019s money to be made from investing. Not doing it at all means you could miss out.<\/p>\n Why are so many of us avoiding investing?<\/p>\n James Bentley, director at Financial Markets Online<\/a>, says that many people opt for a basic savings account rather than investing. Government figures<\/a> show that between 2023 and 2024, deposits in Cash ISAs surged by 67% compared to the previous year \u2013 that\u2019s six times more than the 10.9% jump seen by stocks and shares ISAs.<\/p>\n \t\t To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web \u2018The trouble is leaving your savings in a cash account is a pretty good way to lose money at present,\u2019 Bentley says. \u2018Inflation is currently running at 3.8% a year \u2013 that\u2019s more than the paltry levels of interest paid by most savings accounts. Many accounts pay so little interest that your savings actually lose value in real terms.\u2019<\/p>\n Sam North, market analyst at eToro<\/a>, echoes this, adding that the phrase, \u2018time in the market, beats timing the market,\u2019 is useful to keep in mind. \u2018Many people avoid learning how to invest because of a mix of psychological and social barriers,\u2019 he says. \u2018A lack of education can cause confusion, particularly with unfamiliar jargon, while negative experiences, whether personal or witnessed, can strengthen the belief that it\u2019s risky or better handled by experts.<\/p>\n \u2018The way to change this is by reframing investing as empowerment rather than obligation. It\u2019s not about chasing wealth, it\u2019s about building freedom, security, and opportunity. When people see investing as a way to create stability for themselves and their families, or to give their kids a better start, it becomes far more meaningful, and far less intimidating.\u2019<\/p>\n How to get started on your investing journey<\/p>\n Educate yourself<\/p>\n You need to go in with your eyes open, says Bentley. \u2018Reputable training providers like Financial Markets Online can help you master the basics, from the different sorts of investment classes to how to build an investment strategy that\u2019s right for you, as well as walking you through your first trades.\u2019<\/p>\n Get into the habit of reading financial business news, too, he adds. It might be dull, but it will help you understand what you\u2019re investing in better.<\/p>\n Set your limits<\/p>\n Christian Harris, analyst at Investing.co.uk<\/a>, says it\u2019s simple but too many people neglect to write down and get clear on exactly what you earn, spend, and can afford to invest. \u2018It\u2019s half an hour that could make a material difference to future you,\u2019 he says. Never invest money you need for your day to day outgoings and costs.<\/p>\n Start small<\/p>\n It\u2019s a common misconception that you have to be rich to invest. Harris says to start with even just \u00a320. \u2018We often see that those that start early, even in small amounts, beat out bigger investors that don\u2019t arrive until many years down the line.\u2019<\/p>\n Go a step further and automate that \u00a320 every month. \u2018Set up automatic monthly contributions so you don\u2019t rely on willpower. That\u2019s what many of our team does. Before you know it, you won\u2019t even think of that money as part of your monthly spending pot,\u2019 he adds.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Do you have a story to share?<\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Happy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-1899278152.jpg\")
\n\t\tYou don\u2019t need multiple screens and an economics degree to invest (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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