Our first-time investor series has reached the end of its first part, having covered the basics of investing including opening an account, charges, and the difference between the main assets classes including stocks, bonds and property.

We’ve talked through the process of setting up and maintaining a portfolio and why funds, ETFs and investment trusts are the best places for a first-time investor to start.

The next part of the series will explain the first steps you might take with adding stocks and shares to your portfolio.

Before we go any further, we thought it useful to provide a reminder to readers as to exactly what we’ve covered so far. We’ve included relevant links in case you missed any of the articles or if you would like to share them with your friends and family if they want some help with investing. All the articles are free to read.

Getting started with investing

What to think about and how to do it. The difference between saving in a cash account and investing and the benefits of compounding.

The difference in risk between cash, bonds and shares

Understanding how you might be able to hit certain investment goals.

Opening an investment account and making your first transaction

Getting started with investing is a lot easier  than you might think.

How much do charges affect your returns?

We run through some examples.

How much should you invest? 

We also look at the difference between lump sum and regular investing.

Which account should I use: an ISA, SIPP or dealing account?

We explain the difference between the three main accounts.

Everything you need to know about investment funds

Funds, investment trusts and ETFs are the best places to start if you’re new to investing.

What are stocks and shares? 

We discuss the case for buying equities and some of the risks involved.

Everything you need to know about bonds 

We look at the world of fixed income and its pros and cons for investors.

How and why you might invest in property 

The pros and cons of the asset class and the different ways of getting exposure.

Most commodities and all cryptocurrencies do not suit new investors 

Why they should only be considered once you’ve built a core portfolio of funds that invest in stocks and bonds, and you have money you can afford to lose.

Everything you need to know about picking ETFs

How ETFs work, the costs, choices and popular products among retail investors.

How to choose the right investment fund for you  

They are like a box of chocolates, full of different things that can leave a nice taste.

The beginner’s guide to picking investment trusts 

How to compare trusts and why they have advantages over investment funds.

Understanding bonds and how to invest in them

Adding bonds to an investment portfolio increases diversification and provides more secure sources of income.

How to build your first investment portfolio 

Portfolios should be thought as a team, where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

How to maintain a portfolio 

Keeping your investments well balanced is easier than it sounds if you follow some basic principles.

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