Money

Am I ready to start investing?

Six questions before you put your first money in the market.

Am I ready to start investing? The quiz

Money choices carry fear, guilt and hope too. Let's slow down and look at the facts. Your answers stay on your device; nobody else sees them.

1Do you have 3 to 6 months of costs saved for emergencies?
2Are you free of credit card and payday debt?
3Can you leave this money invested for 5 years or more?
4Would you stay calm if it dropped 30% for a year?
5Are you hoping to double your money quickly?
6Do you know what fees you would pay?
6 questions

"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing."

Warren Buffett

If it doesn't make sense to you, it isn't for you. Never rush a money decision because of fear of missing out: rushing is the weakness of fools.

Where should I invest my money?

For most people starting out, the boring answer is the right one: a low-cost, diversified fund that tracks a broad market, held for many years, topped up automatically. It is not exciting, and that is the point. Read how to invest safely for the full checklist.

Questions people ask

How much money do I need to start investing?

Many regulated platforms let you start with small monthly amounts. Starting early and regularly matters more than starting big.

More money choices

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TheHardChoices gives general life guidance, not professional advice. It is not a substitute for medical, mental health, legal or financial help. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact local emergency services or a crisis line now. Full disclaimer