Investment Advice: Simple Tips to Grow Your Money

Looking for real‑world advice on where to put your cash? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find easy steps that help you decide whether a savings account, an ISA, a stock, or even Bitcoin fits your goals.

First, ask yourself what you want your money to do. If you need a safety net for emergencies, a high‑interest savings account or an ISA is usually the safest bet. If you can leave money untouched for several years, stocks or dividend shares might give you more growth.

Pick the right savings tool

In the UK, an Individual Savings Account (ISA) lets you earn interest or capital gains without paying tax. The 2025 rules still cap contributions at £20,000 a year, but the cap can be split between cash ISAs, stocks‑and‑shares ISAs, and innovative finance ISAs. If you’re not a UK resident, you’ll need to check eligibility first – some foreign citizens can still open an ISA if they have a UK address.

When comparing cash ISAs, look at the annual interest rate, any fees, and whether interest is paid monthly or annually. A 1.5 % rate on a £5,000 balance will earn you about £75 a year – not huge, but it’s tax‑free and safer than most stocks.

Getting started with stocks and other investments

If you’re curious about buying shares, start small. A single share of a well‑known company like Ford or Tesla can be bought through a broker for under £10. The key is to spread your money across a few different sectors so one bad performance won’t wipe out everything.

Dividend stocks are popular for people who want regular cash flow. Look for companies that have paid dividends for at least five years and have a dividend yield around 4‑5 %. Remember, high yields can sometimes mean the company is struggling, so check the payout ratio – a ratio under 60 % is generally healthier.

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is another option, but treat it like a high‑risk gamble. Investing just £20 or £100 won’t hurt your budget, but don’t expect the same stability you get from a savings account. If you decide to buy, use a reputable exchange and store the coins in a secure wallet.

Bad credit doesn’t have to stop you from investing. Some platforms let you start with as little as £5, and you can fund the account with a regular direct debit from your bank account. The money you invest stays separate from any loan you might have, so you won’t affect your credit score by simply buying a share.

Before you lock any money away, ask yourself if you’ll need it in the next 12 months. If the answer is yes, keep it in a liquid account like a high‑interest savings account. If you can wait longer, consider a mix of stocks, dividend shares, and maybe a small crypto portion.

Finally, keep an eye on fees. Some brokers charge a flat £5 per trade, while others offer commission‑free trades but make money on the spread. Low fees mean more of your money stays invested and can compound over time.

These tips should give you a solid start. Browse the articles below for deeper dives into topics like remortgaging, equity release, debt consolidation, and the 70/30 rule from Warren Buffett. Each post breaks down the numbers and shows you practical steps you can take right now.