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What is investing?

Investing is different from putting your cash in a savings account to earn interest. You’re essentially buying investments, for example, shares in a company, that you think you’ll be able to sell for a higher price later. You can either buy these investments yourself or invest in a fund where the fund manager chooses the investments for you. If you're saving into a pension, it's likely you'll be investing in funds.

There are no guarantees with investing. You’re taking a risk with your money in the hope that it will be worth more over time. 

It’s recommended you invest for the medium to long term - five to ten years or more.

Reasons for investing

Reasons for investing

We’ll help you understand the difference between saving and investing

Investing in funds

Investing in funds

Investing in the stock market

Investing in the stock market

This will help you to understand more about investing in the stock market.

Risk and reward

Risk and reward

When you invest there’s always risk, so assessing the risk you’re prepared to take is essential to investing successfully.

Types of investment

Types of investment

There are four main investment types, and having a mix of investments can help spread the risk.  

Responsible Investing

Responsible Investing

Explore our approach to responsible investment.

Exploring investments

Exploring investments

If you want to understand more about investing, and keep up to date with the latest investment trends, we’re here to help with useful information about what’s going on in the stock market and thoughts from our experts.

Exploring investments

Investment Products

Pensions

Pensions

What are they, what can you pay and when can you take your pension. Get the basics about pensions, tax relief, lifestyling and more.

ISAs, OEICS and Investment Bonds

ISAs, OEICS and Investment Bonds

What are the other ways you can invest money? Brush up on your knowledge of all things to do with saving and investing.

INVESTMENT FRAUD - WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

INVESTMENT FRAUD - WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Investment fraud is increasing and it’s getting harder to spot scams. Always be suspicious of any investment opportunity that promises a high return with little or no risk.

If you’re offered a new investment bond or savings bond product from us, it may be a scam. It's important to be careful before taking any action. To find out how to keep your money safe go to our Investment fraud page.

Are you ready?

If you think you’re ready or are investing with us, go to:

What you can do