The Start here hub

Start here

The foundations of investing for UK readers, before you choose an asset class: risk, diversification, tax wrappers, debt and how advice works. Every page is free and written for a first read.

The asset ladder

Seven steps, one per desk
  1. Bonds & Cash Start with the money you already have: what cash really earns after tax and inflation
  2. Funds & ETFs Own the market in one purchase: how index funds and ETFs work
  3. Equities Owning a company: what a share is and how to judge one
  4. Property Bricks, REITs and the landlord's real return
  5. Gold & Commodities Why investors hold gold, and what it costs to own
  6. Private Markets Assets that do not trade every day, and who can buy them
  7. Alternatives Infrastructure, crypto and passion assets, with the risks named

State of play

UK

Tax and wrappers · Analysis

Before the 28 October Budget: the changes already on the way

28 October 2026 is Budget day, and 11 tax changes for investors are already law before the Chancellor speaks. They run from higher dividend tax since April 2026 to a £12,000 cash ISA limit for under-65s from April 2027.

By TID Editorial Desk · · 4 min read

News and analysis

Foundations · Guide

· 6 min read

How to start investing in the UK: 20 things to know first

Start investing in the right order: clear expensive debt, build a cash buffer, use the tax wrappers, then invest money you can leave for five years or more in a low-cost spread of holdings. Here are the 20 things to know first, with the 2026 to 2027 figures.