Archived article
Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.
Our ultimate guide to get you started with investing

AJ Bell is an easy to use, award-winning platform Open an account
We've accounts to suit every investing need, and free guides and special offers to help you get the most from them.
You can get a few handy suggestions, or even get our experts to do the hard work for you – by picking one of our simple investment ideas.
All the resources you need to choose your shares, from market data to the latest investment news and analysis.
Funds offer an easier way to build your portfolio – we’ve got everything you need to choose the right one.
Starting to save for a pension, approaching retirement, or after an explainer on pension jargon? We can help.
Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.
We have reached the conclusion of our series aimed at first-time investors.
Here you will find links to all the articles which cover the process of picking stocks, funds and investment trusts as well as reading balance sheets, finding information to support your investment decisions and a lot more.
We will continue to provide educational articles in Shares and we welcome any suggestions for future articles. Please drop us a line via email: editorial@sharesmagazine.co.uk
Article
Getting started with investing
The difference in risk between cash, bonds and shares
Opening an investment account and making your first transaction
The impact of charges on returns
How much should you invest?
Choosing between a SIPP, ISA and dealing account
A guide to investment funds
What are stocks and shares?
A guide to bonds
Investing in property
Commodities and cryptocurrencies
Introduction to ETFs
Picking a fund
Picking an investment trust
How to invest in bonds
Building your first portfolio
Maintaining a portfolio
How you make money from shares
Understanding the stock market
Coming up with an investment strategy
Generating investment ideas and doing research
Accessing and understanding broker research
How to keep tabs on movements in the markets
The mechanics of the market
Buying an individual share
Share price catalysts
Directors deals
Company fundraisings
Options and warrants
Six simple investing rules
The price-to-earnings ratio
The PEG ratio
Price to book
Enterprise value
Return on capital employed
The importance of cash flow
Understanding how companies are financed
Company management
Major shareholders
Company AGMs and investor events
Annual reports
Income statements explained part 1
Income statements explained part 2
Balance sheet part 1
Balance sheet part 2
In-depth company analysis part 1
In-depth company analysis part 2
Putting it all together: part 1
Putting it all together: part 2
These articles are provided by Shares magazine which is published by AJ Bell Media, a part of AJ Bell. Shares is not written by AJ Bell.
Shares is provided for your general information and use and is not a personal recommendation to invest. It is not intended to be relied upon by you in making or not making any investment decisions. The investments referred to in these articles will not be suitable for all investors. If in doubt please seek appropriate independent financial advice.
Investors acting on the information in these articles do so at their own risk and AJ Bell Media and its staff do not accept liability for losses suffered by investors as a result of their investment decisions.
The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. We don't offer advice, so it's important you understand the risks, if you're unsure please consult a suitably qualified financial adviser. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and rules may change. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and some investments need to be held for the long term.