Fundamentals of Investing

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Feb 26, 2024
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✔ Fact Checked and Written by Steven Hillman FCA Chartered Accountant

Steven is the Editor-in-Chief of Sidehustles.co.uk. He is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and ICAEW Business and Financial Professional (BFP) and has spent years advising clients on different side hustles and taxation.

Home / Investing / Fundamentals of Investing

Fundamentals of Investing -WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Investing can be a great way to make your money work for you over time. However, it's important to understand the fundamentals of investing before you start.


The fundaments of investing are:


  • Risk and Return
  • Diversification
  • Time Horizon
  • Regular Monitoring
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The content you read on this site is intended to inform and educate but shouldn't be taken as financial advice. Where appropriate, professional advice should be obtained from a Qualified Financial Advisor.

risk and return

a logo for risk and return with a pound sign and arrows

One of the most important things to understand about investing is the relationship between risk and return. Generally speaking, the higher the potential return of an investment, the higher the risk. For example, investing in stocks can offer higher returns than investing in bonds, but it also comes with a higher level of risk.

Diversification

a logo for diversification with a pound sign on it

Another key concept in investing is diversification. This means spreading your investments across a range of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. By diversifying your portfolio, you can help reduce your overall risk. If one asset class performs poorly, the others may perform well and help offset any losses.

TIME HORIZON

a calendar with a clock on it and a time horizon logo

Your time horizon is also an important factor to consider when investing. This refers to the length of time you plan to hold your investments. Generally speaking, the longer your time horizon, the more risk you can afford to take. This is because you have more time to ride out any short-term fluctuations in the market.

regular monitoring

a logo for regular monitoring with a magnifying glass and a graph

Finally, it's important to regularly monitor your investments. This means keeping an eye on how your portfolio is performing and making adjustments as necessary. For example, if one asset class is consistently underperforming, you may want to consider reallocating your investments to other assets.

up next...

Remember that mastering the fundamentals of investing is just the beginning. Our next instalment dives into "Investing Strategies'', covering specific investing strategies: Value Investing, Growth Investing, Index Investing, and Pound Cost Averaging. Each approach offers unique benefits for achieving your financial goals. Ensure you catch this essential read to refine your investment strategy and navigate the market with confidence.


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✔ Fact Checked and Written by 

Steven Hillman FCA Chartered Accountant


Steven is the Editor-in-Chief of Sidehustles.co.uk. He is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and ICAEW Business and Financial Professional (BFP) and has spent years advising clients on different side hustles and taxation.

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