More and more Brits are looking to grow their savings through investing, with Google searches for “how to buy stocks in a company” growing by 300%, and “how to invest in real estate” increasing by 250% in the past 12 months.
Surveying 2,000 Brits on their investing habits in 2023, new research from Shepherds Friendly has revealed just over half of Brits are investing their money (53%) whilst 47% have never done so and have no plans to in the future.
Shepherds Friendly’s key findings include
- Those aged 16-24 are the most likely to invest with over two-thirds (67%) either having invested in the past or are currently doing so. Meanwhile, those aged 55 and above are the least likely to do so (39%).
- One in six (15%) say that they are scared of investing their money.
- Over half (54%) of women have never invested compared to two in five (40%) men.
- Almost one in ten (9%) say that the long-term commitment to investing puts them off.
The research also revealed the top cities where most residents are investing with those in London (64%) having invested the most. Meanwhile, residents in Nottingham have invested the least (35%).
The top 10 cities that invest the most:
| Rank | City | % of residents that invest/have invested in the past |
| 1 | London | 64% |
| 2 | Leeds | 62% |
| 3 | Brighton | 56% |
| =4* | Plymouth | 55% |
| =4 | Liverpool | 55% |
| =4 | Birmingham | 55% |
| 5 | Southampton | 53% |
| =6 | Belfast | 50% |
| =6 | Bristol | 50% |
| =7 | Manchester | 47% |
| =7 | Norwich | 47% |
| 8 | Glasgow | 46% |
| 9 | Cardiff | 44% |
| 10 | Edinburgh | 41% |
*indicates a joint ranking.
For those looking to start their investing journey, Derence Lee, Chief Finance Officer at Shepherds Friendly has shared some quick tips on how you can go about beginning the process:
- Consider opening a stocks and shares ISA
A stocks and shares ISA can be beneficial for those at the start of their investing journey, allowing you to invest in shares, funds, bonds, and other assets without paying capital gains tax. Investing can be overwhelming, however, ISAs can be more easily manageable and the investing part is taken care of by your provider.
- Start small
It’s a common misconception that you need a lot of money in the first place in order to start investing. However, you can invest as little as you like with Shepherds Friendly’s stocks and shares ISA allowing you to invest from £30 a month.
- Choose a strategy
There are many options available for those looking to invest, allowing you to get as involved in the process as you like. Before you start, consider how much money you would like to set aside for investing, as well as what your long-term goals are. There is always a risk with investing as you can get back less than what you put in, so this is also important to consider when choosing your strategy and what investments you choose to make.
- Keep regular track of your investments
Once you’ve made your investments, you’ll want to keep track of them regularly. For example, you can set up a Google alert for mentions of a company you’ve invested in stocks and shares at. If you’re taking a more hands-on approach, you’ll especially want to keep track of your investments value so you can decide when is a good time to sell your stocks.
