Thinking About Investing? Let’s Make It Clear.

Not sure whether to invest your money or keep it in savings? You’re not alone. Investing can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're building for the future or trying to make the most of your savings, we'll break down how investing works, what you need to think about, and how to take your first step confidently.

Thinking of investing? These questions are normal.

  • Is investing risky – will I lose everything?

    Investing does come with risk, but that doesn’t mean gambling. With the right plan, risks can be balanced to suit your comfort level.

  • I don’t have a lot of money – is investing even worth it?

    You don’t need to be wealthy to start. Even small amounts can grow meaningfully over time with the right approach.

  • . What if I need access to my money?

    Different types of investments offer different levels of flexibility. We’ll help you choose something that suits your needs now and in the future.

  • Do I need a financial adviser to invest?

    Not necessarily, but it helps. An adviser can match investments to your goals and explain things clearly, saving you time and mistakes.

  • What’s the difference between saving and investing?

    Saving usually means putting money aside in a bank with low risk and lower returns. Investing involves taking more risk in exchange for potentially higher growth.

  • How do I know my money is safe?

    We help you choose regulated, diversified investment options that match your risk comfort and time horizon.

  • Can I change my investments later?

    Yes, many investments can be adjusted. Regular reviews mean your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.

Is investing right for you?

Investing means putting your money into assets — like stocks, bonds, or funds — with the goal of growing it over time. Unlike saving, investing typically offers better potential for long-term growth, but it also carries some risk.

You don’t need to know everything to get started. You just need a plan, a sense of your goals, and someone to guide you through the options.

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I have money I won’t need immediately?

  • Am I saving for something at least 5 years away?

  • Am I open to some risk for the chance of better returns?

If the answer to these is yes, investing could make a big difference to your future.

Investment funds are professionally managed pools of capital from multiple investors, with the goal of generating returns by investing in a variety of assets. These funds offer a convenient way for individuals to invest in the financial markets, without having to actively manage their own portfolios.

There are several types of investment funds, including equity funds, bond funds, and balanced funds. Equity funds invest primarily in stocks, while bond funds invest in fixed income securities such as bonds. Balanced funds, as the name suggests, invest in a combination of stocks and bonds.

Investing in investment funds can provide exposure to a diverse range of assets and help to reduce risk, compared to investing in individual stocks or bonds. Additionally, investment funds are managed by professional fund managers, who have the expertise and resources to make informed investment decisions.

If you are considering investing in investment funds, it is important to consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. Our team at Patrick Wayne Wealth can help you determine the best investment strategy for your individual needs and provide guidance on selecting the right investment funds for you. Investing in investment funds involves risk, including the loss of your capital. Before making any investment decisions, it is important to consider your own financial situation and seek advice from a financial advisor if necessary.

Actively Managed vs Passively Managed Investment Funds

Actively managed funds are managed by a professional fund manager who selects and monitors individual investments within the fund. The aim is to deliver a return higher than a benchmark, such as the FTSE All-Share Index. However, actively managed funds come with higher fees due to the cost of the fund manager, and not all funds outperform their benchmark. Passively managed funds track an index, such as the FTSE 100, and have lower fees. However, a problem in a dominant sector can impact the entire fund, and a lack of a fund manager can limit the ability to react to market events.

Unit Trusts

Unit trusts are open-ended investment funds formed under a business trust deed. The fund is divided into units, the price of which is based on the fund’s net asset value. New units are created to meet demand, and the money collected from investors is invested in securities such as shares, bonds, and gilts by a fund manager.

Open-Ended Investment Companies (OEICs)

OEICs are similar to unit trusts but are set up as a company instead of a trust. The fund manager invests the money collected from investors in securities, and the price of the fund’s shares is based on its net asset value.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs are investment funds that are traded on a stock exchange like individual stocks. ETFs track an index, such as the FTSE 100, and the price of an ETF’s shares reflects the performance of the underlying index.

Investment Bonds

Investment bonds are fixed-term investments where an investor loans money to a company or government in exchange for interest payments. Investment bonds can offer a regular income but carry risks, such as default or credit rating changes.

Multi-Manager and Multi-Asset Investment Funds

Multi-manager investment funds have multiple fund managers, each responsible for a portion of the fund. Multi-asset investment funds invest in a mix of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and property, to diversify investments and reduce risk.

Fund Charges

Investment funds come with charges, such as annual management fees, performance fees, and charges for buying and selling units. It’s important to consider the total charges when choosing an investment fund.

Choosing the right combination of funds depends on your goals, timescale, and appetite for risk. We’re here to help you build a diversified portfolio that’s tailored to your circumstances — giving you confidence in your investment plan.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.