Jasmine Birtles
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How to Get Into Investing in 2026 as a Complete Beginner
Ruby Layram
5th Jan 2026
If you’ve ever thought “I should really start investing… but I don’t know where to begin”, you’re not alone.
Investing can feel confusing, risky, and let’s be honest, a bit intimidating. But, getting into investing in 2026 is easier, cheaper, and more beginner-friendly than ever before.
You don’t need thousands of pounds, a finance degree, or insider knowledge. You just need a clear starting point. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get into investing, step by step, with practical tips you can actually use, even if you’re a complete beginner.
GET EARLY ACCESS TO OUR BEGINNER INVESTING COURSE!
Why Investing Matters More Than Ever in 2026
Saving money is important, but saving alone often isn’t enough anymore.
With the cost of living still high and cash savings struggling to keep up with inflation, investing is one of the most effective ways to:
- Grow your money over time
- Build long-term financial security
- Beat inflation rather than fall behind it
In short, investing helps your money work harder for you. And thanks to technology, low-cost platforms, and better education, investing is no longer just for the wealthy.
Discover: The best investing AI apps to use in 2026
Step 1: Get Clear on Why You’re Investing
Before you invest a single pound, ask yourself one simple question: What am I investing for?
Your answer shapes everything else.
Common goals include:
- Building long-term wealth
- Saving for retirement
- Buying a home in the future
- Creating passive income
- Growing money you won’t need for 5+ years
Beginner tip: If you’re new to investing, think long term. Investing works best when you give your money time to grow.
Step 2: Start Small (Yes, Really Small)
One of the biggest myths about investing is that you need a lot of money to begin with.
In 2026, you can start investing with:
- £25–£50 a month
- Spare cash you’d otherwise spend
- A small lump sum
Many platforms allow fractional investing, meaning you can invest small amounts without needing to buy whole shares.
The most important thing is starting. Not starting big.
Step 3: Choose a Beginner-Friendly Investment Platform
To get into investing, you’ll need an investment platform (sometimes called a broker).
When choosing one, look for:
- Low fees
- Easy-to-use apps
- Educational tools for beginners
- The option to automate your investments monthly
Many modern platforms in 2026 are designed specifically for beginners and offer ready-made portfolios, which removes a lot of guesswork.
MoneyMagpie rule: If it feels confusing, you’re probably using the wrong platform.
Step 4: Understand the Basics (Without Overwhelming Yourself)
You do not need to understand everything to start investing.
Focus on these basics first:
- The different types of investments (stocks, ETFs, commodities, crypto, managed funds)
- Tax-efficient methods
- How dividends and compound returns work
For beginners, funds and ETFs are often less risky than picking individual shares because your money is spread across many companies.
Step 5: Use a Stocks & Shares ISA (If You Can)
If you’re investing in the UK, this is a big one.
A Stocks & Shares ISA allows you to invest tax-free, meaning:
- No Capital Gains Tax
- No tax on dividends
In 2026, the annual ISA allowance is still generous, making it one of the most powerful tools for beginner investors.
If you’re wondering how to get into investing properly, starting with an ISA is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Step 6: Automate Your Investing
One of the easiest ways to invest, especially if you’re busy or nervous, is to automate it.
Set up:
- A monthly direct debit
- Automatic investments into funds or portfolios
This removes:
- Emotional decision-making
- The temptation to “wait for the perfect time”
- The stress of constantly checking markets
This strategy is known as “pound-cost averaging”, and it’s a favourite among long-term investors.
Step 7: Ignore the Noise
In 2026, social media is full of:
- “Get rich quick” investing trends
- Hot stock tips
- Crypto hype cycles
For beginners, this noise can be dangerous.
If it promises fast money with no risk, it’s probably not investing. It’s gambling.
Slow, boring, consistent investing usually wins in the long run.
Step 8: Accept That Investing Isn’t Perfect
Here’s something every beginner needs to hear: Markets go up and down. That’s normal.
You will see:
- Red days
- Temporary losses
- Headlines predicting doom
This does not mean you’re doing it wrong.
The goal isn’t to avoid volatility, it’s to stay invested long enough for growth to happen.
Common Beginner Investing Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re learning how to get into investing, watch out for these traps:
- Waiting until you “know more”
- Trying to time the market
- Investing money you’ll need soon
- Constantly checking your portfolio
- Copying influencers without understanding why
The Bottom Line: How to Get Into Investing in 2026
Getting into investing doesn’t require confidence or expert knowledge. This comes after you start.
Instead, getting started with investing requires two things: action and consistency. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money will have to compound and generate returns over time.
Remember, our investing course goes into a LOT more detail about getting started as an investors, including how to pick your first investment, set up an account and manage your portfolio.
You can sign up for early access here.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
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