Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Here’s Exactly How I Would Start Investing From Scratch in May 2026
Ruby Layram
1st May 2026
If I had to start investing from scratch today, with no portfolio, no complicated strategy, and no desire to overthink it, this is exactly what I’d do.
No trading. No, trying to beat the market.
Just a simple, repeatable plan designed to build long-term wealth without stress.
Step 1: Open a Simple, Beginner-Friendly Investment Account
The first thing I’d do is choose a platform that makes investing easy.
As a beginner, you want:
- A clean, easy-to-use investing app
- Low fees
- Access to funds and ETFs
Some solid options for UK investors include:
The key here isn’t perfection, it’s simplicity. Pick one, get set up, and move on.
Step 2: Start With an Amount That Feels Comfortable
If I were starting today, I’d invest around £500.
Why?
- It’s enough to feel real
- You’ll actually see your money grow (or fluctuate)
- But it’s not so much that it keeps you up at night
Investing shouldn’t feel stressful, especially at the start!
Step 3: Build a Simple 2-Part Portfolio
Now for the important part, where I’d actually put the money.
I’d keep things incredibly simple with just two investments.
75% in an S&P 500 Index Fund
I’d put around £375 (75%) into an index fund tracking the S&P 500.
This gives you exposure to:
- The 500 largest companies in the US
- Major global brands
- Big tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and more
Why this works:
- Instant diversification
- Strong long-term track record
- “Set and forget” investing
25% in a Gold ETF
The remaining £125 (25%) would go into a gold ETF.
This gives you:
- Exposure to gold without owning it physically
- A potential hedge against uncertainty
- A way to balance stock market risk
Why include gold? When markets get shaky, gold often holds its value better than stocks.
Why This Portfolio Makes Sense
This simple split gives you the best of both worlds:
- Growth potential (via stocks)
- Stability (via gold)
It’s ideal for:
- Long-term investors
- Beginners who want simplicity
- People who can handle a bit of market ups and downs
Step 4: Set Up a Monthly Investment (This Is the Game-Changer)
Once everything is set up, I’d automate the process.
I’d invest £100 per month into the same portfolio.
This is called pound-cost averaging, and it’s one of the simplest ways to invest.
It means:
- You buy more when prices are low
- You buy less when prices are high
- You don’t have to time the market
Most importantly: You build wealth without thinking about it
What I Wouldn’t Do
If I’m keeping things simple, I’d avoid:
- Trying to pick lots of individual stocks
- Chasing trends or hype
- Constantly checking my portfolio
- Waiting for the “perfect time” to invest
These are the things that trip beginners up.
Final Thoughts
If I had to sum this up in one sentence, it would be this: Keep it simple, stay consistent, and give it time.
You don’t need a complicated strategy to start investing in 2026.
You just need:
- A platform
- A simple portfolio
- And the discipline to stick with it
The Simple Plan (Quick Recap)
- Open an account (e.g. Interactive Investor, eToro, or XTB)
- Invest £500 to start
- Split it:
- 75% in an S&P 500 fund
- 25% in a gold ETF
- Add £100 per month automatically
If you follow a plan like this, you’ll be doing more than most people already. And over time, that consistency can really add up.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing. Capital is at risk.
Leave a Reply