Got investophobia? Check out these tips to help you get started
Feeling nervous about investing? You're not alone – and you’re not doing it wrong. If the idea of investing makes you feel a little anxious, you're in good company. Even though more people are talking about money more than ever before, investing still carries a lot of fear—and a fair few myths.
So, why does investing feel so intimidating? And more importantly, how can you move past the nerves and start building your financial future with confidence?
Let’s break it down.
Why investing feels scary
Money is personal. And when it’s tied to something that can go up and down—like the stock market—it’s no surprise that it stirs up emotion.
Here are a few common reasons people hesitate:
- Fear of losing money
- Not knowing enough to get started
- Thinking you need to be wealthy to invest
- Worrying you’ll get the timing wrong
- Feeling overwhelmed by jargon and complexity
Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and none of these fears mean you can’t be a successful investor.
Here’s what can help
Instead of trying to eliminate fear altogether, try replacing it with facts, habits, and mindset shifts. Here are five ways to feel more confident about investing:
1. You don’t need to know everything to get started
One of the biggest myths is that you have to be an expert—or have loads of money—to invest. The truth? You just need to start.
With platforms like NuWealth, you can begin investing with as little as £10. You don’t need to pick individual stocks or watch the markets daily. We’ve made it simple, accessible, and jargon-free. Capital at risk.
2. Time in the market > timing the market
Trying to buy at the ‘perfect’ time is a common fear—and a common mistake.
History shows that long-term investors typically come out ahead, even if they started during a market dip. That’s because staying invested over time gives your money the best chance to grow, thanks to compounding.
3. Regular investing takes the pressure off
Investing little and often (what we call a “regular investment plan”) helps smooth out the highs and lows of the market. It also takes emotion out of the equation—because you’re not trying to guess when to buy.
You can set up a regular monthly investment with our Auto Invest feature.
4. Diversification can reduce risk
Spreading your money across lots of different investments (known as diversification) helps reduce the impact of one area of the market that isn't doing well.
With our range of investment funds, you’re already getting a diversified mix—without having to build it yourself.
5. Stop checking your account too often
Seriously—don’t do it. Constantly watching your balance can lead to panic and bad decisions.
If your goals are years away, the day-to-day movements of the market don’t matter much. What does matter is sticking with your plan.
In short: It's normal to feel nervous. But you’ve got this.
The stock market might feel uncertain, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay on the sidelines. With the right mindset and a simple, long-term approach, investing can become something that feels empowering—not intimidating.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get started.
But remember, your capital is at risk when investing.
💡 Want to explore more?
Check out our Learning Hub for beginner guides, tips, and myth-busting content to help you invest with confidence.
Capital at Risk. This isn’t personal advice or a recommendation to buy. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
