Savings & investment
Mervyn Casserly
Over the past few years, the investment landscape in the UK has changed dramatically.
Recent research shows that around 38% of UK adults now invest – just over one in three.
This is a figure that has risen steadily since the beginning of the decade when around one in four UK adults invested.
Some of these new investors are using technology in the form of investment platforms to do it themselves.
While this approach can be appealing, it does have its limitations, as we explore in this article.
Starting on your own is simple, accessible, and gives you control.
DIY investing appeals because of flexibility, lower fees and the ability to learn as you go.
For many people, that’s exactly what they need to build confidence and it’s a great starting point.
But as your financial life becomes more complicated, the question often shifts from “How do I start?” to “What’s the smartest way to move forward?”
That’s where informed planning and professional advice begins to make a meaningful difference.
DIY investing can be a great fit when:
Many people value this independence at the start of their investing journey. It builds good habits and gives you a better understanding of how your money works.
For some, that’s enough. For others, life becomes more complicated and they don’t want to get things wrong.
There’s usually a clear point where the conversation shifts from picking investments to financial planning.
In my experience, people tend to look for guidance when one or more of the following starts to apply:
Multiple pensions, ISAs, workplace schemes, cash savings and investment accounts can make it increasingly difficult to stay organised.
Choosing the right tax wrapper, managing allowances and understanding how to make money work harder after tax can have a huge impact over decades.
One of the hardest parts of investing is staying calm when markets fall or headlines turn, as has been the case in recent weeks with the unrest in the Middle East.
A lot of long-term damage happens when decisions are driven by emotion, not strategy.
Investing isn’t just about buying funds, it’s about aligning decisions with life goals, whether that’s retirement, children’s education, or future financial independence.
It’s often at this point that people realise the difference between having investments and having a plan.
The value of advice is well documented.
Analysis from Vanguard shows that professional advice delivered consistently and in a structured way can add around 3% per year in long term value.
This isn’t through beating the market, but through:
It’s the combination of these elements that makes the difference.
Good advice isn’t about predictions or timing. It’s about giving you confidence, structure and clarity so you can focus on the parts of life that matter more.
Taking your first steps through a DIY platform is a great place to begin.
It builds confidence and gets your money working.
But as your financial situation evolves, the decisions naturally become more layered and more impactful.
You don’t need advice to start investing.
But many people find it helpful when the decisions get bigger.
For more information on how investments can fit into your financial plan, get in touch with one of our advisers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is also not a reliable indicator of future performance. Always seek professional advice before making financial decisions.
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Yes, DIY investing can be a great way to start, especially if your finances are simple and you want to learn. It offers flexibility, control, and lower costs.
You should consider a financial adviser when your finances become more complex, tax planning becomes important, or you want a structured long-term plan.
Investing focuses on selecting assets, while financial planning aligns your investments with long-term goals like retirement, education, and wealth preservation.
Yes, research suggests financial advice can add long-term value through tax efficiency, behavioural coaching, and cost management rather than market outperformance.
Yes, many investors use a hybrid approach—managing some investments themselves while seeking advice for complex decisions or long-term planning.
Common risks include emotional decision-making, poor diversification, tax inefficiency, and lack of a clear long-term strategy.
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