New to investing and not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the fundamentals—from what shares and bonds are to how discounted cash flow works. Tailored for UK investors, we also explore risk, diversification, and how to use tax-efficient tools like ISAs and SIPPs. Learn how to build a solid financial foundation and make your money work harder, one step at a time.

Active fund management has long promised to beat the market—but does it deliver? This post explores the evidence behind active versus passive investing, unpacking costs, market efficiency, and the realities of stock selection. Backed by research and real-world data, it challenges the assumption that active managers can consistently outperform their benchmarks.

Whilst some active fund managers have delivered exceptional returns, the data show that they are few and far between. In this follow-up to my previous post, we explore whether true skill exists in active management—and if so, whether ordinary investors can realistically access it. We examine the case of Baillie Gifford, Warren Buffett’s performance, and SPIVA data to assess whether beating the market is a repeatable skill or a rare exception.

Factor investing is one of the most researched and effective frameworks for building diversified portfolios and enhancing long-term returns. This post offers an in-depth, evidence-based exploration of the key factors—such as value, size, momentum, and profitability—that have consistently delivered risk premia across decades and market regimes. Drawing on academic research and real-world implementation, we unpack how systematic strategies can outperform, why timing factors is difficult, and why diversification across factors remains essential.