Introduction

What really frustrates me about the internet and all these finance guru’s and stock pickers is they are happy to talk about whats best. BUT NO ONE IS PREPARED TO SCREENSHOT THERE GAINS OR LOSSES. So here are my life savings documented for everyone to see. Just think about how easy it is to take a screenshot every month to document your failing or growing portfolio. Screenshot…Insta…Upload…BOSHHHH! I’m yet to see it, can someone prove me wrong?

Can I, someone with no financial qualifications beat the banks? Or your experienced pension advisor? Or the financial planner you pay 0.5-3% of your fees to merely guide you as to which active investment fund to put your money in? Oh and then an additional 1-3% you will pay the active fund manager. Oh well, at least we don’t have the added average of 2-3% inflation each a year…. Oh no bollochs we do….

Lets be realistic though, at least you got to sit in that comfy chair, in that super-duper expensive office with 360 degree stunning views of the local commercial park. Lets not of course forget about that creamy latte that may have enticed you just a little bit more or even the charity golf day they may even ask you on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say there isn’t room for financial advisors, obviously there is. Sorting out estates, pensions, taxes & loopholes/havens/trusts. But personally I think for the Jonny or Joanna, who are looking to save 0-£20,000 a year, its not necessary. Ultimately, in the long run, the fees are going to have a big impact on your wealth. Wow, I feel like the keyboard warrior in me really has torn into F.A’s and that’s not how I want it to sound as there are some fantastic advisors out there who are doing fantastic work. I guess a lot of the financial advisors out there are used more as a cushion for times like these.

What I am trying to say is before you have even invested in a stock, share or fund, you are already looking for at least 4% return on your wonga to break even, when using an advisor. *disclaimer – not all advisors.
Really …. I should do the Maths on compounding that 4% but I’ve had a long day and its easier asking Alexa and I also need something to blog about in the future.

My Experiment……
So as briefly mentioned I’m going to chuck as much money as possible in a handful of mostly index funds. Although there are a couple of rules that I will live by…. I will spend less than I earn and invest the surplus, I will try to invest around a £1000 a month but occasionally it maybe more and sometimes less depending on the swanky holiday, I go on in the summer. I will try as well to limit the funds to as little as 2-5 I invest in.