Investing can be started in under an hour and may deliver far stronger long term returns than holding cash, particularly when using a stocks and shares Individual Savings Account before the tax year ends on April 5. Savers can contribute up to £20,000 each year, or £9,000 for children, and any gains or dividends are free from tax. Historical comparisons show that regular monthly investing in global markets has significantly outperformed cash savings over the past two decades.

However, higher potential returns come with greater ups and downs. Investors must be comfortable with fluctuations in value and should only commit money they will not need for at least five to ten years. It is also important to pay off expensive unsecured debts first and keep three to six months of expenses in cash before investing.

Beginners can choose from a wide range of investment platforms, including those offering ready made portfolios matched to an individual's risk tolerance. Diversifying across thousands of companies and government bonds worldwide can help reduce risk. Keeping fees low is crucial, as even small percentage differences can reduce returns by thousands of pounds over time.

Once invested, experts recommend contributing regularly and avoiding frequent portfolio checks. Reviewing investments every few months is usually sufficient, with adjustments made only if personal circumstances change. Families can also make full use of each member's annual allowance to maximise tax free growth over time.