Let’s be honest — “start investing” has probably been sitting on your to-do list for months (or years). You know it’s important, but it can feel confusing, risky, or just… something future-you will figure out.

The truth? You don’t need thousands of pounds or a finance degree to begin. You can start investing with as little as £100 — and doing it today can make a real difference to your financial future.

This is your simple, no-jargon guide to getting started.

For years, the world of investing has felt like a closed club, historically dominated by men. The imagery surrounding stock markets—the shouting, the fast-paced trades, the risk-taking—has often alienated women from these financial conversations. Yet, despite this, recent research shows that women not only make great investors but often outperform their male counterparts. So why does the myth persist that women aren’t as savvy in the investing world?

We’ve all heard about the gender investment gap, and it rightly riles us up. But here’s the reality: this isn’t just a personal issue—it’s deeply systemic. It didn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of generations of inequality, where women have been shut out of financial conversations and opportunities.  The system wasn’t built with women in mind, and it shows.

Notes (and some links I looked up) on crypto context and practicalities for other newbies who cannot tell the difference between bitcoin and blockchain. Consider it a beginner’s guide to the beginner’s session that Clara so patiently and eloquently ran through!