Tools & resources I actually use.
Everything here is something I've used myself. These are tools and resources I personally find useful — not recommendations. What suits me may not suit you.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest. Nothing on this page is financial advice.
Where to Invest
Trading platforms & brokers.
All FCA-regulated and available in the UK. These are the ones I've used — which platform (if any) suits you is your own decision.
Trading 212
Commission-free trading, fractional shares from £1, and a mobile app I've found easy to use. They offer a 'Pie' feature for auto-investing into a basket of ETFs. One of several platforms available in the UK.
- Zero commission on ETFs
- Fractional shares from £1
- Multi-currency accounts
- ISA & SIPP available
- Mobile & web app
InvestEngine
An ETF-focused platform with a DIY portfolio option (zero platform fee) and a managed portfolio option. One of several platforms available in the UK for ETF investors.
- Zero platform fee (DIY)
- ETF-focused platform
- Managed portfolio option
- ISA & SIPP available
- Simple interface
Vanguard Investor
A large, established fund manager with a range of own-brand ETFs. Their platform is more basic than some newer alternatives and is used by many long-term investors. One of several platforms available in the UK.
- Large range of own-brand ETFs
- Established fund manager
- Low fund fees
- ISA & SIPP available
- Suits long-term approach
I will receive a small commission referral fee from some of these platforms to help with running costs.
Numbers & Data
Calculators & tools.
Run the numbers yourself. These free tools let you model different scenarios so you know exactly what you're working towards.
Household Budget Calculator
See exactly where your money goes each month. Break down your income and expenditure, then find out how much you could be investing instead.
Try it nowCompound Interest Calculator
See what happens when you invest regularly over decades. Plug in your monthly contribution, pick a time horizon, and watch the magic of compounding.
Open toolPortfolio Visualizer
Backtest different portfolio allocations. See how different mixes of stocks, bonds, and ETFs performed historically over decades.
Open toolFund Factsheets
Look up any ETF's factsheet directly. See holdings, sector breakdown, fees, and performance. Essential research before you buy.
Open toolPension Calculator
Estimate what your pension pot could be worth at retirement. See how even small increases in contributions make a big difference over 30+ years.
Open toolLearn More
Books worth your time.
The investing books that actually changed how I think about money. None of them are get-rich-quick rubbish — these are the ones that stand the test of time.
The Simple Path to Wealth
JL Collins
The book that started it all for me. Collins explains why you don't need to be a financial genius — just buy broad index funds, hold them forever, and get on with your life. Originally written as letters to his daughter. Simple, direct, life-changing.
The Psychology of Money
Morgan Housel
Not about which ETFs to buy — about how to think about money. Housel shows that doing well with money isn't about intelligence, it's about behaviour. Timeless lessons in 20 short, beautifully written chapters.
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing
John C. Bogle
Written by the founder of Vanguard and the man who invented the index fund. Bogle makes the case that buying and holding the entire market, at the lowest possible cost, beats every other strategy. The original manifesto for passive investing.
Millionaire Teacher
Andrew Hallam
A school teacher who became a millionaire through disciplined, boring index investing. Proves you don't need a high salary — you need consistency, patience, and low fees. Inspiring and practical.
Listen & Watch
Podcasts & YouTube.
For when you want to learn while commuting, walking, or doing the dishes. These are the ones I listen to — they focus on fundamentals rather than hyping the latest stock tip.
Meaningful Money
by Pete Matthew
The UK's best personal finance podcast, hands down. Pete explains pensions, ISAs, investing, and financial planning in clear, jargon-free English. Start from episode 1.
Damien Talks Money
by Damien Jordan
UK-focused investing channel that cuts through the noise. No Lamborghinis, no hype — just honest, data-backed takes on index funds, ISAs, and building a steady portfolio.
PensionCraft
by Ramin Nakisa
Deep dives into ETFs, portfolio construction, and investment strategy. Ramin is a former investment banker who explains complex topics with incredible clarity. Essential viewing for ETF investors.
James Shack
by James Shack
Chartered financial planner who makes videos about retirement planning, pensions, and practical investing. Evidence-based, well-researched, and UK-focused.
Quick Links
Everything in one place.
Jump to any section of the site. If you're new here, start with Getting Started.
The best tool is getting started.
All the resources in the world won't help if you don't take the first step. Opening an account, buying one broad ETF, and setting up a monthly contribution — that's the approach I took, though what's right for you depends on your own circumstances.
What I Do