How to invest, in 6 simple steps.
No jargon. Just what to do, and where to do it. If you can order a pizza online, you can do this.
This guide is educational, not financial advice
Driftless Money does not handle your money or place trades. You decide what to buy, where to buy it, and how much to invest. Investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in. If you're unsure, speak to a qualified financial advisor before acting.
Open a brokerage account (once)
Pick one: Trading 212, Vanguard, Hargreaves Lansdown, InvestEngine, or AJ Bell. Sign up, add your bank, and put in a small amount of money (£50 is fine). This is the account that actually buys stocks. Driftless Money never touches it.
Make a plan in Driftless Money
Pick one boring, broad ETF like VOO or VWRP. Type an amount you won't miss — £50 or $50. Choose Monthly. Tap Save. That's your plan.
Wait for the nudge
On your buy date, Driftless Money shows exactly which stock to buy and how much to spend. You don't have to think — just do what it says.
Go to your brokerage and buy it
Open your brokerage app. Search the ticker (e.g. VOO). Tap Buy. Type the amount from Driftless Money. Confirm. Done — you just invested.
Come back and tap ‘I bought it’
This logs the buy so Driftless Money can track your total value. That's it. Repeat next month. Forever.
Stuck? Ask the Coach
Type any question in plain English — ‘what should I buy first?’, ‘is £50 enough?’, ‘what's an ETF?’. It'll answer patiently, no jargon.
Broker suggestions to research
Driftless Money does not partner with or earn from these companies. These are common, regulated brokers people use with our app — compare fees, account types, and protections yourself before opening an account.
Commission-free ISA and general investing. Good for small monthly buys.
Low-cost own funds. 0.15% account fee, capped monthly.
Huge choice of funds and shares. Higher fees, very established.
Free ETF investing, no dealing commission. ISA available.
Good for ISAs and SIPPs. Mid-range dealing fees.
Not a recommendation. Fees, regulation, and available investments change. Check the broker's own site and terms. Your capital is at risk.
Not financial advice. Investing can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest. Driftless Money does not place trades or handle your money. Read the full disclaimer.