← Curriculum

Stock basics

A grounded introduction to shares, funds and long-term investing: what you actually own, how to open an account safely, and how risk, costs and time fit together. Education only — no outcome is promised or guaranteed.

By the end you'll be able to

  • • Describe what a share is and why its price moves
  • • Open an investment account with a properly regulated firm
  • • Compare shares, funds and ETFs on cost and risk
  • • Recognise investment scams and unrealistic promises

1. How markets work

Ownership, exchanges and the products on offer.

  1. how stock markets workLesson
  2. what a share isLesson
  3. shares funds and etfsLesson

2. Getting set up

Choosing a regulated firm and understanding every charge.

  1. opening a brokerage accountLesson
  2. regular investing and costsLesson

3. Building a portfolio

Spreading risk and matching money to timeframes.

  1. diversification and allocationLesson
  2. bonds cash and safer assetsLesson
  3. risk and time horizonLesson

4. Going deeper

Reading the numbers and avoiding the traps.

  1. reading company reportsLesson
  2. dividends and total returnLesson
  3. spotting investment scamsLesson

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