We don’t support this browser anymore.
This means our website may not look and work as you would expect. Read more about browsers and how to update them here.

Financially Fearless Initiatives

FINANCIALLY FEARLESS

Sign up to the mailing list

We’re on a mission.

To tackle money inequality and help every woman save and invest for a better future.

Financial independence is key to us all. Whether you’re starting out on your investment journey or an investment pro, we’ll give you the help and support you need to take it to the next level.

We fought for people to hear us and now it's time to be fearless.

Level up your finances


Expert content

Articles, tips and ideas from our ambassadors.

Read latest articles

Money boosting tools

Get guides, calculators and more.

Try our tools

Fearless events

Free events on money, investing and pensions.

See future events

We’ve designed Financially Fearless to give you helpful tips and tools about your finances, but it’s not personal advice. If you’re not sure if something is right for you, we always recommend speaking to an expert.

Sign up to the mailing list

Financially Fearless is about making it easy, accessible, fun and empowering for women to improve their financial resilience, start investing and power up their pension.

Maike Currie, Head of Content & Campaigns

Maike Currie

The Financially Fearless
‘Investing Essentials’ Quiz

Are you ready to become Financially Fearless? Test your knowledge on some of the key components you’ll need to ace the investment world.



Question 1

If you buy stocks in Netflix Inc, you…

A stock, AKA an equity, represents the ownership of a fraction of a company. Units of stock are called 'shares'.

When you invest in a share, you own a proportion of the company’s assets and earnings.

Question 2

Bonds aren’t just related to a certain MI6 mastermind. What do bonds mean in investment terms?

A bond is like lending money as an investment.

Picture it as an I.O.U. where you're the lender. And then the borrower repays the bond back to you over a set period – often with added interest on top. Meaning you’ll make money on top of your initial investment. Just remember that returns aren’t guaranteed.

Question 3

Having a rainy-day fund works just like an umbrella. What is the main purpose of this pot of money?

A rainy-day fund serves as a safety net for unexpected situations like unexpected bills or car repairs.

Just as an umbrella shields you from the rain, a rainy-day fund shields you from unexpected financial 'rain'.

It’s recommended that your rainy-day fund covers 3-6 months of essential expenses if employed. If you’re retired, it’s recommended you consider saving 1-2 years’ worth.

Question 4

What’s the magic of compound interest?

Compound interest is a key concept that can supercharge your investments.

Say you invest £160 every month into an ISA and left it to grow at 5% each year for 10 years, this would turn into £24,798. That’s £5,598 more than if you just left it in cash. And the longer you leave this money invested, the more powerful the compounding effect becomes.

Just remember, this is just an example, returns aren’t guaranteed, and the figure does not account for inflation, charges or taxes. Unlike the security offered by cash, the value of investments can go down as well as up in value, so you could get back less than invested.

Question 5

When considering investments, should you use past performance as the main indicator of success?

Exploring past performance can offer insights, but remember, investments are influenced by many things. Past returns don’t guarantee future success.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned investor, you need to think about your strategy before considering any investments. This should match your objectives and your risk appetite. It should aim to achieve the best return for your chosen level of risk.

Question 6

Aside from blowing up balloons, what is the effect of ‘inflation’?

Inflation is the rise in price of goods and services over time.

Think of it as a ripple effect. When these prices increase, businesses may have to adjust wages, increase production costs and ultimately their prices.

If this cycle continues, it gradually pushes up the cost-of-living over time. Which then reduces your purchasing power. Meaning, what cost you £100 this year will cost you more in the future.

Question 7

You wouldn’t keep all your eggs in one basket, so why would you do the same with your investments? Diversifying your portfolio is important, but what’s the main advantage?

Diversification is about spreading your investments across different types of assets, a bit like having a well-rounded wardrobe for different occasions.

By having a diverse portfolio, it reduces your investment risk. That’s because if one investment performs badly, another may help compensate, limiting your loses overtime.

Question 8

What does the acronym ‘ISA’ stand for?

An ISA is an Individual Savings Account. There are different types of ISA to help you save or invest, depending on your goals.

These accounts are easy to understand and flexible. But the best part is, you don’t have to pay UK tax on your savings or investments.

Tax rules change and benefits depend on your circumstances.

Question 9

Dividends are like treats for shareholders – without the calories. But what exactly are dividends?

Dividends are payments made to shareholders periodically. It's their way of saying thanks.

Much like a well-deserved pat on the back, companies pass on a slice of their profits to you.

Dividends are usually distributed on a regular basis (annually). However, companies aren't obliged to pay dividends, some reinvest profits back into the business.

Question 10

Girls just want to have funds – but what are investment funds?

A fund pools together the money of lots of different investors, and a fund manager invests on their behalf.

These investments can include various types of assets like shares and bonds, therefore offering more diversification.

Your score

0%

Keep going!

You're making great progress.

You don’t have to be a finance whiz to invest, you just need to take the first step. Join the Financially Fearless mailing list and get everything you need for your investment journey.


Great work!

Let's continue building on this momentum.

You don’t have to be a finance whiz to invest, you just need to take the first step. Join the Financially Fearless mailing list and get everything you need for your investment journey.


Impressive!

You’re well on the way to becoming Financially Fearless.

You don’t have to be a finance whiz to invest, you just need to take the first step. Join the Financially Fearless mailing list and get everything you need for your investment journey.


Join us on Instagram



Follow us for a daily dose of inspiration, stories and ideas from the women behind Financially Fearless.

@financiallyfearless_hl

Why Women Invest Report

Introducing our flagship 'Why Women Invest' report.

This first of its kind report is the product of 6 months of extensive research...

READ MORE

Financially Fearless

It's time to be FEARLESS.

Being fearless is not about changing the world or doing big things...it's about taking that first step...

READ MORE

Unshamedly creating a space for woman

No topic is out of bounds.

Let’s get comfortable talking about the uncomfortable. And we all know that money is at the top of that list...

READ MORE

Join the Financially Fearless mailing list

Hargreaves Lansdown would like to contact you about the services we offer which may be of interest to you. We explain how we use your personal data in our Privacy Policy.

Our Financially Fearless emails are part of our general marketing. By filling out this form you are signing up for both Financially Fearless emails and other marketing we believe might be of interest to you. We explain how we use your data in our privacy policy. If you would like to amend your marketing preferences or unsubscribe you can do so once logged into your account on your account settings, by clicking 'unsubscribe' on our emails or by calling our helpdesk on 0117 900 9000.

Thank you for signing up to the mailing list - we're so excited to have you on board.

If you can't wait for more Financially Fearless content why not check out our Instagram.

There was a problem signing up.

Please contact us for help.

Why women should invest


Investing is a great way to grow your money. And women are great at it.

In fact, when women do invest, they often outperform men when it comes to investment returns. That’s because women tend to be more conscious of risks and invest over the long term.

Yet only 34% of women say they’re comfortable making investment decisions.

This doesn’t need to be the case. That’s why we’re here to help you make the first step.

Please note that investments fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back less than you invest.

Learn the basics

Compare our accounts

Clare Stinton

Financially Fearless toolbox


Financially Fearless insights

Everything Financially Fearless, under one roof. Home to all our latest articles, guides, and the HL investment podcast.

Learn to invest

Investing is putting away money now, for the chance to have more in future. Turn your financial goals into a plan with these investing essentials.

Compare accounts

Ready to start investing? Find an investment account that’s right for you.