Flipping the script

If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about stealing the show, it’s Vanessa. A seasoned pro in the world of lights, camera and action. But her most impressive performance is how she overcame her financial fears to build a portfolio worthy of a silver screening.

Vanessa's journey into the world of investing began after a difficult time in her life. When she was just a teenager, her father sadly passed away, leaving her mum on her own without a steady income. This experience left Vanessa with a long-lasting fear of financial insecurity.

Determined to write a fresh chapter in her story, Vanessa took her financial future firmly into her own hands. We chatted with her to learn how she flipped the script to become the money-savvy woman she is today.

Filling up piggy banks and climbing up property ladders

Vanessa made the smart decision to start investing early with an ISA. But this artiste is no one-trick pony. As she became comfortable with setting money aside, she added more complex products.

Now she invests in all sorts of things – from stocks and bonds to government saving schemes to property. (Read this guide to learn more about these).

Her secret weapon isn’t just her never-ending quest for knowledge, but also a supportive community. She turned to finance gurus and communities designed to empower people of colour in the world of finance.

Filling up piggy banks and climbing up property ladders

Vanessa made the smart decision to start investing early with an ISA. But this artiste is no one-trick pony. As she became comfortable with setting money aside, she added more complex products.

Now she invests in all sorts of things – from stocks and bonds to government saving schemes to property. (Read this guide to learn more about these).

Her secret weapon isn’t just her never-ending quest for knowledge, but also a supportive community. She turned to finance gurus and communities designed to empower people of colour in the world of finance.

Vanessa's story is a testament to the power of facing your fears, embracing knowledge and building a steady investing habit to secure your future. It's a reminder that taking control of your money is within everyone's reach, whatever your background or profession.

Playing the long game

From when she started, Vanessa always understood the value of keeping an investment over the longer term. And with her busy schedule, she knew she had to create a financial plan that worked in harmony with her career. Now in her 30s, Vanessa’s enjoying the life that she’s been investing in.

Vanessa's story is a testament to the power of facing your fears, embracing knowledge and building a steady investing habit to secure your future. It's a reminder that taking control of your money is within everyone's reach, whatever your background or profession.

So, how about taking a leaf out of Vanessa's book and starting to write your own financial success story? Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with a plot twist worthy of a standing ovation.

Playing the long game

From when she started, Vanessa always understood the value of keeping an investment over the longer term. And with her busy schedule, she knew she had to create a financial plan that worked in harmony with her career. Now in her 30s, Vanessa’s enjoying the life that she’s been investing in.

Vanessa's story is a testament to the power of facing your fears, embracing knowledge and building a steady investing habit to secure your future. It's a reminder that taking control of your money is within everyone's reach, whatever your background or profession.

So, how about taking a leaf out of Vanessa's book and starting to write your own financial success story? Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with a plot twist worthy of a standing ovation.

Real investing tips from real investors

Vanessa’s been going at this for many years. So here are a few tips from her to help you get started:

  • Start investing as early as you can and keep at it over the long term
  • Find your investing groove and dance to that beat; are you a cautious investor or more adventurous?
  • There’s a wealth of info online, so you can quickly start feeling in the know (you can start with Lloyds’ Understanding Investing)
  • Diversify, diversify, diversify – which is just another way to say put your eggs in different baskets. Read more about Resilient Investing.
  • Have an investing ‘budget’ to make sure you’re only putting in what you can afford to leave in over the long term.

Think you’re ready to try investing?

Think you’re ready to try investing?

You could start with a Ready-Made Investment, managed by our pros. Want to take the reins yourself? You can, with our Share Dealing Account or ISA.

There are many more ways to invest with us. Explore today

Ways to invest

Please remember that the value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. If you’re not sure about investing, seek financial advice. There will normally be a charge for that advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

Yes, we invest ...

Meet Jess

“I've had a managed investing account before, so it was a good start to get that knowledge first. But now I feel more confident to pick my own. And thankfully, there’s a massive list of stocks to choose from on the Lloyds app...”

Read Jess' story

Meet Russell

“It’s never too late, I think if I’d started earlier, I’d be in a much better position, but it’s been great to see how things have grown, even later in life.”

Read Russell’s story

Where to start?

If you're unsure where to put your money, we have a few starting points:

Learn about investing

Whether you’re new to investing or more experienced, it’s always good practice to keep learning. This is the perfect place to start.

Understanding investing

ETF Quicklist

A shortlist of ETFs to help you create the basic building blocks of an investment portfolio.

ETF Quicklist

Research the market

View all our available investments and keep up to date with the latest market news.

View investments

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Your money is protected

Investments totalling up to £85,000 are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This limit applies to the combined total of stocks or cash holdings in these brands that we administer.

This is in addition to any savings you hold across Lloyds Banking Group.

Your money is protected

Investments totalling up to £85,000 are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. This limit applies to the combined total of stocks or cash holdings in these brands that we administer.

This is in addition to any savings you hold across Lloyds Banking Group.

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Important legal information

The Lloyds Bank Direct Investments Service is operated by Halifax Share Dealing Limited. Registered Office: Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2RG. Registered in England and Wales no. 3195646. Halifax Share Dealing Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under registration number 183332. A Member of the London Stock Exchange and an HM Revenue & Customs Approved ISA Manager.

Important share dealing information