How to get started

You've decided to invest. Now you need to know where to start. Even if you are considering a managed fund to take the headache out of managing your investment, it's always in your interest to know the big picture and understand how investing works.
Take one step at a time towards investment
Stepping stones across a river.
Find a professional adviser

It is always wise to seek professional advice. A professional adviser can help you to take control of your current investments and plan for a comfortable future. Call 132 135 to find an adviser, or find an adviser online.

Can you handle the truth?

Investing can be easy, especially when you know the ground rules of success. Our handy and easy-to-read Investing Truths gives some great pointers to successful investing.

Go in with your eyes wide open

Once you've narrowed it down to a choice of funds, make sure you read the fine print. All retail managed funds have disclosure or information to enable you to understand the investment. It is called a Product Disclosure Statement, or PDS. The PDS will contain all the information you might need on the fund, including fees, fund manager, investment policies, ethical policies and past performance.

Review and revise

There are key times when you need to review your investment strategy. Even before you start, review your needs and objectives, and think about how your strategy is working for you.

Then be prepared to review it again if your circumstances, government regulations, market conditions or economic cycles change. See your financial adviser regularly to ensure your strategy is up to date.
Prepare to invest

Once you decide you want to invest, there is a lot you can do in the comfort of your own home to get ready. You need to work out a budget, set your financial goals, find an adviser and become informed.

It's not difficult. We can help you start, and you can use our budget worksheets and simple tools to get you on the right track.

Prepare to invest in our ‘Investment Basics' section.
Find out more about investment
Download a copy of 'Investing made easy' (PDF 1.73MB).
Find a financial adviser using BT's Adviser Referral Program.
Learn about BT's managed funds.