How I’d start investing with little money

Not only is it possible to invest with little money, it’s also possible to increase the capital base. Here’s how. 

| More on:

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

sdf

First things first, I can start investing with little money.

This is one good reason to start investing in stocks today, in fact. There’s a range of shares to choose from. These can allow me the flexibility to choose the amount I want to invest, even if it’s little. 

The next step is to choose where to invest my money. For me, the target would be to grow my capital base. And one of the fastest ways of doing that is by buying growth stocks. 

But if I’m going to start investing with little money, I wouldn’t buy just any growth stocks. I’d focus on those that are cheap but also relatively low-risk.

Here are examples of five stocks I can invest in today even with little money.

#1. Rentokil Initial: safe and growing 

The FTSE 100 hygienist and pest control provider has been a safe-haven investment in 2020. Its demand is relatively secure, and in fact, after the pandemic may even rise faster than it would have otherwise. 

The best part is that a single share of Rentokil Initial costs less than £5 today. The downside is that unlike other FTSE 100 stocks it hasn’t brought back dividends. It had stopped paying them when Covid-19 struck last year. So, passive income is ruled out for now. 

#2. BP: oil could be in for better times

Even cheaper than RTO is the FTSE 100 oil biggie BP, whose share price is at sub-£3 levels at present. I think the long-term future of oil faces a big question mark, but for the next few years I think it’s safe to say that oil is a safe stock. As we get closer to ending the pandemic, oil prices have started rising and as we go back to our old lives and travel restarts, oil demand should rise too. 

In fact, according to some leading forecasters, we are now at the start of a commodity supercycle. This means that commodities across metals, oil, and agriculture should see a boom. BP share price could benefit as a result. 

It also pays a dividend, and has a healthy yield of 5.5%, allowing me to make both capital gains as well as a passive income. 

The only catch to oil stocks is that the future of polluting industries faces a question mark. It’s trying to pivot towards green energy but how far it’s able to pull that off is also a question mark. This is more a stock for two to three years than a long drawn out timeframe. 

#3. Tritax Big Box REIT: benefiting from the online sales boom

At a share price of sub-£2, Tritax Big Box is an investment for the long haul. The online sales boom has impacted this REIT positively, which focuses on warehousing solutions. As online sales increase more, I think it will continue to benefit. 

The only drawback here is that it’s UK focused, which means that it’s vulnerable to an extended slowdown if there’s one. Also like RTO, it doesn’t offer a dividend. 

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Manika Premsingh owns shares of BP and Rentokil Initial. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Tritax Big Box REIT. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 passive income gem now has a forecast yield of a stunning 8.5%, so should I buy more?

This FTSE 100 dividend giant already has a very high yield, and is projected to go even higher in the…

Read more »

Young Caucasian girl showing and pointing up with fingers number three against yellow background
Investing Articles

3 key reasons why I think BP’s share price could soar following a 16% fall over the year…

BP’s share price has lost considerable ground over the course of the year, but I think there are three reasons…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

Building a second income with FTSE 100 dividend shares: my simple 3-step plan

Mark Hartley outlines a straightforward three-step approach to building a second income portfolio with well-established FTSE 100 dividend shares.

Read more »

British flag, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and British flag composition
Investing Articles

Experian: still one of the UK’s top shares as strong growth continues

Experian shares are up after the firm’s latest trading update. So should UK investors consider buying one of the FTSE…

Read more »

Close-up image depicting a woman in her 70s taking British bank notes from her colourful leather wallet.
Investing Articles

Is Lloyds Banking Group the ultimate FTSE 100 value stock?

When Harvey Jones bought shares in Lloyds a couple of years ago he thought it was the ultimate value stock…

Read more »

Senior Adult Black Female Tourist Admiring London
Investing Articles

See what £10k invested in ailing GSK shares is worth today…

No investor will be happy with their GSK shares as the FTSE 100 pharmaceutical giant has had a dismal decade.…

Read more »

A young black man makes the symbol of a peace sign with two fingers
Investing Articles

2 profitable penny stocks that are outpacing Rolls-Royce this year!

Intent on uncovering the best penny stocks in the UK, our writer has identified two gems that are beating the…

Read more »

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in Lloyds shares at the start of 2025 is now worth…

Lloyds shares have risen from 55p to 76p this year. This means that those who invested in the bank at…

Read more »