Real-Life Investing: Introduction

Read about this Fool’s real-life investing experiences.

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.

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.

The question is asked of us at the Fool time and time again: “It’s all very well writing about shares and investments, but what are you yourself investing in? You may say that this company is a buy or a sell, but where are putting your own money?” After all, if I am not investing in the companies I am writing about, why should you trust my recommendations at all?

My personal investing strategy

These are very valid questions. So I thought I would write about my own personal portfolio. I will write about which shares I have been buying and selling, and why have I made these trades. I will write about my investing philosophy. I have often written about contrarian, value and growth investing — in this series I will write about what my personal investing strategy is.

 Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong in writing about shares you don’t own, but writing about your own portfolio perhaps could add a more authentic and insightful touch to my articles — at least, that’s what I hope!

The thinking behind the trades 

And this would not just be about “I bought this company at this price, and sold at this price, making a profit of….” It will be about what I was actually thinking when I made these decisions. It will be the story behind the raw numbers.

I will write about my investing successes and also, perhaps more interestingly, my investing failures. I will write about blue chips, small caps, growth companies, value companies, dividend investing, retirement planning, international investing, investing psychology, and anything else under the investing sun which has affected my portfolio.

And, just perhaps, you may learn something about reaching your own investment goals, too.

Sound interesting? Worth a read? Well, the series proper begins next week. Welcome to ‘Real Life Investing’…

More on Investing Articles

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

ISA or SIPP? Here’s 1 advantage and 1 disadvantage of both

SIPPs and Stocks and Shares ISAs both have potentially attractive features, as well as downsides. Christopher Ruane looks at some…

Read more »

Portrait of pensive bearded senior looking on screen of laptop sitting at table with coffee cup.
Investing Articles

£1,000 invested in Lloyds shares 6 weeks ago is now worth…

Lloyds shares have been on a huge run in the last couple of years. But is a 15% pullback in…

Read more »

Man smiling and working on laptop
Investing Articles

After the FTSE 100’s slump, these bargain shares are calling!

Are you on the lookout for top cheap stocks to buy? Royston Wild reveals three FTSE 100 value shares he's…

Read more »

Man hanging in the balance over a log at seaside in Scotland
Investing Articles

Worried about a stock market crash? Here are 2 things you should know

A stock market crash may look plausible, but it’s far from a done deal. Still, if markets do wobble, I…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 stock soared 900% — but after a 25% crash, is the rally over?

After blowing away the FTSE 100 in 2025, this miner has hit turbulence in 2026 — Andrew Mackie investigates what’s…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

How much do I need in an ISA for a £700 second income?

Investing in dividend shares can be a great way to target a second income from a Stocks and Shares ISA.…

Read more »

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
Investing Articles

If there’s a stock market crash this week, will you be ready?

Christopher Ruane explains why he's not phased by the inevitability of a stock market crash -- but is actively preparing…

Read more »

Mindful young woman breathing out with closed eyes, calming down in stressful situation, working on computer in modern kitchen.
Investing Articles

£15,000 invested in Diageo shares 3 weeks ago is now worth…

Bad times for Diageo shares! The last three weeks have seen yet another drop, but is this a time to…

Read more »