In our fast-paced world, many people find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving little time for financial planning or investing. But the truth is, investing doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex. With the right approach and tools, you can build wealth, even if you only have a few minutes each week to dedicate to it.
One of the most powerful advantages of investing is the compounding effect, where your money grows exponentially over time. Even small investments made consistently over time can accumulate significantly. You don’t need to monitor your investments every day. The beauty of long-term investing is that it can largely be automated and left to grow over the years, making it a perfect option for those with limited time.
Let’s look at some simple strategies and time-saving tips that will allow you to start investing, even with a busy lifestyle.
Commit to a specific day or time each month or week to review your investments, set new contributions, or simply check your portfolio’s performance. Setting aside just 15-30 minutes a week or month can be enough to stay on track. One of the best ways to invest without spending time managing it is to automate your investments. Set up a direct deposit from your earnings into an investment account, like a stocks and shares ISA or a pension plan. You won’t have to think about it; the money will be automatically invested, and you’ll build your portfolio consistently, even when you’re too busy to track it actively.
Index funds and ETFs pool your money into a diversified set of stocks or bonds, spreading the risk. They are low-maintenance investment options that track the performance of entire markets or sectors. You don’t have to pick individual stocks, and they tend to have lower fees. The best part is that they can be set up with minimal time commitment and are ideal for long-term growth. Once you select an index fund or ETF, you don’t need to keep track of individual stocks or bonds. This passive approach minimizes your time commitment while giving you exposure to the broader market.
There are several apps that can help you manage your investments with little time or effort. Apps like Trading212 or Freetrade, offer easy-to-use platforms where you can buy and sell investments in just a few taps. Many also offer fractional shares, meaning you can start investing with as little as £1. These apps send push notifications, so you’ll get reminders to check in on your investments when you have a moment to spare.
Apps like Monzo, Starling Bank, or Yolt can track your spending and automatically suggest ways to invest spare change through round-ups or scheduled savings.
You can set up recurring investments with as little as £1 at a time, helping you invest without taking time out of your schedule. These micro-investments build up over time without demanding much attention.
Passive investing means you are not trying to beat the market by buying and selling stocks. Instead, you let the market do the work by investing in diversified portfolios with a long-term focus. The aim is steady growth, not quick returns. Passive investing doesn’t require constant monitoring or adjustments. It’s based on the idea that, over time, the market grows despite short-term fluctuations. This makes it an ideal option for people who don’t have the time to dive into daily stock picks or market analysis.
Starting early, even with small amounts, is one of the best ways to build wealth. The longer your money is invested, the more it benefits from compound interest. If you invest £100 a month starting at age 25 versus waiting until age 35, the difference in the total value of your investment by retirement can be significant, even if you only have limited time to devote to it. Whether your goal is a comfortable retirement, buying a home, or funding a child’s education, starting with small, automated contributions can help you reach your goals without taking up too much of your time.
You don’t need to spend hours researching stocks or checking the market daily. By creating an investment routine, such as automated contributions on payday, your investments will grow without you having to invest much time at all. The key to investing when you’re short on time is consistency. Make small, regular contributions, and focus on the long-term picture. Over time, this approach will compound into meaningful growth.
Even with a busy schedule, you can take control of your financial future by adopting a low-maintenance investing approach. Automate your contributions, choose passive investment options like index funds or ETFs, and rely on tools and apps to help you stay on track. With the right strategies, you can build wealth with minimal time investment and still achieve your financial goals.
Remember, the key is getting started; even small, regular investments will add up over time. So, take the first step today and start investing, even if it’s just a little at a time.
Get a FREE fractional share with Trading212
Use promo code: MITM (works within the first 10 days of signing up)
Fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk. Terms apply
Get a Welcome Bonus of up to £50 when you invest at least £100 with InvestEngine
Consolidate your Pensions with PensionBee
Keep your pensions all in one place with this simple to use Pension service.
Manage your money better with MoneyMonitor
I personally built this website to allow me to bin my spreadsheets in favour of something a little easier to use. It’s completely free of charge.