Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

How to buy shares in the UK

The accounts, the costs and the steps, explained simply.

The short answer

To buy shares in the UK you open an account with an FCA-authorised investment platform, add money, then place an order for the shares or funds you want. The main choice is the type of account, because an ISA protects your gains and dividends from tax, while a general account does not. Platforms differ mainly in their fees, so it is worth comparing them before you start.

Step by step

Choose the account type. A stocks and shares ISA (up to £20,000 a year across all your ISAs for 2026/27), a general investment account, or a pension. See ISAs explained and pension or ISA?
Pick a platform. Check that it appears on the Financial Conduct Authority register, then compare the fees.
Fund the account. Most platforms accept a bank transfer or debit card.
Choose what to buy. Shares in single companies, or funds that hold many investments in one purchase.
Place the order. A market order buys at the current price. A limit order only buys at a price you set or better.

What it costs

Platform fee: usually a percentage of what you hold or a flat monthly amount. On a small pot a flat fee can take a bigger share.
Dealing fee: a charge each time you buy or sell, which some platforms waive for funds.
Fund charges: funds charge a yearly percentage that comes out of the fund itself.
Currency fees: buying overseas shares often involves an exchange charge.
Stamp Duty: you usually pay 0.5% on electronic purchases of shares in UK companies. You do not pay it on new share issues or on buying from fund managers (unit trusts and OEICs).

Things worth knowing before you start

Single shares can fall a long way. Many people hold funds that spread the risk across lots of companies.
Only invest money you will not need soon. Prices can stay down for years.
Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue promising returns. Check any firm on the FCA register and its warning list.
Keep a record of your purchases, because you may need them for Capital Gains Tax. See tax on shares explained.

Where to learn more

Investing carries risk: the value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you put in. This guide is for information only and is not financial or tax advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.