The Simple £25-a-Month Investing Habit That Changed My Financial Future as a Mum
I used to think investing was only for people who had a lot of money. But the truth is, my entire mindset changed when I began a £25-a-month investing habit. It was small, simple, and something I could stick with — even while budgeting hard as a mum.
I didn’t have a financial advisor. I didn’t know all the lingo. I just knew that one day, I wanted to feel more secure. And so I started — awkwardly, hesitantly, and with very little money.
But starting changed everything.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or speak to a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
This post may also contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase or sign up, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I truly love and personally use.
💭 Why I Finally Decided to Invest (Spoiler: It Wasn’t Because I Had Money to Spare)
We were saving for our first home. Every penny was precious.
But one night, I looked at our savings and realised: all our money was just… sitting. Not working. Not growing. And the interest rate? Laughable.
I wanted to build something for the long-term. Not just for me, but for my family. Something that didn’t rely on me working every single month to grow.
That’s when I started reading (and yes, googling “investing for beginners UK” like mad). And eventually, I took the leap.
🚀 I Started With Freeshare — Because Free Felt Safer
My first step was using a platform called Freeshare.
It let me try investing without any real pressure. I started super small — just £25 a month — because that’s what felt doable at the time.
As I got more confident, I started adding a little more here and there. Some months it was £40, sometimes £60. I wasn’t following a strict plan — I was just building the habit and getting used to the idea that investing could be part of my normal life.
It wasn’t about chasing huge returns. I just wanted to feel like I was doing something for me. And honestly? Seeing that tiny portfolio grow felt really empowering.
💡 Want to try Freeshare too? You can sign up through [my affiliate link here] to get a free share worth £10 – £100 after your first deposit— it’s beginner-friendly and great for starting small.
As I got more confident with my £25-a-month investing habit, I found myself wanting to learn more, experiment with platforms, and build momentum over time.
🔄 Why I Moved to Trading 212 (And Sold My Shares Along the Way)
Later on, I switched to Trading 212 — mostly because they offered both a Cash ISA and a Stocks & Shares ISA. It just felt like a more complete option, especially as I was thinking more long-term.
And then… life happened.
We bought our first house.
We needed extra funds.
So I made the (slightly painful) decision to sell everything I’d built and put it toward our new home.
Was it ideal? Not really.
But did it prove to me that investing works—and that it’s actually useful? 100%.
📅 The Real Restart: June 2024 with £1,500
In June 2024, I started again with a fresh mindset and a bigger push — I invested around £1,500 up front.
This time, I was more confident and clearer on what I wanted to build.
Now, I invest around £100–£150 a month, depending on how the budget looks.
No wild stock picking. No trying to “beat the market.”
Just consistent, calm investing.
Right now, my portfolio sits at £3,105.
That’s not millionaire status. But it’s mine. And it’s growing. Quietly. Consistently.
And most importantly?
It’s proof that small starts absolutely count.
🧠 Why This Works — Even If You’re Budgeting Like Mad
Investing has become my self-care for future me.
I don’t have to pour in hundreds every month. I just show up. Consistently. Like a direct debit of hope.
Here’s what made it doable:
- I started tiny — £25 was manageable during tight months
- I chose an app that felt simple — no intimidating graphs or jargon
- I accepted that sometimes life will interrupt — like when we bought the house
- I reminded myself I’m playing the long game
If you’re on the fence, let this be your reminder: even a £25-a-month investing habit can help you build wealth and confidence, one step at a time.
📈 Should You Start Investing Too?
If you’re a mum trying to stretch every pound, the idea of “investing” might feel totally out of reach.
But honestly? It doesn’t have to be.
You can:
- Start with £10, £25, or whatever you can manage
- Use an app like Freeshare or Trading 212
- Choose a Cash ISA if stocks feel too scary at first
- Learn as you go (there’s no test, promise!)
Just start.
You deserve to build wealth—even slowly.
You deserve a future that doesn’t rely solely on your next payslip.
And you don’t have to wait until you have “more” to begin.
