Learn investing basics as questions to ask, not tips to buy

Teach me investing basics as education only, not advice.

What I already know: [a little / nothing / some]
What I'm curious about: [pensions, ISAs, shares, funds — topics only]
Whether I have an emergency fund: [yes / no / not sure]
Time horizon in general: [years away, or "not sure"]

Ask me up to 3 short questions first if anything important is missing. Wait for my answers.

Then:
1. Plain explanations of risk, diversification and time, without product picks.
2. Myths to ignore from social media.
3. Questions to take to MoneyHelper or a regulated adviser, and a reminder to check any firm on the FCA Firm Checker (fca.org.uk/consumers/fca-firm-checker) and ScamSmart (fca.org.uk/scamsmart) before I hand over money or details.
4. A clear line: you are not telling me what to buy.
5. When DIY reading is not enough and I should get regulated advice.

Only use what I've told you, leave blanks for anything I haven't given, and don't invent facts, figures or products. This is help organising my own numbers and wording, not financial advice; point me to MoneyHelper, GOV.UK or Citizens Advice for guidance, and to a free regulated debt adviser if I'm struggling to pay. UK English.

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