Investing money in 2025: what to invest in?
Starting to invest in 2025? Many people who follow me on Instagram still haven’t started investing.
That’s understandable, because the first step isn’t easy. You shouldn’t let any more time pass, every day lost costs you returns!
I recently had a chat with a follower about the reasons why he hasn’t started investing yet. Here you can find our approximate chat history and his questions. It’s about typical beginner questions about investing.
Follower: Ah, I still haven’t started investing.
My resolution for 2025: finally get started!
Helga: Why is it that you haven’t started yet?
Follower: I think there are several reasons. Firstly, I’ve been looking into where and with which broker I should invest. All these apps – Yuh, Neon, Swissquote, Saxo and the robo-advisors (VIAC, Selma, Inyova). I still don’t know what suits me better and where I should deposit my money.
I just want to keep it simple.
The second thing is, I don’t know exactly what to invest in. Would an MSCI World theoretically be enough? Is it diversified enough if you only buy one product each month?
I know you like the dividend stocks, but I’m not sure if it would be good for me to start investing like that as a beginner. Do you think it would make sense to pay X amount into VIAC every month and forget about the portfolio?
And then a friend of mine says I could split my amount like this: 50 % ETF MSCI World, 25 % ETF Nasdaq 100, 25 % Bitcoin … if I were to invest with Yuh myself, for example.
Step-by-step answer: How to get started as a beginner
I will be happy to share my thoughts on these questions step by step. This is not investment advice, but my personal opinion, which is intended to encourage reflection. Always weigh up the pros and cons and then make your decision.
There is no right or wrong, you have to feel comfortable with the decision and make your learnings. Start with little money and slowly build up your assets.
- the choice of broker or robo-advisor
You are talking about two different approaches.
Automatic investing without selecting your own shares and ETFs using robo-advisors (e.g. VIAC, Selma, Inyova) and independent investing with brokers such as Yuh, Neon, Swissquote, where you research and select all the shares and ETFs yourself.
Don’t be afraid of comparing ETFs yourself! It’s not that difficult.
Robo-Advisor
For example VIAC Invest, Selma, Inyova, Findependent etc.
Advantages of robo-advisors
The investment strategy is calculated by the provider based on your risk profile
Ideal for beginners who have little time or experience and don’t want to deal with individual ETFs or shares
If you want to get started easily, a robo-advisor like VIAC, Findependent, Kaspar& or Selma might be a good option. You can make monthly contributions and don’t have to worry about managing your investments.
However, platforms like Swissquote and Yuh now offer simple savings plans where you can select and invest in ETFs yourself. The effort required to pick a suitable ETF is minimal. Give this research a try—it’s worth it!
2. What should I invest in?
Investing in 2025 isn’t much different from previous years.
Example: MSCI World ETF
Advantages of MSCI World ETF
- Broad diversification with about 1,500 companies across 23 countries
- A simple way to invest globally with one ETF
- Tracks the index accurately
- Delivered excellent returns in recent years (but past performance isn’t a guarantee of future results)
- Low-cost option
Disadvantages of MSCI World ETF
- Focused on developed countries, primarily the US, which makes up nearly 70%; no emerging markets (e.g., China, India)
- Exposure to USD currency risk
For beginners, an MSCI World ETF is often enough. Start and see how it works for you. You can add one or two more ETFs later to cover other markets or small-cap stocks. Avoid overcomplicating things.
Many experienced investors now stick to just 1-2 ETFs, such as FTSE All World, MSCI World, or ACWI Index.
Example: Dividend Stocks
Advantages
- Regular passive income through dividends
- Participation in shareholder meetings and potential perks
- Easy to understand and motivating for beginners
Disadvantages
- Requires time to research and select individual stocks
- Less diversified than an ETF
- Higher transaction fees for buying and selling individual stocks
- Increased risk due to lack of diversification
- Dividends are taxable
A Mix of MSCI World, Nasdaq 100, and Bitcoin
Advantages
- MSCI World: Broad base with about 1,500 stocks but excludes emerging markets
- Nasdaq 100: Potential for high growth through tech stocks, representing the 100 largest companies on the Nasdaq
- Bitcoin: Potentially high returns, though high risk; an investment in an alternative monetary system
Disadvantages
- Nasdaq 100 and Bitcoin are volatile and lack diversification, increasing portfolio risk
- Beginners might find market swings stressful
- Costs: Low for ETFs but higher for Bitcoin due to transaction fees
Tip: Start with a simple strategy. A global ETF alone is sufficient at the beginning. You can add Bitcoin later, but limit it to a small share of your portfolio (e.g., 5%).
25% Bitcoin is too much for beginners! Consider the S&P 500 instead of Nasdaq 100—it overlaps with MSCI World but adds focus on US companies. Analyze overlaps on platforms like JustETF.com.
Monthly Savings Plans: Pay, Forget, Grow
Advantages
- Regular contributions automate wealth-building
- Cost-averaging effect: You buy at high and low prices, balancing out over time
- No need for market timing
Disadvantages
- Watch out for fees like transaction costs
With robo-advisors like VIAC, there are no transaction fees, just annual management fees. Yuh offers free savings plans for 6 ETFs, while Swissquote’s plans have become very affordable. Choose an amount that fits your budget and stick to it.
Key Tips for Beginner Investors
- Choose a provider with low fees. Be mindful of flat-rate fees on your total investment.
- Start with a global ETF before making complex investment plans. Observe how you feel about market movements to avoid panic-selling during volatility.
- Invest only money you won’t need for the next few years.
- Use savings plans to establish a routine and build wealth. Robo-advisors or brokers like Yuh and Swissquote are great options.
- Trust your own research rather than relying too heavily on friends’ advice.
Before Investing: Build an Emergency Fund
Conclusion: Starting Your Investment Journey in 2025
Investing in 2025 offers plenty of opportunities for beginners. ETFs, particularly global ones, are excellent for diversified and straightforward investing. If you have limited capital, savings plans are a practical solution. The best investment depends on your budget and goals—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Calculate what works best for you. Keep your investments simple and cost-effective to lay a strong foundation for wealth-building. Make 2025 the year you start investing! 😊
Whether you choose a robo-advisor like VIAC or Findependent, or a broker like Yuh to invest in a global ETF, ensure your approach aligns with your goals. Platforms like Yuh offer free savings plans for several ETFs, making it an affordable starting point. Explore free Neon savings plans, read books, and stick to proven strategies while managing risk effectively.