Shares

[matt-ITR]

I've inherited some shares, not a massive amount, perhaps £2000 in total.
They are mostly in energy companies and seem to be constantly gaining value in the long-term.

But I have no idea what to do with them.

Do I sit on them, take the rather small dividends.
Sell them and re-invest into different companies, perhaps more risky ones with potentially more gains
Sell them and re-invert the money some other way?

[AndySpecD]

Well, depends what you want to achieve, have you got something worthwhile to buy if you cashed them in now? Do you want to use them to start building up a larger portfolio of shares? Or just leave them as is, the dividend and/or increase in value could be much better than the equivalent rate of interest you would earn in a savings account and the person you have inherited them from obviously owned them for a reason.

[matt-ITR]

I guess I would like to do more with them, build up some sort of portfolio - however small it would be.

But it is a daunting world. The easy option would be just to sell now and take the money.
If I could increase the value over the next few years and then use the money to help towards a house deposit that would be great.

Where do you start? I have looked at Selftrade, but as above it is more than a little daunting.

[matt-ITR]

That looks it will be a great help, thanks.

[robstvr]

First off, put them in an ISA, then your profits will be tax free. Get a copy of "The Naked Trader" it's a good, simple guide.

[Druid]

Now 'might' be a good time to extend your investments. The only way is up.....please please please!!

[ringram]

robstvr said:

First off, put them in an ISA, then your profits will be tax free. Get a copy of "The Naked Trader" it's a good, simple guide.

Id read this over the FT one. More actual investment advice in the Naked Trader.