Isas, apps and platforms: Where to invest your money

In this episode of 'Women and Wealth' from Investors Chronicle, hosts Val Cipriani and Holly McKechnie tackle the critical but often overwhelming decision of choosing the right investment platform. They break down the three main types of platforms—money apps (like Plum and Moneybox), traditional DIY platforms (such as Hargreaves Lansdowne and AJ Bell), and trading platforms (like Free Trade and Trading 212)—highlighting their unique features, costs, and target audiences. The discussion emphasizes that platform choice is foundational to investing success, with fees having a compounding effect over time that can significantly erode returns. The hosts stress the importance of aligning platform features—such as cost structure, investment range, user support, and app usability—with individual investor needs, risk profiles, and portfolio size. They caution against treating money apps as long-term homes due to hidden fees and limited options, while advocating for traditional DIY platforms for their depth and educational resources, especially as portfolios grow. A key takeaway is that platform selection is not permanent—investors should review their provider annually to ensure it still fits their evolving goals and circumstances.