Frequently asked questions

Hardly anything: you can start with €25–50 a month. The amount isn't what matters; regularity is. Take care of your emergency fund and expensive debts first. Getting started →

For most people, the most natural choice is one broad global index ETF + automatic monthly saving. Investment products compared →

An equity savings account (osakesäästötili) suits an active stock picker (tax-free trading, listed shares only). A book-entry account suits an ETF investor. Equity savings account and taxes →

The share of crypto-assets in a portfolio is always the investor's own decision. The right share depends on your situation, goals and risk tolerance, and with high-risk investments you have to be prepared to lose all of the capital you invest. Crypto →

Stick to your plan: keep up your monthly investing, check your emergency fund, and don't sell in a panic at the bottom. Bear markets and crashes →

No. Regular monthly investing removes the need to time the market. Monthly investing →

For most people, no. Ordinary long-term investing takes care of retirement saving flexibly. Retirement and goal-based saving →

Both work. A robo-advisor or wealth management takes the burden of decisions off you; if you do it yourself, a broad index ETF is the cheapest option. Wealth management and robo-advisors →

TER is a fund's annual ongoing cost. It is the only sure thing you can control: 0.2% vs. 1.5% means tens of thousands of euros over the decades. The return is uncertain, but the cost is always charged. Funds →

Both are diversified baskets. An ETF trades on an exchange in real time and is usually cheaper; a traditional fund is priced once a day. For most people, an index ETF is the lowest-cost core. Funds →

An accumulating unit (kasvuosuus) reinvests dividends automatically and defers tax, which makes it the most tax-efficient for a long-term investor. A distributing unit (tuotto-osuus) pays dividends into your account but triggers tax every year. Equity savings account and taxes →

A capital gain is capital income: 30%, and 34% on gains above €30,000. Tax is only due when you sell at a profit. If you hold for a long time, the deemed acquisition cost (20%/40%) can reduce the tax. Equity savings account and taxes →

Above all, it depends on your time horizon: the further away you'll need the money, the more stocks it can withstand. Money for the short term is kept at low risk. Don't take more risk than your nerves can handle without selling. Risk, return and diversification →

One company's bankruptcy can wipe out the whole investment, and the market pays no compensation for this avoidable risk. Broad diversification removes it almost for free. Risk, return and diversification →

For a beginner, no. Leverage multiplies both gains and losses and can force you to sell at the bottom. Pay off expensive debts first: that's a risk-free “return”. The best leverage is time and compounding. Leverage →

They're different tools. A property brings leverage and a tangible real asset, but it is illiquid, takes work and is sensitive to interest rates; a stock portfolio is liquid, diversified and effortless. Compare net returns, not gross. Investing in residential property →

A group of very different asset classes outside stocks and bonds: real estate, private equity, private credit, commodities, crypto. A smooth return curve can be an illusion. Demand a liquidity premium. Alternative investments →

A single red flag is enough: a guaranteed return, urgency, pressure or unusual payment methods. Slow down, verify through a channel you choose yourself, and never give out your login credentials. Investment scams →

Rarely. Staring at it every day increases the risk of panic selling without improving your return. Check it once or twice a year and rebalance if needed. The best portfolio is a boring one. Investor psychology →

Yes, and time makes it especially effective. Choose an account in the child's name or your own, a broad index ETF and automatic monthly saving. Keep the gift tax limits in mind, and remember that assets in the child's name belong to the child, who decides on them once they turn 18. Investing for a child →

Inflation eats into the purchasing power of cash every year. In nominal terms the amount stays the same, but it buys less. Your return has to beat inflation for your wealth to grow in real terms. Compounding →

Assessing companies also by environmental, social and governance factors (ESG). It's a values choice and a form of risk management, not a guarantee of outperformance. And watch out for greenwashing: “green” in the name guarantees nothing. Responsible investing →