Is investing as simple as it sounds?

Basically yes. However it’s important to realise that Investing in the stock market isn’t safe. There’s inheritant risk involved in investing in assets that have a variable value. Although the chance is small you could end up with less Money than you started with if there’s a downturn and you have to withdraw your money at that time. That’s why it’s important to be in it for the long term. Don’t invest if you’re likely to want the money within a minimum of 5 years, ideally longer. Historically speaking over long time periods the stock market has returned better than cash in the bank.

To give your money the best chance of growing well choose a broad tracker fund, that your money is over hundreds or thousands of companies, so the risk of you loosing money is reduced as even if some companies are doing not so well, other will be doing great.

In terms of platforms t212, and investengine are good as they’re free to use. Fund wise look at global index trackers such as Vanguard’s VWRP fund. Steer clear of individual company shares, and especially any complex instruments such as CfDs as it’s very difficult to pick winning individual shares and things like CfDs really are like playing at a casino.