The tools, platforms, and resources we actually use
No paid promotions. No stuff we haven't tried. Just what works for a 15-year-old learning to invest.
Quick heads up: Some links below are affiliate links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Zo's university fund. We only recommend what we actually use. Full disclosure here.
These are the platforms Zo uses to buy and hold investments.
This is where Zo's portfolio lives. Why? Zero fees on stocks and ETFs, easy-to-use app, and a Practice mode that lets you learn without risking real money.
We considered Vanguard for their low-cost index funds. Great for long-term buy-and-hold investors who don't need fancy features.
Similar to Trading 212 with commission-free trading. Good alternative if you want a different app experience.
Books, courses, and resources that actually helped us understand investing.
This book changed how we think about money. Not about charts and numbers — about behaviour. Zo read it in one sitting.
"Doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave."
Classic for a reason. The concept of "assets vs liabilities" stuck with Zo immediately. Some parts are dated, but the core message is timeless.
Spreadsheets, trackers, and calculators that help us stay on top of things.
Our custom Google Sheet that tracks every deposit, dividend, and gain/loss. Coming soon as a free download.
🎁 Free download (soon)Our Money Lab calculator. See exactly how your money grows over time.
Use Calculator →Where we track the portfolio in real-time, set up auto-invest, and monitor performance.
Get the App →Side-by-side look at the main options for UK teen investors.
| Feature | Trading 212 | Vanguard | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | £1 | £500 or £100/mo | £1 |
| Trading Fees | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Platform Fee | £0 | 0.15%/year | £0 (basic) |
| Junior ISA | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Fractional Shares | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Practice Mode | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Auto-Invest | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best For | Beginners | Large portfolios | Simple investing |
📌 Note: This is just our opinion based on personal experience. Always do your own research. Last updated: February 2026.
Drop us a message or check out our journey to see these tools in action.