An investment is a present that keeps on giving

Buying into a fund might not be seen as the most exciting Christmas gift but it's a great way to set a child up for investing

Jackie Beard, FSI, 16 December, 2009 | 3:52PM
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With the holiday season in full swing, you're probably thinking about what to get for the people on your Christmas list. One potential gift idea that's worth considering, even though it may not be foremost on your radar screen, is the gift of investment. Sure, a fund may not be as sexy as a 60-inch television or a new car, but it can get the recipient started on a long-term investment programme that will pay off enormously down the road.

Eighteen years ago this January, I became an aunt for the first time and, when I saw the mass of toys and clothes my niece received (and of which she was blissfully unaware) I decided to start investing on her behalf. Each year I have made an additional investment, rather than buy a gift, and have set up a similar arrangement for subsequent nieces and nephews as they appeared over the years.

It can be hard to find funds that best suit this type of investing as the charges can be a big deterrent. One thing to look for is a fund that offers small minimum investment levels. I chose the Invesco Perpetual Childrens Fund as it allows top-up investments of just £25. Although it carries a 5% initial charge, this can be reduced by dealing through a platform. Martin Walker took over in March 2003 and uses the same approach as the one he applies at the Invesco Perpetual UK Growth Fund (rated Superior by Morningstar). To December 15, 2009, he’s producing annualised returns of 11.7%.

When I started this investment, ETFs were an unknown entity in the UK but now they’d also be an excellent candidate--Vanguard UK Equity Inc Index has an initial charge of just 0.5% and an annual management charge of 0.25%.

In more recent years, as her awareness of the world has increased, I’ve been explaining these investments to my neice and what they represent. Names such as Vodafone, Next and Marks & Spencer now mean more to her than just mobile phones, party frocks and tights--she understands she owns a part of those businesses. On her 18th birthday I’ll be passing the funds into her control. She may choose to sell up and fritter it away on shoes and clothes but I think she’ll hold on for now as it’s sparked an interest in long-term investing and she’s seen the power of compounding.

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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