First-Time Investor Complete Guide

I'm completely new to investing and overwhelmed by where to start.

Age: [AGE] | Monthly amount to invest: [£AMOUNT]
What I know already: [basically nothing / I've read a bit / I understand basics]
Biggest fear: [losing it all / picking wrong things / being scammed]
Goal: [retirement / financial freedom / house deposit / general]

Give me a beginner investor guide:
1. **How investing works** — explained simply without jargon
2. **The 3 investment options** best for a first-timer in the UK
3. **Index funds explained** — why most beginners should start here
4. **Opening my first account** — step by step, which platform, which fund
5. **How much risk to take** — matching it to my goal and timeline
6. **The most important rule** to follow for long-term success

I'm completely new to investing and overwhelmed by where to start.

Age: [AGE] | Monthly amount to invest: [£AMOUNT]
What I know already: [basically nothing / I've read a bit / I understand basics]
Biggest fear: [losing it all / picking wrong things / being scammed]
Goal: [retirement / financial freedom / house deposit / general]

Give me a beginner investor guide:
1. **How investing works** — explained simply without jargon
2. **The 3 investment options** best for a first-timer in the UK
3. **Index funds explained** — why most beginners should start here
4. **Opening my first account** — step by step, which platform, which fund
5. **How much risk to take** — matching it to my goal and timeline
6. **The most important rule** to follow for long-term success