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Inflation is a very real economic threat that can cause your money to lose value over time. Everyone was expecting rising prices as life returned to normal after the pandemic, but it appears this situation is less temporary than many were hoping it would be.

With the cost of living rising at a rapid pace, it’s important to keep a level head. To help you during a time like this, I’m going to share four top tips for protecting your money and investments from inflationary pressures. Read on to find out how you can prepare your finances.

Why does inflation affect your money and investments?

Inflation means things are getting more expensive. When this happens, your pounds can buy less today than they could before.

So, as inflation rises, your cash loses value. When the latest yearly inflation figure is released, a good way to think of it is like this: take the number and put a minus symbol before it. This means that if annual inflation is 5%, you should think of it as a -5% return. That’s because your cash is only able to buy 95% of what it could a year before.

You may think that with low interest rates from even the best bank accounts, the easy solution is to just throw all of your cash into stocks and shares. This is not the case. Inflation can have a widely varied impact on assets. So you really need to think about any potential inflation-beating moves carefully.

How can you protect yourself against inflation in 2022?

There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and there are measures you can take to try to protect against the evil powers of inflation. Here are four straightforward ideas from Kinesis Money.

1. Be wary of holding too much cash

As I mentioned, cash can be one of the biggest casualties of war in an economic environment of rising prices.

So the first thing you should do is take a look at how much cash you’re sitting on. Have a think about whether you need immediate access to it. It’s always a good idea to keep a decent emergency fund, but anything over that, you should brainstorm different ways to put that money to work.

Your goals will be unique to your situation. But the first step is to see if your money is in danger of suffocation due to inflation.

2. Move cash out of low-interest current accounts

The next step is to start doing something with the at-risk excess money. Even top savings accounts offer interest rates that are nowhere near the rate of inflation. However, getting some kind of return is better than nothing, and it reduces the impact of rising prices.

So, if you’re holding lots of cash in your current account and you don’t need to use that money any time soon, you should consider moving it somewhere paying at least some interest. This could be through a regular savings account, or if you’re able to lock that money away for a period, a fixed-rate bond could be a smart move.

It’s unlikely you’re going to beat inflation with savings accounts, but think of them as damage control tools. The most important thing is to be aware of what’s going on and understand that you’re losing money by taking no action.

3. Invest in gold

You may have heard people banging on about gold recently. This is because gold has played a key role as a global hedge against inflation over the years.

Gold is a finite commodity and operates outside the normal financial system. So, its price movements are not necessarily linked to what’s happening in the rest of the economy and the rising price of loo roll.

Keeping at least a small amount of gold in your portfolio can help steady the ship when waves are crashing all around you.

4. Look into other commodities

Gold isn’t the only commodity that can be a useful hedge. Other precious metals offer interesting opportunities for savvy investors. It’s not just pirates who love silver!

The price movements aren’t always exciting, but over the long-term, they can play a functional part in your investing strategy. You don’t just have to stop at pirate booty either. There are plenty of other commodities out there, such as oil, agricultural produce and industrial metals (like copper).

If you want to invest in these sorts of areas, you can do it directly or by using investment funds. But in order to have access to all of the markets available, you’re going to need a top-rated share dealing account that lets you invest in alternative assets.

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Some offers on The Motley Fool UK site are from our partners — it’s how we make money and keep this site going. But does that impact our ratings? Nope. Our commitment is to you. If a product isn’t any good, our rating will reflect that, or we won’t list it at all. Also, while we aim to feature the best products available, we do not review every product on the market. Learn more here. The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, and Tesco.

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Are you thinking of starting your own small business in 2022? Perhaps you are tired or unhappy in your current role and looking for a change. Or maybe you just want to make some extra money on the side. Whatever your motivation, 2022 is as good a year as any to start a business you can call your own.

You probably already have an idea of the kind of small business you want to start. But if you don’t and need some inspiration, you are in luck. Business insurance broker Simply Business has done research on some of the most popular small business ideas right now that might be worth a shot in 2022. 

Best small business ideas for 2022

Simply Business analysed all new business insurance policies taken out in 2020 and 2021 to find the fastest-growing small business sectors in the UK.

With their findings, they were able to craft a list of the 10 most popular ideas for small businesses right now. Many of the small businesses on this list have been shaped by the pandemic and the impact it has had on businesses and the lifestyles of workers.

So, what are these small businesses?

1. Craft stall

According to Simply Business, craft stalls were the fastest-growing small business trade in 2021, experiencing a 237% growth. If you have a hobby like candle making, pottery or needlework, opening a craft stall to sell your wares could be a venture worth pursuing this year.

2. Market trader

Covid restrictions as well as people generally feeling less comfortable in indoor spaces have seen outdoor businesses thrive since 2020. It’s no surprise, then, that market trading was the second-fastest-growing small business idea in 2021, with a 113% increase.

3. Online retailer

Online retail has exploded in recent years, in part because platforms like Etsy and eBay have made it easier for small retailers to set up shop and get up and running quickly. According to Simply Business, the number of new online retailers increased by 62% in 2021.

When it comes to selling goods online, the key is to do your research and select the right type of product. Some of the products that have traditionally sold well online include homeware, tech gadgets and accessories, exercise gear and clothing.

4. Photographer

The number of freelance photographers in the UK increased by 56% in 2021, making it the fourth-fastest-growing small business.

This could be the ideal year to launch a freelance photography business, especially if you specialise in wedding photography. The number of weddings is expected to increase significantly this year as a result of all of the postponements caused by Covid-19 restrictions in the past two years.

5. Handyman or handywoman

One of the impacts of the pandemic is that many people have been spending more time at home. Not surprisingly, many have been finding issues with the current state of their properties and have been looking to make improvements or upgrades.

The result has been an increase in demand for handymen and handywomen, with a 44% rise in this type of business in 2021.

6. Catering

Catering businesses witnessed a 39% rise in 2021. If you have a passion for cooking, throwing parties or event planning, catering could be a great small business to consider starting this year. 

7. Teaching/tutor

Teaching or tutoring (in person or online) could be a great small business idea for people who have teaching experience or a passion for helping others.

Research by Simply Business shows that the number of businesses in this particular sector was up 21% in 2021.

8. Home baking

People have been cooking and baking more at home during the pandemic. Not surprisingly, some have looked to use their cooking and baking skills to provide income. As a result, the number of UK home baking businesses saw an increase of 24% between 2020 and 2021. This follows a 157% rise between 2019 and 2020.

9. Dog walking

Millions of Brits have bought pets since the start of the pandemic. This means that the demand for pet walkers is now higher than ever. New dog walking businesses have increased by 22% year on year.

If you love dogs, starting a dog walking business could be a great way to make some cash this year.

10. Accountant

The number of self-employed accounts grew by 21% in 2021.

It could be a lucrative small business to start if you have the required education and skills. Stats quoted by Simply Business show that the average freelance accountant can make up to £52,650 per year.

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Some offers on The Motley Fool UK site are from our partners — it’s how we make money and keep this site going. But does that impact our ratings? Nope. Our commitment is to you. If a product isn’t any good, our rating will reflect that, or we won’t list it at all. Also, while we aim to feature the best products available, we do not review every product on the market. Learn more here. The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, and Tesco.

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Without a shadow of a doubt, we can conclude that 2021 was a great year for property sales. A year characterised by high buyer demand and a property shortage.

In the real estate world, this is what’s called a seller’s market. And this market creates greater opportunities for sellers to receive a premium for their property. However, market conditions will not always be favourable. What goes a long way then is knowing ways to boost the value of a property and make it as desirable as possible for buyers.

A good first impression is key

The maxim ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’ is in full force here. According to research by Stutt & Parker, the first impression is key to buying a property for 76% of house hunters. And according to property investor Claire Louis Owen, it doesn’t take much to make a property more appealing.

Sellers can make the most of this by undertaking simple tasks such as cleaning the driveway, painting the fence, clearing away weeds and changing broken paving slabs. Literally, any small jobs that make a property look well maintained will go a long way with potential buyers. 

Replace harsh lightning 

The lightning in a property could make a real difference to a buyer. Going to a viewing in the winter months or in the evening could really put off house hunters if the place seems dark and cold. This could create an impression that the place is unwelcoming and poorly maintained.

So investing in good-quality lighting is a cost-effective way to create a wonderful atmosphere and make the rooms appear warm and welcoming. And if used in the right way, lighting can add a few thousand pounds to the value of the property.  

Declutter 

This is really a no brainer. That’s simply because decluttering costs you nothing but could make a sale more likely. If you have a large property, it may seem like a daunting task, but remember, you’ll need to do something with all that clutter when you move anyway!

Besides, you could actually make some money by selling unwanted items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Ebay. Decluttering helps to depersonalise and show off the amount of space in your property. And this, in turn, makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there and putting their own marks on the property. 

Repair 

Psychology is at play here, even more so than in the previous strategy. While living in the property, you might have put up with a few things that have not been quite right. But potential buyers will see these things as drawbacks to investing in the property. 

People are naturally cautious. So presenting them with a well-maintained property could put them at ease and reassure them there is less of a risk of something going wrong. If you are no expert, DIY manuals and YouTube videos could help you with a number of small repairs. For anything more complicated, you’ll be better off hiring a tradesman for a day or two. 

Deep clean 

Deep cleaning is a great way to give your home a welcoming vibe when potential buyers are coming to check it out. If you decide to do it yourself instead of booking a professional cleaning service, make sure you pay extra attention to the kitchen and the bathroom.

It goes without saying that they must be cleaned thoroughly, smell nice and be dry (for bathroom and toilet specifically). If you have old or tired carpets, cleaning services can do wonders and avoid you having to replace them.  

Five other ways to make your property more appealing 

1. Repaint woodwork to give the property a fresh finish. 
2. Give the impression of a larger place by downsizing your furniture. 
3. Consider minor kitchen upgrades that could freshen it up. 
4. Make your garden count by keeping it well-maintained.
5. If you live in an older property, consider getting rid of old carpets and exposing the floorboards instead.

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Some offers on The Motley Fool UK site are from our partners — it’s how we make money and keep this site going. But does that impact our ratings? Nope. Our commitment is to you. If a product isn’t any good, our rating will reflect that, or we won’t list it at all. Also, while we aim to feature the best products available, we do not review every product on the market. Learn more here. The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, and Tesco.

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Quitting your job – it’s something you’ve likely thought about at one time or the other. Perhaps you are even thinking of doing it this year.

Well, if you are, you are not alone. A new study has revealed that more than half of Brits are considering quitting their jobs in 2022! Here’s why.

How many Brits plan to quit their job this year?

According to new research from chewing gum brand Airwaves, up to 53% of Brits are considering quitting their jobs this year. The research revealed that statistically, 21 January was the date Brits were most likely to take the plunge. 

Londoners were found to be the most dissatisfied with their current job, with up to 63% of workers in the capital contemplating quitting this year.

Meanwhile, workers in Scotland were found to be the least likely to quit, with just 46% considering such action.

Why do Brits want to quit their jobs?

The most common reason cited was wanting a better work-life balance. A third (33%) of respondents are considering quitting their job for this reason.

This is not entirely surprising. The pandemic has drastically altered how people view work. In fact, according to the Airwaves study, two-thirds of those polled (67%) said the pandemic had caused them to re-evaluate their work situation.

During the pandemic, some companies temporarily adopted hybrid working models that proved popular with many workers. Previous studies have actually supported the claim that hybrid work models are better for work-life balance.

It’s possible that many Brits now want to quit their current jobs to search for others that can offer a hybrid work model.

What else did the research reveal?

Here are some additional highlights from the study’s findings:

• 26% of those surveyed dream of quitting by simply not showing up for work.

• People in their 20s were found to be the most likely to quit (60% for Gen-Zers), while those aged 45 and older were found to be the least likely (43%).

• More men than women are considering quitting (56% vs 50%).

• 40% of respondents see January as the best month to start a new career.

What should you consider before quitting your job?

Whether you want to quit your job for better pay, growth opportunities, more satisfying work, a better work/life balance or simply because you dislike your boss, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Think about why you want to leave

It’s important to consider making a career move if you feel it’s necessary.

That said, quitting your job is a major decision that should not be made lightly. Before you do anything, take some time to think about whether you truly want to leave.

If you’ve had a bad day at work or a disagreement with your boss, take some time to let things cool down first. Face the decision with a clear mind and review the job over a longer period of time.

You could make a list of what you dislike about the position and also what you like or benefit from by doing it, and then weigh the lists against each other. Only quit if you are absolutely certain that it is the best decision for you.

2. Be financially prepared

One possible consequence of quitting your job is a dip in your current finances. Unless you already have another source of income, you are more than likely going to feel the pinch.

Remember that finding a new stable job could take a long time, so you need to be prepared. That could mean having a temporary position lined up to transition into and to support you as you look for a more permanent position.

It could also mean ensuring that you have sufficient savings or an emergency fund that can support you during your period of unemployment. Experts advise saving at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Having a temporary position lined up or an emergency fund to fall back on means you can approach your job search with confidence and patience rather than with haste and desperation.

3. Leave on a good note

Before leaving, ensure you are on good terms with both your co-workers and your boss. Yes, you might not be particularly fond of them, but remember that you are likely to require references from them in the future.

Your new employers might want to check your background, including your reputation at your former place of work before they hire you. If you leave on bad terms or with a bad reputation, it could seriously diminish your chances of bagging the new job you want.

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Some offers on The Motley Fool UK site are from our partners — it’s how we make money and keep this site going. But does that impact our ratings? Nope. Our commitment is to you. If a product isn’t any good, our rating will reflect that, or we won’t list it at all. Also, while we aim to feature the best products available, we do not review every product on the market. Learn more here. The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, and Tesco.

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Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) shares had a bad day on Friday, falling 22%. The share price fall was the result of lower-than-projected subscriber additions for the final quarter of 2021, and a weaker-than-expected forecast for the first quarter of 2022.

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Investment funds are a popular choice for investors who want to build a diversified portfolio. These funds allow you to invest in a wide range of underlying shares, often with low costs.

Here, I take a look at the five best investment funds that would have made you some serious returns over the last three years. Which funds are performing well? And is it worth adding them to your portfolio this month?

5 best investment funds in January 2022

Here are the five top-performing funds over the last three years. The figures are based on the total return, which includes dividend income as well as capital growth.

1. Baillie Gifford American B Acc

This Baillie Gifford fund is often an expert top pick. It has had a total return of 173.7% over the past three years. The fund’s aim is to outperform the US S&P 500 Index by at least 1.5% each year. IT or tech stocks make up 36.5% of the underlying fund, and Shopify is the biggest holding at 9% of the total fund.

2. L&G Global Technology Index F Acc

This technology fund has had a total return of 167.1% over the past three years. The fund’s aim is to provide growth by tracking IT companies within the FTSE World Index. The fund is heavily weighted towards North American and tech stocks.

3. Baillie Gifford L/T Glb Gr Invm B Acc

This long-term growth fund is another of Baillie Gifford’s successful investment funds. The fund has had a total return of 164.0% over the past three years. The fund’s aim is to outperform the FTSE All World Index by at least 2.5% per year. The fund is mainly invested in North American stocks, though 21.5% of the fund is currently invested in emerging markets.

4. Baillie Gifford Positive Change B Acc 

This popular ethical fund has had a total return of 151.2% over the past three years. The fund aims to invest “at least 90% in shares of companies anywhere in the world whose products or behaviour make a positive impact on society and/or the environment”.

It is heavily weighted toward US stocks, though 21.5% is currently invested in emerging markets. The fund also has a focus on health care stocks with 33% invested in this sector.

5. Sanlam Artificial Intelligence Z GBP

This niche fund has had a total return of 147.4% over the past three years. The fund’s aim is to achieve capital growth by investing in companies associated with artificial intelligence.

What do the top 5 investment funds have in common?

Most of the top five investment funds have invested heavily in tech stocks, which have seen amazing share price growth over the last three years. For example, Tesla stocks have seen their share price increase 13,198% since 2012.

Should you invest in the top 5 investment funds?

Remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future growth. In fact, it could be just the opposite. A top-performing fund or sector may be reaching its peak and due a fall in value.

That’s why many experts recommend a balanced approach to investing. It’s important to spread your investment risk across many types of shares and geographical locations.

If you want to invest in a low-cost fund but are not sure where to start, then check out our top trading platforms for beginners.

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Some offers on The Motley Fool UK site are from our partners — it’s how we make money and keep this site going. But does that impact our ratings? Nope. Our commitment is to you. If a product isn’t any good, our rating will reflect that, or we won’t list it at all. Also, while we aim to feature the best products available, we do not review every product on the market. Learn more here. The statements above are The Motley Fool’s alone and have not been provided or endorsed by bank advertisers. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barclays, Hargreaves Lansdown, HSBC Holdings, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, and Tesco.

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