Making financial decisions can be daunting, but formany UK savers, investing is among the most difficult. A new Barclays study reveals that nearly two in fivepeople (38%) rank investing among the toughest life choices higher than careerchanges or major purchases. Why Are People Afraid to Invest?The study highlighted two major reasons why UK adultsavoid investing: lack of knowledge (44%) and fear of losing money (41%). Thishesitation often results in long delays, an estimated 1.5 million current UKinvestors waited more than a year before making their first investment. However, for younger generations, the dream ofhomeownership takes priority over long-term investing. Nearly half (45%) of18-34-year-olds say their primary financial goal is saving for a house deposit,compared to just 26% of the general population. Meanwhile, only 26% of young adults prioritizeretirement savings, compared to a national average of 42%. This trend raisesconcerns that the UK's "pension gap" may widen as younger generationsdelay or deprioritize retirement investing.Sasha Wiggins, CEO of Barclays Private Bank and WealthManagement, emphasizes the importance of reducing investment barriers: “Lack ofclarity and practical advice is preventing savers from engaging with investing,leaving £430 billion of possible investments remaining in cash savings.”“The industry needs to work with government and regulators to break down these barriers and help more savers invest. Key tothis is regulatory change. A more balanced environment is needed, one thatprotects investors but also allows financial providers to deliver more targetedsupport, without crossing the boundary between guidance and advice.”What Finally Pushes People to Invest?Many first-time investors make the leap due toinfluence from friends and family (26%), a specific financial goal (23%), orguidance from financial advisors (23%). Others are prompted by a sudden lump sum, 20% of the respondents started investing after receiving an inheritance or a divorcesettlement. These findings suggest that many people only invest when externalfactors force them to take action, rather than proactively planning theirfinancial future.Meanwhile, the FCA's Consumer Duty could have made London one of the hardest brokerage environments globally, according to a recent report by Finance Magnates. According to one broker, the FCA's consumer duty has caused a 25% rise in compliance costs in the first year.This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.