Investment Types
If you’re thinking about where to put your money, it’s important to remember that past performance is no guide to the future. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, so you need to be comfortable with the idea that you may not get back the full value of your original investment.
With such a vast array of products available, choosing the right investment can be difficult. But with our advice and expertise, you’ll have all the guidance you need to make the right decision for you.
Bank and Building Society Accounts
These can provide instant access to your money and high rates of interest on certain accounts, but will not offer the type of returns that the stock market could potentially offer.
National Saving Accounts
These offer complete security for any capital invested, but tend to offer a lower interest rate than other financial products. There are some tax-free products available and they are generally considered low risk since they are backed by the government
Individual Savings Accounts
These offer tax efficient savings of up to £7,200* per annum with no tax payable on the returns generated by the ISA. Anyone over 18 (or over 16 for Cash ISAs) can invest and ISAs offer a choice of investing cash, or stock market based products. It is possible to invest a lump sum, a series of lump sums or regular savings. From October 2009, investors over the age of 50 can invest up to £10,200 per year and from April 2010, this new limit applies to all investors.
Insurance Bonds
Issued by life assurance companies, they offer a wide range of investment opportunities. An Investment Bond is a single premium life assurance policy with no specific maturity date. They are structured primarily as investments and provide only nominal life cover and are suitable for investors looking for capital growth. Income or a combination of the two.
Collective Investments
These offer both income and capital growth and tend to specialise in particular areas. There are around 2,500 trusts and they offer varying degrees of risk. Each trust will contain investments in several different companies. Collective Investments is one of the easiest ways for the investor to get into the stock market
Child Trust Funds
The Child Trust Fund (CTF) was set up by the government to help give children a financial head start at 18. It is an easy and worthwhile way to help your child get a great start to adult life.
Offshore Funds
This is where your money is invested outside the UK to take advantage of lower tax rates.
Ethical Funds
If you are concerned where your money is invested, Ethical funds provide the choice to exclude certain companies, such as such as alcohol, tobacco or arms manufacturer.
Ready to talk about your financial choices?
Contact us today for your initial consultation at our expense or find out more about how we can provide you with specialist guidance and advice that covers Savings and Investments, Pensions, Mortgages and Protection as well as a range of Additional Financial Services in Newbury.
