Investments & Savings

Whether it’s because you’ve received an inheritance, received a lump sum from your pension or built up a tidy nest egg by saving on a regular basis, your money should be invested wisely so that its spending power is protected for the future.

Although bank savings accounts are seen as the traditional safe haven, we have seen in recent years interest rates being reduced sharply and deposit accounts may not now even be keeping the value of your money in line with changes in Retail Price Index.

Many people recognise that to achieve better long-term protection for their money against the effects of inflation, it is often worth considering stock market related investments. These can be invested through financial products such as Individual Savings Accounts (ISA), Investment Bonds and Unit Trusts. These tend to use funds which invest directly into company shares, commercial property, Fixed Interest (known as Government or Corporate Debt) and other investment instruments, both nationally and internationally. Please note that investments do not provide the same security of capital which is afforded with a deposit account.

What Is Your Risk Profile?

When choosing suitable investments, one of the main areas of consideration is your risk profile – are you prepared to accept the value of your investments may fall, the tax efficiency of the arrangements may change, what level of access is required, fund performance, your objectives and the charges to meet your requirements. If the cost is too much, it’s not sensible to proceed? These factors need to be considered now and in a variety of possible futures. The aim is to provide simplicity and flexibility whilst maintaining a good return. The secret of investing is to diversify your portfolio.

The are no guarantees in life, and the same applies to investments. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you have invested.

As with investments careful consideration needs to be given to which savings product should be taken out. With interest rates at historic lows, many providers draw you in with a “high” initial interest rate, often with a short term bonus, and then rely on apathy to change this when the bonus ends.

At Forward Plan we can review the market to see which institution is offering the best interest rates and what the terms are. We can help you choose the best savings product for you again taking into account access, term, tax efficiency and what you may get back, whether this be for a rainy day fund, house deposit, wedding fund, school or university fee funding or just for a great holiday.