With investment, generally the more risk you are prepared to accept there is the potential for higher returns over the long-term but also normally means more volatility (up and down movements) which can be very scary to the inexperienced investor and may mean you making bad decisions should your investments fall unexpectedly.

Investing in cash and bonds to deliver a predictable return may seem prudent, but over the long-term inflation could wipe out any gains you make whereas investing in property and investment funds is likely to give you a return over the long-term above inflation, making your money work harder for you, but you have to live with the increased volatility.

Combining different types of investment (property, investment funds, shares, bonds and cash) via an asset allocation model can help to even out these swings in value. This is why it usually makes sense for investors to have some exposure to bonds and cash even though their long-term potential is less than that of property and shares.

The asset allocation of a portfolio has a direct impact on the level of risk as does the timeframe for investment. If you need the money in three years’ time, you should take much less risk than if you intend to invest for twenty years.

We will help determine the risk you are prepared to take, talk about the options for maximising your return within your risk tolerance and then select a suitable solution with you. Our recommendations will reflect your financial goals, attitude to risk and your investment timeframe. We invest in a range of asset classes, spreading your investments and thereby reducing your risk.

Investments will continue to be exposed to market fluctuations. The value of your investment strategy can go down as well as up and you may not get back the value of your original investment. Charges will continue to erode investment returns over time. However, it is worth bearing in mind that there is always some form of charge associated with investing in asset-backed investments.

Saving and investing for your future is essential, but it can be daunting to know where to start. With so many different products and options available, it’s important to get expert advice from a qualified financial adviser.