There are so many different asset types in which to invest, and here we look at just a few key areas:

• Bank Accounts – current accounts may offer a very low rate of interest (if any) but they are the most flexible in terms of accessing your money. Banks can also offer savings accounts, with higher interest rates, and also notice accounts with more competitive interest rates, but you may have to give a certain period of notice before making a withdrawal (60 or 90 days perhaps), or you must agree to invest the money for a set period of time.

• National Savings & Investments – these products are backed by the government and operate like bank accounts to a certain extent. There are some tax-free products available and they are generally considered low risk because of the government backing.

• Bonds & Gilts – Bond/Gilt Funds are generally considered to be lower risk than direct equity (share) investment although the value can still fall as well as rise. Bond markets can be split into two categories. Corporate bonds are interest-bearing investments issued by companies and are 'rated' according to the ability of the issuer to maintain interest payments and repay the funds lent to it in this way. A corporate bond fund will invest in a wide range of these loans. 'Investment grade' holdings within the fund are rated AAA to BBB, whilst stock rated at BB or below is termed 'junk’ or ‘non-investment grade' and is sometimes referred to as 'High Yield'. Some funds also invest in the other category, Government Bonds (known as gilts in the UK).

The income yield that is available from fixed income investments varies according to their quality. Lower quality (junk or non-investment grade) issues usually offer a higher yield to attract investors (as they may be otherwise put off by the increased risk/volatility) whilst gilts generally offer much lower returns; they are underwritten by the government and so the risk of default is much reduced.

• Property – The long-term historic performance of commercial property has very little correlation with the performance of corporate bond or equity based investments. For investors looking to diversify their portfolio, property funds have historically offered attractive returns. Income from commercial property funds is often derived from contractually binding contracts of rent paid by business tenants to occupy property. Consequently leases are often arranged over a long period and generally include an 'upwards only clause' which ensures that rents are not negotiated downwards during the lease period, even in times of falling markets.

Added to the rental incomes, property has the added attraction of potentially appreciating in value over time, and although property values do fall, the ‘bricks and mortar’ assets of a fund remain. However, returns from a property fund are not guaranteed and the value of any such investment can fall as well as rise.

Furthermore, because of the nature of property as an asset it may not always be possible to immediately switch or cash-in your investment, because the property in the fund may not always be readily saleable. If this is the case then a fund manager may defer your request to cash in for a period of time. You should bear in mind that the valuation of property is a matter of the valuer's opinion, rather than a matter of fact.

• Equities (shares) – Over the long term equities have historically offered better returns for investors than deposits. Although this is not a guide to the future, it is felt that the increased risk of investing in company shares can potentially be rewarded by investment returns in excess of what is available from traditional bank or deposit accounts. However there are no guarantees.

• Investment 'Funds' – Specialist investment managers will often manage a fund (a pool of investments) that invests in one or more of the above categories, the aim being to diversify the risk across a spread of shares, or bonds, or both. There are hundreds of investment funds available, each with their own specific aims and objectives. Investment funds can also specialise in one particular sector, such as only investing in companies that are listed on the FTSE100 index, or only investing in construction and mining companies. There are also funds that invest geographically, perhaps only buying shares in Japanese or American companies. Each sector has its own unique characteristics, and your adviser will be able to explain more about this.

All these types of investment are available through your financial adviser. You may be able to include your investment within a tax-efficient product such as ISA (Individual Savings Account) or even a pension. There is a vast array of products available with which to save and invest, so choosing the most suitable one can be difficult. Why not let your Financial Adviser help you to decide which is most suitable for you?

THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY DOES NOT REGULATE NATIONAL SAVINGS & INVESTMENTS PRODUCTS

The value of investments may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you originally invested.