Investments Overview

What's the difference between savings and investments?

Generally, savings are funds that you put aside, usually from your income, for a purpose. This may be a purchase, like a car or your next holiday or an emergency fund. The main point is that you would want reasonably quick access to those funds.

Investments are meant to be held for a longer time, typically 5 years. You would only consider investments when you savings were in place and built up. Most investments are not guaranteed to return your money in full, although do offer the prospect of higher returns than deposit accounts. Returns, risk and volatility are the factors that will determine a suitable place for your savings.

That said most people do want a better return on their money that they would receive from a bank or building society and so look at investing their capital. The majority prefer collective investments which are professionally managed on a day to day basis to direct share ownership. There are many advantages if taking this route.

Contact us on 0121 602 1602 to arrange a meeting to discuss your investment strategy

Look at the Understanding Risk page to see an explanation of risk in more detail.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the full value of your original investment.

Contact your Financial Adviser before making any decisions.