Most if not all of us have at least one long-term financial goal. It may be to make adequate provision for our retirement or to purchase a longed-for property in a desired location. We might harbor thoughts of one day traveling extensively, procuring the kind of education for our offspring that we never had or working for our favourite charity unencumbered with money worries. Personal financial objectives are as variegated as they are numerous.
The reality for many of us, especially with our commitments, financial situations and whatnot, is that these aspirations will happen later rather than sooner. Having children, bills, loan repayments and the like mean that for many these dreams will not materialize anywhere near overnight. But before heeding Confucius' advice and taking the first of many financial steps, the question is which type of investment should I take?
We obviously hope it will be the one that gives a decent return over the long term and carries a negligible risk. But the choices are so many! The internet does not fail to make us aware of the superabundance of investments available to us, as well as facts, figures, charts and investment-speak to further fluster the investor.
