In financial markets, higher returns are associated with higher risk or volatility. Now more than ever, there is no such thing as a risk-free product. Instead, look for diversification and appropriate investment to enhance your financial security and get the best return consistent with the risk level you are comfortable with.
Risk is significantly greater without advice
The process starts with finding out about you and your investment goals: how long you want to invest for, what is the money required for, have you provided for short / medium / long term financial needs, etc.
Your capacity to withstand risk is then evaluated. The evaluation takes into account your income, expenses, assets and liabilities, and your flexibility. There is also an evaluation of your own risk preference, which can be done in discussion with your Financial Broker or through the use of psychometric tools. Psychometric tools are short questionnaires which seek to give a more scientific basis for assessing your risk.
Only after this process is completed can you start to talk about what sort of investment products are suitable to your needs. You may divide your investments into short / medium / long term; you should provide for emergency funds; you should also get appropriate diversification. Your Financial Broker can advise on all these aspects.
The process of setting up an investment will involve application forms as well as money laundering and fund transfers to the relevant institution. Your Financial Broker will make the paperwork easier for you and ensure your investment is set up properly. Funds transfers and payments are made directly to the relevant institution you invest in.
No such thing as a free lunch
do the quoted returns sound high?
What happens to your investment
if inflation increases?
Who provides any guarantee?