Investments

There are many ways to invest: Bonds, ISA's, Investment trusts or stocks and shares.

Bonds (or Gilts) come in short, medium and long-term varieties, anything from 5 to 15+ years, and take the shape of secured loans to the government which can be sold at any time either partly or as a whole.

An ISA, or Individual Savings Account, holds savings and investments in a tax-free shell allowing the owner to deposit and withdraw money as and when they please and comes in two types, mini and maxi.

An Investment Trust is a PLC which makes investments into other businesses for its customers.

Shares are certificates to signify the ownership of a part of a company and represent the more risky end of investment, although most ISA's are invested in some stock options.

For someone who wants to invest on a bigger scale there are investment clubs where an investor can pool his resources with others.