Thetownend.com

If anyone on here knows anything about index funds etc (investiments in the stock market) can they pm me I'm bored of just saving in the bank and want to invest but need some help.

Take it you already max out a stocks and shares ISA each year?

If you're looking for unit linked investments (i.e. based on investment fund performance), then have a gander at Investment Bonds, Units Trusts and OEICs (Open Ended Investment Company).

thats the stuff I've had a look but can't decide. Plus they don't say right fill in this form,give us your money and if it goes okay you might make x I understand the risks etc but what someone to tell me the best ones and fill in the forms and give me  aguide to how much I might make or lose.

On the Investment Bond side, Sterling are probably the best provider.

Hi.

Getting a good fixed return is going to be hard in today's market, so any investments you make should be with a view to mid-long term gain. Premium bonds, saving accounts etc have all lowered returns now so you should look elsewhere.

A lot of good companies have taken something of a beating so, provided you don't invest in a company that is going to go bust, you should be able to spot some decent prospects. Dragon Oil, for example, has dropped significantly yet they have good cash flow and are still pumping up oil. Property is another area that whilst maybe not at the bottom of its downward cycle is likely to pick up again in the mid-long term. Building companies have been decimated and although some will go to the wall there is scope for huge returns.

You could always try and invest in property itself. If you have cash you could get a deposit / buy a place outright and rent it out for consistent short-term income whilst at the same time having a property that will probably lose value in the short term but will probably make a return over a longer time frame.

Maybe even look into investing in gold for a short term gain, I'm not up on the pros and cons of that, though.

Anyway, my last post on these forums until we meet again, good luck chaps.

Nooo please dont go

Who'd ever take financial advice from a Scouser?

The sort of person who asks an internet forum where to shove all his money :)

it's a good place to start and also I'm bored of reading countless fucking guides to investment.

stick it all on denman

I'm going to

GFM there are so many things that need considering when giving advice.

The thing is mate you really need to sit down with a qualified professional, not someone on here.  You need someone who knows what questions to ask to find out what kind of attitude to risk you have, what are your goals for the investment, what's your time frame, short, medium or long term? 

If you've maxed out your ISA allowance, as Sam says bonds can be good value, in the medium to long term, but UT/OEICs could work just as well for you.  You have to consider your current (and future) personal taxation situation, basic rate, higher rate or are you near higher rate?  This could have an enormous effect on what type of investment you choose to go for.  End of the day get some advice, then if they give you duff info least you've got some way of complaining.

You should be able to find a local IFA who doesn't charge a fee, for a consultation, explain what you want and (s)he should be able to pop you in the right direction.

A chap is coming to see my boss, so I have asked if he wouldn't mind chatting to me too. Although I suspect the sums I will be investing compared to my boss will be huge!

Ask him for info about any guaranteed accounts, there are some good ones available at present which COULD net you a decent return, it doesn't always have to be about UT/OEICS/Bonds.

I used to advise on investments but no longer do.
Things to consider.
Your attitude to risk/ reward.
Term that you wish to tie the money up for. (Stocks & shares are very high risk in the short term but not so much for a long term investment - Most pensions invest in them).
What do you want the investments to do (ie produce a lump sum, or an income in the future)
Tax status now & in the future.
Have you a mortgage ? If so are you able to pay off part of it with no penalty & can you access that money again at the same rate ? Saving interest is ussually better value than trying to get a good rate.

As has already been said you need to consult an IFA. They will give you details of any charges etc they make up front.