Savings and investments

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Savings and investments

Reach your financial goals with our savings and investments options

We know just how hard you work for your savings, and we’re here to make your savings work even harder for you. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or invest for your retirement, our investment plans are designed to support you every step of the way.

Bear in mind that the value of investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest.

How to start investing

From setting your financial goals to calculating your potential returns, there’s a lot to consider when starting your investment journey. See our step-by-step guide on how you can get started.

Decide why you want to invest

We all have different goals when it comes to our money. Whether you want to raise funds for a house deposit or create a reserve to cover time off work, your investment objectives are as unique as you are. Deciding if investing is the right option for your financial future isn’t something to be taken lightly. While we’d always advise consulting a professional before making any big financial decisions, there are steps you can take to decide if investing is for you.

Sometimes, saving alone isn’t enough to reach your financial goals. If you’re looking to stay ahead of inflation, investing could be the right option for you.

Please remember the value of investments, and any income can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invest.

Defining your goals

Now you’ve worked out your ‘why’, it’s time to ground it with some goals. When setting goals for your investments, make sure they’re:

  • Specific

  • Measurable

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Time-based

Meeting with a Specialist Financial Adviser from Wesleyan Financial Services is a great way to start your financial planning. They have the expertise and experience to set you on the right path. If you choose to go it alone, consider setting goals for both the short-term and the long-term. You’ll need to review your current financial situation and work out a plan of action to reach your goals. As investing your money isn’t a linear process, it’s important to view your goals as moving targets. The money you invest can go up and down with the rise and falls of the market, and life may throw you a curveball that delays your progress. Checking in on your investments and adjusting your goals accordingly is the smart investor way.

Consider risk

Different investment options present varying levels of risk and potential return.

Before choosing an investment option, you need to consider your attitude toward risk. This differs from your capacity for loss, as you may not be able to afford the risk you’re willing to take.

You can learn more about understanding risk in our Quick guide to investing.

Choose your timeframe

Once you’ve established your financial goals, you’ll need to consider the length of time you can realistically invest for. Though you can usually withdraw your investments at any time, staying in the market often increases your chance of a higher return. It also presents the opportunity for compound growth (where you’re reinvesting your interest or dividends).

Typically, an investment will be medium-term (5-10 years) or long-term (10 years or more). Deciding a timeframe will depend on how much you’ll need to invest each month, or year, to stay on track towards reaching your goals. You should also consider whether there’s time for your investment to grow and ride out potential fluctuations within the financial markets.

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May 17, 2016April 18, 2022
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