n investment portfolio can help you achieve your long-

term financial dreams. For example, build a nest egg for

your retirement, repay your mortgage early, or pay
university fees for your children.
While savings accounts offer easy access and the security of
guaranteed capital, the returns can be small. Investing in the stock
market can provide stronger returns over the long-term, but with a
higher level of risk.
Potential for long-term returns
While cash is undoubtedly safer than shares, it’s unlikely to grow
much, or find opportunities to grow, in the long run.
In the past, investors have found rewards over longer terms with
investments that come with a level of capital risk. That means the
risk that you might lose some or all of the amount you initially
invested. Of course, these rewards are not guaranteed.
Volatility in the stock market, when stock prices change rapidly over
a short period of time, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, volatility
can sometimes offer investment managers the opportunity to buy
attractive shares at a cheaper price and get better returns in the
long term.
Outperform inflation
In order for your savings to grow in real terms over time, they need
to earn a rate of return after tax that’s greater than the rate of
inflation.
With today’s low interest rates, it can be difficult to find a savings
account that can give you a return above the current inflation rate.
So it’s worth considering investments which have the potential to
outperform inflation.
Provide a regular income
If you’re retired or approaching retirement, you’ll probably be
looking for something can give you a regular income to cover day-
to-day living expenses.
There’s a range of investments, including equities, bonds and
property, that can provide you with regular income that’s often
higher than the rate of inflation.
Tailor to your changing needs
You or an Investment Manager can design your investment portfolio
to achieve different goals as you go through life, e.g. you may
prefer less risky options as you get older. With careful p