Investing is about putting money away for a longer time, often five years or more. The benefit of investing in stock market based schemes is that you may get a better return on your money than with most savings accounts

However, investing is risky, and if your investments are linked to the stock market, they could fall in value.

• Shares
• Pooled investments (e.g. unit trusts, OEICS and investment trusts)
• ISAs
• Gilts and corporate bonds
• Other ways to invest

Before you start, remember:

• We are providing information not advice. If you are unsure about anything speak to an Independent Financial Adviser. You can find details of your local IFA in Yellow Pages (www.yell.co.uk), or visit www.unbiased.co.uk

• Investing can be risky. With some investments you risk losing some of your money for the possibility of getting a good rate of return on your investment, but with others you may get a guarantee you'll get the money you put in at the start back.