There's a vast array of local and international financial products available to build and preserve capital; to deliver consistent returns; to yield income as tax-efficiently as possible; which can participate in rising markets, yet still offer cash-like returns in difficult ones. All of which you want to achieve at the lowest possible risk.

You are unlikely to find the right plan and products by accident. And if you don't have both the time and the expertise to do your own research, you should be looking for that expertise in someone else.

Please - even if you never buy another financial product in your life - get a qualified financial planning adviser on your team.

It will cost you next to nothing to talk to somebody about it, and decide whether what they can offer, offers value to you. So do stay close to your financial adviser.

By: - Graham Rees