Once you have established that you are going to invest, you need to be certain of your investment objectives.

You need to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my need to investment; what am I looking to achieve?
• What is my attitude to investment risk?
• What is my investment horizon?
• What access if any will I need in the future? (liquidity)
• What growth and/or income am I targeting?
• How many funds shall I hold?
• Will I achieve a well balanced portfolio?
• How often shall I review the performance?
• If my targets are reached, will I re-invest the profits or continue with the fund?
• What amount of loss am I prepared to accept before changing my strategy?
• In what currencies will I invest?
• Will I go it alone, or use the experience of an advisor?
• Do I feel comfortable with my decisions?

Once you have answered all of the above questions, we suggest you record your answers. Then leave it at least 24 hours and review what you have written, if you still believe this to be the correct strategy for you, go-ahead and invest. If it seems a little vague, ask yourself the same questions and record the answers again. If after another 24 hours it still does not feel right, seek another opinion from a suitably qualified and experienced investment advisor. Never ever rush into any investment decision, it always pays to take your time and ask all the right questions first.