You can save money in an account but, if you’re willing to take a little risk and have the right long-term investment strategy, investing is a better option. It’s important to know your goals and invest in the areas that can help you meet them. Taking the time to understand the market, make informed decisions and find a professional you trust is key.

Up to 2015, pension fund growth was on a steady, if unspectacular, path with a good chance of beating inflation. But in 2016, the growth of some funds started to diverge from that of others. This is a big difference and you need to know which funds are doing well and which ones are struggling – it’s your money at stake.

Best Investments in Ireland Right Now

The Best Investments Ireland is a real eye-opener. It’s a reminder that you need to be sure you’re getting the value you’re paying for when selecting your investment professional.

A lump sum is a large amount of cash you invest at once, rather than regular smaller amounts over a longer period. You may choose to invest a lump sum for a particular goal or to give your savings the chance to beat inflation.

The best lump sum investments are in international businesses with strong brands and pricing power. These include companies like Microsoft with a solid legacy business and a leading presence in current growth engines, such as cloud infrastructure and AI, or the UK’s National Grid and the Swiss-South African luxury goods group Richemont.