Short or long term? Higher or lower risk? How best to make your money work for you will depend on your circumstances, but as with almost everything else in life it’s about striking a balance

Maximising the value of your money means finding the best places to keep it, from top performing savings accounts to stock market investments. The process can seem complex and at times stressful, but it will leave you better prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Setting specific financial goals and aligning them with your life goals is the first step to getting the best out of your money. For example, you might want to save for your child’s wedding or help them with the cost of buying a house. You might be planning to retire early or buying a second home. Having identified your goals, you need to create a plan for achieving them.