Wouldn’t it be great to win the pools or the lottery? Even a small amount would be very welcome.

Have you inherited some money, or received a juicy year-end bonus? Or maybe you have been thrifty and have made savings out of your income?

It you have a lump sum that you intend to spend on a holiday or a new car, it could be earning you a return rather than just sitting in your current account waiting to be spent. Do you know how to make sure it does?

You may decide to keep some of it, perhaps for a rainy day or to improve your retirement income. If this is the case, you’ll need to make decisions about how to invest it.

This book takes you through the investment maze, explaining each category of investment in simple terms, avoiding jargon, or at least explaining it.

The first chapter will show you how to check your financial health in order to make the best use of your money.

The second chapter helps you to become your own investment adviser, although you should consider seeking professional advice if you are still in doubt.

The following chapters deal with specific investment possibilities. If there is a particular area of investment you wish to know more about and do not see it in the chapter headings and sub-headings at the front, try the index at the back.

I wish you profitable investing!