Time frames

Short-term goals include such things as buying a new car, taking an overseas holiday or starting a family.

For a short-term goal, you could consider a conservative investment like cash, which has low risk over the short term and will ensure your capital is available when you want it.

Classic medium-term goals include a deposit on a house or holiday. With a medium-term goal, you are probably looking for investments that provide a regular income.

A medium-term investor would usually aim for a mix of conservative investments and income-producing growth investments.

Long-term goals may include such things as children's education, a second home, or retirement.

Long-term investors may be more willing to invest in growth assets like shares, as they can afford to ride out the ups and downs of the market. The longer investments are held, the less they are affected by volatility.

Check out the fund types.