Retirement is one of the things we all look forward to and invest for. But do we all know how to invest money to get the maximum return. A good approach to finding out where to place your hard earned money is to consult people in the know. There is no better 'horses mouth' than a consultant, a professional finance expert to grill.

A great example is, when I spoke to my guy, he put me onto investing in gold as a very worthwhile investment option. (I suppose he could see I had the "metal" for such an investment. Sorry!). Now most of us would have assumed that gold was cost wise out of our reach and forgotten the idea immediately.

An area not widely known outside of "inner circles" within investing is stocks, diversified stocks, for a good return. We do know of some who've boasted of getting a 10% annual return - which is not to be sniffed at in the slightest. Others argue that this is not the best way to invest money because playing the stock market is quite like gambling. However scary stocks may seem, they could still be the best way to invest money especially if you take the right approach.

Although you might think that investing in a number of different stocks or areas dilutes your effectiveness, it does have the benefit of adding a degree of security to your investing portfolio. In other words, diversifying your portfolio of investments is the best thing to do! You really want to try and choose some solid stocks that boast a modest but consistent return.

Like everything else in life, there are those who like to take a risk for a potential higher return as well. The good news for those who are prepared to invest in areas with a higher risk ratio is you can still do so and utilize a diversified portfolio strategy. Any investment advice article should always encourage you to consult a professional when making these decisions and I certainly do now. With their knowledge and experience, they can move you towards investments and methods best suited to your specific circumstances.

Interestingly enough, bonds aren't that highly thought of in the investment market. An expert I spoke to commented that "as they fall to inflation rate changes, they hold more potential as a risk, not a sound investment growth commitment". No matter what, in other words, you are taking a little bit of a gamble.

Whilst I think of it, a new investing strategy has recently come to the fore. How about doubling your initial investment, over a mid to long term position, with zero coupons.

No matter which options strikes your interest you really want to consult a professional who can guide you in the right direction. They are paid to know the best way to invest money!