Every day I sit with potential investors who are shopping around for the “best” rate. The “best” rate doesn’t exist. It is a customised rate based on your needs, requirements, risk appetite, investment term, access to capital and other factors including tax.
What I can tell you is that if the rate you obtain after fees and tax is less than inflation you will not be able to maintain your purchasing power. Just a glance at the figures above (reproduced from the Saturday Star 9 February 2013), you will see that very basic food items have nearly doubled in less than 3 years!
So if you are concerned about the returns you are getting on your money with the banks, investment products and elsewhere, make sure we’ve spoken so that you can relax!