You can buy an investment bond if you have a reasonably large cash lump sum to invest (normally a minimum of £5,000). Investment bonds are generally considered as medium to long-term investments (at least 5 years) and are unit linked, single premium policies, which will give you some life insurance cover.

You have the flexibility to choose to invest in a number of funds, from different fund management groups that invest in the world's major stock markets. Funds may also be switched at any time if you want to move into different investment markets.

Money may be taken out of an investment bond, or a regular withdrawal can be set up on a monthly or annual basis to provide income.