by Sharon Jones

With the new year fast approaching, it can be a time for many people to sit back and think about what they can do better in the new year. And for business or entrepreneurial-minded people, often those thoughts turn to money. How can they better look after money as well as make more money? With many things around the world uncertain, things like property aren’t always a sure fire thing, and it does involve a lot of money up-front in order to be able to do just that. So many people are looking for some new or more lucrative ways to invest their money.

So with that in mind, here are some different ways to invest your money, rather than property or the traditional stock market. Have you got experience with any of the things on the list? Anything else that you would add? It would be good to hear what you think.

image

Peer To Peer Lending

This kind of investment is growing and growing in popularity. But if you’re not sure what it really means, here is a quick breakdown; it is all about being an alternative to a business loan. Those looking to invest their money can put in a sum of money of their choosing, and those looking for investment can use it (or use groups of money if they are looking for a large investment). Of course, there is interest on the money, so borrowers will look around to see if a better rate is being offered than the banks. It is fairly low-risk and can see you earning up to 7% in the first year.

Forex Trading

All you need to get started with Forex trading is a computer with access to the internet and a trading account with Forex brokers, so it can be something that pretty much anyone can do and do it from home. On the Forex market one currency is exchanged or traded for another. The single most important thing with respect to Forex market is the exchange rate between two currencies (a currency pair). The main job of the brokerage is to give you easy access to the forex trading market and then make you some money in the process.

Green Energy

Investing in green energy can be a fairly high-risk investment but the returns if all goes well can be phenomenal. It is something that more and more people are getting interested in, and depending on where you live, can be eligible for social investment tax reliefs. Again, making it a pretty lucrative way to invest your money. Those in the know (crowdfunding for renewable energy) have predicted that it could be possible to double your investment in as little as twenty years, as it is an area that is only going to get bigger and bigger.

The key with any kind of investment is to be on a look out for scams, and make sure that you are doing your research before handing over your cash. Your money can work hard for you when you choose the right thing.