There are generally four categories of investments (asset classes):

Cash: Cash investments provide stable and low risk income over the short term. It includes bank accounts and term deposits.

Fixed interest: In the short to medium term, debentures, mortgages, and corporate and government bonds provide regular interest payments over a fixed, agreed period.

Property: For medium term investments, you can directly invest in a property or purchase units in a stock exchange listed trust.

Shares: Generally regarded best as a long term investment, shares provide income from dividends as well as capital growth.