Earning money and making what we save grow, is one of the most daunting challenges we face.

Despite the effort most of us put into eking out the best deal we can from the company's coffers, it's surprising how little time we devote to ensuring that not only do we keep it but make it work really hard once we've got it.

Even when we do manage to find a few spare moments from our busy schedules, it only serves to drive home how much there is to know before we can make a truly informed decision.

There are thousands of investment products and funds available. The ever-increasing number and complexity of choice means that that the necessary knowledge and time to make wise investment choices will always be in short supply.

Don't believe it? Then try this very simple test.

• What is your current net worth?
• How has your portfolio performed over the last six months, one year and three years?
• What's the value of your pension?
• What was the best performing offshore fund over the last six months?

Those investors who choose to seek the help of a professional in the financial industry, it might just well be the most important investment decision they will ever make.

However, herein lies the crux. It's amazing just how few people have any form of financial plan or even taken the time to have a discussion with a financial adviser. Why?

In a recent internet survey where people were asked would they rather manage their finances themselves or use a financial adviser, over 70 percent said they'd rather do it themselves.

Most of the reasons given were along the lines of the following:

• If financial advisers were any good, they'd be sunning themselves on a beach, instead of working.
• Once you've invested, you never hear from them again
• The advice given is more beneficial to the adviser rather than the client
• Advisers are commission based and therefore are biased as to which products to recommend

Do you agree?

Let's dispense with the first comment, as it's really rather a silly point of view.

Why?

Well, I think Bill Gates, the richest man on earth, is still working!

The other three comments are very valid and need to be answered as they call into question the following:

• Trust
• Credibility
• Professional Qualifications
• Regular Contact

Let's add one more comment, which is equally as valid, especially in Thailand. Probably the biggest reason why so few use financial advisers is the constant cold calling. Many receive up to 10 calls each week. This only serves to annoy and results in the inevitable response "go away", generally more strongly.

In reality however, that doesn't mean the individual doesn't need or indeed want financial advice. It just means he doesn't want to be pestered into obtaining it.

This column is supplied by Temple Bar International (Thailand) Co Ltd. For offshore investment advice, contact them on info@tbintl.com or visit www.tbintl.com