Future investment pays off.

IF YOUR children hope to go to college or university, the sooner you start saving to help them the better.

Historically, the most profitable way to save has been through the stock market, via an investment company.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, of the Association of Investment Companies, says: "By investing in a variety of firms on your behalf, investment companies can spread the risk, and schemes are available from pounds 50 a month - or a pounds 250 lump sum.

"If you had invested pounds 50 per month in the average investment company over the last 18 years, you would now have pounds 17,715."

The same amount paid in as a lump sum would have grown to more than pounds 40,000.

To find independent investment advisers in your area, log on to Unbiased.co.uk.

CAPTION(S):

MONEYMAKERS: Stocks