The returns for your investments in the next decade are uncertain (and you should avoid investing in bulk at a high level of asset prices for this reason): Will it be 3%, 5%? How does it compare with inflation? You have no influence on those macro-variables such as interest rates, inflation and the currency exchanges, but you can control a limited number of elements such as your diversification or your investment approach.
The markets being uncertain, you should focus on the factors that are key to improve your overall performance. The good performance of an investment is impacted by external factors and by some actors without any possibility for you to limit their intrusions, such as internal company costs or company management failure. Other decisions, such as the choice of investments and platform allow you to limit the costs and taxes of investment. As stated by John Bogle in “The Battle for the Soul of Capitalism”, “The only things that can be predicted are fees and taxes. Fees and taxes can be very, very large; they can be predicted; and they can be reduced enormously by anyone who merely tries.”
An excellent way to invest in a tax-efficient manner is to use the tax-free investment schemes of your jurisdiction. Depending on your domicile, some schemes may benefit from certain tax advantages. Income and capital gains realized on this account are, under certain conditions, such as being held for a sufficiently long period, taxed at a low level or tax deductible up to a limited annual amount. A level exceeding the legal limits does not usually make sense, since these plans are generally more expensive than their counterparts on the open market and their choice is more limited. As such, you should place your investment plan within the framework of your overall estate planning (legacy, gifts or charity) and consider your individual tax situation.
Guide Finances 