There are typical benefits and drawbacks associated with investment accounts, for example:
Advantages:
> potential for great investment returns
> can invest smaller or large sums of money
> long-term investment possible
> investment managers can monitor the markets to avoid dramatic losses
> chance to purchase second home and earn income / holiday for free
> can save tax-free
> can specify the type of company in which you wish to invest
Disadvantages:
> no guarantee of returns
> potential loss of capital
> long-term investment prevents early withdrawals
> reliance on aptitude of investment manager to make profit
> hidden costs and work involved, e.g. when purchasing a property
> economic crises or market problems may reduce value of investment
