Philip van der Merwe, financial planner at Rich Ideas, answers your questions about investments, risk and what to consider.

1) What effect do investment fees have on the long-term return of your investment?

2) Is it better to invest in a high-risk investment or a low-risk investment?

3) I have heard of the power of compounding. Can you explain what that means?

4) How much should I be investing each month?

5) Do I need a financial adviser?

6) Can I cash out my investment whenever I want?

7) How are shares and bonds different?

8) How do I choose which fund to invest in?

9) Is it better to invest or to pay off debt?

10) Is it better to invest in individual shares or in a fund?