Get an independent financial adviser Tosh.
A good one is worth there weight in gold.
They will explain everything you need to know. You dont have to take there advise but it will stand you in good stead in understanding investments etc.
I've never met an independant adviser yet 
they all seem to be linked to one or two finace sources only - the ones that pay them the most commission.
I agree, an IFA with a range of products at his disposal, any of which may suit you will sell you the one that makes him the most commission.
I've had many dealings with IFAs over the years; and have had visits where they go through all your different insurances and savings and make reccommendations.
I understand how they work, and have been ripped off by them in the past (I was mis-sold two endownment policies).
I even considered becoming an IFA (aka insurance salesman); I used to be responsible for the pay and allowances and public funds of a large Infantry Batallion; so I always had IFAs sucking up to me, since I could put business their way (soldiers would come to see me asking for financial advice, but legally I couldn't provide it so I used to reccommend IFAs (the ones that gave me bottles of whisky at Christmas mostly).
But all I want is something SIMPLE and EASY to put my spare cash into (and after this month, there's not a lot of the spare stuff around).
I've called into the post office; and since I've a branch about 200 meters from where I live, that's going to get my meagre savings!
