Investment Decision Assessment

What the framework is

An investment decision assessment compares investment options for your own money, such as a pension top-up, an index fund or paying down a mortgage, against what matters to you. The template starts with five criteria: Potential Return, Risk Level, Time to Value, Alignment with Goals and Long-Term Stability. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

What the result looks like

When it earns its place

Use it to organise your own thinking before deciding, or before talking to an adviser.

How to run it with a group

1. List two to six options you are genuinely considering.
2. Decide how much each criterion counts for you, given your time horizon.
3. Compare the options two at a time on each criterion.
4. Read the ranking per criterion as well as overall, and check the top choice against your goals.

More templates like this

• Personal Decision Assessment

  Compare major life choices across practical, emotional, financial, and long-term considerations. Useful when navigating difficult or uncertain personal decisions with competing priorities. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

• Career Decision Assessment

  Compare jobs, career paths, or professional opportunities in a structured and balanced way. Useful for career changes, promotions, or long-term professional planning. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

• Relocation Decision Assessment

  Compare relocation options across lifestyle, opportunity, cost, and personal priorities. Useful for deciding where to live or whether to move. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

• Education & Course Selection

  Compare universities, courses, qualifications, or learning pathways across value, interest, cost, and future opportunity. Useful for students, professionals, and career changers. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

• Relationship Decision Assessment

  Reflect on important relationship decisions across compatibility, trust, values, communication, and long-term fit. Useful for navigating significant personal relationship choices. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.

• Lifestyle Change Prioritisation

  Compare lifestyle changes or habits to identify which could create the greatest positive impact. Useful for wellbeing, productivity, balance, and personal growth. The criteria can be changed, added to and weighted.