Where next, investments.

[rufusgti]

Hi.
I'm after a few opinions for which direction to head next with investments. I'm not particularly wise on investment but it's something I want to know more about and something I intend to start and build on for later in life.
A few points about my situation.
36 yrs old.
Wife and two kids.
Employed.
Started this year with a government/council pension paying approx 200 per month.
Two BTL properties.
mortgage on our own home (48k with 21 years left)
25k savings

I'm looking for long term gains, I know I'm definitely NOT looking to trade stocks. Not looking for a quick money making scheme or a high risk investment. Also the savings may be needed in around 5 years for a bigger house. So I'm looking to be able to either start a fresh monthly investment or use my savings but not locking them away for too long.

I know nobody can give financial advice on a forum but genuinely interested to hear opinions on a method of investment that would suit my needs. A friend mentioned Gold but I've watched gold over a number of years and my heart isn't really in it.

[bogie]

If you are a higher rate tax payer, Id just bump up the pension contributions and/or accelerate paying off the mortgage

[rufusgti]

bogie said:

If you are a higher rate tax payer, Id just bump up the pension contributions and/or accelerate paying off the mortgage

I'm lower rate at the moment. But I suspect paying down the mortgages would give me the most advantage in the long run. Interested to see if there's anything better though.

[CrouchingWayne]

5 years is relatively short horizon - if it's specifically for property then overpaying the mortgage is a good start.

Long term I look at some stock/bond trackers (Vanguars Lifestrategy is a popular cookie cutter investment vehicle - a Google should bring up loads of info)

Pension is obviously good as you get tax relief on it - but obviously locked away for 20 years or however long until you retire.