Investing your money can help protect your financial position. This allows you to grow your wealth organically over time, and investing can even be a job in itself. There are many different options available when it comes to investing. Here are three examples of smart investments you can make over the next year.GoldOne of the top investments you can make in the UK comes from gold. This is because gold has the ability to act as a hedge against inflation and economic downturns. While the value of money can decrease over time due to inflation, the price of gold is more stable and can even increase. This means that investing in gold can protect your wealth from inflation and ensure you have a strong asset with reliable purchasing power.Speaking of assets, gold is a good investment since it is a tangible asset. Gold is a physical commodity that you can physically hold in your hand. This makes gold a more secure investment and is not subject to counterparty risk, as other assets can be. History also sides with gold, as gold has often been used as a medium of exchange and a store of wealth. This vast history and trackrecord of gold provides a level of credibility that other investments can’t match. The question is, how can you invest in physical gold coins or bars? You can buy gold coins online through sites such as Physical Gold. You will be able to find a wide selection of gold bullion coins, including gold sovereigns. These assets could add to your investment portfolio and strengthen your financial position. Some coins have the added advantage of buying completely tax-free due to being classed as legal tender.Real EstateReal estate has been an excellent investment for centuries now. Similar to gold, history sides with real estate, as it continues to be a reliable way to grow your wealth. One main reason that UK citizens should look into real estate is that, typically speaking, real estate appreciates in value in the country. You can find the UK house price index online to see how house prices have risen over the last few years, and what the future looks like for the real estate market.If you are purchasing property that isn't your secondary home, then you have the potential to rent out the property. Rental properties in the UK can provide a steady stream of rental income, which can be used to cover expenses associated with the property, and solidify your financial position in general.CryptocurrencyThere are digital assets that could also strengthen your financial position. For example, cryptocurrency is a smart investment that you can look into over the next year. If you didn't know, cryptocurrency is a newer investment form that has recently gained popularity. There are many different examples of cryptocurrency. The most popular of these come in the form of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.One of the main advantages of having cryptocurrency as an investment is that cryptocurrency operates on a decentralised system. This means that any central authority or government doesn't control the coins and currency. This is beneficial to a UK-based investor, as it removes the risk of government interference or manipulation of the currency's value.Cryptocurrency also allows for borderless transactions. This means that you can make whatever purchases you want worldwide, without having to worry about excessive fees or red tape. For UK-based investors, they will be able to make international transactions or investments with ease, thus making cryptocurrency a smart investment.