It’s been said that volatility is a tax that investors have to pay for harnessing the wealth-building power of the financial markets. But rationalising market fluctuations doesn’t make them any less nerve-wracking, especially if you’re nearing retirement age. Some investors react to volatility like they’re living in the path of a hurricane. They board up […]
As part of our Life-Centered Planning process, we’ve talked about how market volatility is a normal part of investing. We’ve also discussed how we’ve structured your investments to “weather the storm” and maintain a comfortable level of income for you and your family during turbulent times. But we also understand that even folks who are […]
Seth Godin’s blog today had the following couple of paragraphs in it: “A professional is going to buy from someone like you. They’re going to have a process to review the process, a method, an experienced approach to obtaining what they need. A professional isn’t going to think she can do it herself and isn’t […]
“Oil falls on middle-east uncertainty.” When financial markets are volatile, you often hear that “uncertainty” is the cause. This suggests that uncertainty comes and goes, but because financial markets are forward looking, and because the future is unpredictable, investors must cope with uncertainty all the time. That can be hard, especially in volatile periods when […]
Investments Establishing and maintaining an investment portfolio is often key to achieving financial independence. Experience, expertise and rigorous academic research are deeply embedded into our investment process. Why Invest? People are now living longer and working longer, it’s never been more important to make our money work for us, and investment is one […]
I got asked this today by a new client. I wish I knew. Nobody does! Sure there are a million google opinions but that’s all they are; opinions. What we do know is that it will come. Stocks rise and stocks fall. If we look at the MCSI World Index between 1970 and 2012 the […]
New Main Residence Nil Rate Band Planning This will benefit individuals with direct descendants who have an estate, which includes a main residence, with total assets above the current inheritance tax threshold, or nil-rate band. What is the “Main Residence Nil Rate Band”? It will introduce an additional nil-rate band when a residence is passed […]
We’re well into the new year now and after President Trump’s inauguration on Friday past I thought it might be useful to reflect on the past year. In 2016, the UK market reached new highs and stocks in a majority of developed and emerging market countries delivered positive returns. UK investors with overseas assets benefited […]
There has been much talk in the press about the imminent pension freedom reforms and a lot of resulting confusion among the public. A few simple points can be made to clarify some matters: If you have already taken pension benefits in the form of an annuity then these new freedoms will not affect you […]
It always takes a few hours for the detail and ramifications of a new budget to sink in. Osbourne’s budget has been hailed as the “Beer and Bingo” budget – a fair comment? It certainly is good news for beer drinkers and bingo players but it has had a huge impact on pensions legislation in […]
