This is our blog page where we hope to pass on valuable information, which could help you be better prepared when dealing with your financial arrangements. Whether we explain basic principles, debunk financial myths, or provide general tips, this page is an opportunity for us to share our thoughts which can help you make better financial decisions.

But to be clear. We’re not providing personal advice here (you have to pay for that I’m afraid!) and any arrangements that you make having read these pages are entirely your own affair.

We don’t believe in forecasting the future, and in the event that we discuss specific products, funds or assets here, our opinion should be taken as that, our opinion and not a personal recommendation to buy or sell.

Life Expectancy – You Are Not Average

That’s my parents on the cover picture. In a few days, my dad turns 96. Yep, you read that right. My dad will be 96. Not my grandfather, my dad. He’s in pretty good shape and continues to live an engaged, active and independent life. My mum, although younger, is still a good 84. When … Continued

ISA & CGT Allowances Could Save You £57,000 in Tax

Most tax allowances are provided on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis and annual tax planning is, therefore, a must. Often overlooked, the consistent and methodical use of available tax allowances can significantly enhance the after-tax position of an investor, in turn aiding the earlier accomplishment of financial planning goals. Until now, I’ve never … Continued

Don’t Worry Be Happy

You might think that the sole reason for hiring a financial adviser is to help you manage your money and finances better. An office-bound, number crunching, spreadsheet warrior, so to speak. That is, of course, one part of what I do. But overlooked and often misunderstood is the unique opportunity I get to help our … Continued

The 7 Stages of Financial Enlightenment

We live in a world of instant gratification. Waiting more than 2 minutes for anything these days is an injustice. And here I am asking for five. Google, Amazon, YouTube and Netflix exemplify the demands of ‘I want it now’ consumerism. It permeates everything, including financial advisory goals. Swathes of savers and investors want immediate … Continued

Investing Isn’t Easy

When investment markets wobble, as they’re prone to do, it’s easy to be reeled in by the sense of panic that comes from the pantomime news. No one likes losses, however short-lived, but the inflammatory headlines tap in to most investors’ inner worrywart. Damage limitation decision making is nothing but a short-term approach to a … Continued

DIY Personal Finance

Earlier this month the Financial Times reported that millions of pounds of pension tax relief had been incorrectly arranged following errors made by tens of thousands of employers. This got me thinking that if some employers can’t get it right, what hope is there for anyone contemplating DIY personal finance? Why ‘do-it-yourself’ when the consequences … Continued

Want a Great Investment Outcome? Use a Ulysses Contract

In literary classic The Odyssey, Homer tells the epic story of Ulysses and his ten-year journey home at the end of the Trojan War. In one of many challenges faced, Ulysses encounters beautiful Sirens singing spellbinding sweet songs, which lure passing ships to their destruction on the island’s rocks. To ensure his own ship’s safe … Continued

Our Purpose

I recently travelled from London to Chicago to attend a three-day conference hosted by the investment research company Morningstar Inc. The event was rather aptly described by another attendee as ‘Lollapalooza’ for the US investment management and financial planning community. You might laugh at the tenuous link between finance and alternative rock, but to be … Continued

Book Review – The Geometry of Wealth

Writing a book that is enjoyable for others is a tough task for anyone. Write a book focussed narrowly on personal finance and you have an even tougher task. For Dr Brian Portnoy to succeed in doing so with his most recent release ‘The Geometry of Wealth’ is a significant achievement indeed. Having read more … Continued

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Investing

One of the major investment management trends of recent years has been the explosion of interest in Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) investing. Whether you’ve heard of it already or not, it’s become a legitimate consideration for company owners, their shareholders and fund investors. There is no doubt it will continue to gain momentum as … Continued

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