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.
Whilst out at dinner with my family recently to celebrate our daughter’s 9th birthday, I cracked a tooth on a Chinese spare rib. I knew it was bad straight away and a trip to the dentist the following week was inevitable. I am fortunate, however, because my wife Bonnie is a dental professional and although … Continued
A few words on the suspension of ‘star’ fund manager Neil Woodford’s UK Equity Income investment fund, which consumed my professional news feed yesterday and spilt into the broader headline news. And I honestly thought about stopping right there. But that would miss the opportunity to help remind investors of some valuable investment basics. Past Performance … Continued
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
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
In the first few weeks of 2019 the topic I’ve heard mentioned more than any other, and one that might be new to you, is the investment principle ‘home bias’. Home bias is well documented as the tendency for investors to over-allocate assets to their home market, ignoring to varying degrees, foreign investments. There are … Continued
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
In company news, on the evening of November 22nd, I attended the ‘Personal Finance Awards’ with my wife Bonnie, held at the Intercontinental O2, where I was shortlisted as a finalist for the UK’s ‘Investment Planning Specialist’ of the year. The Personal Finance Society is the professional body for the financial planning community and part … Continued
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
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
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
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