Hubble, Bubble, Toil & Trouble!

As your wealth managers we act as your trusted advisers in some of the most emotive areas you can face – life, money, relationships, family and financial security. As you have the right to expect, these are responsibilities we take very seriously. 

The move to offering full discretionary management to clients underpinned by focused financial planning sets us somewhat apart from the mainstream of financial advisers and we are pleased that so many of you have found the time to give us valuable feedback.

Coping with Market Turmoil

For many of our clients this is the first real test of their investing nerve with markets substantially down and massive volatility seen in virtually all markets and asset classes. I think that at these times it is worth revisiting much of the investment philosophy we believe in and strive to impart to clients.

1. We are financial planning led and believe that long term planning is more important than short term market movements.

2. It is virtually impossible to time markets so although we will make tactical adjustments to clients' portfolios where necessary and prudent we will stick to the long term strategy of diversification throughout asset classes.

3.  We discourage clients from exiting markets whilst markets are depressed. This is an error often made and usually compounded by a movement into more expensive asset classes such as government bonds.

4.  For new investors it is worth remembering that the price of investments they may wish to buy is now historically very inexpensive.

5.  Markets are forward looking.  History demonstrates that markets often rise in recessions as bad news is factored in and the markets look ahead to the next recovery.

6.  Sticking to your strategic plan and vision with our assistance is key to the long term success of your financial well-being.

7. You have not made a loss unless you decide to sell.  If your capital is not required then leave it invested to benefit from the recovery in markets.

8.  Ignore, as best as you can, the more sensationalist parts of the press and financial commentary. Sensationalism is designed to sell newspapers, not to impart sound, rational financial advice.

 

 

 

Banking Issues

A major area of concern to clients has been the whole issue of 'how safe are my savings?'  We feel that the problems first encountered here are largely passed with the UK and international governments stepping in and taking strong action to protect deposit accounts.  However, as ever do feel free to contact us if you want to revisit this area of your planning.

Financial Education

We continue to support the education of the public at large by contributing to the national and trade press and in 2008 we have featured in the FT, Telegraph, Money Mail, Business Life, thisismoney, ITV.com and CityAM and I continue to support Citywire by contributing pieces on fund managers, a regular column and most recently a ‘star chamber’ style video piece.  Both Petronella and I are privileged to have been invited this year to speak at major industry conferences.

Charitable and Trustee Investment

We continue to be asked by solicitors to assist them in the investment planning process for elderly and vulnerable individuals. Always a difficult area we are extremely pleased to report that our investment solutions continue to be recognised and approved by The Court of Protection.   We find this work incredibly rewarding and interesting and feel very privileged to be asked to act in this capacity by colleagues in the legal profession.

We have produced two new guides for Trustees and Charitable Investment and they can be found in the library section of the site.

Cash Solutions and Deposit Accounts

Following on from my earlier comments about bank accounts, we understand many of you, particularly business owners and entrepreneurs are currently concerned with the low interest rates you are receiving from the retail banks.  We currently have access to some excellent rates from major financial institutions so feel free to contact us to see if we can do a little better for you.

To summarise, we believe in largely sticking to your plan, not making snap decisions which will detract from your long term goals and eventual financial success.  I hope that this small piece helps but, as ever, feel free to call to discuss any concerns or issues you may have.

Finally, thank you very much for your continued support during these troubled times and I would take this opportunity to reassure you of our commitment to sticking to guiding principles to ensure your long term financial security.

Lee Robertson
CEO

 

 

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