Ideas about money, decisions and a life well lived.
A collection of articles written over the years by The Wealth Coach.
All articles
684 articlesWhat happens when I sell my business?
Selling a business is often a process rather than a single event. Understanding what typically happens helps clarify expectations. The sale process A business sale may involve:…
Should I invest personally or through a company?
Investing personally and investing through a company involve different structures. Understanding the distinction helps clarify planning choices. Personal investing Personal investing…
What tax do I pay when selling a business?
Selling a business can involve several types of tax. Understanding the basics helps clarify why outcomes vary. Common taxes involved Taxes may include: capital gains tax business…
What is an exit strategy?
An exit strategy describes how value may be realised from an investment or business. Understanding the concept helps clarify longer-term planning. Business exit strategies For…
What does “risk profile” mean?
A risk profile describes how someone approaches investment risk. Understanding the term helps clarify how investment decisions are framed. What a risk profile reflects A risk profile…
How risky are my investments?
Investment risk refers to uncertainty about outcomes. Understanding risk helps clarify why investments behave differently. Types of risk Risk may relate to: market movements specific…
What happens to investments in a market crash?
Market crashes are periods of sharp market declines. Understanding how investments behave during these times helps clarify expectations. What typically happens During a crash: asset…
What’s the difference between active and passive investing?
Active and passive investing describe two different approaches to managing investments. Understanding the difference helps clarify how investment strategies vary. Active investing…
How do investment funds work?
Investment funds allow money from multiple investors to be pooled together. Understanding how they work helps clarify how investments are managed. What an investment fund does A fund:…
What fees am I paying on my investments?
Investment fees affect returns over time, which is why people ask what they are paying. Understanding fee types helps clarify overall costs. Common investment fees Fees may include:…
How often should I review my investments?
Investment reviews help ensure investments still reflect objectives and circumstances. The question is often about balance — reviewing often enough, but not too often. Typical review…
What are the rules around gifting money?
Gifting money can be part of family planning, but tax rules depend on timing and circumstances. Understanding the rules helps clarify when gifts are tax-free and when they may be…
How much inheritance tax will my estate pay?
Inheritance tax is often discussed in general terms, but people usually want to know how it applies to their own estate. Understanding how inheritance tax is calculated helps clarify…
How to reduce capital gains tax
People often ask how capital gains tax can be reduced. In practice, this is usually about understanding allowances and timing. Common considerations People often look at: annual…
How does capital gains tax work?
Capital gains tax applies to profits made when selling certain assets. Understanding how it works helps clarify when tax may be due. What counts as a gain A gain is usually the…
Can I give money to my children tax-free?
Giving money to children is common, but tax treatment depends on timing and circumstances. Understanding the rules helps clarify when tax may apply. Gifting rules in the UK In…
What is Inheritance Tax and who pays it?
Inheritance tax is a tax that may apply when someone dies, depending on the value of their estate. Understanding who pays inheritance tax helps clarify how it works in practice. When…
How do I know if my adviser is doing a good job?
Many people wonder how to assess the quality of financial advice they receive. The answer is often less about short-term performance and more about process and clarity. What advice is…
What’s the difference between independent and restricted advice?
In the UK, financial advice is described as either independent or restricted . Understanding the difference helps clarify the scope of advice an adviser can provide. UK regulation…
How are financial advisers paid?
Financial advisers can be paid in different ways, depending on the services they provide and how their business operates. Understanding how advisers are paid helps clarify how advice…
How much does a financial adviser cost?
If you are thinking about using a financial adviser, one of the first questions is usually simple: How much is this going to cost me? It is a sensible question. And often an…
What does a financial adviser actually do?
Financial advisers play a role in helping people make informed decisions about their finances, but what they do in practice can vary. Understanding the adviser’s role helps clarify…
How do I find old pensions?
It’s common to lose track of pensions over time, particularly after changing jobs. Finding old pensions usually involves reconnecting with previous employers or providers.…
Should I consolidate my pensions?
Many people build up several pensions over their working life, often through different employers. This leads to a common question: should pensions be consolidated into one place?…
What happens to my pension when I die?
When someone dies, what happens to their pension depends on the type of pension they have and their age at death . Understanding the basic rules can help clarify what usually happens…
How much tax do I pay on pension withdrawals?
In the UK, pension withdrawals are usually partly tax-free and partly taxable . How much tax you pay depends on how much you withdraw , how you take it , and what other income you…
Is it better to take a lump sum or income from my pension?
When accessing a pension in the UK, one of the most common questions is whether it’s better to take money as a lump sum or as a regular income . There isn’t a single right answer for…
When can I access my pension?
In the UK, there are clear rules about when you can start taking money from your pension. These rules are based mainly on age , with a small number of exceptions. Understanding when…
How does pension drawdown work?
Pension drawdown is one of the main ways people access their pension in the UK. It allows you to keep your pension invested while taking money from it over time, rather than…
How much can I take from my pension?
If you have a pension, it’s natural to wonder: How much can I actually take out? For many people, this question only becomes real when retirement feels closer — or when life changes…
Most people believe they are being careful.
They say they don’t want to rush. They want to wait for the right moment. They want to be prudent. On the surface, this sounds responsible. Often, it isn’t. Much of what passes for…
Why does financial advice still feel unclear?
If you already have a financial adviser and financial advice still feels unclear, you’re not being unreasonable. Most people don’t expect advice to feel perfect. But they do expect it…
Most people don’t make bad financial decisions
Most people don’t make reckless or foolish financial choices. At the time they were made, many decisions were sensible, informed, and appropriate. The problem is rarely the original…
The moment you ask for advice
Most people don’t notice the moment it happens. They arrive uncertain. Thoughtful. Often uneasy. They want help thinking something through. And then, almost imperceptibly, the…
How to use AI safely with money
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful thinking partner when it comes to money. It can help you organise your thoughts, explore options, and gain clarity before making decisions.…
Why some heirs want independence rather than wealth
Not every child in a wealthy family wants the wealth. Some want independence far more. Some want to build their own path. Some want identity, not inheritance. Some fear the…
The biggest financial risk is disengagement
Every few years, a bold idea resurfaces. This time it is the suggestion that advances in artificial intelligence may remove the need to save for retirement at all. That productivity…
Why wills are not enough
Most families assume that writing a will is enough to protect their wealth. It is an important step, but on its own it is nowhere near sufficient. A will distributes assets. It does…
Preparing children for wealth without creating dependence
One of the hardest challenges for successful families is preparing children for wealth without creating dependence. It is a delicate balance. Too much support and they lose…
Why wealth does not solve money anxiety
One of the great surprises for many wealthy people is this. Money does not eliminate anxiety. It changes the shape of the anxiety, but not the existence of it. Most people assume that…
Building a family system that outlives you
Every family wants its wealth to last. But lasting wealth does not come from investment returns or clever structures. It comes from the strength of the family system that surrounds…
The danger of secrecy in wealthy families
Secrecy is one of the most common patterns in wealthy families. And one of the most damaging. It is usually well intentioned, but it rarely leads to good outcomes. Parents keep…
How to run a productive family meeting
Family meetings are one of the most powerful tools a family can use to protect wealth, clarity, and relationships. But most families never hold them. Or they only hold them at moments…
How to avoid creating entitled children
Every parent fears raising entitled children. Especially in families with wealth. It is a quiet worry that grows as success increases. Will the next generation appreciate what they…
The real meaning of legacy
Most people think legacy is about what you leave behind. A sum of money. A business. A property portfolio. An investment account. A will that sets everything out neatly. But legacy is…
What families should pass on other than money
When people think about inheritance, they normally think about money. Assets. Property. Shares. Trusts. The financial side of legacy. But money alone has never been enough to keep a…
How to build a united family culture
Every successful family has a culture, whether they know it or not. A way of thinking. A way of making decisions. A way of talking to each other. A way of responding to challenges. In…
Why money magnifies identity
Money does not change people as much as most people think. What it really does is magnify who they already are. It amplifies what is already there. Strengths become more visible. So…
Preparing heirs emotionally, not just financially
Most people think preparing heirs means preparing money for them. But the real work is preparing them for the money. And that is a completely different challenge. Financial…
The role of stories in preserving family wealth
Every family has stories. Some are told proudly. Some are whispered. Some are forgotten until someone reminds us. And some are never shared at all. But in wealthy families, stories do…
What wealthy parents get wrong about fairness
Wealthy parents care deeply about fairness. They want to treat their children equally. They want to avoid conflict. They want to create a sense of balance and avoid future resentment.…
The psychology of gifting and resentment
Gifting sounds simple. A generous act. A kind gesture. A way to help those you love. But gifting inside families is rarely only about money. It touches identity, appreciation,…
Why wealthy families struggle with fairness
Fairness is one of the most difficult issues for wealthy families. Not because they want to be unfair, but because fairness means different things to different people. And when money…
Wealth, family, and the hidden work of passing on purpose
Bill Ackman recently shared a series of notes from a talk by Michael Milken on family, success, and wealth. It is rare to see someone speak so clearly about what truly matters once…
Why DIY investors lose 3 per cent a year and what you can do about it
Every so often you will see a study claiming that DIY investors underperform the market by roughly 3 per cent per year. These reports surface regularly, and the message is always the…
The hidden dangers of financial silence
Most families do not talk about money. They avoid it. They tiptoe around it. They hope silence will protect their children from pressure or conflict. But silence rarely protects…
How to create a thinking family
Money can be inherited. Wisdom cannot. It has to be learned, tested, discussed, and lived. This is why some families with modest assets thrive across generations, while others with…
The role of purpose in protecting family wealth
When wealth survives across generations, it rarely survives by accident. There is always something holding it together. And that something is purpose. Purpose is the anchor that keeps…
Why most people never ask their adviser the questions that matter
Elon Musk once said something that applies far beyond technology and into every part of our lives. “Do not tell me what you like. Tell me what you do not like.” Most people avoid…
Why wealth fails in three generations
There is an old proverb that appears in different cultures around the world. In Britain we say clogs to clogs in three generations . In China it is wealth never survives three…
Hunger, feedback loops, and why investors forget what matters
Every day, without fail, something happens inside us. We get hungry. We do not need a reminder, an app, a calendar alert, or a government warning. The body tells us. We feel it. And…
Why AI is exposing the truth about financial advice
Most industries are being forced to rethink their value. Management consultants, marketing agencies, designers, and researchers are all finding that people can get structured thinking…
The adviser of the future
If we look ahead ten years, the financial adviser of the future will look very different from the adviser of today. That future will not be shaped by regulation, qualifications, or…
The rise of the thinking client
For decades, the financial industry has been built around the idea that advisers think and clients follow. The adviser leads the conversation. The adviser defines the agenda. The…
AI and the re definition of independence
For years, the word independence has been used loosely in financial services. It has been presented as a badge, a marketing line, or a regulatory category. But true independence is…
How wealth reduces life’s friction, and why that is not always a good thing.
Gwyneth Paltrow once told a simple but revealing story. After winning her Oscar, still young and new to fame, her father looked at her and said in his unmistakable Brooklyn voice,…
How Evoa protects against misinformation and financial noise
We live in the loudest financial environment in history. Every day brings a flood of headlines, opinions, forecasts, warnings, and predictions. Markets up. Markets down. New tax rules…
The Wealth Coach model in an AI world
Every technology shift forces an industry to decide what it really stands for. Artificial intelligence is doing that to financial services right now. Some firms will cling to the…
Why active management cannot compete with intelligent insight
Active fund management has always relied on one promise, that human skill can consistently beat the market. It is a comforting idea. It appeals to our desire for certainty and…
What AI reveals about overcharging and under thinking
The financial industry has always had two hidden problems. One is obvious. The other is rarely spoken about. The obvious problem is overcharging. The quieter problem is under…
The difference between automation and augmentation
Whenever people think about artificial intelligence, the first assumption is that it will automate everything. Automation sounds efficient, and it is, but it also sounds threatening.…
If you would not give £220,000 to your worst enemy, why give it to yourself in the future?
Most people think long term investing is about returns, charts, and probabilities. It is not. It is about behaviour. And one of the most powerful behavioural problems we face is this:…
Why national wealth managers never refer clients for independent advice
In medicine, the system is designed around the patient. If you visit your GP and they believe you need specialist help, they refer you. They do not hesitate. They do not protect their…
How Evoa learns from you, not about you
One of the biggest fears people have about artificial intelligence is that it collects information quietly in the background. They imagine a system that studies their behaviour,…
Who can you really trust for financial advice?
If you asked most people whether financial advice is regulated, they’d probably say yes. And they’d be partly right, but only partly. The truth is that some of the most important…
Why national wealth managers will struggle in the age of AI
Every industry faces a moment when its old habits collide with a new reality. For national wealth managers, that moment is arriving faster than they think. Artificial intelligence is…
Why financial wellness is harder than giving up smoking
Most people understand how to give up smoking. You stop smoking. Simple to say, very difficult to do. A habit has been formed over years. There is routine, emotion, identity and…
Why consumers need a new kind of understanding
Every profession has moments where the world becomes too complex for the traditional way of doing things. Medicine had it. Law had it. Technology had it. And now, wealth management is…
Journey vs outcomes — What wealth managers do not tell you
If you have ever sat in front of a wealth manager and watched their eyes light up as they describe their process, you will know what I mean when I say this industry loves a good…
The death of the sales pitch in financial advice
If you have ever sat in a financial adviser’s office and felt a gentle push towards a product, you are not alone. The industry has spent decades wrapping sales in the language of…
Are Private Banks running out of road?
Private banks grew on one simple idea. If you give us your money, we will give you our attention. For decades that worked. Clients felt looked after. They had someone to call. They…
When clients lead the conversation, not advisers.
For years, financial advice has been adviser-led. The professional sets the agenda, controls the questions, and frames the answers. The client listens, nods, and hopes it all makes…
How Evoa helps you think before you act
Most financial mistakes do not come from lack of intelligence, but from acting too quickly. We are emotional creatures. We respond to headlines, to fear, to the pressure of urgency.…
AI, empathy, and the art of financial coaching
Technology can process logic. It can analyse data, forecast outcomes, and test probabilities. But what it cannot do, at least not yet, is care. That gap between logic and empathy is…
Why the future of advice belongs to independent thinkers
The future of financial advice will not be built by those who know the most, but by those who can think the best. For too long, the industry has confused independence with…
Trust, transparency, and the next generation of financial relationships
Trust has always been the currency of advice. People do not buy financial products, they buy the feeling that someone they trust is guiding them. But in a world where information is…
From information to insight, what Evoa is designed to do
Most people believe that knowledge is power. But in the modern world, information is everywhere. Power now comes from understanding, not from access. That is where Evoa begins — at…
Before you talk to anyone about Inheritance Tax Planning, read this
When the Government changes tax rules, the adverts always follow. With new inheritance tax rules coming for pensions in 2027 and the recent introduction of a £1,000,000 cap on…
How AI makes advice more human, not less
Whenever people talk about artificial intelligence, they focus on what it replaces. In finance, that usually means analysts, fund managers, or advisers. But I think they are missing…
Why intelligent questions matter more than intelligent algorithms
Everyone talks about the power of AI to give answers. Few stop to ask what happens when no one knows how to ask the right question. That is the quiet danger of progress. The smarter…
Evoa and the evolution of financial thinking
Most people think artificial intelligence will change what we know . I believe it will change how we think . For decades, financial advice has been built on a blend of information and…
The critical thinking effect: how better thinking leads to better decisions
Every day we are surrounded by information. Opinions, headlines, market updates, investment opportunities — it never stops. Yet the more information we have, the harder it can be to…
How donating shares can make your giving more tax efficient
Giving to charity is something many people want to do more of, yet few realise that how you give can make a big difference to both you and the cause you support. In the UK, donating…
Why 5 advisers give 5 different answers (And what it means for you)
Most people assume the financial advice profession works like law or medicine. Ask a lawyer the same question and you are unlikely to get five entirely different interpretations of…
Why Direct Indexing could be the next big thing for UK investors.
Over the years, UK investors have turned to unit trusts, open ended investment companies (OEICs), and exchange traded funds (ETFs) to diversify their portfolios. These structures have…
The quiet cost of regret in financial planning
People rarely talk about regret. Not in financial planning, not in life. Yet regret is one of the most powerful forces shaping people’s decisions, or more importantly, their avoidance…
IHT on Pensions, what actually happens and your options.
Most people do not realise that pensions, for many years, have sat outside the inheritance tax system. For families with meaningful wealth, especially those with pension funds of…
How to invest for your children’s future
Whoever said “the best things in life are free” clearly didn’t have children. They’re wonderful, but they’re also expensive, and that’s before university, first homes, and weddings…
Why second opinions matter in financial planning
Most people get a second opinion when it comes to medical treatment, but rarely for financial advice. Yet the stakes can be just as high. When you hand your financial future to…
When to take profits, and when to leave investments alone
“Should I take some profits?” It is one of the most common investor questions, usually asked when markets have been kind for a while. It feels sensible — no one ever went broke taking…
Inheritance tax myths that cost families money
Few taxes create as much confusion as inheritance tax. People either worry about it unnecessarily or ignore it completely. Both reactions are expensive. Inheritance tax, or IHT, is…
Selling your business in 24 months, your financial planning timeline
Selling a business is often the most significant financial event of your life. It represents years, sometimes decades, of effort and risk. But the difference between a good sale and a…
Estate planning for blended families, getting the basics right
Modern families rarely fit a simple template. Second marriages, stepchildren, and changing relationships are now the norm, not the exception. That makes estate planning more important…
Investor biases that cost you money, and how to fix them
Investing is not just about numbers, it is about behaviour. Markets move on data, but investors move on emotion. And those emotions can quietly erode your returns over time. You can…
20 questions to ask before you hire a financial adviser
Choosing a financial adviser is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Yet most people spend more time comparing restaurants than comparing advisers. A confident…
Restricted vs independent advisers, what’s the difference?
When you first meet a financial adviser, you might assume all advisers are the same. They all seem to offer similar services, often with reassuring words like “trusted,”…
What good financial advice costs, and what you should get for it
Money and trust go hand in hand, which is why the question “what does financial advice cost?” can feel awkward to ask. Yet it is one of the most important questions you can raise. In…
The cash-bucket strategy, calm withdrawals in any market
When you stop working, your focus shifts from building wealth to using it wisely. The challenge is simple to describe but hard to live with, how do you take a steady income from…
Check your State Pension forecast and fill gaps
The State Pension might not be glamorous, but it is one of the most valuable income sources in retirement. It provides a secure, inflation-linked income for life, which is hard to…
Capital gains basics, using allowances and wrappers efficiently
Capital gains tax, or CGT, sounds technical, but the concept is simple. When you sell an investment or asset for more than you paid, the profit is a capital gain. If it falls outside…
Service or sale? The difference between helping and harvesting
We use the word “service” too casually in financial advice. Most people assume their adviser is there to help. But often, the structure of the industry makes that impossible. Many…
Paying yourself, salary, dividends, and pension contributions for company directors
If you are a company director, you have more control than most over how you take income. That flexibility can be a powerful advantage, but it also makes things more complex. The…
Why comfort wins (until it doesn’t)
I recently asked a question on LinkedIn: Would you rather know the truth about how your money is managed, or stay comfortable believing the story you’ve been told? One reply stood…
SIPP consolidation checklist, move or keep separate
Over a long career, it is easy to collect a few different pensions. You might have one from each job, one from your own business, and perhaps a personal SIPP you opened yourself.…
Inflation is steady, but your cash isn’t.
Inflation held steady at 3.8% in September, according to the latest ONS figures. Food prices are rising more slowly, and headlines sound calm for once. But for anyone sitting on large…
The seven-year rule on gifts, a plain English guide
The seven-year rule is one of the simplest and most misunderstood inheritance tax rules in the UK. People talk about it as though everything magically disappears after seven years,…
Gifting vs trusts, choosing a route for family wealth
Passing on wealth to family is one of the most common financial goals, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume that setting up a trust automatically saves tax…
ISA vs pension, which should I fund first
When it comes to saving and investing, two of the most powerful tools you have are ISAs and pensions. Both give tax advantages, both can help you build wealth efficiently, and both…
Pension tax-free cash myths, what you can and cannot do
For many people, the most exciting part of retirement is the moment they can finally access their pension tax-free cash. It often feels like a reward for years of saving. But this…
Sequence of returns risk, how to protect your retirement income
When markets fall just after you retire, the damage can be greater than you expect. You might still have the same long-term average return, but the order in which returns happen, the…
Pension drawdown vs annuity: which fits your retirement plan
Choosing how to take an income from your pension is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Once you’ve finished saving, the question becomes how to turn your pension…
Should you apply for a transitional tax-free amount certificate?
(And why most people don’t know whether it even matters to them) When the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) was abolished in April 2024, it seemed like a relief. One less tax to worry about,…
How you can avoid overconfidence in Wealth Management
Decision-making plays a huge role in our daily lives, from choosing what to have for dinner to making important financial choices. Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist and Nobel laureate…
Second opinion: Want it? No. Need it? Yes.
Nobody really wants to be told they’re wrong. It’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even worse when it’s about something important, like your money. So when it comes to asking for a…
Can paying for a big family holiday help with IHT?
Inheritance tax (IHT) planning often brings up creative ideas, but here's an interesting one: Can paying for a big family holiday help with IHT? Typically, if you give family members…
Why divorce changes your will, and what to do about it
Divorce is one of life’s biggest resets. It reshapes your finances, family life and often how you see the future. But there is one area that most people forget to revisit, what…
I'm thinking of selling my business.
Selling your business and retiring to a sunny beach is the dream for many owners. But time and time again, I see business owners make the same avoidable mistakes when it comes to the…
AI economics, why agencies want Tillys, not Emilys
Why would a talent agency consider signing an AI actress like Tilly Norwood? The economics are clear. She’s cheap, compliant, and controllable. She doesn’t need rest, royalties, or…
Business Relief reform: The next scandal in waiting?
In recent weeks, there has been growing noise about the future of Business Relief (BR ) and how it applies to certain investment schemes, particularly unquoted Inheritance Tax (IHT)…
“In shaky times, investors should hold their nerve”...but should you?
I recently came across an article by a fund manager titled “In Shaky Times, Investors Should Hold Their Nerve. ” It is a phrase that often circulates in the investment world. It…
The "Authenticity Gap" — Tilly Norwood vs real human advice
Scroll through Tilly Norwood’s Instagram and you’d think she was the next breakout star. Glamorous headshots, comedy sketches, even a fake appearance on Graham Norton’s sofa. But she…
Do advisers invest the same way they recommend to clients?
You might assume that financial advisers invest their own money in exactly the same way they recommend to clients. In practice, many don’t, and that raises important questions about…
AI and redundancy — what Tilly Norwood means for wealth managers
Tilly Norwood looks like any other actress trying to break into Hollywood. But Tilly isn’t real. She’s an AI creation, and her arrival has rattled the acting world. Stars like Emily…
What’s the value of financial wellness vs. just investment advice?
Investment advice helps you pick funds and manage portfolios. Financial wellness goes further; it’s about clarity, confidence, and control over your whole financial life, not just the…
Trusting a brand vs trusting a person
We buy almost everything online now — from groceries and clothes to savings accounts and investment platforms. The internet has made everything easier, but it’s also made everything…
Is a £21 bottle of wine three times better than a £7 one?
If you buy a £7 bottle of wine, is a £21 bottle three times as good? Three times as tasty? It’s been said that: Expensive wines are enjoyed more by wine enthusiasts. Expensive wines…
What does “risk” really mean in investing?
In investing, “risk” isn’t just about losing money. It’s about the uncertainty of outcomes, the trade-off between risk and reward, and how much volatility you can realistically live…
Slow thinking saves fortunes
We all like to think we make rational financial decisions. But the truth? Most of us don’t. Daniel Kahneman, in his brilliant book Thinking, Fast and Slow, discovered that our brains…
Wine, art, cars, coins, watches, diamonds...
Perhaps the most traditional way to invest in real assets is to buy an investment property. Many investors feel comfortable with property because it’s something tangible. You can…
How do emotional biases influence investment decisions?
Emotions play a bigger role in investing than most people admit. Biases like fear, greed, and overconfidence can quietly steer decisions, often to the investor’s detriment.…
Who is the ideal client for a Wealth Manager?
If you ask a typical wealth manager who their ideal client is, the answer is simple: Someone who has £10 million, rents their home, invests every penny with them, and never asks too…
Investing in your children’s financial wisdom
We spend decades learning how to create wealth, but very few of us ever stop to ask whether our children are ready to inherit it. When families talk about succession planning, the…
What is financial coaching, and do I need a coach rather than a planner?
Financial coaching helps you change how you think and behave with money, while financial planning helps you structure and manage it. Both can be valuable, but they serve different…
Wealth management & the "Dead Horse" theory
In life, we all face moments when we are riding a dead horse. No matter how much effort we put in, the horse is not moving forward. Wealth management and investing are full of…
Why do wealthy families often get estate planning wrong?
Wealthy families usually have good intentions when it comes to estate planning, but many still get it wrong. The result? Higher taxes, unnecessary costs, and wealth that doesn’t end…
How can I plan my inheritance to minimise IHT legally?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK is charged at 40% on estates above the available allowances. With good planning, you can often reduce or even avoid unnecessary tax, but the key is to…
Can you prove your investments are really OK?
I often hear people say, “My investments are OK. ” It sounds reassuring, but it isn’t proof. If your investments were on trial tomorrow, and you had to stand in front of a judge and…
Do I need a Family Investment Company (FIC)?
An FIC is a private company, usually set up by parents, to hold family wealth (investments, property, or cash). Shares in the company are then given to children or held in trust,…
Feeling fine vs being fine — The illusion of OK
Investing is a lot like visiting the doctor. You might feel fine, but your doctor still insists on tests. Blood pressure, blood tests, scans. Why? Because “feeling fine” isn’t proof…
Warren Buffett’s $347 billion question: How much cash do you hold?
Warren Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway, is sitting on an eye-watering $347 billion in cash as of July 2025. That is not just a record for Berkshire, it is more than the combined…
The “Green Box” that saves your loved ones time, stress and headaches
Most of us don’t want to think about what happens after we’re gone. But here’s a simple exercise that gives your family clarity, reduces confusion, and spares them having to assemble…
What are the consequences of poor estate planning?
Poor estate planning doesn’t just cost money; it costs time, creates stress, and can even damage family relationships. The consequences range from unnecessary tax bills to outright…
When your financial adviser sells out: What it means for you
Imagine this: you’ve spent years building a relationship with your financial adviser. They know your family, your quirks, your fears, and your goals. Then one day, you get a letter or…
Is setting up a trust always a good idea?
Trusts can be powerful tools for estate planning, but they’re not a magic bullet. Many families set them up expecting big tax savings or simple solutions, only to discover costs,…
What are the hidden pitfalls of passing on unused pensions at death?
For years, pensions were seen as the most tax-efficient way to pass wealth to the next generation. But the rules are changing, and there are pitfalls many families overlook, from…
The 'Red Pill' or the 'Blue Pill'?
In our boardroom, there’s a picture that always sparks conversation: the red pill and the blue pill from The Matrix. The choice is simple. ~The blue pill is comfort, denial, and…
Should I transfer my pension into a trust?
With pensions set to fall into inheritance tax (IHT) from 2027, some families are asking whether they should move their pension into a trust. In most cases, the answer is no, because…
Why “Big” doesn’t mean “Safe” in wealth management
Visit any national wealth manager’s website and you’ll see the same kind of boasts: ~“We look after thousands of clients.” ~“We manage billions of pounds in assets.” ~“Join the many…
The 5 questions big wealth managers don’t want you to ask
Big wealth managers love to talk about how many clients they have, how many billions they look after, and how brilliant their track record is. What they don’t love is when clients ask…
What’s the best way to take tax-free cash from my pension?
In the UK, you can usually take up to 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum. The question isn’t just “how much can I take?” but “how should I take it?” because timing, tax…
When tax saving becomes too tempting
Imagine this conversation: Advisor: “We can help you save on taxes.” Footballer: “That sounds great, but are you sure it’s all legal and above board?” Advisor: “Don’t worry. Worst…
Why national wealth managers put themselves first.
When you go to the doctor, you don’t wander into a glossy national chain. You go to a local practice. Why? Because medicine isn’t about branding, it’s about trust. It’s about sitting…
How much pension should I leave to avoid estate tax surprises?
From 2027, pensions will come into the inheritance tax (IHT) net. For families with large pension pots, that raises a new question: how much is “safe” to leave behind before HMRC…
Don’t make life harder for your executors: The coming Inheritance Tax Changes
Inheritance tax is already one of the most complicated parts of our system. Now, from April 2026 onwards, draft changes mean your personal representatives (the executors of your will)…
How will the 2027 pension and inheritance tax changes affect me?
From April 2027, pension death benefits will be brought into the scope of inheritance tax (IHT). For many families, this changes the long-held view of pensions as a completely…
Curiosity: A powerful tool for financial wellness
Curiosity doesn’t get enough credit in the world of money. People talk about discipline, patience, even bravery when markets wobble. But curiosity? It’s rarely mentioned. Yet in my…
Retirement spending: Is 4.7% the new 4%?
For years, the “4% rule” has been the go-to idea in retirement planning. The rule of thumb was simple: take 4% of your pot in year one, adjust for inflation each year, and you should…
What makes a good wealth manager for high-net-worth families?
A good wealth manager for high-net-worth families isn’t just someone who manages investments. It’s someone who helps you make sense of your total wealth, your pensions, tax, estate,…
How does cost impact long-term investment returns?
In investing, cost isn’t just a line on a statement; it’s one of the biggest factors that determines how much money ends up in your pocket. Even small differences in fees compound…
How do I evaluate the performance of my investment portfolio objectively?
The true test of an investment portfolio isn’t whether it “ feels ” like it’s doing well; it’s whether it delivers, after costs and risk, against a clear benchmark. Evaluating…
What’s the difference between restricted and independent financial advice?
In the UK, an independent adviser can recommend solutions from the whole of the market. A restricted adviser cannot. Many of the big-name national firms are restricted, which limits…
The Mask of Wealth: Why appearances mislead in finance
Niccolò Machiavelli once observed: “ The common people are always seduced by appearance and success. ” It was true in Renaissance politics, and it’s just as true in modern finance.…
What should I consider when choosing a financial adviser in the UK?
When choosing a financial adviser in the UK, focus on independence, total fees, qualifications, investment philosophy, and relationship fit. Glossy branding doesn’t guarantee…
The hidden cost of Trusts and why a review could save your family a fortune.
When people set up a trust, it’s usually done with the best of intentions. Protect the family, save tax, pass wealth smoothly down the generations. All noble goals. But here’s the…
The pensions IHT rules are developing...
How should we rethink pension planning now that from April 6, 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in estate valuations for IHT? What’s changing From 2027,…
Why financial wellness isn’t about products – It’s about you
When most people hire a financial adviser, they imagine conversations about their goals, their family, and their future. They want someone who’ll listen, ask thoughtful questions, and…
The coming financial dystopia: When AI controls your wealth.
"Global Markets Crash as Rogue AI Trades Against Itself – Governments Powerless to Stop It” – Financial Times, 2032 It sounds like science fiction. But is it really? We’re being told…
Why wealthy families can’t afford to ignore tax planning anymore
We live in Shrewsbury. It’s not London or Monaco, but it’s a place where you meet a lot of sensible, successful families, people who’ve built businesses, employed others, and paid…
What wealthy families miss by using restricted advice
Most wealthy families don’t think they’re using “restricted” advice. After all, their adviser is well-spoken, seems trustworthy, and manages a lot of money. But here’s the…
What does your Will really say? Ask AI and find out
Most people don’t fully understand their wills. They sign what their solicitor puts in front of them, file it away, and hope it does what they intended. But wills are legal documents…
Here’s one for you to think about, write it down!
Writing down your thoughts and emotions can be highly therapeutic and beneficial for making sound financial decisions. Whether facing financial anxiety, planning for the future, or…
I have been thinking about cognitive dissonance
Do you really want to hear the truth? The old saying 'the truth hurts' exists for a reason. Our brains naturally resist information that threatens our self-esteem, challenges our…
Investing in Art: A Unique Way to Diversify Your Portfolio
When you think about investments, your mind probably goes to stocks, bonds, or real estate. But what if there’s a completely different type of investment that combines culture,…
I was asked, should I take 25% or 100% of my pension?
A real story from someone facing the toughest of questions. I was recently asked a heartbreaking but important question: "I have a terminal illness and I'm on palliative care—should I…
The 4% Rule – does it still work?
You’ve probably come across the 4% rule. It’s one of the most quoted “rules of thumb” in retirement planning. The idea is simple: you withdraw 4% of your retirement pot in the first…
Why would someone spend £200,000 a year on life assurance premiums?
At first glance, £200,000 in life insurance premiums might seem excessive, especially when it's more than many people earn in a year. But when the policyholder's net worth runs into…
Why every parent needs a Will: Lessons from Liam Payne’s estate
The tragic passing of former One Direction star Liam Payne at just 31 has shocked fans and highlighted a crucial aspect of financial wellness: the importance of having a will. Despite…
Getting elected versus governing. Be careful what you choose.
I have been thinking about election v governing. "Just because you have the talent to get elected, it doesn't mean you have the talent to govern." This quote resonates deeply with me,…
Are you thinking critically about the financial advice you receive?
Thomas Sowell once said, “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” This quote has stayed with me…
The horse and cart of wealth management: Why the future is coming faster than you think
In wealth management, we're often told that the industry is evolving. But let's be honest: it's more like trying to update a horse and cart rather than building something truly new.…
Giving while living: The power of giving during your lifetime
As we navigate through life, one question that many people wrestle with is how to pass on their wealth in a way that benefits others and leaves a lasting legacy. Traditionally, many…
Pensions and inheritance tax: is it really a concern?
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is often discussed in estate planning, especially when it comes to pensions. However, the reality for most people is that IHT on pensions is unlikely to be a…
Who does the CEO of a wealth management firm actually work for? (hint: it's not you)
Let’s ask a simple question: in the world of wealth management, what does the CEO of a national firm actually ' do ' for you, the investor? You’re paying fees. Often not small ones.…
Does it matter which financial adviser or wealth manager you use?
The short answer? Yes — and no. Let me explain. First, forget the labels: financial adviser, wealth manager, financial planner, relationship manager, private banker... The industry…
The End of the Non-Dom Era: What the New UK Tax Rules Mean for You
As of 6 April 2025, the UK's tax landscape has undergone a significant transformation, particularly affecting non-domiciled individuals ("non-doms"). The traditional domicile-based…
Do I need a second opinion?
If a doctor recommended major surgery, you'd probably want a second opinion to ensure it's the right decision. After all, the stakes are high, and it’s important to explore all…
Are there ISA changes coming?
There’s been a bit of noise recently about how the government might shake up the ISA system. If you’ve been dutifully tucking money away into your ISA each year and you’re now…
Does your fund manager really care about you?
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: "Does my fund manager actually care about me?" It’s an unsettling question, but one worth considering—especially when your future financial…
Why do Investors make poor decisions?
Peter Rutter left Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) last year to set up his own firm, Life Cycle Investment Partners. Fast forward to today, and the firm is managing more than…
Are your interests aligned with your wealth manager's?
Imagine going to your doctor for advice. Do you expect them to prescribe treatment based on what’s best for you, or do you wonder if they have a boss telling them to push certain…
How do I feel less anxious about retirement?
In today's unpredictable economic climate, it's natural to feel anxious about your financial well-being. However, there are proactive steps you can take to bolster your financial…
How can I invest like Peter Lynch?
Peter Lynch, renowned for growing Fidelity's Magellan Fund from $20 million to $14 billion over 13 years, attributed his success to straightforward investment principles. He…
The blind man and the elephant.
Here’s an old story that might sound familiar – the one about the blind men and the elephant. Let me tell you how it goes: One day, an elephant wandered into a village, and the people…
Ros Altmann warns of 'Disaster' in Inheritance Tax reform for pensions
Former Pensions Minister Baroness Ros Altmann has sharply criticised the government's plan to end inheritance tax (IHT) exemptions on unused pension pots, calling it a “disaster” for…
How soon will AI Agents manage individual investment portfolios?
By late 2025 or early 2026, it's likely that someone will create an AI capable of doing the work of national wealth managers (NWMs). In the future, all you'll need is a platform, and…
Why John is leaving his wealth manager.
John had been a client of St. James's Place for several years. Despite hearing the negative press surrounding the firm, he was content with his adviser and the service he received.…
Retirement income strategies for peace of mind.
Here's an overview of various strategies for managing retirement income. Here’s a brief summary of some of the key strategies: 1. Bucket Strategy: This involves dividing retirement…
How do I ensure my family do not waste their inheritance?
The saying "clogs to clogs in three generations" paints a stark picture: a family rises from humble beginnings and amasses great wealth through hard work, but by the third generation,…
Should I access my pension early?
Savers in the UK cashed out £52bn during the 2023/24 tax year, marking a 20% increase in pension withdrawals. With rising pressures from the cost of living and higher interest rates,…
When should I make a gift?
When it comes to tax-efficient gifting, many people overlook some of the simplest ways to save on inheritance tax (IHT). The Wealth Coach helps clients navigate these opportunities,…
How can I pay private school fees through my limited company?
If you’re a director or shareholder of a limited company, there’s a significant opportunity for you to discover strategies that could help minimise your tax liabilities. By optimising…
Why should I hire a financial planner?
You don’t need an ongoing financial planner, but almost everyone could benefit from having one. Why? Most people have areas of their finances they overlook. By working with a…
I am worried about my small pension pot?
Many people aren't aware that small pension pots could be eroding their savings more than they realise. A recent report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) highlighted that…
How can I save for my children?
There are two great options for clients looking to invest for their children: pensions for long-term growth and Junior ISAs for shorter to medium-term investments. Both offer distinct…
What action do I take if I need to retirement early?
While some dream of early retirement, not everyone chooses it. If you’ve been forced into an early retirement due to circumstances like health issues, redundancy, or company changes,…
I am confused about a Will and a Trust?
At The Wealth Coach , we believe that effective estate planning is essential to ensuring your assets are passed on according to your wishes. Two key tools in this process are a will…
Can I give my house to my children to avoid Inheritance Tax?
At The Wealth Coach , we understand that gifting your home to your children might seem like a simple way to avoid inheritance tax (IHT). However, the rules surrounding property…
Should I use a lawyer or will-writer?
In the UK, the will-writing industry remains unregulated, which has led to an increasing number of unqualified individuals offering cheap will-writing services. While it might seem…
What CGT savings can I make?
As the end of the tax year approaches, it's an important time to think about how you can make the most of your Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowance. This year, the allowance is reduced…
What is the benefit of salary sacrifice for my pension?
As the tax year-end approaches, many employees may be looking for ways to boost their pension savings while also taking advantage of available tax breaks. One such strategy that can…
Will a Family Investment Companies (FICs) help me?
When it comes to managing wealth and planning for future generations, family investment companies (FICs) have become a powerful tool, especially for high-net-worth (HNW) families. If…
When Will Bitcoin Crash?
Let me clarify upfront: I am not questioning Bitcoin's utility. I have no idea whether Bitcoin will eventually become the global currency or merely a speculative asset. Time will…
What happens if we are not married when one of us dies?
According to the Office for National Statistics, cohabiting but unmarried couples are now the fastest growing family type in the UK, making up around a quarter of couples living…
What's important for me to learn about personal finance?
Personal finance, investing, and taxes are often made more complicated than they need to be. My job is to simplify it and help people achieve their goals. Here are 10 key lessons I…
Do I need a Financial Adviser in Divorce?
Divorce is a significant life event that brings about not only emotional challenges but also complex financial considerations. Engaging a financial adviser or wealth manager during…
The Family Office Concept: Not Just for Billionaires
In 1882, ten years before John D. Rockefeller founded the University of Chicago, he established what is considered the first full-service single-family office in the United States. A…
Is Sustainable Investing right for me?
In today's world, many investors are looking to do more than just grow their wealth—they want to make a positive impact. That's where sustainable investing comes in, guided by…
Everything you want to know about investing….on an index card
The index card went viral in 2013. It's written by Harold Pollack, a Chicago University professor. He was interviewed and metaphorically mentioned, “that the best [financial] advice…
Can a cat make more money in the stock market than a professional investor?
The UK’s Observer newspaper ran a competition way back in 2012 to find out. It pitted the stock-picking abilities of Orlando, a ginger feline, against three experienced money managers…
"A day in the life of a wealth manager"
"If you have ever wondered how it feels to be a financial advisor or wealth manager...this about sums up my last 12 years." The following is an article from a US investment adviser.…
Tips for transitioning to retirement
1. Ease into Retirement Gradually Instead of stopping work abruptly, many people today gradually reduce their hours or switch to part-time roles. Before making a full transition,…
Understanding the 10-Year Charge on Trusts
When it comes to estate planning, one key thing to keep in mind is the 10-Year Charge on Trusts. If you’ve set up a trust, this charge, part of UK inheritance tax law, comes into play…
Should I Retire Early?
Deciding whether to retire early is a complex and highly personal decision, often influenced by a range of financial, lifestyle, and emotional factors. While the prospect of stepping…
A healthy person has a thousand wishes; a sick billionaire has one.
The True Meaning of Wealth: Health Over Money The quote, "A healthy person has a thousand wishes; a sick billionaire has one," poignantly captures the essence of human priorities and…
Zebras Everywhere… How Do You Invest £1 Million?
It’s a common scenario: You have £1 million to invest, and suddenly every Private Bank, Wealth Manager, Building Society, and IFA is vying for your attention, all eager to convince…
You’ve transferred your pension, so how do you make sure it’s a success?
John and Sarah recently sought advice regarding their pension fund. John had previously transferred his pension from a final salary scheme, with a transfer value of £850,000. The…
First learn not to drown, then how to swim. Learn why you invest before you do.
I was sitting by the swimming pool waiting for my swim advancement class and watched adults learning to swim for the first time. I could see their fear of the water. Whilst the…
Are offshore tax centres good or bad?
Back in 2019, the Cayman Islands, the notorious tax haven, promised to publish the identities of everyone who owns a company there by 2023. Of course, there are so many tax havens, if…
Why perspective is vital in your investment decisions
It's a statement made by Football boss Mauricio Pochettino. He is now one of the most highly-rated managers in world football. He says ” After games, my wife gives me a lot of advice…
“If I knew when I was going to die, then planning would be so much easier.”
In conversations with clients, I have heard many times the statement. If I knew when I was going to die, then planning would be easier. The purpose of this blog is to explore an…
Are you prepared to have your thinking about your financial decisions challenged?
99% of investors have no clear idea of their performance and the costs of investing money, even when they think they do. 1% are prepared to have their thinking challenged. What do we…
We help strengthen your Adaptive Competence
Knowing how to make good decisions requires you to develop your adaptive competencies. In essence, adaptive competence is vital to every financial decision you make. You are the…
What if HMRC decide to use AI to collect tax?
Have you ever wondered what could happen if HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) decided to use artificial intelligence (AI) to its advantage? Imagine if they could peek into…
How often should I review my will?
It's advisable to review your will at least every five years, preferably more often, even if you don't think any changes are necessary. Common Reasons to Change a Will: - You change…
Why do prospective clients ignore small firms?
Many people are attracted to big brands in various products because familiarity often outweighs the cost. This same belief that "bigger is better" is common in investing and financial…
When it comes to your wealth, you want:
It is important to understand any differences in services, simply so you can have clarity of the service you want. When it comes to your wealth, you want: Unbiased conversation. We…
When should parents gift assets to their children?
Losing a spouse is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and emotionally overwhelming experiences anyone can face. Amidst the grief and sadness, widows and widowers often find…
We help you think long term.
The evidence is clear. Most people find it challenging to think far into the future because they are limited by financial constraints, fear and other worries in life. In fact, its…
We think total wealth.
The wealth management industry predominantly centres its attention on equities and bonds investing. We focus on all your assets. Certainly, you may opt to allocate your funds into…
We challenge your thinking.
Passion for tennis often brings to mind legendary players like Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic. Have you ever wondered if they would have reached their pinnacle without each other's…
What is your legacy?
Accumulating assets is a commendable endeavour, but their true value transcends mere numbers on a balance sheet. To harness the full potential of your wealth, it's imperative to…
We help you embrace technology.
The world of wealth management has, for too long, operated in the shadows of technological progress. However, start-ups with fresh ideas begin to reshape the landscape. This…
Are all Financial Advisors the same?
As a consumer, it's confusing. There are wealth managers, private bankers, financial advisors, independent financial advisers, financial consultants, and financial planners...which…
Joseph Heller and Enough
I came across this lovely anecdote from a book by late Vanguard founder John Bogle. This was an exchange Bogle witnessed at a party given by a billionaire on Shelter Island in New…
Why do you think that the top wealth managers elect not to give you independent financial advice.
Why do you think that the top wealth managers elected not to give you independent financial advice? Why is it that Companies like St James Place, Brewin Dolphin, UBS, and Credit…
How do you get outperformance?
This is an advert by a wealth manager... "More than 80% of active funds don’t beat the market after fees. The reasons for this are many and include: - institutional pressures -…
Should I put assets into a trust?
Whether you should put assets into a trust depends on your specific circumstances, financial goals, and estate planning objectives. Trusts can be valuable tools for asset protection,…
A financial checklist for widows and widowers
Here is a list from a US firm...it is helpful wherever you are in the world. Losing a spouse is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and emotionally overwhelming experiences anyone…
How to help families stop falling out over inheritances
To help families avoid conflicts over inheritances, which can lead to emotional challenges and long-lasting rifts, consider the following tips: 1. Open Communication: Encourage…
As an investor, here is your dilemma of a stock market fall.
As an investor, here is your dilemma. You use a wealth manager or similar. You’ve known them for many years and have no reason to doubt them in any way. You have £1m invested. They…
What is your conflict with your wealth manager?
When you invest your money, you are looking for a positive return. In the majority of cases, you get a positive return. That's the way the markets work. Prior to investing your money,…
What is a digital estate plan and should you have one?
A digital estate plan is essential to ensure that your online accounts and digital assets are managed according to your wishes after your death or incapacity. Twenty years ago, this…
Your friend ripped you off, but you forgive them?
Sometimes, people we know and trust don't act as we hope. Do you forgive them? If you do, it's because they are your friend. But what if they weren't your friend? You might feel…
Are you curious, interested and open-minded about your money? If so you’ll love talk to us. If not try...
If you are interested in how you allocate your capital for your future and your family's future, you will naturally ask questions. You want to know more about how to invest your…
People make stupid investment decisions. It’s not because they are stupid. Just human.
from chat gp Title: People Make Stupid Investment Decisions. It’s Not Because They Are Stupid. Just Human. Introduction: In the world of investing, rationality often takes a back seat…
Do You Need a Financial Adviser for Your Pension?
Your pension is a marathon, not a sprint, and involves many decisions throughout your life. Why You Might Need Pension Advice Planning for retirement is complex. Getting advice from…
Helping grandchildren achieve a debt-free degree
With exam season over, more than 550,000 students are expected to start at UK universities in September. For many, this is an exciting chapter, but the thought of paying for it can…
Don’t retire.
The thing you’ve been looking forward to after decades of working? Yeah. Don’t do it. According to the mountain of research I pretend to understand while scrolling through my phone at…
How Loss Aversion Screws Up Your Golf Game
People fear losing more than they desire to win, a phenomenon known as loss aversion, first demonstrated by Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman. This concept, explored in Kahneman's book…
How Qualified Are Your Financial Advisers?
When it comes to investing your money, are you working with a Chartered Financial Adviser, a Certified Financial Planner, or a Chartered Financial Analyst? If you haven’t checked, now…
Are you a St James Place investor?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the recent buzz surrounding St James Place and the uncertainty it's causing? You're not alone! Many customers are grappling with the decision to…
I run a business, how can I extract profits tax efficiently?
For family business owners, keeping a large cash reserve in the business bank account might seem like a safe strategy. After all, it provides a cushion in case of emergencies and…
Is your wealth manager horrible, grumpy, sweaty and totally without humour and empathy?
How many wealth advisors, fund managers, and stockbrokers tell you you are stupid? That you don't know what you’re doing. How many are grumpy, bad-tempered, arrogant - in fact,…
How do you talk to your parents about your inheritance?
You know Mum and Dad seem not to have money worries. You presume when they die, you'll receive an inheritance. However, you don't know how much or when. Is this something you should…
A Wealth Of Information Creates A Poverty Of Attention
Herbert A. Simon puts it: `What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention, and…
10-Year Retirement Checklist: Preparing for a Happy Retirement"
You're on the cusp of retirement, having diligently saved throughout your working years. However, the demands of work and family life can easily distract you from proper retirement…
There was once a Brewin Dolphin investor who paid over 2.5% to manage their money…
It’s no joke. A recent article in the FT , explained the costs of wealth management fees. The analysis was carried out by Numis. The results are below. In our view, whilst the fees…
How do you manage your wealth manager?
Why should you manage your wealth manager? In fact, how do you manage your financial adviser, stockbroker, private banker, as well as your wealth manager? Have you ever purchased…
Are your investments 'faulty?"
I was reading recently about a faulty product that Which? suggested people should stop using it immediately following an investigation by the consumer watchdog. Rather worryingly,…
"It won’t happen to me, I am superman or superwoman"
Self-confidence when investing is important. Overconfidence is dangerous. It's knowing where the line is! Investors can often believe they are making the right decisions, but often…
Do you love your job? Do you love investing?
If you have a job, love it. We all know the benefits. The same principle applies to investing. Learn to love it. It means you need to take responsibility for your wealth. To be…
Protecting Yourself from Financial Scams: Stay Alert and Stay Secure
In today's digital world, financial scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting unsuspecting individuals and causing significant financial and emotional damage. Recognizing…
How do you move from a golf handicap of 25 to 10?
How do you move from a golf handicap of 25 to 10 or from 10 to 5 or 5 to scratch? The answer is help. Imagine going to a golf professional to help you improve your game and they tell…
There are no Michelin stars in the world of financial advice, financial planning or wealth management.
I am sure you know what a Michelin Star represents. One star: A very good restaurant in its category. Two stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour. Three stars: Exceptional cuisine,…
Charley Ellis: six nuggets of investment wisdom
Charley Ellis has been a voice of common sense in the world of investing for more than 50 years. His book, Winning the Loser’s Game, which explains why low-cost, buy-and-hold indexing…
You can't get fit by delegating exercise to someone else
Of course, it's stupid to think you could ever get fit by delegating the exercise to someone else to do for you. In your relationship with your money, do you delegate the decisions to…
West Ham’s owner Mr David Gold dies intestate
Edwin Coe LLP latest blog post discusses intestacy . You can read the blog here. In summary, the West Ham owner died intestate. Is that a problem? It means the distribution of his…
Coutts is in the news. Again. Should you be a client?
According to the BBC, Nigel Farage has launched a fresh attack over Coutts Bank's decision to close his account. The bank, owned by NatWest, says customers must borrow or invest £1m…
You’ve made your will. You can now rest assured should anything happen to you, everything is sorted.
You know of course your will can be challenged. Why is it that 3 in 4 people are likely to experience a will, inheritance, or probate dispute? That means beneficiaries are not happy.…
'A human really has to take the responsibility' Steve Wozniak
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could make scams and misinformation harder to spot. Mr Wozniak says he fears the technology will be…
This is why it's so confusing for consumers to choose a wealth manager.
Take a look at "Find a wealth manager website." Here's what they say " So how do you know which company is right for you? And then how do you find the professional best suited to…
Who do you ask for a second opinion?
"Check everything, make sure the people advising you are regulated," Bellamy added. "If they are not regulated, it's the wild west. Get your stuff audited by independent people, the…
As a private investor, you need to become your own CEO. Are you up for the job?
As a private investor, you need to become your own CEO. Are you up for the job? The job of a CEO is asset allocation. You want to employ intelligent capital allocation, yet there are…
Healthspan v Lifespan and Money
"Modern medicine has increased life expectancy – over the past 100 years the global life expectancy has more than doubled. But, this has not necessarily been accompanied by an…
Nullius in verba "take nobody's word for it"
The fund manager says we made 20% last year. Nullius in verba The advisers say, don't worry, you'll be fine. Nullius in verba Of course, individually we do not have the time, energy,…
Gold was never an "investment".
The title is a comment made by an FT reader here . Gold was never an "investment". It has always simply been an insurance policy against such unlikely events as major wars, galloping…
If you invest with Schroders, Brewin, Coutts, UBS or any of the national wealth managers, as an investor, does the boss know you exist?
If you invest with Schroders, Brewin, Coutts, UBS or any of the national wealth managers, as an investor, does the boss know you exist? Of course not! Seth Godin uses this analogy “…
The credit Suisse debacle rumbles on...
"The wipeout of $17bn of Credit Suisse bonds has sparked panic among rich Asian investors who had loaded up on the risky bank debt. Under the terms of the UBS takeover of Credit…
Should you be concerned about going direct to national wealth managers and banks?
I recently discussed the problems of Credit Suisse and Silicon Valley Bank. A few months ago these banks were selling their wealth management services to new customers. Potential…
Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse...Both were selling Wealth Management services!
Here are 2 banks in the news. Both offered wealth management advice. They attracted customers to their services but failed as institutions. This is what SVB says "Your complex…
The Lifetime Allowance has been abolished...or maybe not!
You know the news about the Lifetime Allowance. You may also know Labour will reverse it. It's a game of political tennis. That creates uncertainty. It feels like you get good news…
What has open science to do with allocating your capital?
If you get a chance to listen to Stuart Ritchie talking to Helen Lewis on The Spark, BBC Radio 4 ... it's only 30 mins. Stuart has written a book called Science Fictions . The focus…
A promise of inheritance has been withdrawn. Can I claim against my parents?
"My parents own a farm at which I worked for decades for low wages on the understanding that I would ultimately inherit it and be able to run it as a viable business. Even though…
Are you an AIM investor?
At the time of writing, tax breaks for UK investors willing to buy risky assets have come under scrutiny ahead of the Budget after finance experts called for the government to…
Your restricted adviser is unable to review existing products that you may already have in place.
According to the FCA : A restricted adviser or firm can only recommend certain products, product providers, or both. The adviser or firm must clearly explain the nature of the…
Markets are mainly driven by narcissists, charlatans, consultants, snake oil salesmen tarot card readers and...
"Markets are mainly driven by narcissists, charlatans, consultants, snake oil salesmen tarot card readers and other self-proclaimed evangelists and gurus who believe they are blessed…
You made your will; you can relax and get on with your life. Wrong.
Making a Will is important but it is not the end of the process it is actually the start. If you make your Will today, hopefully, you are not going to die today. Your plan is to push…
If there was a pill you could take that made your investments a success, would you take it?
It is hard going to the gym. Every time you go, it's an effort. You get tired and probably ache afterwards. Yet you do it because of the outcomes. It seems crazy to think of a magic…
65 per cent of investors frequently make investment decisions based on emotions. That's costly!
According to Oxford Risk, a behavioural finance firm, after questioning 150 wealth managers, revealed 65 per cent of investors frequently make investment decisions based on emotions.…
Are St James Place independent?
I recently met a salesperson from St James Place. (Yes, they are salespeople.) I asked if they were independent. They said, "Yes, we are independently owned. How can we help."…
My dentist charged me £60 for nothing
I sat in the chair, he checked my teeth and then charged me £60. I was in and out within minutes. I am not complaining about the service. Just fascinated by perspective. The dentist…
How pathetic are UK fund managers?
Terry Smith has been in the news recently. Firstly, the news that he was paid £36m for one year and secondly, he blames central banks for his fund's poor performance . In the melee of…
What is the difference between Fidelity, Jupiter, Artemis, Henderson, Rathbone, Schroders blah blah...
As an investor, can you explain, as Einstien once said, to a 6-year-old, what is the difference between all these companies? Fidelity, Jupiter, Artemis, Henderson, Rathbone,…
Why We Need Independent Board Members
According to the IESE Business School "A CEO with too much power and too little supervision by the board of directors can put a company in danger, as recent financial scandals attest.…
Divorced?
You are divorced. Making the right decisions is crucial to maximising and preserving your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with robust resources to provide financial planning…
Making good financial decisions relies on basics
Investment costs. They are always more than you think they are. Simple arithmetic shows that the more you pay, the less you get. Wealth coaching helps you have a clearer picture of…
Retired or Thinking About Your Retirement.
You are retired or in the process of planning for your retirement. Making the right decisions is crucial to maximising and preserving your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with…
Everything you want to know about investing....on an index card
Here's the index card below. It went viral in 2013. Its written by Harold Pollack, a Chicago University professor. He was interviewed and metaphorically mentioned, "that the best…
"The products and services offered depend on the domicile of the client and the legal entity of Julius Baer."
Julius Baer is a global wealth manager. There are many similar firms that operate throughout the UK and internationally. They all have similar websites and say broadly the same…
What’s the Difference Between Estate Planning and Wills?
If you google 'estate planning', you'll get various answers. According to Investopedia " Estate planning involves determining how an individual’s assets will be preserved, managed,…
Wine, Art, Cars, Coins, Watches, Diamonds...
Perhaps the most traditional way of investing into real assets is to buy an investment property. Often investors feel comfortable buying property as its something they can understand.…
Investigation opened after Usain Bolt spots 'discrepancies' in investments
How does this impact you? I’ll explain below, however, this is what the BBC reported. “A company which looks after Usain Bolt's investments is under investigation after reports he may…
Norway fund chief warns at Davos of ‘very, very low’ returns for stocks.
Norway fund chief warns at Davos of ‘very, very low’ returns for stocks as reported in the FT . It is a time for some logic. The average wealth manager charges around 2% per annum…
Beyond the 4% Rule: How Much Can You Spend in Retirement?
"One frequently used rule of thumb for retirement spending is known as the 4% rule. It's relatively simple: You add up all of your investments, and withdraw 4% of that total during…
Advice plans under scrutiny after Peter Hargreaves’s criticism
Peter Hargreaves’s attack this week on Hargreaves Lansdown, ( reported in the FT) the funds supermarket he co-founded, has not only raised awkward questions about the company’s…
Elizabeth Holmes Gets 11 Years in Prison. A warning for all investors...due diligence
“She pushed the envelope a little too far,” says Anat Alon-Beck, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University. “You fake it ’til you make it, but it was too much ‘fake.’” In…
How to outperform the market by François Rochon
Over the last 30 years, he returned more than 6.000% to shareholders (15.7% per year). Have you heard of him? No, I thought not. Here is his investment philosophy. François Rochon is…
Most millionaires invest in the stock market..
"Most millionaires invest in the stock market. But they don’t teach you how to build a successful portfolio in school. So let me show you how:" This was a headline from twitter. The…
"Show me the incentives and I will show you the outcome"
This famous quote from Charlie Munger gets straight to the point regarding the behaviour of individuals (and companies), and as vice-chairman of the hugely successful US investment…
Hands up...pick me, pick me.
There are thousands upon thousands of wealth managers in the marketplace. They say to investors " Pick me, pick me. (well, they don't really say that), We are the best ones to manage…
The more we pay, the more we appreciate it
Have you ever heard of the endowment effect? It is the finding that people are more likely to retain an object they own than acquire that same object when they do not own it. "One of…
The trouble with intuition
A key insight that you can apply to your own decision making: resist “premature intuition” – the feeling you “know” something even if you are not sure why you know. In some cases,…
Do you write down your financial decisions?
It clears your mind and readies it for decision-making. It clarifies underlying emotions. It gives you a record of your development. You gain a sense of fulfillment. It helps you to…
Any fool can know. The point is to understand.
If you are over 50 you can talk to Pension Wise. It's a government initiative. It offers Free and impartial government guidance about your defined contribution pension options. I have…
Save tax by “buy, borrow, die” strategy,
What is a “buy, borrow, die” strategy? Under the “buy, borrow, die” strategy, a government may never get to tax the capital gains on an asset. Wealthy individuals, during their…
Do you use a wealth manager?
You use a wealth manager or you are thinking of using a wealth manager. If so, why? It doesn’t matter which wealth management firm you choose, but if you were asked to articulate why,…
Pre-Mortem of Investment Portfolio
In Michael Mauboussin’s book, Think Twice: Harnessing the Power of Counterintuition, there’s a great passage on how investors can make better investment decisions using what he terms…
Are investment second opinions worth it?
If you use wealth manager A Ltd to look after your money, is a second opinion from wealth manager B worth it? The answer is...NO It is in the interests of wealth manager B to persuade…
Does your wealth manager act in your best interests?
“You’re either guilty or you’re not” You can’t be a little pregnant… you either are or you are not” Black and white. You either act in a client's best interest or you don't. If…
A summary of the consequences of not measuring performance.
Stacy Barr is a performance measurement specialist. She lists in a blog some answers from her readers. Here is a list. They are not specific to investment management, it is a matter…
On bullshit in investing
"The investing industry is ridden with bullshit. The most common and insidious form is over-optimism: offers of tantalizing risk/reward that defy any notion of reality, often based on…
Why do companies have independent boards?
The CFA Institute Viewpoint is ..."Company boards should have an independent majority. An independent majority on the board is more likely to consider the best interests of…
The biggest challenge of retirement
In an article by George Jerjian he discusses 'Retirement'. "Retirement means different things to different people. I did a deep survey of more than 15,000 retirees over the age of 60,…
"How a Japanese concept saved me from a depressing retirement"
The Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which translates to “your reason for being. The Westernized version of this concept is based on the idea that there are four components a person must…
The Psychology of Decision-Making
There are numerous psychological factors that influence financial decision-making. One of the most prominent is the fight between the current self versus the future self. Here's a…
When you speak to a financial adviser or wealth manager, what do they want from you?
Your money. They want to tell you how they are great at looking after your money. That their firm is the right company to look after and manage your money. In fact, it's what you…
If someone wants to improve their net worth by 50%, improve your communication.
Warren Buffet famously said that if someone wants to improve their net worth by 50%, improve their communication. Here are some words from Brian Morgan. It's from a Linkedin post here…
I like the cool website for my ISAs
It was a statement that came out of a conversation. The reason for using a particular ISA provider was based on the user experience of the website platform. It was not to do with…
It takes curiosity to learn. It takes courage to unlearn.
It takes curiosity to learn. It takes courage to unlearn. Learning requires the humility to admit what you don't know today. Unlearning requires the integrity to admit that you were…
Why do investment firms tell you what are their 'bestselling' funds?
You know the story. Here's our 'XYZ" fund. It's performing great. Everyone is buying it. It's a story about why you are not buying it. If everyone else is buying, are you not afraid…
Ask to see your fund managers managed funds before you employ them.
Most investment groups have a whole range of funds you can choose between. It's great marketing. You have so much choice. Every fund management group plays the same game. It means…
Adviser or salesman?
"The key takeaway, then, is to look for a firm that has your best interests at heart. In short, you need an adviser, not a product salesman. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult…
Is your investment adviser firing on all cylinders?
"You wouldn't expect to buy a new car without first taking it for a test drive. Likewise, any car owner knows that they'll get the best from their vehicle if they service it regularly…
It's a story about Gordon....
This is a story from Paul Armson. Whilst Paul is marketing his services, the point of the story illustrates how more people are starting to question the services of advisers or…
Personalised Investing ‘Coming at Us Like a Freight Train’
In the US, Charles Schwab CEO Walt Bettinger said" Personalized investing is coming at all of us like a freight train,” At the Schwab Impact conference, he told viewers: “The idea…
Financial Planner is Like An Architect
Architects design and build real houses. Similarly, financial planners design and build your financial house. Job Description Architect: “I work on new buildings in the regeneration…
Why families need to talk about family wealth, otherwise poor decisions can be made.
I want to copy a reader's comments to an article in the FT . The article discusses massive problems with the wealth management industry. "When my father in law died, my mother in law…
Is your financial adviser like Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street?
If you have ever watched the film with Leonardo de Capri playing the lead role based on the story of Jordan Belfort. In the film, the last person you would want to deal with would be…
Top 10 ways to make better decisions
Most of us are ignorant of the mental processes that lie behind our decisions, but this has become a hot topic for investigation, and luckily what psychologists and neurobiologists…
Do you get fit if someone else exercises for you?
What? That doesn't make sense whatsoever. The only way to get fit and healthy is to do it yourself. Delegation of fitness never works. Yet thousands of investors delegate their…
The 1 Percent Rule: Why a Few People Get Most of the Rewards
"Sometime in the late 1800s—nobody is quite sure exactly when—a man named Vilfredo Pareto was fussing about in his garden when he made a small but interesting discovery. Pareto…
You are the only one you can rely on to save yourself when investing
"Doctors won’t make you healthy. Nutritionists won’t make you slim. Teachers won’t make you smart. Gurus won’t make you calm. Mentors won’t make you rich. Trainers won’t make you fit.…
Every day you think about what healthy food to eat. Every day you exercise. Why?
It’s okay to eat takeaway food, the unhealthy kind because it’s just one day. It’s also okay not to do exercise, even if it’s a walk today because it’s just one day. Most people…
If common sense was common, then most people wouldn't make the kinds of decisions they do every day.
Common sense is neither common nor sense. There's not a whole of sound judgment going on these days (though whether it is worse than in the past, I can't be sure), so it's not common.…
What would happen if wealth managers told the truth.
If there are thousands of wealth managers, then some would be at the top of the performance table, and some would be at to bottom. Logic, obviously. How would you react if your wealth…
Do you buy a holiday home?
If you have the available capital, do you buy a holiday home? Do you upgrade your existing holiday home? Do you let out the property? Are you buying a holiday home for pleasure or…
Are your fund managers charging performance fees?
I understand the sales angle. "You buy into our fund and if we perform then we win along with you. It's what we call a win-win." It seems a perfectly reasonable way of investing. It…
Are you investing into Private Equity?
According to Preqin Assets under management, will surge to more than $17tn by 2025. They expect AUM growth in alternative assets to average 9.8% per year to 2025. Persistently…
My son recently had the opportunity of baking cakes
My son recently had the opportunity to bake cakes at school for the very first time. They were dreadful! What would happen if you got to bake cakes and no one tasted of them? Year…
Has this happened to your investments?
Your wealth manager, financial adviser, stockbroker, private bank, and investment manager each year, each quarter or each month come to you with new investment opportunities. The new…
Don’t compromise on financial advice.
We are the best people to talk to about helping you make the best financial decisions. Yes, you would expect us to say that. Equally, if you have the time and patience, and asked 1000…
You don’t get a tape measure to monitor your investments.
“An adult's waist should be less than half their height to reduce health risks, health body NICE recommends.” According to the BBC , If you're 175cm (5ft 9 inches) tall, for example,…
Does using a private bank like Coutts make you feel good?
According to the bank, Coutts said it added 2,000 clients during 2021, delivering a £3bn increase in assets under management. Other than the sales pitch, "We are The Queen's banker",…
I watched a video presentation from a finance professional about trusts...
They were advocating gifting money through a trust prior to transferring assets to their daughter. So, rather than gifting assets to their daughter as an outright gift, instead, the…
What is Kingsbridge Asset Management and how did its empire come crashing down?
In 2018 the Daily Mail wrote "Once held in high esteem, Kingsbridge Asset Management was at the heart of football and other sports for more than 20 years. Two key advisors, Kevin…
"We outperform, so paying more to get more works."
In the investment world, I've heard the argument so many times, 'we outperform', so paying more to get more works.' And the words "You get what you pay for" are often touted. Patrick…
Perceived Risk vs. Real Risk: A Key to Successful Value Investing
Value investing involves searching for investments where the perceived risk is greater than the real or actual investment risk. All investments have a certain amount of real risk that…
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime
You know what the story is about. Think about your net worth; your money; your investments. If you take control of your money, it can last you a lifetime.
How we fool ourselves.
"Homines quod volunt credunt." Its a quote by Julius Ceasar. It means, "Men believe what they want to." It is striking that this was said over 2000 years ago. So have we taken on…
As a St James’s Place investor with less than £100,000 we think you’ll probably get good value but...
If you have more than £100,000 with St James Place, it's time to review your decision. There is numerous evidence that explains the costs and performance issues at SJP. You can read…
Half of UK adults need ‘urgent help’ managing their money
It says half. 1 in 2. 50%. However you write it, it is rather daunting to acknowledge. That's 1 in 2 who need help. 1 in 2 that have recognised they need help. According to the FT ,…
Cryptoassets..Regulation.
Before you invest in cryptoassets you should be aware of the following: cryptoassets are considered very high risk, speculative investments if you buy these types of cryptoassets, you…
Deutsche Bank in money laundering investigation
Many people employ banks to manage their investment assets. To be fair, the banks have superb marketing. Take a look . They are good at persuading customers to let them manage…
Crypto’s evolution adds new risks. Are your eyes wide open?
As reported in the FT , "Crypto’s critics see this development as yet more evidence of a bubble that is bound to burst. Fabio Panetta, member of the executive board of the European…
UK retail investors have rushed to withdraw money from investment funds
According to the FT "UK retail investors have rushed to withdraw money from investment funds this year, with net outflows in the first three months hitting £7.1bn, the highest level…
I have been a Mercedes owner for a number of years...
I have been a Mercedes owner for a number of years. Let’s imagine that you purchased a new Mercedes for £50,000. Would you purchase the same car for £150,000. It actually seems…
“You drown not by falling into a river, but by staying submerged in it.” Paulo Coelho
It's OK to make investment mistakes providing you know they are mistakes. Understanding why the mistake was made and learning from that experience clearly helps in your next decision.…
Make your Pension work for you.
How do you make sure your pension is right for you? Are you looking for an expert with robust resources to provide Specialist Pension Advice for you and your family? Schedule a call…
Helping you towards your goals
Making the right decisions is crucial to growing, preserving, and passing on your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with robust resources to provide Wealth Management Advice for…
DIY or delegate
You have invested your time and effort into understanding your financial problem. The next decision is whether you fix it yourself or delegate it to someone else. In the world of…
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”
This is a famous quote by Abraham Maslow which refers to a concept commonly known as the ‘law of instrument’ or Maslow’s Hammer. It refers to an over-reliance on a familiar or…
Challenge your thinking
In the world of wealth management, when you meet an adviser, you will have certain expectations. How they dress, talk, look, smell…what language they use. In fact, they will present…
Why conversations are important.
When you talk to a financial adviser, wealth manager, private banker, stockbroker, or other advisers, in most cases they will make you feel important, but you'll also gain knowledge.…
It's not "Are you independent?" but "Why are you independent?"
Imagine you approach a national wealth manager. The odds are they are not independent. Thousands of investors don't seem to care about independence. Why is that? These firms explain…
Get help navigating complex inheritance tax rules and pass on your estate in a tax-efficient way.
Making the right decisions is crucial to maximising and preserving your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with robust resources to provide Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning…
Executives Are Quitting to Spend Time With Family
It is the title of an article from the New York Times. "At the highest levels of corporate America, top executives are reassessing the role of work in their lives, stepping back and…
Ricky Gervais on the price of milk
Ricky Gervais - "The next time a journalist asks me how much a pint of milk is worth, I'll give them a grand and say "run and get me one". If you are used to filling up your car with…
Do you want to be told what you want to hear?
You approach a wealth manager, but you find they are too condescending. They are more interested in themselves than you? It's like you are not good enough? What do you do? No matter…
You only have to get rich once as they say...
"Druck is the greatest money manager of all time, I believe. Compounding at 30% for over 30 years is in itself remarkable..doing it in size, managing billions is what makes it truly…
UK inflation picks up to highest rate since 1992
According to Valentina Romei of the FT , "UK inflation has accelerated to the highest rate in 30 years, squeezing living standards and putting pressure on the Bank of England to raise…
What is contrarian investing?
Barclays explain the following... "Market volatility understandably spooks some investors. For such individuals, the thought of staying in the market when there are significant…
Surge in underperforming funds on ‘Spot the Dog’ list
According to Joshua Oliver of the FT , "The amount of UK savers’ cash languishing in underperforming funds has jumped to more than £45bn, according to a report by Bestinvest, which…
Why it pays to regret investments
Regret. Generally, it's looked at as something bad. You made a decision, now you regret it. "How I wish I had not done it that way." Eric Barker has written a newsletter about regret…
Ronaldo or Messi?
Is your investment manager the equivalent of Ronaldo or Messi? It’s a story about expectations. Your fund manager goes into business because they want to become in investment terms…
"Let's buy private equity to generate returns"
If you are not getting the returns you expect, do you move into different forms of assets...perhaps private equity? Michael Mackenzie writes in the FT that capital may look to private…
What has alcohol to do with investing?
I enjoy a drink of alcohol. Various studies explain what may or may not be good for you. But we all know how much is too much alcohol, however, our definitions of what is too much may…
Can you afford to retire?
If you have investment assets and pension funds designed to generate income in retirement, the traditional route for income is bond funds. But if bond yields are low, will you be able…
How does your fund manager make decisions with your money?
I listened to a fascinating webinar to explain outperformance by fund managers. The key focus described was 'conviction'. In other words, fund managers use conviction in the decisions…
When do you find out you made a mistake with your investments?
If you knew a mistake had been made today, you would change it today. Obvious. But if you've not changed your investment today, you have no reason to believe you've made a mistake. So…
You have seen the adverts, "If you have £500,000, we'll give you 99 retirement tips."
What do these product providers want? They want you to have a minimum of £500,000 that they can invest in your retirement. Is that what you want? Yes we all know it's important to…
Can you believe investment performance graphs?
I happened to look at a journalistic website called money to the masses . It talked about how to invest £100,000. It also was nudging people to buy a portfolio they had designed. It…
There is a chance of a seismic change for wealth management.
"I was recommended to a large wealth management firm in London. They are well known and have beautiful offices in the City. We moved our entire portfolio to them in 2014. Late in 2019…
"Investing should be more like watching paint dry"
"Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas." - Paul Samuelson Paul Samuelson was an American…
Is your portfolio working for you or your Wealth Manager?
It may sound strange to ask the question, who is your portfolio working for? In an ideal world, the answer should be balanced. That doesn't mean say 50/50. It means balanced with…
You don’t invest to lose money.
When you invest your money, you don't intentionally do so knowing you will lose money. You may accept you could lose your money, but only some, not all. Your intention is to accept…
Do you want to be told what you want to hear about your money?
Whenever you ask anyone for help with your money, do you want to be told what you want to hear? If you think about the question, you'll probably say NO, I'd rather be told the truth.…
Hold cash, think, then invest
If you have just retired, sold your business, won the lottery, inherited money, just divorced, the investment industry wants you to invest now. Why? It's in their best interests. If…
The Science of Thinking Out Loud
On one hand, anyone who’s given a presentation or struggled through a math problem knows the benefits of vocally pumping themselves up in the bathroom mirror, or cursing their way…
Pension savers risk being bamboozled by choice
The headline, Australian pension savers risk being bamboozled by choice, says regulator, comes from the FT. In the article, this point was made “We are troubled by the proliferation…
Money managers and investment advisors will say fees are “only 1%.”
Charles Ellis wrote a book on investing called "Winning the losers game" . The great takeaway from the book is the tennis analogy. Charles explains that in amateur tennis, the one who…
How many of your parents are in this situation?
"How many of them have been paying 1% to their friendly advisor for 30 years, never realizing how much it’s actually costing them? If they have an advisor, call them (your parents)…
4 Reasons Investors Should Worry About Market Volatility
Peter Lazaroff writes in his blog 4 Reasons Investors Should Worry About Market Volatility. He says, Volatility is normal, but you should be more concerned if any of these things…
Retired or Thinking About Your Retirement.
You are retired or in the process of planning for your retirement. Making the right decisions is crucial to maximising and preserving your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with…
13 Decision Making Techniques and Tools for Business
In life, we make decisions every day. And in the context of running a business, decision-making gets even more serious in nature, as the resulting outcome would affect a whole…
Client who has been paying an adviser over $20,000 per year in AUM fees for a $2M trust
"Another day, another client who has been paying an adviser over $20,000 per year in AUM fees for a $2M trust that holds 83 different mutual funds and ETFs. I use the term “adviser”…
Why Writing Letters to Your Kids Is the Best Gift You Can Give Them as Adults
Jim O’Shaughnessy is a Wall Street legend and the founder, chairman, and chief investment officer of O’Shaughnessy Asset Management, which has $6.2 billion in assets under management.…
Why is a MOT a legal requirement?
Why do cars need MOT? The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. You must get an MOT for your vehicle by either: the third anniversary of its…
Two-thirds of children fire their parents’ financial adviser after they receive an inheritance
"Research by US publication Investment News suggests around two-thirds of children fire their parents’ financial adviser after they receive an inheritance" If 2/3rds will sack their…
Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
Have you ever heard of David Goggins? Goggins is the only member of the US Armed Forces to complete SEAL training, US Army Ranger School, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller…
Higher yielding assets tend to increase drawdown risk
In a world where yields from investments are low, there is a challenge to retirees to capture investments that generate higher levels of yield to meet their goals for expenditure. In…
How NFTs Are Set to Disrupt the Music Industry
NFTs (or Non-Fungible Tokens) are ushering in the next era of internet creative commerce and they offer the potential to shift the current trajectory of today’s music industry. But…
Avoiding Stupidity is Easier than Seeking Brilliance
"We often focus on trying to be brilliant, yet many great people get far more mileage out of avoiding making stupid mistakes. Amateurs win the game when their opponent loses points,…
Helping you towards your goals
Making the right decisions is crucial to growing, preserving, and passing on your wealth. Are you looking for an expert with robust resources to provide Wealth Management Advice for…
How do you cut your golf handicap or improve your tennis?
The answer is you hire a coach. Yes, it's obvious...but any coach? So you want to cut your golf handicap. You hire a coach and you talk through ideas and then the coach suggests, it's…
Roughly ⅔ of today’s students will end up doing work that hasn’t been invented yet.
This was a tweet by Ana Lorena Fabrega @anafabrega11 . "Roughly ⅔ of today’s students will end up doing work that hasn’t been invented yet *what* we teach kids is less important than…
The sticking plaster analogy.
You go to the doctor for help. You explain your situation and you end up with a sticking plaster. The doctor says, "By the way, this is a great sticking plaster". You go back again…
What is 'investor inertia' and how it can waste your wealth
Investor inertia or the condition where investors are comfortable doing nothing is a well-documented phenomenon. Investors worry about making the wrong decision or just being too…
What is special about the number 25.8069758?
If the number 666 is considered evil, is 25.8069758 the root of all evil? Of course, it's fun. Especially when money is said to be the root of all evil...
8 out of 10 St. James's Place funds have consistently underperformed
Yodelar's St James Place review of 2021 says: Poor Performance and high costs from St James's Place 8 out of 10 SJP funds have consistently underperformed. Over 50% of SJP funds rank…
Is your investment portfolio bespoke to you?
You go to a Wealth Manager or Stockbroker or Fund Manager and request a bespoke portfolio. To you that means, building an investment portfolio unique to you. Now imagine 10 different…
How to Find Actively Managed Funds That Outperform
The title is from an interview between Susan Dziubinski and Ben Johnson of Morningstar. "The other all-important sort, too, that is important to understand is the fee sort. What we…
The zero-sum game theory
The zero-sum game theory states that, at any given time, the market consists of the cumulative holdings of all investors, and that the aggregate market return is equal to the…
Do you have a trust?
Why? If you ask a lawyer or accountant to help you with a trust, they may suggest being trustees and providing annual accounts and tax returns. That’s good for them. If you employ a…
Investors; yes dear reader…that’s you – are supporting an investment model that is broken? It is time for a change.
Former AllianceBernstein chief on why fund management model is broken. Peter Kraus, once a highly paid Wall Street executive, says performance not scale must be industry’s focus.…
Discretionary trusts and the increased dividend tax rate
The Government’s package of measures to help fund social care reform may have a knock on effect for trustees. With the rate of tax on dividend income set to increase by 1.25%, it…
What's your risk capacity?
When you first meet with a financial advisor, they will ask you some questions about your risk tolerance. They will want to understand how comfortable you would be with market…
The mega crash is coming…..
A HUGE mega-market crash is fast approaching and people need to act now to avoid inevitable economic disaster, says Robert Kiyosaki , the best-selling author of Rich Dad Poor Dad,…
You need 3 good financial decisions a year.
To make good decisions, Jeff Bezos emulates fellow billionaire Warren Buffet’s decision-making philosophy: “Warren Buffet says he’s good if he makes three good decisions a year, and I…
Do you care what you eat?
We all recognise that the food we eat will impact our long-term health. The evidence is clear, eating processed food, like Burgers all the time is clearly unhealthy. You don’t eat a…
Is this investment strategy fantastic?
Claer Barrett from the FT talked about the latest Retirement Survey from Interactive Investor. If you are interested, here is the link . This is a reader's view of how to invest.…
Do Not Hide Unwanted Things In The Fog
Things get lost in the fog. The title is from Jordan Peterson. Rule 3: Do Not Hide Unwanted Things in the Fog Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life Hiding things under fog leads to an…
Can you identify fake investments?
This is a video from The Economist . It discusses Fake information and Deepfakes. It is going to be harder to know what is or is not real. It makes the job of trusting harder. If you…
Mastery comes from immersion
"I spent most of my childhood struggling to learn Spanish at school. Then I went to Spain, spoke nothing but Spanish for 30 days, and came back almost fluent. For almost any subject,…
Worldly wisdom teaches that it is better for reputation to fail conventionally than to succeed unconventionally.
It's a quote from Keynes. Keynes thought that professional money managers were playing an intricate guessing game. He likened it to a common newspaper game, ". . . in which the…
All businesses eventually die.
A wonderful nugget of investing wisdom from Buffett and Munger's recent CNBC interview: "All businesses eventually die. The essence of investing is to buy businesses that give us back…
"I left Coutts"
It's a statement made by a client. The question is why? There was no need for borrowing. Instead, Coutts managed assets under a wealth management service using their own propriety…
Ivy endowments should have the investment answers, shouldn't they?
For the second consecutive year, all Ivy endowments (save for Brown) and the Ivy average, underperformed a 60-40 portfolio of US domestic stocks and bonds. Even though Ivy Leagues use…
Succession planning
"Deciding how and when to pass wealth on to future generations can be difficult to navigate. Understanding your options and how this can be managed is key to ensuring assets are…
Some interesting but also scary predictions. How many will come true in the next 5 to 10 years?
It doesn't matter whether you agree or disagree with these predictions, they are not mine, and some are not new to you, but how you allocate your capital for the future will change.…
Do I invest in AIM ISAs?
Alternative Investment Market (AIM) shares first became eligible for inclusion in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) in August 2013. Here, we weigh up whether you should hold them.…
Which is the best DIY investor platform?
You can choose between many platforms. AJBell, Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, Fidelity, Barclays, the list is a big list. To focus on which is best for you, it makes sense…
Do I transfer my pension to my company pension scheme?
This is a question we are often asked. Many people like the idea of amalgamating pension plans. It gives the impression of simplicity. In general, we agree, but it is not always the…
We must face facts — even the ones we don’t like
Tom Cruise wanted to do a stunt. The Safety officer for the film said 'NO'. What did Tom do? Get another Safety guy who would say 'YES' If you have choice and power over your choice,…
What is ESG?
What is the definition of ESG? ESG means using Environmental, Social and Governance factors to evaluate companies and countries on how far advanced they are with sustainability. Once…
Do your wealth managers suffer from GroupThink?
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of…
Is your pension fund over £1m?
You will be aware of Government legislation surrounding the Lifetime Allowance . Whilst tax may be inevitable, the question is how can you increase your investment returns. Many…
Is it more fun to play sport or watch it?
I do love watching some sport, especially sportspeople at the top. Federer. Messi. Ronaldo. Bolt. McIlroy. Hamilton. For me, it's much more fun to play. I'll never be a professional…
‘Deep sickness’ in UK capital markets
A “deep sickness” in UK capital markets has stifled the growth of homegrown tech entrepreneurs and left London’s blue-chip FTSE 100 looking like an index from the 19th century,…
The 7 Conversations Every Family Should Have Around Wealth
According to Pitcairn in the US...Family leaders work hard to create and sustain wealth that will extend to future generations and create a lasting family legacy. Yet when it comes to…
As a DIY investor, what happens when you die?
We believe investors should be making more of their own decisions. In our experience investors with good strategies, can achieve great outcomes. However, often in any relationship,…
Why taking action on your investments today will change your life today
Let's say your investments are valued at £1m. You delegate your investment decisions to wealth managers. The average costs are 2.5% per annum. If your gross investment return was 6%…
Should you use private equity managers?
The FT article Australia’s pension titan s set to storm private capital markets discusses how "Super-sized Australian pension funds that collectively control more than $2tn are…
Putting it on paper fixes it. If it stays in your head, the perfect idea or thought, you'll never share it.
There is always so much going on in day-to-day life. You are only making decisions in the present. It's hard to give a thought to your future, and when you do, they stay thoughts.…
“I guarantee, your investments feel OK”
“I guarantee, your investments feel OK” I was playing tennis today with my coach. I wasn’t picking up the racquet head enough to allow topspin to flow. My coach said I was too tense.…
How do you define investment success?
If you employ a wealth manager or financial adviser, what results are you buying? Have you ever defined what you are actually paying them to do for you? If you want them to be…
"What happened when I ate ultra-processed food for a month?"
TV presenter Dr Chris van Tulleken challenged himself to eat a diet made up of mostly ultra-processed foods for a month. " After the month was over, Chris reported poor sleep,…
Daniel Kahneman: ‘Everything I’ve done has been collaborative’
The headline is an FT interview by Tim Harford with Daniel Kahneman. You can read it here . The main point of this blog is the title.‘Everything I’ve done has been collaborative’ When…
Are you a Fox and Grapes investor?
Are you a Fox and Grapes investor Yes, it's Aesop. Here’s a story. Simon wanted to improve the investment return on his investments. That's perfectly natural. I don’t know any…
Sergio Aguero's missed penalty
The BBC reported Sergio Aguero's missed penalty against Chelsea on 8th May. This was supposed to be a fitting finale, Aguero scoring the goal that seals Manchester City their fifth…
Does your portfolio look like the gurus?
A recent article in the FT by Sir John Redwood details what he thinks your portfolio should look like. The FT Fund is a dummy portfolio intended to demonstrate how investors can use a…
Which Ghost Has The Greatest Impact On Scrooge?
There is no right or wrong answer. I recall talking about estate planning with a client and they said if only they knew when they would die, it would be so much easier. In other…
"In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable." - Robert Arnott
At times, you will have to step out of your comfort zone to realize significant gains. Know the boundaries of your comfort zone and practice stepping out of it in small doses. As much…
The traditional 60/40 portfolio is at risk of becoming obsolete
Investors don't feel anything yet; it's like the hole in the bucket that's full of water. At first, there seems to be plenty of water in the bucket and you can see the water is still…
How should wealthy parents treat wayward offspring?
“The best time to learn to have conversations about money with your children is when they are small,” he says. “The second-best time is now. You’ve just got to have these…
Investing is hard work as you get no immediate benefits.
You realise that getting physically fit is good for you and decide to visit a gym. At the gym you run, cycle, and row; lift weights, join a class. You get home, look in the mirror.…
Do fund managers think of themselves as alchemists?
If we knew how to convert lead into gold, we would all do it ourselves.... but the genie is out of the bottle and we do know...you just need to believe it! Of course, fund managers…
What’s your own definition of “enough”?
"Many of us are operating with an incredibly vague notion of how much we really need to save in order to achieve our financial goals and find security. And even financial planners…
Do you use a private bank because you want to feel important?
Dale Carnegie talks about the 'feeling of importance. "The desire for a feeling of importance is one of the chief distinguishing differences between mankind and the animals. This…
Generation corona has been handed a life sentence
"Even before this crisis, younger generations had a bad lot. Unlike previous generations, today’s graduates leave university saddled with debt and with marginal tax rates of up to…
What is RISK and how you can manage it
In investing, risk comes primarily from these four aspects – Inability to sell your investment – Liquidity Risk Possibility of capital loss – Market Risk and Quality Risk Possibility…
Boys cry and so do rugby players
Loosehead prop Joe Marler talks about confronting his mental health on BBC Saturday live. Humprey is Joe's psychiatrist. A name that amused Joe! In this podcast, Joe talks about…
Do you think you can identify a scam?
Nic Cicutti, blasts vertically integrated firms as a scam. Is he being fair? Over the top? And does it impact on you? If you invest with a vertically integrated firm, yes it impacts…
10 Things You Shouldn’t Care About as an Investor
#1. How rich other people are getting. John Pierpont Morgan is attributed with the quote, “Nothing so undermines your financial judgement as the sight of your neighbor getting…
Have you heard of HMRC Connect?
Connect is sophisticated computer software and is the key data analysing tool used by HMRC. It was introduced in 2010 and was developed with the help of BAE Systems. It is said to…
Steve Jobs on problem solving...
"When you start looking at a problem and it seems really simple, you don’t really understand the complexity of the problem. Then you get into the problem, and you see that it’s really…
Are IHT schemes worthwhile?
I received a direct marketing email from a company called Puma . They offer an AIM IHT service. Generally, we do not use these types of schemes unless there are specific…
Top 30 Wealth Managers under the age of 30 reveal their favourite funds
Wealth Magazine asked Top 30 Under 30 to name their three favourite funds. This is an industry magazine. Out of all the picks, there was no consensus. Let's add some perspective.…
Are bonds really that stupid?
This is from the Editor of Wealth Manager Magazine. "There is a big question mark over modern portfolio theory, with the protection offered by bonds showing signs of cracking after…
Is $12 billion Inheritance tax bill fair? How do you feel about inheritance tax?
Lee Kun-hee, who transformed South Korea's Samsung into one of the world’s biggest technology groups, died last year. The family now has to find $12bn as payment for inheritance tax.…
Is the bubble about to burst?
Jeremy Grantham writes an article WAITING FOR THE LAST DANCE The Hazards of Asset Allocation in a Late-stage Major Bubble. "The long, long bull market since 2009 has finally matured…
What do you want your legacy to be?
"When taking a strictly financial- and estate-planning perspective, leaving a “legacy” is one of those topics that can seem overly narrow. It’s about leaving assets behind for…
It's not your fault, well perhaps it is, focusing too much on the short term.
Seth Godin writes about short term focus. He says "Why is there so much short-term hustle? Because that’s what we buy. Why is there so much negative campaigning? Because that’s what…
Whats the difference between £27,800 and £30,353?
What's the difference between £27,800 and £30,353? One is the total costs for looking after £1,000,000 the other is the UK average salary for the year. The average registered nurse is…
You learn something by doing it yourself, by asking questions, by thinking, and by experimenting
Richard Feynman said, "You learn something by doing it yourself, by asking questions, by thinking, and by experimenting." Richard Feynman is Nobel prize-winning physicist who ensured…
How do you stop your children falling out over money?
"Stanley Ho, the legendary Macau gambling tycoon, has passed away at the age of 98. In 2011, a public battle erupted between the families of Ho’s second and third wives who teamed up…
The 20/80 Rule Of Effective Thinking
“Without thinking things through, you might end up doing the wrong things. Remember that poor outcomes in life are excusable but poor thinking and decision-making are not. The reason…
Tax. It's one of those words that gets emotions stirring
Tax. It's one of those words that gets emotions stirring. We know the benefits of tax to society but why do people seek to pay less? Often because they deem the tax they pay is unfair…
“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to accept what is true.”
A lost dog strays into a jungle. A lion sees this from a distance and says with caution, “This guy looks edible, never seen his kind before”. So the lion starts rushing towards the…
Investing is as easy as giving up smoking.
Why should giving up smoking be hard? You stop buying cigarettes and stop putting them in your mouth and lighting them. So easy. I'm not a smoker so I have no real experience, but we…
How do you become a better investor..less of an amateur.
It starts with thinking. If you are on Twitter, you can follow this thread from Shane Parrish . It highlights the difference between amateurs and professionals. It's not investment…
Optimism vs likelihood. How do you measure your investing?
I read somewhere that “As a scientist, you are not optimistic, you think in likelihoods" When you are investing your money, should you think like a Scientist? Anyone can invest on the…
“The grim irony of investing, then, is that we investors as a group not only don't get what we pay for, we get precisely what we don't pay for. So if we pay for nothing, we get everything.”
Its a quote by John Bogle's book, "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns" The explanation is "In other words,…
Investing is easy when markets go up.
By and large, most investors have experienced a positive return on capital. Warren Buffett explains the term, "A rising tide floats all boats". At present, most investors are doing…
How Bernie Madoff Fooled the World
Hopefully, you have heard of Bernie Madoff. If not, google him. All investors should be aware of Bernie and his escapades. John Authers, writes in Bloomberg, how Bernie Madoff fooled…
How do you know how much to invest and what to spend today?
How do you find the right balance when investing v spending today? I've heard the story so many times, "If I knew when I was going to die, it would be so much easier to know what I…
Value is subjective
This is a response to a Tweet from Steve Sanduski, CFP® from the US. "All investments, speculative or otherwise, are valued based on sentiments, feelings, and emotions. And the more…
CBDC and Bitcoin...
"The Bahamas is one example: it already has a CBDC, called the sand dollar. More significantly, China is now racing to create a digital renminbi, sparking US angst about competitive…
"Help clients avoid making the mistake that investors make most."
Joe Duran, head of Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management in the US, says " The biggest mistake investors tend to make is “your time perspective and your emotional biases … cloud…
‘If everyone else was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?’
Alex Rosenberg has been in conversation with Rory Sutherland, (An adman by profession: he’s vice chairman at Ogilvy). Sutherland says that humans are largely a pack animals; we tend…
Dad, a Death Sentence and the Planner Who Set Us Straight
Ron Lieber is a personal finance columnist with The New York Times. He writes about his personal story about his father. "There are few things in life more fraught than conversations…
Your $64,000 question? And you need to answer it...
When you invest your money, you can choose between thousands of fund managers, thousands of funds, thousands of advisers...so how do you know who to trust? Do you just hope? Do you…
The latest shareholders' letter from Warren Buffett.
"Over the years, we have purchased four additional businesses from Omaha families, the best known among them being Nebraska Furniture Mart (“NFM”). The company’s founder, Rose Blumkin…
a "Credo" for the individual investor
Greg Davies, a guru in behavioural finance, sets out a Credo for the individual investor 1. Successful investing requires a safe environment – above all it requires sufficient…
"Fascinating that the richest people I know rent their houses"
It was a tweet by Noah Kagan. His friend said better returns are made by investing in his business than property and he prefers the flexibility of renting. Its an interesting…
Is the 60/40 portfolio dead?
The majority of investors are sensible as they diversify between equities and debt (bonds or fixed interest). A 60/40 portfolio differs in risk to a 40/60 or 50/50 or even 20/80 or…
Are you dating your private bank?
How many relationship managers have you had? One? Five? More? Actually, that's dating, not a relationship. One of the reasons customers use private banks is because it's more…
The Greek fisherman and the Harvard businessman
A boat docked in a tiny Greek village. An American tourist complimented the Greek fisherman who was resting in his boat on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to…
Are you good at economics?
If you want to sell more units, do you raise the price or lower the price? The obvious answer is to lower the price. It makes sense. On what occasions do you raise the price to sell…
"But as with frogs in water that is slowly being heated to a boil, investors are being conditioned not to recognise the danger.”
Seth Klarman, the founder of hedge fund Baupost Group , has told clients central bank policies and government stimulus have convinced investors that risk “has simply vanished”,…
Victims lose average of £45,000 in investment scams
This was a headline from the BBC. Victims lose average of £45,000 in investment scams . We think it's important for investors to be more in control over their financial decisions. Yet…
Why you never deal with a private bank without a bodyguard.
It's a story about David v Goliath but David never wins…it's always the Goliath. You've made it. You have enough money to be targeted by private banks. Coutts, UBS, Credit Suisse,…
Smart People Make Terrible Decisions
Yes, they do. Perhaps not you though. But if you did, perhaps you don't believe you would 'intentionally' make terrible decisions. "Otherwise smart people can make terrible decisions.…
"Private investors are generally less well informed than professionals and, typically, in no position to move as quickly. "
These are words from an article in the FT "Wildebeest investors and the dangers of the herd. Safety in numbers is not always the best approach" Its a discussion about Herd mentality.…
What's good for the goose...
When a non-descript article, which can be easily ignored, is actually a wake-up call to investors everywhere. The FT interviewed a Swiss Private Banker. Eric Syz. The bank, which has…
Too big will fail
When you read this article in the FT, it discusses how a hedge fund is returning money to investors. Nothing new or interesting. Or is it? Here's a paragraph "Hedge funds have become…
Should wealth managers contracts of employment be disclosed to clients?
A journalist obtained a copy of a St James Place contract and sent the story out on Twitter. There was the response from St James Place partners suggesting that why should such an…
Would you challenge a loved one's will? One in four would dispute bequests if they don't get a fair share
The title is the headline from an article in the Daily Mail online. You may be thinking of finalising your Will or have already done so, but how would you feel if your beneficiaries,…
Should you have a 60/40 portfolio allocation?
Its a question posed by Investors Chronicle. Here's the article . We have argued for some time that bonds are riskier , which makes investment portfolios potentially not as suitable.…
At age 50 you need 6x salary in your pension fund.
By age 50, retirement-plan provider Fidelity recommends having at least six times your salary in savings in order to retire comfortably at age 67. By age 55, it recommends having…
12 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Financial Advisor
Hiring a financial advisor is a pretty big decision. This may be the first time that you are allowing someone else into such a private part of your life. You are looking for someone…
On 5th Jan 1 Bitcoin equals £23,111.82
Should I invest in Bitcoin? JPMorgan Predicts Bitcoin Price Could Rise Over $146,000 in Long Term When the banks start being greedy, I start to worry. The issue isn't Bitcoin, but…
80% or more of heirs will look for a new financial advisor after inheriting their parents’ wealth.
"This Great Wealth Transfer is about to kick into a higher gear. As much as $68 trillion will change hands between various generations over the next 25 years, according to Cerulli…
Are you using wealth managers to lose you money?
No, it’s not a stupid question. If the average cost of managing a portfolio for a retail investor is 2.5% pa and the return on bonds/fixed interest which form part of the portfolio is…
We all want to believe what we are told and believe what we see...
Tiffanie Wen writes for the BBC "A picture may say a thousand words, but what if the photograph has been fabricated? There are ways to spot a fake – you just have to look closely…
Taxing the rich
"Taxing the rich may now be the most consensual proposition in politics. It looks like the next political trend. Surveys for Rainer Zitelmann’s recent book The Rich in Public Opinion…
Is DIY investing only about the 'top coat of paint'?
The painter has been. The topcoat is on. It looks great. If you give a door a fresh coat of paint, it will look better. What you see is therefore a great outcome. Over time, however,…
Rick Shiels Golf - YouTube. Whats golf got to do with investing?
I happened to find Rick Shiels golf via Facebook and You Tube. He has over a million subscribers and I think he gives some good tips. If every golfer watched Rick, would they be able…
Would you pay 66% costs and fees in your pension fund?
Take a look at the article in the Express . . A graph shows it takes 25 years to accumulate £100,000 paying £154 per month and indexed at 2%. The average UK investors pay on average…
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ How many stars would you give?
I recently purchased an item for Christmas and then received an email from Trust Pilot to request feedback for service. If a sales consultant received a bonus for 5-star reviews, do…
Morningstar research has demonstrated that fees are a reliable predictor of future returns.
A recent study by Morningstar explains that European investors are paying less in fees, on average, than ever before. A new study analyses trends in fees for a group of equity and…
The doctors worked out that I've had over 100,000 sub-concussions during my career. Alix Popham
Its a quote from a BBC article. Alix Popham: Ex-Wales flanker on early onset dementia diagnosis "Popham describes the effects of concussions and sub-concussions on his brain as a…
Does it really matter if your wealth managers charge you 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% or more?
Imagine you are happy with making 3% after inflation. You give your money to a wealth manager and they deliver on your goal. Does it matter to you if they make 5% on your money and…
Buy low, sell high works
"Buy low, sell high works, except when the media talking heads scare people. Market is down, media says it is the end and Mr. Buffett even piles up cash. Too scared to buy stocks.…
How do you deal with investment anxiety?
"Nice article. My continuously biggest mistake has been to decide not to invest and then watch the stock triple and double... Every time you rethink... but now it's too dear..... and…
Emotions about wealth tax are running high...
"I can agree with a wealth tax on everything except primary residence and pension pots. That’s pushing the boat out too far. Just because I bought a house in Richmond a very long time…
Zero interest rates: what UK investors can learn from Japan
"While low or negative interest rates are still relatively new in the UK and Europe, Japanese savers have been wrestling with the phenomenon for more than two decades, since rates…
The sophistication effect
"The better-informed and cleverer you are, the more vulnerable you are to certain biases, such as motivated scepticism, because you are more able to destroy the arguments that you…
Is your wealth manager smart?
James was very clever. He found school easy. The same was true at university until when he did a PhD he realised he was not as smart as he thought he was. In a small group of PhD…
How to talk to your children about money?
"At a recent reading of a will, the three daughters and one son of the deceased had a rather sharp shock: the son was to inherit the business, and the daughters would get nothing.…
The devious art of lying by telling the truth
Sounds crazy right? Being 'frugal with the truth' is a term which implies someone is not lying to you, but they may not be giving you the whole picture. In some respects, it's up to…
Scrap taxes and start a new system afresh....hmmmmm!
According to the FT , The UK system of taxing capital is broken but introducing a wealth tax risks making the situation worse, a former top civil servant at HM Revenue & Customs said.…
"Most people don’t put in the time’ to do it"
Its a quote by Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and investor. In the 1990s, Cuban founded and sold several start-ups that helped him reach billionaire status. And in 2000, he paid $285…
“I could shoot someone in the middle of Fifth Avenue and I wouldn’t lose a single vote.”
Its a quote by Donald Trump. In an article, The politic of Humiliation, Dave Trott , discusses how everyone is struggling to understand the rise of populism in politics. When Donald…
Cognitive Dissonance Helps Explain Why We Hate To Hear The Truth
"The old cliché is "the truth hurts" and not "the truth is like a warm fuzzy blanket that's nice to snuggle" for a reason. The human brain doesn't enjoy receiving information that…
What happens to my pension if my employer goes bust?
This is one of a series of questions posed by the FT writes Josephine Cumbo. The FT writes in answer to the question. "If you are a member of a defined contribution pension scheme and…
My pension fund took a knock this year. How can I rebuild it?
This is one of a series of questions posed by the FT writes Josephine Cumbo. The FT writes in answer to the question "The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on stock market-based pension…
I have received a sizeable redundancy payout. Should I put this money into an Isa or my pension? I am in my forties.
This is one of a series of questions posed by the FT writes Josephine Cumbo. “If you really want to maximise the cash, putting it into a pension means it will attract tax relief.…
I need money for living costs. Should I pause payments into my pension scheme?
This is one of a series of questions posed by the FT writes Josephine Cumbo. The FT writes in answer to the question above "If you do not have sufficient cash to meet your living…
I am 55 and considering taking my pension early to help through the crisis. What do I need to consider?
This is one of a series of questions posed by the FT writes Josephine Cumbo. The FT writes in answer to the question above "Since lockdown began in March, a rising number of over-55s…
Marketing or real value? Can you tell the difference?
We receive marketing emails the time from investment companies selling their wares. Here's one that came in today. "Creating long-term value through prudent investing" Its a good…
If St James Place was operating in Australia...they would be sweating now!
In Australia, regulation has ‘upped the ante’ on vertical integration - ‘You must not advise, refer or act in any other manner where you have a conflict of interest or duty’ If you…
If you had the chance of building your own home, would you take it?
The idea of being in control over the building of a new home, for many people, is a fantastic buzz. It doesn't have to mean doing the contracting, it can mean managing with oversight,…
What do you expect from your wealth manager?
Have you ever asked yourself this question, "what do I expect from my wealth managers?" Is it goal setting? Accountability? Administrative help? Investment performance? Tax saving?…
There are no billionaires or millionaires who became billionaires or millionaires using wealth managers
When you employ wealth managers, financial advisers, private bankers, stockbrokers... their job is not to make you wealthy; that's your job. Yet when you talk to these people, before…
AMP doesn’t just have a women problem. It has an everyone problem
AMP was one of Australia’s oldest and formerly most trusted companies. Founded in 1849 as the Australian Mutual and Provident Society, AMP was a not-for-profit life insurer for almost…
Lance Armstrong says Uber investment has 'saved' his family
Lance Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist. He became 'infamous' by a doping scandal and he was stripped of all of his achievements from August 1998…
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”
It's a famous quote from Albert Einstein. According to Darwin’s Origin of Species, it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives;…
Don't expect any returns from a 50/50 portfolio
Its the title of an article by Picet. Here's the link Most people have some form of balance in their investment portfolios. But what if the balance you take, doesn't make you any…
"Inflation to hit 10%"
In September Druckenmiller suggested inflation could reach 10%, as reported, via Bloomberg: "The markets are in a “raging mania” and rising inflation is a big threat, investor Stan…
Is it really possible to save £15,000 per year in wealth management fees?
Most of us have switched banks many times in our lives. Some of us will even do it every six months to chase the latest deal. But far fewer of us ever switch wealth manager, whether…
What does CGT review mean for investors?
"A review of capital gains tax commissioned by chancellor Rishi Sunak this week proposed big reforms to the levy, including raising CGT rates to similar levels as income tax rates and…
Lessons From 15 Years Of Short Selling: A Veteran's Advice
"In contrast, on too many occasions than I care to remember, I shorted a stock based on hearing a compelling thesis but doing little work myself, which often led to severe losses. The…
If life was a tennis match, when do you win?
If life was a tennis match, when do you win? The answer is at the end. But that’s too late. You actually win by paying attention to every single moment and every single point that…
In professional sports, it’s a game about winners. In the amateur game, it's all about losers.
It doesn’t matter what sport you pick, the ones who make it to the top, make the fewest mistakes. The amateur game is not about winning, its about losing less. The winner is the one…
Why queue for discounted petrol?
I saw today people queuing up for fuel at Sainsbury's. It’s cheap. Based on 10,000 miles each year, the average saving on fuel is £50. That’s based on 4-5p per litre difference. I…
Why buy negative yielding bonds?
It seems madness. Why would any investor allocate capital to lose? Here's our research https://lnkd.in/e55Qvqa And to get a better feel here's a video from the FT . Are government…
So should you use a private bank?
The key attraction of a private bank is the relationship. In 2015, a Deloitte survey with private banks and wealth managers asked what would most differentiate their institution from…
Picking up pennies in front of a steam roller
Why would anyone take that type of risk? Imagine watching the steam roller heading towards you whilst picking up pennies. It seems crazy. What pennies are we talking about? Fixed…
How does the Monty Hall Paradox help you as an investor?
You'll need to watch the video to understand the Monty Hall problem. If you play the game, most people tend to not switch doors as they perceive the risk is 50/50. As you will see, it…
The DIY investment market needs to be shaken up
I have read that Tillit, previously called Vinco, is expected to launch an open architecture platform with a curated list of between 100 and 200 investments funds early next year for…
How do you or your IFA choose which Discretionary Fund Managers (DFM) to use?
Sometimes as an investor, you need to look at things differently. In the UK there are various WRAP platforms. In other words, an administrative platform to hold client investments.…
The bias called motivated scepticism.
Motivated scepticism is highly related to the term ‘confirmation bias’, which you’ll definitely have heard of. In his book, The Righteous Mind , social psychologist Jonathan Haidt…
Self-Deception in Financial Advice
"Whenever we decide what product to buy, what investment to make, or what medical treatment to obtain, we often rely on expert advice. But what happens when advisors receive bonus…
Do you employ your wealth manager because of meritocracy or cronyism?
"Consider the case of Acme Corp., a property development firm in a small town called Nepotsville. The unwritten rule of doing business in Nepotsville is that companies are expected to…
People don’t want accuracy. They want certainty.
"A lot of what goes on in the financial world is an attempt to rid yourself of the painful reality of not knowing what’s going to happen next. Someone who tells you there’s a 60%…
Death isn't optional
Caroline writes about a client "I have a friend who is 82 she has stage 4 cancer and was told it was terminal. She and I sat down about six months ago and I explained to her how she…
Why patterns stop you from thinking?
How do you read your telephone number? The pattern is 5-3-3. 01234 - 123 - 456 If someone reads your number, 01- 2341- 234 -56, your brain has to process what is being said. It’s not…
“I have never met a family that was united by its wealth.”
It was a statement made by a private banker to Stefan Wagstyl of the FT is his article " The struggle between success and succession" "The latest evidence comes in a survey published…
Why do wealth managers and private banks tell you what you want to hear?
The answer is because they are all the same and therefore risk you going elsewhere. Think about this point. If you looked at all the institutions offering wealth management services,…
Occam's Razor v Hickam's dictum
Occams Razor In layman's terms; the simplest explanation is usually the best one. Doctor John Hickman once pointed out. “Patients can have as many diseases as they damn well please,”…
Ninety-six percent of cancer patients claim to be in better health than the average cancer patient.
Ninety-four percent of professors say they are better-than-average teachers. Ninety percent of students think they are more intelligent than the average student. Ninety-three percent…
Do you ‘tack’ or a ‘gybe’.
Talk to any sailor and they will tell you the journey to get from A to B is a constant battle of trying to stay on course. The elements are continually pushing the boat one way and…
How Many Funds Outperformed in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019? Less Than 13%.
According to Institutional Investor , just 12.9 percent of the 155 domestic equity funds that exceeded their benchmark in 2016 maintained their winning streak in each of the following…
Open Banking could end vertical integrated firms
"A hundred years ago, the motor industry’s supplier network was too small to cope with growing demand. Henry Ford decided the solution was to own the whole value chain. He bought and…
Are You a Myopic Investor?
Did you know people may be impulsive, emotional, or myopic about their own investments, but usually not about the investments of others? Why is that? If you were offered a gamble…
75% of investors who plan to retire in the next five years are rethinking their plans for retirement because of the impact of COVID-19.
Has virus-induced volatility affected your retirement plans? If it has, you aren’t alone. A recent survey of Fidelity investors shows almost three-quarters of investors who plan to…
Deed of Variation & Transferable Nil Rate Band Planning
Susan is a seventy-five-year-old widow. She has four children and several grandchildren. Her second husband, Robert, died recently and she has therefore been widowed twice. On both…
"A crash is looming."
"The dollar index fell 33 per cent in real terms both in the 1970s and the mid-1980s, and another 28 per cent from 2002 to 2011. During those three periods, the net domestic saving…
Are you looking for Negentropy?
Negentropy is reverse entropy . It means things becoming more in order. By 'order' is meant organisation, structure and function: the opposite of randomness or chaos. ... The opposite…
Are you brave enough to do a flip?
"Now, this is what I really want you to understand: to get into the unitive world underneath, underlying, and supporting the everyday practical world, there have to be certain…
Five reasons why you need a financial planner
I received an email from Brewin Dolphin with the title, "Five reasons why you need a financial planner" . It highlighted the 5 as" Defined goals Expert knowledge Skilled…
“Competence, like truth, beauty, and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder”
It's a quote by Laurence J Peter. Who is Laurence J Peter? Ever heard of the 'Peter Principle? Yes, you know this saying. "Every employee tends to rise to his or her level of…
Buying, holding and selling art – how to avoid common pitfalls
Art advisor Willem-Joost de Gier for Cadell writes an article for Private Bankers Julius Baer discussing art as an investment. The one quote that interested me was "look for…
Do you take any notice of disclosure notices issued by wealth managers and investment providers? Do they help you make better decisions?
"Jump at your own risk." Standing on the edge of a cliff, looking down at the water, seeing people jump, it doesn't look that dangerous. If others are doing it, you do the same. So…
Multiplying by Zero
We all know if you multiply by zero, you get zero. Obvious right? 1x0 =0 234,456 x 435 x 54 x 0 =0 Here's a story. Suppose you were trying to become the best basketball player in the…
Do you buy quality from investment brands?
Coutts. It's my understanding The Queen banks with Coutts. You can imagine, if it's good enough for the Queen, then it's good enough you, right? You have a choice between 2 cars.…
Do you have £100,000,000?
You may or may not be worth £100m, but the number is irrelevant. But if you have £100m, would you be more concerned about hanging onto your £100m MORE than growing it? Is the fear of…
When access to all information is common, attention to important information is rare.
James Clear said "When access to all information is common, attention to important information is rare" The late Herbert Simon , an economist, psychologist and Nobel Prize winner,…
Inside the Greatest Trade of All Time
"There are many worthwhile candidates on Wall Street for the Greatest Trade of All Time. There’s Jesse Livermore’s bet that the stock market would fall in 1929. He pocketed something…
Pandemic will cause ‘lasting damage’ to living standards, IMF warns
"The coronavirus crisis will wreak “lasting damage” on people’s living standards across the world and taxes on the rich and on companies may have to rise to address this economic…
Accountable to Darwin vs. Accountable to Newton
Morgan Housel writes about money is some wonderful ways. He talks about Newton and Darwin, which to me is logic v human nature. If we are asked about compound interest, we generally…
Are you really open-minded or pretending to be?
“If you fall in love with an idea, you won't see the merits of alternative approaches –and will probably miss an opportunity or two. One of life's great pleasures is letting go of a…
“I want to make 10% on my investments”
It’s funny, 10% is a magic number. It’s a number that sounds realistic. Trying to make 50% on your investments sounds great but most people realise its unlikely. 10% however, sounds…
Beware of private equity funds
I keep seeing wealth managers promoting access to private equity. Why? Wealth and asset managers are under fee pressure in traditional markets and see private equity as a way to…
Amazon selling luxury; Silicon Valley start-up launches ‘Nespresso machine’ for whisky
When you allocate your capital for your future, perhaps where you are invested is not taking account of unexpected change. Here are 2 stories. The first, "Can Amazon upend the luxury…
Yikes!! Why are you investing to lose money?
Yikes. I'm convinced UK investors haven't got the message yet. I use the word, Yikes, as the headline in the FT is "Why investors are not likely to cry out ‘yikes’ over UK debt"…
Procurement...why its relevant in wealth management space
What is procurement? "Procurement is the act of obtaining goods or services, typically for business purposes. Procurement is most commonly associated with businesses because companies…
Open banking and digital investing
There is a revolution in finance but for most people can't see it or feel it. There is a lot going on but most of the population don't notice any change. Yet. You may have heard of…
1/3 of investors don't know if their adviser is independent or not!
In a survey by the FT , I'm hugely disappointed to hear that 1/3 do not know if advisers are independent or not, but not surprised. The FT report "About a third of readers who…
How do you make sense of investment information that's everywhere?
Nobel Prize winner Herbert Simon said in 1970s: “In an information-rich world, the wealth of information means a dearth of something else: a scarcity of whatever it is that…
The toughest moral test lies ahead.
"Vaccine Confronts Humanity With Next Moral Test. Who gets coronavirus protection first (and last)? Who profits (and loses)? What is “informed consent” (if it exists)? Divided…
Wealth Management mission statements have 100% integrity...
"At our firm, we have the client—and only the client—in mind." So says a large UK based wealth manager. There are various statements made by investment product providers. All want to…
Stocks will beat bonds and deliver annualized returns of 6% over the next decade, Goldman says
Goldman Sachs believes equities will outperform bonds by 6% . Its a prediction, so we have no idea whether its good, bad or spot on. However, when you get to think about why bonds are…
Gold up 26%; lets all buy gold!
"Gold has been a shining star in a dazzling year for the exchange-traded product industry." says the FT. "..net new flows of $64.2bn into commodity ETPs in the first seven months of…
If all wealth managers look and feel the same, what is the difference?
“Long ago, a brother-in-law of mine, Homer Rogers, was a commission agent working in the Omaha stockyards. I asked him how he induced a farmer or rancher to hire him to handle the…
Do you want free financial advice?
Save more, spend less. Job done. How often are you offered free financial advice? We all know its not free, well I hope we all know it's not free. The purpose of free financial advice…
Retirement planning made easy
More institutions are trying to broaden the scope of how they sell their products and services, but also increase the depth. Legal and General have put together a course about…
Should you buy direct from a wealth manager?
Many moons ago, in conversation with a real estate agent, we talked about why it should be important for buyers to use an estate agent acting for them, not the sellers agent to…
The ultimate best buy list for investing
Firms like Hargreaves Lansdown have a 'best buy' list. Why do they call it a 'best buy' list? Surely you want the best return list. The best buy list is in the interests of the…
Is your adviser chartered?
I have always been intrigued why investors don't insist their advisers are chartered. So many advisers do not take the time and effort to reach chartered status. Why not? If you ask…
The FCA says: "Firms earn higher margins from consumers who are less aware".
According to Ali Hussain of the Sunday Times, 'The FCA says: "Firms earn higher margins from consumers who are less aware". This is a truism if ever there was one. Making money from…
How ‘survivorship bias’ can cause you to make mistakes
"The most famous example of survivorship bias dates back to World War Two. At the time, the American military asked mathematician Abraham Wald to study how best to protect airplanes…
Do you think of a brain surgeon as a salesperson?
The answer is probably not. Associating a brain surgeon, astrophysicist, molecular biologist as salespeople doesn't really come to mind ...but words are interesting. A wealth manager,…
Is your money management superficial?
When you first need advice, it is easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many terms and acronyms used that make it confusing. In most situations, the advisers make you feel good, so…
Is a wealth tax in the UK possible?
Wealth taxes, while not a new idea, are gaining popularity as a solution to the debts that governments have taken on as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The wealth tax has become…
Picasso dies without a Will. So what?
When the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso died of a heart attack on April 8, 1973, he left behind not only a huge artistic oeuvre of 50,000 works, but enough family drama to cover…
Can I protect my assets from my daughter’s husband to be?
"I am a single parent and have an adult daughter who is thinking of getting married in the next two years. I would like to draw up a will and protect my assets in case my daughter…
"70% fire their financial advisers when they become a widow"
According to Bill Bachrach, who trains advisers in the US, many advisers do not have a relationship with the spouse. I have no idea whether that is true or not, but from our…
What rules do you have when investing?
Everyone needs to detail a framework for investing, irrespective of whether you do it yourself or you delegate to portfolio managers/wealth managers/private bankers etc... Here is a…
Should you avoid structured investment products?
Yes. I understand how the investment industry sells these investment products. To the naive investor, they look appealing. They promote a 'feeling' of security. Something that is not…
Will taxes rise?
It seems very plausible that taxes will rise. If every individual accepted a level of tax rise that was fair for them, it would, therefore, be fair for everyone. It may not be…
Too much content and unsure what's real or fake?
Recently a student used a programme called GPT-3, the most powerful language-generating AI tool to date, to write blogs. "What stood out most about the experience, says Porr, who…
Truth tellers v Salespeople
Truth tellers v Salespeople. Warren Buffet said "We look for three things when we hire people. We look for intelligence, we look for initiative or energy, and we look for integrity.…
The difficulties of untangling foreign assets
Investors are often unaware that shares or other investments they hold may be registered in jurisdictions other than the UK. This can cause delays and substantial expense. In an FT…
Could we see a tax on pensions in payment?
In the Treasury select committee’s “Tax After Coronavirus” inquiry, Paul Johnson, head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a think- tank, said "there was a case for retirees to pay…
Is pension tax free cash about to change?
In an FT article, “Tax After Coronavirus” inquiry, Philip Booth, senior academic fellow at Institute of Economic Affairs, told the inquiry that the pensions tax-free lump sum could be…
How to avoid clogs to clogs in three generations
The answer is to start a conversation with us. But why? Take a look at this article here that details Warren Buffets thoughts about teaching your kids about money. "Most parents…
Psychological traps investors should be wary of
"The desire to act in a crisis is deeply embedded in our psychology. But investment behaviour experts warn that this instinct is our own worst enemy when it comes to money." “You see…
Have you thought about the choice before?
If given a thoughtful choice most people would want to take advice from a Chartered Financial Planner rather than someone who is just regulated to give advice. Yet there are more…
Are you taking your medicine when you invest?
A child’s face says it all when you ask them to take their medicine. They grimace. Often the taste is horrible. As a parent, you want them to get over the taste because the medicine…
How do you improve your tennis, golf, football and investing?
When I watch my youngest boy's football team, it's painful. They don't look like professional footballers. Their positioning, passing and skill levels are at a very low level. Of…
Is Woodford finished?
Mr Woodford is the catalyst for this story, but he is by no means the only one. I am reminded of a Mafia saying, its business, not personal. Could this happen again? What do investors…
Are investment best buy lists in your best interest?
The Woodford debacle is creating ripples and possibly some waves. The FCA is now looking at 'Best Buy ' lists. See here. Firms like Hargreaves Lansdowne understand psychology. If you…
The Woodford debacle is reaching new heights....oh dear, oh dear...
How far will the ripples spread? This is now a problem that all investors have to face. Do they trust the people who are managing their money and do they know where their money is…
Will Woodford be the catalyst for change?
This is big news. The key issue is what next for investors? The media has reacted to the suspension of trading with Neil Woodford's fund. You can check out the links below for more…
Can a cat make more money in the stock market than a professional investor?
The UK’s Observer newspaper ran a competition in 2012 to find out. It pitted the stock-picking abilities of Orlando, a ginger feline, against three experienced money managers and a…
Dan completes Shrewsbury 10K…so what you may say?
What's this got to do with money ? More than you think... Dan is my eldest son and works with me. On Sunday 17 March he completed the Shrewsbury 10K in under one hour. He ran with his…
Around 500 footballers lost £1bn from poor wealth advice
As a fly on the wall, can you imagine the conversation... Advisor "We can help you save tax" Footballer " Thanks, that's great, but are you sure I'm not doing anything wrong or…
A sign of things to come
This is a company called Lemonade. It is reimagining insurance. It's another step forward to illustrate change. If you see it in action, you'll hope it comes to the UK. But if you…
Do you bank with Lloyds? Do you have investments with Lloyds?
It has been reported in the FT "BlackRock has won a mandate to manage £30bn of the £109bn Lloyds Banking Group portfolio put up for grabs after the bank this year said it would drop…
The St James Place Review
Do you know anyone with funds with St James Place? Do you have St James Place funds? Are you a client of St James Place? If so, you need to read this independent report. It…
Zebras everywhere...
How do you invest £1 million? It's quite easy. Go to any Private Bank, Bank, Building Society, IFA, Wealth Manager, they will all say, "PICK ME PICK ME. We are the best." Whilst the…
How proficient are your financial advisers?
If you invest your money, are you talking to a Chartered Financial Adviser, Certified Financial Planner or Chartered Financial Analyst? If you've not checked, its time you did. The…
Inheritance tax stories; what's yours?
Have you ever said “I’ve paid income tax all my life, why should I pay IHT. It seems unfair.” I’ve heard these words or similar so many times. As such, because it seems unfair, people…
Research shows fund managers from poorer backgrounds outperformed those from richer backgrounds.
Here’s the question you need to ask yourself. When you invest your money with private banks, investment or fund managers, stockbrokers, IFAs, wealth manager’s….what do you expect?…
You've transferred your pension, so how do you make sure it's a success?
John and Sarah came to discuss their pension fund. John had previously transferred from a final salary scheme; the value was £850,000. The advisers who transferred the scheme had set…
How can we use technology to deliver better investment outcomes for investors?
Alice Ross of the FT says "The point of robo-advice was originally to give people who might not otherwise be able to afford financial advice some sort of steer at a lower cost to the…
First learn not to drown, then how to swim. Learn why you invest before you do.
I was sitting by the swimming pool waiting for my swim advancement class and watched adults learning to swim for the first time. I could see their fear of the water. Whilst the…
Top financial adviser from Shrewsbury
For the last 3 years, we have been named as one of the top 25 financial planning firms in the country. The accolade recognises the leading financial planning firms across the country.…
Perhaps tax havens need to change their focus...
Are offshore centres good or bad? It depends. The latest news that Bermuda and the Cayman Islands will be forced to lift their veil of secrecy over ownership of companies and increase…
Do you buy gold?
Merryn Somerset Webb at the FT recently discussed buying gold as her hedge against inflation. She is keen. I disagree. A few years ago I was interviewed on Moneybox about gold. My…
Investments in the Dog House
Bestinvest issue a list of "Dog Funds". What is a Dog Fund? They are funds that underperform. The list is compiled twice a year. The key point is that £6.4bn is invested in these Dog…
Why perspective is vital in your investment decisions
Its a statement made by Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino. He is now one of the most highly rated managers in world football. He says " After games, my wife gives me a lot of advice…
“If I knew when I was going to die, then planning would be so much easier.”
In conversation with clients, I have heard many times the statement. If I knew when I was going to die, then planning would be easier. The purpose of this article is to explore an…