Financial Planning

There are endless life insurance products on the market; with the help of our advisers we can tell you which ones are worth buying. They will determine your position and guide you through the best options to protect yourself and your family – whether you are single or married, have a young family, or are approaching retirement.

You are going to need to build up some assets in order to secure your long term future – at the beginning to get you through the rainy days and then to fund holidays and luxuries. Step one is to plan your spending so that you start to save, and step two is to plan that saving so that you can build your wealth as efficiently as possible. Regardless of the amount, a financial adviser can look at your personal situation and find the best starting point for you.

Once your short term saving needs have been addressed, you can start focusing on the long term. Most people these days realise that they won’t be able to rely on the state for more than the absolute basics. Planning for retirement is a complex business, and there are numerous options available. A financial adviser will not only help sift through the many rules and product options but help create a portfolio to maximise your long term prospects.

The mortgage market has always been complicated, but after the credit crunch they have got worse, with mortgages more complex than ever and lenders’ requirements more stringent. Buying a house is one of the most expensive purchases we make and the vast majority of us will require a mortgage. Using a financial adviser could save you thousands, especially at times like this. Not only can they uncover the best rates, they can help you determine sensible levels of borrowing, make the most of your deposit, and might also find lenders who would otherwise not be available to you.

As you advance through life and your assets and income begin to increase, you can start contemplating how to enhance your position rather than simply consolidate it. This may mean anything from looking to retire early to paying private school fees. Whatever your goal, a financial adviser can help assess what is realistically possible and work out a plan with you to help you achieve it.

Investment is as much about shielding against potential downsides as it is about aiming for maximum growth. High returns often come with high risk and not everyone is comfortable with the idea that their investment could fall by a third or more overnight! A financial adviser will generate an in depth assessment of your stance to risk before making recommendations. They will also ensure you arent putting all your eggs in one basket by ensuring you diversify not only across asset classes but also across accounts, individual funds and product providers.

For every new investment opportunity or product it is likely accompanied by a certain amount of hype but that doesn’t automatically mean it is right for you. Investors will always be caught out by market ‘bubbles’ or high charges because they rush impulsively in. A financial adviser knows how each product works in varying markets and can identify any possible downsides for you as well as the potential benefits, so that you are then able to make an informed decision about where you should invest.

Once we have established your risk and investment assessments, the next step is to look at tax; even the most basic examination of your position could help. It may simply mean using Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or a pension plan to benefit from government incentives or opting for growth focussed assets over income to maximise capital gains allowances versus paying income tax. For more complicated arrangements, it may mean moving assets to your spouse or children to take advantage of their personal allowances instead. Our Financial Planning team will always have your tax position at the forefront of their mind when making any recommendations and point you in the right direction even in complicated situations.

Even when your investments are all put in place and are running to plan, they need to be monitored in case market developments or abnormal events force them off course. You can ask your financial advisers to keep a cautious eye on your investments. They can assess how they are performing against their peers, ensure that your asset allocation does not become distorted as markets fluctuate and help you consolidate gains as the deadlines for your ultimate goals move closer.

Money is a complicated subject and there is a lot to take into consideration to keep it safe whilst also making the most of it. Markets are volatile and the media have always been prone to exaggerate the risks and rewards. To steer you in the right direction it is vital you employ a good financial adviser who can filter through the hype. Whether you just require general, practical advice or a specialist with dedicated expertise, you could find that in the long term the money you invest in expert advice will be paid back many times over.