Category Archives: Investments

Blog, Investment Advice, Investments

Time, not timing, is important

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This time last year, investment analysts were predicting a positive, albeit modest growth in the global stock market for 2021.

Looking back now we can see that most experts were too conservative in their assessments. The Global Stock Market finished off the year 32% up on the previous year. 

There are a number of factors that led to that investment growth, not least the rise in energy stocks, a low interest rate environment as well as the continuing boom in technology related companies.

For our pension and long term savings clients who have their investments in well diversified funds, you have benefited from being invested in the great companies of the world.

The outlook for 2022 is for growth to continue but at a slower pace than what we have become used to.

Rising inflation has already meant that the great companies of the world have had to adjust their spending and all the signs are pointing toward the start of rising interest rates in the US. This will affect the ability for those companies to borrow and/or service their existing debt.

So while the market is expected to cool that doesn’t mean growth stops.

As investors with money in Pension funds or long term savings, the number 1 rule when markets are turbulent is to remain focused on your original objective and stick to the plan.

The following video is a great illustration of how to avoid falling into the emotional investment trap.

As always, if you have questions about your investments, savings or retirement planning, seek qualified impartial advice from a trusted adviser. You can contact us here for an initial chat.

 

 

 

Blog, Financial Advice, Financial Planning, Investments

Tuning out the noise

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In February this year, we saw a significant, sharp fall in the value of global stocks and shares.

For some of our clients, that meant a 30% drop in the size of their investment or pension fund. For other, more conservative clients the fall was less so. But it was still an uncomfortable experience.

Thankfully by August most clients’ funds had recovered those losses. However, similar falls in the past have taken a lot longer to recover.

For over 200 years, markets have consistently provided positive growth to long term investors. The journey is almost always peppered with volatility which means fund values will fall and rise along the way.

The one key trait that all successful investors share is discipline.

Sticking to the plan and riding out the storm can be hard to do when the waves are 30 feet high and crashing in around you but the storm always passes.

Having a strong relationship with an adviser will help you be better prepared to live your life through the ups and downs of the market. That’s the value of discipline, perspective, and calm.

That’s the difference the right financial adviser makes.

The following clip demonstrates the value of discipline. It was produced in 2019 but was just as relevant in 2020 and will be for as long as investors look for growth.

For help in tuning out the noise, just contact us at Coleman Financial Planning.

Blog, Financial Advice, Financial Planning, Investment Advice, Investments, Pension, Retirement Savings

Money On Deposit? Make It Work For You Now!

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Do you have money on deposit? Are you just leaving it there? Have you considered starting a regular savings plan or putting a lump sum you have accumulated in an investment? If not, then you really need to understand why now is such a great time to start saving and making your money work for you.

Don’t get me wrong, everyone should have some money on deposit (ideally 3 months net salary). Deposit accounts are accessible and won’t decrease in value (in the short term!).

Current Dilemma

The problem is that for almost 12 years deposit rates have been in free fall. This means banks, building societies and credit unions cannot give you a real return on your savings.

In addition to this, Central Banks (who control monetary policy) need to keep interest rates as low as possible for at least another 5 years. This is to help keep the cost of borrowing low so that businesses and households can function and grow.

Solution

So the only solution to growing your savings is to invest.

I’m not suggesting people start emptying their deposit accounts and start trading stocks and shares every morning (this is not Paddy Power stuff!!).

An investment should be spread into a range of diverse assets (i.e. stocks, bonds, commodities and property) and the proportion in each asset class should be determined by what level of risk you are comfortable with and how long you would like to invest for.

There are a wide variety of very attractive regular savings plans and investment bond options available. The fund or funds you invest in is very specific to your needs and objectives so it is important you meet with a qualified advisor who will help you establish the best fit for you.

So, what kind of returns should you expect?

Historically those investors that have had more of their fund invested in equities (i.e. global stocks and shares) have performed the best.

But even the more conservative savers have outperformed deposit rates by taking on a cautious level of risk.

Performance table

The key to this is to choose a fund that you are comfortable investing in. And one which is designed to help you reach your financial goals.

Next steps

The next step to take is to talk to a financial adviser – you can contact us here at Coleman Financial Planning.

After you complete a short investment questionnaire we will help you decide what your saving/investment goal is, how much money you can put away and for how long.

Most importantly we will outline the product options and choices that are best placed to deliver on your goals.

 

MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU – CONTACT US TODAY