1: To protect your family

There are a lot of people trying to sell you insurance of one type or another but an adviser can tell you which one is actually worth buying. They will assess your position and guide you through the best options to protect yourself and your family - regardless of whether you are single, married, have children or they have long left home. Whatever your needs, an adviser can help ensure personal tragedy does not turn into financial crisis.

2: To help plan your spending – and saving

To secure your long-term future, you need to build some assets, initially to get you through the rainy days and then to pay for holidays and luxuries. Step one is to plan your spending so that you begin to save – and step two is to plan that saving so that you can build your wealth as efficiently as possible. Regardless of whether you currently have £10 or £10,000, a financial adviser will look at your situation and find the best starting point for you.

3: To secure your house

The mortgage market was complicated enough already, with its discounts and variables, AERs and caps, indemnities and early redemption fees. Then the credit crunch hit and things have got even worse. However, buying a house is still one of the most expensive decisions we make, and the vast majority of us need a mortgage. A financial adviser could save you thousands, particularly at times like this. Not only can they seek out the best rates, they can help you assess sensible levels of borrowing, make the most of your deposit and might also find lenders who would otherwise not be available to you.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE

4: To help you plan for retirement

Once you have sorted out your short-term saving needs, you can then start thinking about the long term – and most people these days realise they cannot rely on the State for more than the absolute basics. However, planning for retirement is a complex business and there are many different options available. Pensions have come a long way in terms of flexibility and transparency in recent years and also now offers a wide range of investment options. A financial adviser will not only help sift through the many rules and product options but also help construct a portfolio to maximise your long-term prospects.

5: To help meet your investment goals

As you progress through life, you begin to build your assets and your income begins to increase. You then start considering how you can enhance your position rather than simply consolidate it. This could mean anything from looking to retire early through to paying school fees for private schools or investing in overseas property. However your dreams evolve, a financial adviser can help assess what is realistically possible – and put the best plan in place to help you achieve it.

6: To find the right combination of assets

Investment is as much about protecting the potential downsides as it is about targeting maximum growth. With

high returns comes high risk – and not everyone is happy if their investment falls by a third or more overnight. A financial adviser will make a detailed assessment of your attitude to risk before making any recommendations. They will also ensure you don’t put all your eggs in one basket by helping you diversify not only across assets but also across accounts, individual funds and product providers.

7: To obtain an objective assessment

Every new product or investment opportunity is accompanied by hype, proclaiming it the best ever – but that does not mean it is right for you. Investors the world over have been and will continue to be caught out by market bubbles or high charges because they don’t take a step back. A financial adviser knows how products and assets work in different markets and can outline the downsides for you as well as the benefits. Between you, you can then make a more informed decision about what hype you can believe – and what products you really need to avoid.

8: To save money

Once your risk and investment assessments are complete, the next step is to look at tax and even the most basic

overview of your position could help. It may simply mean using ISAs or a pension plan to benefit from Government incentives or it could mean choosing growth assets over income to use capital gains allowances rather than pay income tax. Alternatively, for the more complicated arrangements, it might mean moving assets to your spouse or children to make full use of their personal allowances. A financial adviser will always have your tax position in mind when making recommendations and can help point you in the right direction even in complicated situations.

9: To keep you on track

Even when you have every product you need taken care of and your investments are set up and running to plan, someone needs to keep an eye on them in case markets or abnormal events push them off course. You can ask a financial adviser to do this monitoring work for you. They can assess the performance of individual investments against their peers, ensure that your asset allocation does not get distorted as markets move and also help you consolidate gains as the dates of your ultimate goals approach.

10: For peace of mind

Money is a complicated subject and there are many things you need to think about to both protect it and make the most of it. Markets are volatile and the media is prone to exaggeration of both the risks and the rewards. Employing a good financial adviser can take the emphasis away from you and move it into the hands of an expert. Whether you need general, practical advice or a specialist with dedicated expertise, the money you invest getting their advice could be paid back many times over in the long term.

If you would like to take a closer look at your own circumstances and discuss the best mix of investments to meet your needs, please give me a call on Scunthorpe 330088.

Issued by Marketing-hub.co.uk on behalf of your professional financial adviser. The contents of this document do not constitute advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to purchase or invest in any financial product. The value of a market investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount, particularly in the short term. Before taking any decisions, we suggest you seek advice from a qualified financial adviser. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate tax planning and tax advice.

If you are in doubt speak to your financial advisor first.

The FTSE 100 rallied in morning deals after sharp falls in New York overnight following the decision by Republicans to reject the bank bail out plan. We saw a decent fall in the FTSE yesterday of 5% but the sceptics always over do the ups and downs. So maybe after a day or 2 of levelling out to see if any more bad news comes out or if they can put the rescue package back together in America things might start to recover and confidence return. It also my opinion that the Bank of England must now make a major cut in interest rates to get the banks lending money again. Watch out for news on this next week.

SORRY to say, but it is likely that all investors will have seen falls in their fund value since last year. This is the worst financial crisis since 9/11 - 7 years ago. Had Bin Laden known that the banks were in such a state all he would have needed to do was to get Al-Qaeda to take out some sub-prime mortgages!

In times like this we must stick to the long term investment rules of having a diversified portfolio of equity, property and fixed interest funds, placed with top rated fund managers. Then when stability returns to the markets, we are well placed to recoup, with the gains which normally follow such declines in markets.

So my message is the same as always, STAY INVESTED and DO NOT SELL! If you have cash on deposit, THIS IS THE BEST OPPORTUNITY FOR 7 YEARS TO BUY INTO THE MARKETS, rather then when the FTSE returns to 6400 points.

STOCK MARKETS MAY RISE AND FALL, BUT

THE RULES OF SENSIBLE INVESTMENT

REMAIN CONSTANT.

Successful long term investment is not just about buying low and selling high. Stock markets rise and fall, and share prices are vulnerable to everything from political news to the weather. Trying to find your way around – particularly during times of high volatility and uncertainty – can feel like negotiating a minefield. So how can we make sense of such a confusing world? It is probably time to go back to basics – stock markets may rise and fall, but the rules of sensible investment remain constant.

Rule 1: Buy what’s right for you.

Just because an investment works well for somebody else does not mean it is right for you. Consider your own situation – your future liabilities, your investment goals and, most importantly, your appetite for risk – and then make your own decision.

Rule 2: Diversify.

Spread your risk by diversifying your portfolio across a mixture of asset classes, industry sectors and areas of the world. If you put all your money into a single asset class, sector or company, your portfolio is very exposed and performance is likely to be volatile – whereas, if you mix it up, when one asset is going down, chances are, another asset could be going up and will

Rule 3: Invest for the long term.

It’s hard work – and largely pointless – trying to time your investment so you buy right at the bottom and sell right at the top. Similarly, trying to make short term profits by turning over investments quickly will get expensive and carries a high risk. Instead, target your portfolio at quality companies or funds and then allow them the time and space they need to grow. However…

Rule 4: If an investment has risen substantially, take another look.

There is an old rule of thumb which says ‘when your investment doubles, sell half’. Short term sentiment in stock markets can drive values artificially high, in which case, you may want to cash in while you can. Don’t get greedy – you should never be ashamed to take a profit.

Rule 5: Never buy what you don’t understand.

History is littered with funds which promised a great deal but which, when faced with pressure from the market, collapsed with all those promises broken. Some shares or funds might sound very exciting and, indeed very simple, but if you don’t understand exactly what the company does or how the fund works, steer clear.

Rule 6: Know when to say goodbye.

If a holding has performed particularly badly relative to its peers, you need to consider cutting your losses and selling it altogether. It might be better to sell out and reinvest the proceeds into a quality alternative than to sit round hoping to recoup your loss.

Rule 7: Don’t get emotionally attached.

It’s wonderful if a holding has worked for you, but you don’t have to feel grateful: the share doesn’t know that you own it. You should look at every existing investment with the same clear headed objectivity as you did before you bought it – and when it’s time to sell, do so with a clear conscience.

Rule 8: Be your own person – don’t follow the herd.

Many investors became caught up by the euphoria which surrounded the dot-com boom of the late 1990s simply because everyone else was and they did not want to miss out. Consequently, they bought shares in companies that promised much and delivered little or nothing. It is hard to turn against the flow but always take a step back and think not just about what you are buying, but why.

Rule 9: Review your portfolio regularly.

Your portfolio has been set up to meet your objectives based on your needs today. However, over time, your needs and circumstances can change. The markets can also change – and your portfolio may need the odd tweak to make sure it keeps up. Review it regularly – perhaps every one to three years – and make sure it stays on track.

Rule 10: Don’t believe everything you read!

Headlines on TV and in the finance sections of newspapers can be just as misleading without investigation as they are in celebrity news and sport. Make sure you keep a clear head, remain focussed on your objectives and take advice from a qualified professional to ensure you are making the most of your investment portfolio.

Issued by Marketing-hub.co.uk on behalf of your professional financial adviser. The contents of this document do not constitute advice and should not be taken as a recommendation to purchase or invest in any financial product. The value of a market investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount, particularly in the short term. Before taking any decisions, we suggest you seek advice from our qualified financial adviser

I offer the a completely free first half hour initial consultation on Pensions and Investments so we can access your financial situation and help you understand what choices you have available in order to maximise your return on investment or pension.

Don’t hessitate to call today and book a free initial consultation on 01724 330088
(Unfortunately I cannot give a free initial consultation on mortgages)

If you’re too busy or can’t get to the offices, the feel free to ring and arrange a home visit.

Since I live in the Grimsby & Cleethorpes area anyway, I am able to make home visits in the entire Lincolnshire area, whether it be Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth, Barton, Caistor or anywhere in the area!

Just give me a ring and I can arrange a home visit catered exclusively around your situation.

* Source: Liverpool Victoria, Annual cost of a child survey 2007, to age 21.

As you look towards retirement, you spend a lot of time thinking about what you can do with your days. This is the time when you finally get to please yourself – work part time, take on a personal project, tour the world or, without any guilt, simply do absolutely nothing. It’s taken you a lifetime to get here so a bit of retirement planning is a very good thing.

Part of these thoughts will involve your finances, particularly any pension you have built up. It has no doubt involved sacrifices to maximise its value and the decisions you make now you will live with, literally, for the rest of your life. It therefore deserves some serious thought.

Divest, defer, divide or drawdown?

You may not realise but there are now many options which the right plan at retirement can offer. Of course you can take your pension income now – and a search though the annuity providers for the best rate and terms to maximise your return – but it is not the only pension income option. If you are continuing to work, want to reduce your hours over time, or simply have enough money to see you through a couple of years, then phased retirement, drawdown (an unsecured pension) or short term deferral may be more appropriate.

The best option for you

Our retirement review service can help you to make the right choice – and maximise the pension income available, whichever option you choose. We take a detailed look at what pension plans you have, what your retirement plans are and what can be done – and then seek out the best retirement income solutions for you.

If you would like more information, call our office and we can discuss the financial benefits and outline the retirement process in more detail. It won’t take long – but could end up saving you thousands of pounds.

‘Crash’ is a dramatic sounding word – add it to stock market and it becomes financially worrying, even to those who aren’t all that interested in finance. Then there are the press commentaries that use descriptive words like ‘slide,’ or ‘plunged,’ or ‘fall sharply,’ in reference to financial markets.

All these words have been bandied around of late. It began when markets reacted badly to news of the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the America. Then, the crisis in credit markets developed and banks across the world began to realise this was not just a US problem. Most recently, oil and food prices have escalated, pushing inflation up and adding to the pressures on already hard pressed consumers.

The worry at the outset was the American consumer and what impact lower spending would have on the rest of the world. On many occasions, equity markets went into freefall as shareholders, traders – and hedge funds – went into overdrive, dumping their investments in fear that profits would fall further than anyone had expected.

However, just as markets began to get over the worst of those fears, they were hit by a second wave of worry, brought on by rising oil prices and increases in the prices of some staple foods. In the past 18 months, the FTSE 100 index has hit both its highest level since the end of the tech boom and, very recently, its lowest level since the tentative recovery days of 2005.

In fact, financial markets have been very extreme since July last year - and any piece of bad news, it seems, sends more jitters through investors. Since the beginning of the crisis, we have seen the nationalisation of Northern Rock, the take-over of Bear Stearns, several interest rate cuts, profits warnings from retailers, a disappointing rights issue by HBOS, spiraling oil and food prices and, as a result of the latter, the re-emergence of inflation as a negative force.

The high level of financial volatility is likely to continue, possibly for a number of months yet and the Bank of England has indicated it expects inflation to top 4% for a while. Just as, in a positive environment, markets generally over-inflate prices, in a negative environment they depress them. The problem at the moment is no-one knows who is going to be affected next – so investors are avoiding everyone, just in case.

Analysing the whys, however, does not answer the questions for you and investors like you - which is most likely ‘Will it fall further and if, so, shouldn’t I just sell and take my loss?’

The first part of this question is almost impossible to answer. The future is never guaranteed in equity markets, although there will be many commentators arguing both for why it should fall further and for why it will soon return to its upward trajectory. Some of them will be right but, to be honest, we have no idea which ones.

The latter part is easier to address, however. Volatility and market surprises are at the heart of equity investing and these most recent events really serve to highlight that point. It should also remind you of the benefits of financial diversification and of making sure your investment portfolio is set up to deal with such events.

Good portfolio planning is vital to stop you having to pull money out of the market at times when things look bad. If you are forced to do so – particularly now, when markets are already way down from their highs – you consolidate your loss and feel the pain. If the markets then rebound, after you have withdrawn, you miss out on the rise, making your pain even more acute.

However, if you have a widely diversified portfolio and adequate reserves to draw on when emergencies hit, you can stay invested and sit back, waiting for normality to return. Yes, if markets fall further, you feel more pain and may have to wait longer before your investment gets back to where it was - but at least you are giving it the chance to happen. If you pull out, your money is definitely lost.

Equities and equity-based funds should never be considered as short term investments. If the ups and downs of the last months are too unnerving for you, then you should perhaps think about moving some, perhaps all of your equity holdings into other less volatile asset classes. The upside potential long term may be lower outside of equities but the downside, particularly during periods like this, are also lower.

The best financial advice is to take a step back and remember why you made your investment – and be comforted with the thought that, if your portfolio is balanced and your needs are unchanged then for the long term investor, this news should be nothing to get too worried about.

However, if you have some short term worries, or would like to reconsider any part of your investment allocation, please do not hesitate to give me a call on 01724 330088.

Why do we do this?

Because it gives us the greatest saving and feeling of achievement over your next door neighbour or friends.

So why do we do completely the opposite when it comes to investing for our futures?

Right now and possibly for the rest of this year the financial market is low.  Investing now in equities while the market is low and experiencing long term volatility, for someone who is willing to hold their investment within say an ISA, Unit Trust or pension plan for at least 5 years, should be buying now while stocks last.

Only 12 months ago, the FTSE was standing at around 6400 points, this week is has been down to 5400 points.  If a new car was slashed that much in price, wouldn’t you be interested in it?

So why not get some independent financial advice, and consider buying now while stocks last!