In this update: Hidden in plain sight. In the world of investing, we often talk about risk as a set of numbers and we refer to these numbers using words such as volatility and standard deviation. But for most of us, risk is an emotion. When markets...
In this update: AI and Financial Services. In 1999 it seemed that some fell in love with the 'clumsily charming' independent bookshop owner in Notting Hill. But as Hugh Grant was winning hearts on the silver screen, a much larger force was landing on our shores. At...
In this update: Portfolio rebalancing - Why it matters even when nothing else has changed. It’s a common misconception in financial planning - if your life hasn’t changed — no new job, no house purchase, no sudden inheritance — your investment portfolio shouldn't need to change...
In this update: Navigating the Unpredictable The part that luck and risk play in financial planning As regular readers of these posts will note, I often outline strategies built on sound principles, careful analysis, and a long-term vision. This is a firm focus on what we can...
We have summarised the main points of the Budget below, along with a reminder of various changes from April 2026 that we were already aware of. PENSIONS Tax Free Cash from pensions No change. Tax Relief on Pension Contributions No change. Contribution Limits No change. Salary sacrifice From April 2029, anyone sacrificing more than...
Are you using your portfolio like a bank account? In this update: Why your portfolio should not be treated like a bank account. Is your Investment Portfolio a Piggy Bank? Think Again! It's a scenario many of us dream of - checking your investment portfolio and seeing a...
Don't Fear the Peak: Why All-Time Highs are Just Stepping Stones for your Investments In this update: Don’t fear market highs. The headlines often shout about "all-time highs" in the stock market, and for some investors, this can trigger a sense of unease. Is it too late...
In this update: Financial Clarity in a Sea of Misinformation In today's digital age, information flows freely – a double-edged sword that offers unprecedented access to knowledge while simultaneously drowning us in a sea of misinformation. This is particularly true in the realm of personal finance, where...
In this update: Our attitude and the financial markets In today's market environment, and particularly in light of the recent market volatility caused mainly by newly announced tariff policies, investors can at times feel powerless in the face of these world events. Indeed, no amount of investment...
In this update: Running Through a Dynamite Factory: The Perils of Uninformed Investing I was recently reminded of a wonderful quote from Joel Greenblatt, the renowned investor and author: Choosing individual stocks without any idea of what you're looking for is like running through a dynamite factory...