Nowadays, Wealth Managers often use alternative assets to help build their clients’ portfolios. At this present moment, hedge funds, commodities and asset-backed lending can all protect portfolios from what might well be coming: the shift from the world of QE, which has depressed government payments on soveriegn bonds to negative rates, to the world of […]

A recent family bereavement started me thinking about the costs of a funeral in the UK. Funeral arrangements are especially tricky because you often have to make dozens of decisions in a short period of time. Death is a subject most of us would rather avoid. But it really is important to talk about because […]

A client recently asked me to explain the ratios found on the fund fact sheets I enclosed with his Proposal for Investment. Some fact sheets will list one or more of the following ratios; others will show others; few will list all of them. But what do they mean? There are five main indicators of […]

A good education is an investment for the future, the return of which is almost impossible to estimate. However, it doesn’t come cheap: the cost of private and university education in the UK or USA is continually rising. For secondary education at most international schools today, you can expect to pay around £12,000 per child […]

Inflation describes rising prices. It occurs when people spend more for the same amount of goods and services than they did a week, month or year ago. When you pay more and gets less for it, it can have devastating effects on the economy - and some people get hurt more than others. “In every […]

It’s easy to feel unsettled when share prices take a tumble. Maybe your portfolio is a little in the red, or a specific stock has been underperforming. Before you panic-sell, remember – market dips are normal. Historically, stocks climb over time, and selling low can be costly. Here, you can learn how to make smart […]

Qualifications and Regulation Before ALL the other requirements, you must be certain that your Investment Advisor is properly qualified to do a good job for you. In Zambia, this means that he or she must hold the Investment Advisor and Stockbroker qualification studied through the Zambia College of Pensions and Insurance Trust, be a paid-up […]

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, you’ve probably heard of the FTSE 100. Also known as the Footsie, its full name is the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index. But what actually is it? It’s an index of the largest 100 UK companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Many of these […]

Sustainable investing refers to types of investments that aim to generate long-term financial returns while advancing sustainable outcomes. There are many different approaches to investing sustainably, each with its own objectives. Before you invest, take the time to understand how a sustainable investment is measured and whether it aligns with your objectives and financial goals. […]

Financial planning is exactly as it sounds – it’s planning your finances. It’s an ongoing process which can help you achieve any long-term goals you may have, such as planning for retirement, while still supporting your short-term needs. Personal financial planning can help you achieve goals, lower stress and manage your money. But it’s often the […]