Investment
Investing is the process of putting resources, usually money, into buying products which you anticipate will increase in value such as stocks, shares, property or shares in a fund.
For families, entrepreneurs, professionals and executives alike, expert advice on investment, financial planning and tax issues is critical to protecting and maximising personal wealth. Our independent financial advisers specialise in providing just such advice. Whether your wealth comes from building a business, successful investments or family inheritance, robust family and estate planning is essential for protecting your wealth.
Why Choose Worldwide Financial Planning?
Worldwide Financial Planning has the resources and capabilities to deal with all aspects of your financial affairs under one roof. Our specialists provide practical and imaginative total wealth management solutions combining sound investment advice, with efficient tax structures and long-term succession planning.
When planning for your retirement our advisers will look at the most efficient ways to protect your assets, for you to enjoy retirement and pass your wealth on to future generations.
When you talk to our advisers about investments we take into account future income requirements, taxation and fluctuations in the investment marketplace. Your changing needs means that taking independent investment advice will help make the investment process as smooth as possible.
On this page:
- Why Choose Worldwide Financial Planning?
- Why Should You Consider Investing?
- Why Is There A Risk With Investing?
- What Can You Consider Investing In?
- Understanding Your ‘Why’
- Do I need to Have Lots of Cash Before I Can Invest?
- Why Should You Seek Out A Financial Adviser
- How We Can Help You
- Frequently Asked Questions
It means you can rest assured that our investment advisers are highly trained to maximise the best investment returns while minimising the risk to your capital. We recognise that everyone has unique needs and unique goals so your appointed investment adviser will go through everything in detail with you.
Worldwide Financial Planning is of the UK’s leading firms of independent financial advisers. Our firm previously amassed an array of awards including 16 FT Advisor awards including Investment Adviser of the Year and Mortgage Adviser of the Year. You’re in safe hands.
"Understand what you might be investing into. Ask for the risk and reward to be explained to you and then test it."
Peter McGahan writes in the Irish News
Why Should You Consider Investing?
We all work hard for our money so it makes absolute sense to make your money work for you too. By doing so, your money needs to be managed carefully.
If you think of money in terms of time this will make it easier to understand. Money which grows with basic rate tax taken at source will automatically lose 20 per cent. In work terms that’s like working for free every Monday in other words losing 20 per cent of your pay).
Your money is yours so manage it well and enjoy it!
Why Is There A Risk With Investing?
It is important to understand from the outset that there are risks attached with investing. You are not simply putting your money in a savings account and letting the account work its magic. With investing you are stepping away from the security of those guaranteed returns and you are hoping that whatever amount you are investing that you will get a lot more back in return. But, there is a risk that this might not happen.
What Can I Invest In?
For a lot of people investing means putting money in the stock market ie – you buy shares in a company, or companies, with the aim of making a profit but whatever you invest in, the principle remains the same – you are taking a risk with your money.
Other things which you may consider investing in can include;
Understanding Your ‘Why’
As we have said, when you invest your money you are taking a gamble. But, first things first – understand your why. This is crucial. Always ask yourself – why would I invest my money? It doesn’t matter if you are considering buying shares or investing in a stock market fund – ask yourself why.
In the past, stocks and shares have performed better for investors than money sitting in savings accounts. But again, that’s not a guarantee they will outperform in the future. It’s one thing a friend giving you a nod and a wink about something which might be worth investing in and going to an independent financial adviser who will guide you appropriately. You will need to examine your finances and be honest about what you are able to do and why you want to invest.
Do I Need To Have Lots of Money in Order to Invest?
The quick answer is no, however, you must be honest with yourself about the state of your finances. If you are struggling to meet your monthly outgoings, and have little savings, you must think seriously about investing. It might sound like a silly thing to say but the last thing you want to do is make your financial situation worse than what it is. It is better to get yourself into a healthier position financially. Always remember, by investing you are taking a risk and you do not want to do something which will make your situation worse.
You will see the need here for independent financial advice. The lure for a quick fix from the stock market could be tempting for many. Say you did invest, and you did gain, this could lead you into a false sense of security about the realistic state of your finances. Be honest with yourself. Understand your financial position.
The simple rule is you should never invest more than you can afford to lose. Many people are of the belief that you have to be cash rich to invest in the stock market but the reality is you do not. Our independent financial advisers deal with both – the cash rich (ie those with a nest egg which they are not relying on for day to day living) and also those who drip feed in smaller amounts on a regular basis to the market. You could be investing from as little as £25 per month which then builds over time. Stock markets can crash and you can face losing a huge chunk of money if you have already invested a lot. If you invest slowly but surely you just might be able to ride out those bumps.
Why Should You Seek out a Financial Adviser?
Here at Worldwide Financial Planning we believe in making your money work for you and when we talk about this with our clients we include investment advice. Investing gives your money greater potential to grow above and beyond inflation than cash does.
We have already pointed out that investing comes with risk which ultimately means you may not get back what you put in. Investments should not be seen as a quick fix but you need to consider committing to at least five years.
How We Will Help You
As your independent financial advisers we will guide you with asset allocation, optional reviews, tax planning and active fund management.
Asset allocation: Managing asset allocation across all your investments based on your risk profile.
Optional reviews: Reviewing your asset allocations at least annually and making appropriate recommendations.
Tax planning: Ensuring your investments are held in the most appropriate tax wrapper and making the most of tax-efficient savings such as pensions, ISAs, National Savings and insurance-based investments.
Active fund management: Accessing discretionary fund managers in our investment management business to look after your investment portfolio, if appropriate.
Talk to Our Advisers About Investments
Frequently asked questions
Put simply, a share is a small unit of the value of a company. You’ll have heard of people buying shares in a company. This basically means companies issue shares to raise money and attract investors (ie you) to buy shares as they believe the company will do well and you will have a share in that success.
If you buy shares, and they increase in value, then you will profit when you sell. The other way is when they pay dividends. – ie – if a company makes a profit and it gives some of that profit back to you.
A fund is another way to buy shares. Think of it this way – instead of you buying a bit of a company directly, you pool your money with other investors to invest in lots of different shares.
First and foremost, the greater the return you desire, the greater the risk you’ll have to take. Also think about diversifying your investment which can lower your risk exposure – ie spread your investments around. Manage your risk as much as you can so think about investing over a five year period rather than investing in bulk over a shorter period. Always review your portfolio. Take stock of your initial decision and check with yourself if you are still prepared to take the risk you set out taking. Investments go up and investments can come down.
It’s totally understandable as an investor to want to know the answer to this question. The answer to this question is also a deciding factor in where people decide to invest their money. The reality is however, we cannot answer that question but our adviser will talk you through what could potentially be achieved.
If you live in the UK and are aged 18 or over, you will have an annual £20,000 annual ISA allowance. This means you do not have to pay any tax on any stock market gains you might make. Your independent financial adviser will go through how ISAs work.
No – we don’t provide our own financial products. You can be sure you’ll get independent advice on the widest possible selection of relevant invested products from a trusted adviser.
When you contact us to ask about investment, we’ll appoint you your own dedicated independent financial adviser. Your adviser will contact you, at a time that’s convenient to you, to discuss what you would like to achieve with your investments. Your initial consultation with your investment adviser will be free of any charge or obligation.
Sign up for our newsletter
You may also be interested in...
ESG Sustainable Investing
ESG is a means for investors assessing companies which they consider investing in. Investors are putting their money with organisations which align with their values.
Inheritance Tax
Benjamin Franklin said that “…in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes”. While the first part is unavoidable, our friendly advice may well help with the latter.
Long Term Care
There will come a time in all of our lives when we will need care in some capacity or other. For some people it comes earlier but for others it comes much later.