When you ask someone for investment advice, you need to know where your money will be placed. It should raise a red flag if they can’t explain their approach concisely and confidently. In my formative years, I witnessed pre-RDR (Retail Distribution Review) advice relying on ‘with profit’ or ‘balanced managed’ Read More >>
One-year performance doesn’t form the basis of our decision-making – we adopt a buy and hold strategy. However, we know it is important to see how your investments are performing, so here’s a quick overview to what happened in 2019. The headline news: It was a good year for nearly Read More >>
As financial planners, we like to concentrate on the things we can control, i.e. the risks you take, the tax you pay and the fees you incur. Fees are necessary, as they facilitate the management of your investments, but they must be appropriate and not so excessive, they impede the Read More >>
As the days tick down to a new tax year, it’s time to take a look at your finances and make sure you’re approaching the fiscal watershed in good shape. Whether you’re a regular or occasional saver, there are tax reliefs and allowances to be had. For example, some of Read More >>
You’ve probably heard of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It’s the body that regulates firms like Belmayne and should protect you from potential scammers. I say ‘should’ for a reason. In December, new rules were implemented that means the FCA no longer has to list advisers on its public record, Read More >>
The so-called WASPI women (Women Against State Pension Inequality) hit the political spotlight during Labour’s general election campaign. Whether you agree with their plight or not, one thing that is beyond dispute is that they clearly didn’t know about the changes to their state pension entitlement until the last moment, Read More >>
Her Majesty has spoken – action is needed! Don’t panic, this isn’t about Brexit, it’s about you and your pension savings. As part of the Queen’s speech, it was announced that a pensions dashboard would be launched. This initiative, first discussed back in 2016, will be an online tool to Read More >>
Jon and fellow partner, Martin, are taking part in the Sheffield Ten 10 Ten on October 6 to raise funds for our Belmayne Foundation. Having not run regularly for six years, he’s a bit rusty! Here’s how training is going so far… My intentions were good. I signed up nice Read More >>
With the rugby world cup upon us, my thoughts strayed to Sir Clive Woodwood’s 2003 winning team. If I recall correctly, his approach was very specific: Focus on every detail – training, coaching, diet, etc. Sir Clive believed small incremental gains in each area could amount to significant benefits and Read More >>
I had the pleasure recently of meeting and mentoring a local student who wished to learn more about what it is like working within a financial planning firm. Matthew Baxter lives close to our Dronfield offices and attends Westbourne School in Sheffield. He showed great initiative in contacting us and Read More >>
