Investments
Investing well is less about picking winners than about matching your money to your goals, your timescale and the level of risk you are genuinely comfortable with. We look at what you are investing for and how long you have, then recommend from the whole of the market rather than a single provider’s range. From tax-efficient ISAs through to bonds, trusts and offshore options, we explain the trade-offs before you commit.
Before anything else we want to know what the money is for and when you might need it. A deposit in three years and a pot you will not touch for twenty are different problems, and they should not be invested the same way.
From there it is a question of the right wrapper, the right funds, and keeping the charges sensible. We recommend from across the market, so the answer is not limited to one provider.
Investment Isas
A tax wrapper for savings or investments. No UK income tax or capital gains tax on what is inside.
Pensions
A pension you set up yourself, useful if you are self employed, or want more control than a workplace scheme gives you.
Investment Trusts
Closed ended companies listed on the stock exchange. They can gear, and they trade at a discount or premium to asset value.
Onshore Investments
UK investment bonds, taxed inside the fund, with a 5% yearly withdrawal you can take without an immediate tax charge.
Offshore Investments
Bonds held outside the UK where the fund rolls up largely free of tax. The personal tax position needs care.
Unit Trusts & Oeics
Pooled funds you can hold inside or outside a wrapper, priced once a day, with income or accumulation units.