Dear Clients,

RE: Wishing you good health and prosperity for the year ahead

Reflecting on the past year, we thank you for your continued support and loyalty. Your trust and confidence have been the cornerstones of our long-term success. We have welcomed many new clients this year, with a large amount of those being referred by you; this is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. We look forward to the year ahead and to continuing to work together.

As we embark on a new year, we renew our commitment to providing you with the highest standards of advice and service. The last two years have certainly been challenging from an investment market perspective with volatility far beyond that which we’ve been accustomed to, however, we are hopeful of a positive 2024.

Our Outlook for 2024

As we turn our attention to 2024, it is essential to acknowledge the ever-changing nature of the financial markets. While unpredictability remains a constant, we are cautiously optimistic about the prospects for the coming year. We may have a view, but we always remain true to the testament that good investing requires discipline, an open mind, and a preparedness to remain patient. We do not try to “time” the markets – we are strong believers of the old adage “time in the markets beats timing the markets”.

It is often difficult to understand big economic, social, or political shifts until they are well underway and new trends are firmly established. And it is safe to say, we are in the first stages of a dramatic regime change – from low inflation and ever declining interest rates to now something rather contrasting.  This illustrates the importance of having a Financial Advisor on your side; we can make amendments to our advice on the basis of market events, or as your personal circumstances change. Through our review services we can discuss your circumstances and make amendments as and where appropriate.

Financial resolutions for the year ahead

The New Year is a great time to review all aspects of your life and consider about how you might improve them. Unfortunately, too few people include their finances among their resolutions.

We have put together some key financial resolutions for you to consider as you look forward to the year ahead.

 

 

Resolution 1: Set Clear Goals

It is important to set clear financial goals. When you became a client we would have set out your goals, and in every subsequent review meeting we revisit these to ensure you remain on track. Peoples goals change through their life and the new year provides a great opportunity to revisit your objectives. This may be to retire at a specific time, repay your mortgage by a certain date, or to leave a sum of money behind for your loved ones. Whatever this may be, we are here to help.

Please take the time this month to fully understand your financial goals and look forward 5 to 10 years and envision what you want for your future financial self.

If you feel your goals have changed since our last review meeting please reach out and we will be happy to amend your financial plan to accurately reflect your objectives.

Resolution 2: Build your savings

Independent of where you are on your journey it is always important to have a level of savings you can fall back onto in the event of an emergency. Even some of our wealthiest clients have little in their current account which they can access in an emergency. It is advisable to have at least three to six months of expenditure readily accessible in a bank account. Anything beyond this should be allocated to assets which can grow.

If you are saving a considerable amount each month, or have monies above that of six months expenditure it would be advised to contact us. We can help build you a bespoke programme that will ensure you maximise your opportunities with ISAs and pensions through the most appropriate investments.

Please also note, do not forget to use up as much of your tax-free ISA allowance as possible before the end of the tax year – April 2024.

Resolution 3: Time to remortgage?

With the prospect of lower interest rates within the next 12 months, if your mortgage is up for renewal this year, you may find you could save money by shopping around rather than simply reverting to the standard rate. Although we do not provide mortgages – we are more than happy to discuss your current rates and provide guidance.

If you would like to discuss any financial matters or concerns in more detail, please do not hesitate to give us a call. If all is well then we look forward to seeing you again at our next review meeting.

In the meantime, we take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year.