Building a solid financial plan
The financial crisis of over a decade ago shaped global markets. They faltered and stumbled but then bounced back with surprising speed. This resilience was bolstered by factors such as artificially low interest rates and buoyant market sentiment. However, the world today faces an altogether different type of economic challenge.
The global downturn of the last few years, driven by immense geopolitical, environmental and health crises, has left investors feeling far less certain about recovery timelines. While market headlines may spark concern, a sound financial strategy can help weather uncertainty. A well-structured plan, combined with robust risk management, enables you to regain control of your finances and mitigate the impact of market volatility.
Why a financial plan matters
A robust financial plan offers more than just factual clarity. It provides the emotional comfort of knowing your wealth is aligned to withstand unexpected economic storms. However, achieving this peace of mind requires preparation.
Taking steps early in your financial life to implement a balanced plan can help mitigate short-term risks while setting the stage for long-term stability. But what does a strong financial strategy look like in practice? The process typically revolves around understanding the key elements of risk and their potential impact on your financial goals.
Understanding risk factors
To incorporate risk into financial planning, it is essential to divide it into three main areas. The first is attitude to risk, otherwise known as ‘risk appetite’. This reflects one’s willingness to take on risk and is usually assessed through a combination of questionnaires and in-depth conversations.
Next comes your capacity for loss, which measures your ability to withstand a loss in capital. Finally, there’s the time horizon – the period you expect to remain invested before needing access to your savings. Longer time horizons often allow for greater tolerance of market fluctuations.
Why tailored risk assessment is key
When these three risk factors are comprehensively assessed at the outset, the likelihood of emotional or financial distress from market movements can be significantly reduced. With clarity on the level of risk you can sustain, you’ll be better equipped to weather the inevitable bumps of economic cycles.
On the other hand, neglecting this analysis can have grave consequences. Unanticipated losses without proper safeguards could derail investments and broader life goals.
Smart use of investment ‘tax wrappers’
A good financial plan doesn’t stop at risk evaluation; it also ensures that your portfolio makes the most of the available tax-efficient accounts, or ‘tax wrappers’. These include pensions like Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), General Investment Accounts (GIAs) and offshore bonds.
Each offers distinct tax advantages, access terms and risk profiles. For example, pensions are long-term investments suitable for higher-risk assets early in your career. ISAs provide flexibility, allowing you to save for both short-term and long-term goals, while GIAs are valuable for returns that outpace inflation despite fewer tax allowances.
The cost of getting risk profiles wrong
Analysis has shown that mistimed market declines can have a profound impact depending on where you are in your financial life. Losses just before retirement – or when savings are needed in the shorter term – can be particularly damaging. This is why precisely considering risk tolerance and investment timeframes is critical.
If your time horizon is short, even a modest loss could take years to recover, posing real challenges for accessing your wealth when you need it most. Conversely, a low-risk strategy over a long time horizon can result in missed opportunities for higher returns.
A personalised financial strategy
Every person’s financial circumstances differ. The ultimate aim should be to maximise potential long-term returns within the level of risk that aligns with your goals. While it may be tempting to compare your financial outcome to that of others, such comparisons can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Remember, those who boast during good times rarely discuss their losses during downturns.
Enlisting the help of an experienced investment manager can make all the difference. They help ensure your portfolio aligns with your attitude to risk, timeframe and long-term aspirations. Adjusting your asset mix when necessary limits your exposure to short-term market volatility while keeping your broader goals in focus.
Mapping out your financial future
Financial planning is about more than just numbers. It’s about crafting the life you envision. Do you dream of early retirement, a family holiday home or funding your child’s wedding or education? Each of these aspirations has a price tag, and cash flow modelling is an excellent way to visualise these goals.
Cash flow modelling allows you to experiment with life scenarios like retiring earlier, taking a sabbatical or overcoming unexpected health challenges. With targeted questions about your savings structure, pension contributions and investment mix, we can simplify this complex task, leaving you better prepared for the future you want.
THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX, LEGAL OR FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. TAX TREATMENT DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CLIENT AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE. FOR GUIDANCE, SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENTS CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP, AND YOU MAY GET BACK LESS THAN YOU INVESTED.
