Is it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of your investment portfolio and invest in ethical companies, without compromising the returns you need to achieve your financial goals? The answer is yes. The first phase is to develop an investment philosophy that emphasizes the sources of higher expected returns whilst minimizing turnover and trading costs… Read More
It’s been a while since I ranted about this. I had recent prospective clients approach us, a Humble Achiever couple having just sold their business and made work optional last year. They had concerns about the fees being charged to them by their current advisers. They were being charged an asset based fee (or a… Read More
Anyone checked their portfolio lately, or heard about the volatility on the sharemarket on the news? It’s likely down, maybe as high as 10% over the last month. Some seasoned investors will understand this is par for the course, while others may be feeling a bit more anxious. Volatility is a test to all investors.… Read More
During a progress meeting with a Leader client this week, the agenda addressed cash-flow and spending. My clients mentioned that they’ve cut down on how much they are spending but were conscious that “The Extravagant Quarter” had just begun. They were referring to the October to December quarter when there are a lot of birthday parties, Xmas… Read More
Many of us have heard the rocks, pebbles and sand story which goes a bit like this: A philosophy professor once stood up before her class with a large empty jar. She filled the jar to the top with large rocks and asked her students if the jar was full. The students said that yes,… Read More
The Royal Commission has revealed some disgraceful and deceitful actions. What will come of it all is anyone’s guess. I’ve been mulling it over and have concluded that the solution is to make (only ) independent financial advice completely tax deductible. Upfront advice, ongoing advice, anything in between; all of it 100% tax deductible. Now… Read More
Dear James, Yesterday, you made a big mistake in this news article about Sam Henderson. You refer to him as an independent financial planner. He is not independent. He has never been. It’s an honest mistake. It’s a real mistake. But is it really a big mistake? It is. People believe what you write James.… Read More
It’s just over a month now since our third child was born and I’m determined to not get fat this time. You see, five years ago my wife told me she was pregnant with our first. And then, as you do when you are eating for two, she started eating. A lot. So I started eating. A lot.… Read More
Whilst running on Sunday morning recently, my friend Belinda told me something I found fascinating about her recent Toyko Marathon adventure. When she lined up at the starting line she found herself just metres behind the elite runners. Minutes before the race began all the best marathon runners were introduced to the crowd and took… Read More
Our ideal client is a High Achiever. To inspire, motivate and be respected by such a client each of our advisers must be a High Achiever in their own way or style. The question was asked in the office the other day how to spot a High Achiever, or more specifically, “Is there one attribute… Read More
