Almost 40% of UK adults currently hold an investment of some kind.
As financial planners, we at Hartsfield Planning see investment as a long-term, risk-managed strategy designed to help you achieve your goals while taking as little risk as possible.
We understand that every investor is different and that is why we offer a variety of portfolios – including one for those looking to invest responsibly – that we develop and monitor through the Hartsfield Investment Committee. This means you can be sure that your money is in safe hands.
Interestingly, recent research conducted by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has found that many investors are willing to take a much riskier approach.
In fact, a massive 44% of UK investors admit to not researching at all before investing. And that wasn’t the only shocking finding.
Keep reading for five reasons why Hartsfield’s diligent approach is the key to successful investing.
1. Research now could save huge amounts of money later
Respondents to the FCA survey gave several reasons for not conducting research before parting with their money. The two most popular were:
- Investments are “too complicated”
- Research is too “time-consuming”.
At Hartsfield Planning, our years of experience mean that we understand the markets and our Investment Committee is perfectly placed to help find the right portfolio for you.
And because we do all the leg work, you’ll find the process quick and simple to complete.
2. We can help you understand whether investing is right for you
The only way to ensure that investing is the right option for you is to speak to the experts.
The risks involved mean that it shouldn’t be entered into lightly. It’s also important to remember that the “right” investment strategy is based on a knowledge of your whole financial position and will be individual to you.
This makes the below survey responses even more worrying. When asked why they invested, the top reasons given by UK investors were:
- Their friends did the same (10%)
- They found it “fun” (26%)
- Investments can be picked based on celebrity endorsements on social media (14%).
Trend-chasing or looking to time the market rarely works, even for the most talented fund managers. And taking “advice” from social media is generally a bad plan too (see point 4).
3. Grasping your attitude to risk is key
A successful investment isn’t one that makes the highest return in the shortest possible time. Instead, you need to carefully weigh up three factors:
- What is my overall investment goal?
- How far away is that goal?
- What level of risk am I willing to take (or do I need to take) to meet that goal?
Once you understand your goal you will also have a fair idea of your timescale. For example, saving for your retirement might give you a longer investment term than saving to help your child go to university.
It’s also important to remember that your risk profile isn’t static. It can change depending on the goal you are investing towards, your age, changing attitudes, and personal circumstances.
Regular contact with a financial planner means that you can rebalance your portfolio if necessary, ensuring that it always aligns with your goals and attitude to risk.
4. We can help shield you from investment scams
Taking advice from social media leaves you exposed to a greater risk of being scammed, and of losing your money.
Action Fraud confirmed in May 2021 that investment fraud scams on social media cost victims more than £63 million in 2020. And yet, the Independent reports that 20% of younger investors see social media as their most important source of investment information.
Online investment “advice” is unlikely to contain the necessary risk warnings and can be linked to high-risk or overseas investments which might fall outside of FCA regulations.
In the FCA’s survey, 27% confirmed that they were more likely to invest in an “opportunity” with a limited time frame, despite these types of offers being a huge scam red flag.
5. Our expert knowledge can protect your children too
The issue of social media advice is most worrying for young investors. And yet the availability of online platforms, and the ease with which they can be accessed, could lead children to form bad investment habits.
The FCA report highlights this when it records that under-20s make important investment decisions:
- While watching television or streaming services (13%)
- While at the pub (11%)
- When they get back from a night out (7%).
Get in touch
Hartsfield Planning can save you time and give you peace of mind by helping you to invest in the right way for you. We can help to identify your goals and the level of risk you are happy with, and then conduct the due diligence necessary to give you the best chance of reaching your goals.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of your current investment portfolio, or you’re interested in investing for the first time, please get in touch and find out how our team of expert planners can help.
Please note
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.