Good Morning
To those of you that have been waiting patiently for the last couple of weeks for my email, this being the 8thissue and a couple of weeks behind schedule, I apologise! In truth, maybe I’ve struggled for content, maybe these sort of thing’s have a shelf life. Maybe I’ll try to change tact slightly next time, jazz it up a bit, add some pictures. Anyway, without further a do, here we go;
Current climate
Looking back on my previous email, early March, Mr Trump’s tantrum had obviously not yet got in to full flow. It can’t have been too long after that the e)ects began to play out, and it soon became evident that investment values began to fall. It’s testament to everyone, and I’d like to think I’ve trained you all well, that not one person who receives these emails felt the need to contact me. Thank you. We’ve pretty much recovered from that now, and we’re back on an upward curve. As I’ve mentioned before, markets seem to react adversely to potential conflicts, and then realise there was nothing to be wary of so recover. The next event on the radar I would imagine is going to be the War between Israel and Iran, so let’s see how that pans out – and not panic.
Busting Pension Transfer Myths
There’s what could be an interesting webinar scheduled by Royal London on the 26th June, a Thursday at 12.30 lunchtime that I’ve signed up for and could be worth a watch. You can register by clicking on this link
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Over the last 6 month’s, this seems to have become more prominent in every day working life. As we all get older, if you’re anything like me then embracing change seems to be challenging. But AI where used correctly can be beneficial, and I think dismissing it is dangerous. I’ll be keen to hear anyone’s success stories using AI, so please do let me know. It must be put in to context, and it would be very dangerous if anyone were to think AI can replace ‘advice’. The human element remains essential, but there’s definitely a place for AI and as I say, to dismiss it would be naïve at best.
What is a Lifetime Mortgage (AKA Equity Release)?
And as a consequence of that, I typed the above into Chat GPT, and this is what came back, copy and pasted;
‘A UK equity release lifetime mortgage is a financial product that allows homeowners aged 55 or over to borrow money against the value of their home while retaining ownership.
Here’s how it works:
- You take out a loan secured against your home.
- You don’t have to make monthly repayments (though some plans allow this); instead, interest is usually rolled up and added to the loan.
- The loan and accrued interest are repaid when you die or move into long-term care, typically from the sale of your home.
It’s a way to unlock the value in your property without having to sell it or move out, often used to supplement retirement income.’
There’s a reason why I choose this subject, but I’ll leave this for a later edition.
All Thing’s IFS (Issue VIII)
Subject title. That’s pretty much it for this edition, fairly brief this time. As such, to sign o), where is IFS at I hear you asl? As you’ll be aware, the day to day running of IFS falls pretty much solely at my feet. Over the years, so as to maintain longevity, I have diversified and o)er advice from investments and pensions, through to mortgages and protection. Given the time I want to devote to work, as a broader model I have had to shall we say ‘pick and choose’ what business I undertake. You are my main body of core business. I really consider new client’s, and whether I am in a position and have the capability and capacity to take on someone new. As much as I always appreciate a referral and recommendation, and please do continue to do so, if the timing is not right for me to take someone on then unfortunately as I already have, I will have to point them in other directions.
And so to sign o) for this edition. A big thank you to everyone who has agreed to our increased charging structure. So far I have had no objections whatsoever, I’m hoping there is a reason for this, and to those of you who I haven’t got round to yet, be assured that you are not alone, and is essential in order that I can continue to o)er my services and remain commercially viable.
Until the next time……
Marcus Woolley
Certified Financial Adviser
Ideal Financial Solutions Limited
Tel 01202 916488
www.idealfinancialsolutions.co.uk