{"id":6502,"date":"2025-06-19T14:48:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/?p=6502"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:27:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T08:27:50","slug":"an-introduction-to-investing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/2025\/06\/19\/an-introduction-to-investing\/","title":{"rendered":"An introduction to investing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-table\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Building a suitable investment strategy will make your money work harder and as tax efficiently as possible<\/td><td>The stock market tends to outperform cash over the longer-term, providing an opportunity for greater returns<\/td><td>Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets fall<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>Throughout life, many things can have a significant impact on your financial needs and plans for the future. As your life journey progresses, you will need to adapt to an endless list of variables including:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>commitments such as marriage<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>property purchase<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>starting a family<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>business commitments<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>retirement<\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>inheritance planning.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>The financial planning process will help to support you by ensuring that your financial plans remain relevant and on track for the future. Our conversations with you are expertly focused on all aspects of your goals, alongside our knowledge to help you stay on the best financial path for you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>This guide focuses on<strong><em> Investing<\/em><\/strong>. We take time to understand your situation by assessing your income, expenditure, financial goals and attitude towards risk. It\u2019s also important to find the most suitable investment features for you; different methods of investing will suit different circumstances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>We can help you to build a suitable investment strategy to make your money work harder and as tax efficiently as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\">Contents<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#worried-about-investing\">Worried about investing?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#lessons-from-the-past\">Lessons from the past<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#diversification-and-strategy\">Diversification and strategy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#taking-the-long-term-view\">Taking the long term view<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#communication-a-vital-part-of-the-advice-process\">Communication &#8211; a vital part of the advice process<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li><a href=\"#the-value-of-financial-advice\">The value of financial advice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"worried-about-investing\">Worried about investing?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Why should you invest?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\">Inflation can seriously affect the value of cash savings over the medium and long-term, that\u2019s why it\u2019s important to look at alternatives to cash deposits to make your money grow. <a style=\"text-decoration: none; color: black;\">The stock market tends to do better than cash over the longer-term, providing an opportunity for greater returns<\/a> on any money invested over time, allowing you to build your wealth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Your attitude to risk<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>As an investor, you have to decide how much risk is right for you. Building an appropriate portfolio will incorporate strategies designed to help reduce risk, but it cannot be eliminated altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that some market volatility is inevitable; markets will always move up and down; although market fluctuations can be concerning, you can rest assured that we will work with you to formulate a financial strategy which is in line with your personal requirements. This can help you look through \u2018the noise\u2019 to focus on what really matters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>And, of course, you should remember that volatility can also create opportunities for investors as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"lessons-from-the-past\">Lessons from the past<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"903\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.contentdeployment.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/19143810\/image.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.contentdeployment.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/19143810\/image.png 903w, https:\/\/cdn.contentdeployment.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/19143810\/image-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.contentdeployment.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/19143810\/image-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.contentdeployment.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/06\/19143810\/image-600x374.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 903px) 100vw, 903px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>As an investor, putting any short-term market volatility into historical context is useful. This chart of the FTSE 100 index since inception, details a series of significant events over the last 40 years or so. Despite a variety of market shocks and rebounds, the index still has a long-term growth trend.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"diversification-and-strategy\">Diversification and strategy<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Diversification is the term for spreading your money between different investments (asset classes) and different investment products. There are four main asset classes \u2013 cash, equities, property and bonds (or fixed interest securities). Diversification is often considered to be the number one rule when investing, as different asset classes perform well or badly at different times. No individual asset class consistently outperforms the others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>A portfolio that contains a selection of asset classes, spread across various geographical regions will be less volatile than an investment in a single asset class.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>By selecting a broad range of assets in line with your attitude to risk, objectives and time horizon, diversification aims to provide the potential to improve returns for your chosen level of risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">The right strategy \u2013 step by step<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>Before we make a recommendation, we will build up a picture of your overall personal financial circumstances, agree your goals and objectives with you, the areas you should prioritise, and assess your attitude to risk<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>We will develop a strategy and asset allocation which complements your investment goals<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>We consider what products best suit you and your circumstances by looking at all your options and making you aware of how the various products and investments differ<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>Recommendations will be tailored to your needs, making sure you get the right balance between affordability, and the suitability of products and investments you need<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list\">\n<ul><div class=\"hd-block hd-block-list-item\">\n<li>Regular reviews are essential so that we are aware of any changes in your objectives or circumstances and to help rebalance your portfolio where necessary.<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"taking-the-long-term-view\">Taking the long-term view<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets fall. Experienced long-term investors know that the worst investment strategy you can adopt is to jump in and out of the stock market, panic when prices fall and sell investments at the bottom of the market.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"communication-a-vital-part-of-the-advice-process\">Communication \u2013 a vital part of the advice process<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>Getting into the habit of meeting with us regularly to update your objectives and any changes in your personal circumstances which may affect your finances, is essential. Important changes include buying a house, losing your job or receiving an inheritance.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Where necessary, we can adapt your strategy and asset allocation to rebalance your portfolio if your investment goals change. Failure to rebalance after achieving good returns, could leave your portfolio with a risk level that is inconsistent with your strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Planning is a continual process of anticipating and adapting to changes in your personal circumstances over the long term. Working with us means that you\u2019ll be benefiting from informed advice, reinforced by up-to-date market intelligence and years of experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h3 class=\"has-large-font-size\">Be scam aware \u2013 trust your instinct<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Unfortunately, the incidence of investment scams is on the rise, and as they increase in sophistication, everyone is at risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Government advice for consumers to protect themselves from fraud includes checking the company\u2019s credentials via a reliable source such as the Financial Conduct Authority\u2019s (FCA) Financial Services Register, being wary of deals that sound too good to be true, not giving out personal details, not clicking on links from unknown senders and seeking professional financial advice before making any decisions. To check whether an investment or pension opportunity is legitimate, you can use the FCA online scam checker, which can be found here: <a style=\"color: black; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"www.fca.org.uk\/scamsmart\">www.fca.org.uk\/scamsmart<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>If you are unsure about any financial opportunities that come your way, please contact us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"the-value-of-financial-advice\">The value of financial advice<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>You may be asking yourself whether it is worth taking financial advice when investing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Over the years, research has produced some interesting findings that highlight the benefit of taking advice when making financial decisions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>When assessing financial value, research<sup>1<\/sup> has highlighted that people who take specific financial advice were likely, on average to receive between 3 and 4.4% more per annum in net returns. This was through a combination of financial planning, preventing behavioural mistakes, rebalancing portfolios and tax advice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>Elsewhere, another study<sup>2<\/sup> highlighted that receiving professional financial advice over a five-year period (between 2001 and 2006), resulted in a total boost to wealth (in pensions and financial assets) of nearly \u00a348,000 a decade later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><sup>1<\/sup>Russell Investments, Vanguard, <sup>2<\/sup>ILC, Revisiting the Value of Financial Advice<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-heading\">\n<h2 class=\"has-large-font-size\">We&#8217;re here to help<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p>We\u2019re only a phone call away, so if you have queries or would like to discuss any aspect of your investment portfolio, please do get in touch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-spacer\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"hd-block hd-block-paragraph\">\n<p><strong>It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building a suitable investment strategy will make your money work harder and as tax efficiently as possible The stock market tends to outperform cash over the longer-term, providing an opportunity for greater returns Investment requires a disciplined approach and a degree of holding your nerve if markets fall Throughout life, many things can have a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[32],"tags":[86],"hd_content_source":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6502"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6502"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6879,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6502\/revisions\/6879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6502"},{"taxonomy":"hd_content_source","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/new.contentdeployment.co.uk\/quilter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hd_content_source?post=6502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}