Fiducia Wealth Management
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Twelve months ago, my Rottweiler Sonny unfortunately started to hop on one of his back legs and refuse to put weight on the other. As any good dog owner would, I took him to the vet with whom I have dealt for the past twelve years and who, after taking some x-rays, advised me that Sonny had suffered a cranial cruciate ligament rupture. He also told me that I would have to spend £4000 to have the injury repaired and to rehabilitate him.

I listened to the vet, who explained that the operation involved cutting the front of the shin bone, moving it forward, and stabilising it in a new position with a plate and screws. However, on leaving the veterinary practice, I didn’t feel that I had enough understanding of exactly what the implications for dear Sonny would be. Nor did I know how this proposed operation would ‘repair him’, or indeed whether there were other options available.

While I don’t propose to retrain as a veterinary surgeon to gain this level of understanding, it’s still nice to know what it is that you’re doing, why you’re doing it and what it is that you’re paying for. I’m not suggesting that every dog owner who has their pet vaccinated visits three different vets in an effort to shop-around, but when it comes to the big decisions, the ‘game changers’, if you’re not happy with the options given, or don’t fully understand why a particular advice path is being recommended, then one seeks a second opinion.

The same should apply to your financial planning to ensure you’re receiving the best advice and the most suitable outcomes given your current situation.

Most advisers provide a good level of service where the client understands the logic behind the advice provided. They will receive updates and a review on a regular basis, at least annually. Unfortunately, this best practice is not observed by every Adviser so it’s crucial to understand when it may be necessary ask someone to cast a fresh pair of eyes over your portfolio.

Possible triggers include:

  • Feeling like you don’t have a clear investment strategy. If you don’t have a clearly articulated investment strategy, then how do you know if the decisions being made are the right ones?
  • How recommendations relate to your financial goals? You don’t know? A good adviser will be able to explain to you how and why each investment will make your goals more achievable.
  • You have multiple investment accounts across several platforms and no clear consolidated picture. It’s possible to hold various investments on a single platform which provides greater transparency when looking at your financial situation. Life today is complex enough and a good adviser should be able to make things simpler and more transparent.
  • Your investment portfolio is being self-managed or is not being managed at all. This could mean that you are not optimising investment opportunities nor making the most of potential tax allowances and exemptions.

Coming back to Sonny, I visited another practice armed with a series of questions that I should have asked of the first vet. The second practice recommended the same course of treatment at a higher cost and so I decided to go back to the first and let them carry out the procedure. I did so, in the knowledge that my strategy was the right one given my objective of having a dog that was mobile and pain-free, I’m pleased to report that Sonny is now as good as new.

In applying this philosophy to your finances, my advice would be to look for the triggers that could render a second opinion a viable and potentially valuable option and to try, where possible, to give some thought to asking the right questions. Knowledge is power, in dog ownership and investment planning alike.

 

Fiducia Wealth Management

If you would like to know more about how we as Financial Advisers can help you  with your Investments then visit the Investment Management section of  our website: Investment Management or send us email at: [email protected]

The information contained in our website is for guidance only and does not constitute advice which should be sought before taking any action. The information is based on our understanding of legislation, whether proposed or in force, and market practice at the time of writing. Levels, bases and reliefs from taxation may be subject to change. Accordingly, no responsibility can be assumed by Fiducia Wealth Management Limited, or any associated companies or persons, its officers or its employees, for any loss occurred in connection with the content hereof and any such action. Professional financial advice is recommended for every case.

Fiducia is a multi award-winning firm of Financial Advisers based in Dedham near Colchester situated in the heart of Constable Country on the Essex Suffolk border. www.fiduciawealth.co.uk

Fiducia Wealth Management Ltd. Dedham Hall Business Centre, Brook Street, Dedham, Colchester, Essex, CO7 6AD.

Fiducia Wealth Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA No. 408210