Simplicity is The Ultimate Complexity #286

One of my favourite podcasts is The Compound & Friends featuring hosts Josh Brown and Michael Batnick of 'Ritholtz Wealth' in the US. They are irreverent, funny, informative and between them and their varied guests (they call them 'friends'!) share some great insights and information.

In recent weeks they have touched on a wide variety of topics, but two in particular caught my attention most, and I felt might be worth sharing with you in this weeks' podcast.

I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast I talk about the scandal of UK investment firm Saint James' Place. It is a monstrous financial advice and investment firm regulated by the FCA in the UK.

It has been marred by scandals over the past few years. They've been accused of it all; from 'rogue' investment managers (whose clients are still trying to get their money back), to recent over-charging claims. Is there a lesson for us to learn here about it? Lets take a quick look.

I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast we talk about Retirement Investment: The Case for Equity Over Bonds.

Research published in October 2023 suggests a significant shift in retirement investment strategies is merited. The research indicates that retirees often benefit more from an equity-focused portfolio rather than the traditional equity/bond split. 

In Ireland, embracing an all-equity portfolio comes with its distinct advantages and challenges for retirees.

I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast I talk about S&P500 and if it's a good idea or not to go All-In.

Should you bet all your investment or pension assets on the good 'ol S&P500? Or would you be considered 'bananas' to do so?!? As with a lot of my podcasts, this is inspired by a recent conversation. Conversations that I love to have and to explore with clients.

Could one say that a financial advisor is not doing right by their clients if they are NOT advising all their clients to go all-in on S&P500 or the Nasdaq??!

It's important to make an informed decision.

I hope this helps!

Pension Lifestyling in Ireland is rampant.

By my reckoning, the vast majority of people with pensions are invested in insurance company pension schemes using 'Pension Lifestyling'. This week I explore if that is a prudent approach for you as a pension holder on the cusp of retirement, or a useless sales tool that you should avoid like the plague.

I hope it helps.

• Financial planning
• Anne's journey
• How and why she wrote a book
• How and why she didn't lead by example all her life
• Key things she recommends people can do to rewire and rethink how they go about their own money management

Something a little different, and a lot shorter this week.

Far too often, when a prospective client asks me to run the rule over their financial affairs, I see complexity and sophistication, and resultant negative outcomes. It is not their fault, it is the fault of 'experts' plying their 'sophisticated' trade.

I hope it helps.

On this week’s podcast, Paddy talks about which investments of the past few years in Ireland were the best.

He will analyse two very different investment approaches; one a middle of the road insurance company approach, the other an aggressive multi-national fund manager approach. And before delving in, consider what you believe the meaning of 'best investment' is!?

Depending on your perspective it could be any of the following;

• Least volatile

• Lowest cost

• Most transparent

• Highest returns

• Most diversified

• Most volatile

Hope you find this helpful

In this week's podcast, we talk about retirement planning strategies for business owners in Ireland.

Retirement marks a significant milestone in life. And I believe it fair to say that it is especially so for many business owners, who have often spent years nurturing their beloved businesses!

In Ireland, effective retirement planning is crucial, not just for ensuring a comfortable retirement but also for optimising tax liabilities.

The main reason I am choosing this short topic this week is because when one hears the words 'retirement planning' one may automatically think of 'pensions'. However, in any effective strategy, a pension is only one of several tools at your disposal to maximise your financial life. 

I hope it helps.

In this week's podcast, we talk about Auto-Enrolment Pensions.

In the second half of 2024, Ireland is hoping to introduce Auto-Enrolment Pensions. Many people will have heard whispers, and some may be fully aware of it. However, for many employers, there is a bit of concern as to exactly what they may or may not need to do about it all!

Let’s take a quick look.

To register for this free webinar CLICK HERE to book your spot.