Savings and Investments

The different types of savings and investments include pensions, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and property.

There are also ISAs and JISAs to consider, too.

For high net worth individuals, there is also the option to invest in Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS).

For the purpose of clarity, both VCTs and EISs are higher risk investments. Therefore you should seek the advice of a financial adviser when considering these options.

At Sterling & Law, we operate a transparent fee structure.

We charge a percentage of ‘funds under management’. Simply put this is a yearly charge based on the value of the investments we manage for you.

You can find out more details about our fee structure here.

No, your first meeting with one of Sterling & Law’s investment specialists is complimentary. There is no charge.

As we are FCA-regulated, you will also have a yearly review with your dedicated adviser. 

This is part of the service we provide our investment management clients.

This comes down to a range of factors so we can’t answer this specifically. When you meet with one of our advisers, they will take you through a comprehensive fact find where they will establish your goals, attitude to risk, and more.

When it comes to pensions and ISAs, here are some things to consider:

• ISAs offer flexibility and tax-free growth, but have contribution limits. 
• On the other hand, pensions offer tax benefits, but have restrictions on access and withdrawals.

Both can be useful as part of a balanced retirement savings plan.

For sure. If you are investing for the first time, here are some tips. To help you on your journey,  start by figuring out your investment objectives – what are you looking to achieve?

Then, think about which investment vehicle you wish to use. Investing isn’t for the faint-hearted, and should be approached with a long-term view so be prepared to see the value of your investments fluctuate.

To balance your risk, always remember to diversify your investments. Lastly, and most importantly, you need to understand your tolerance to risk.

High net worth individuals (HNWIs)  typically have access to a wide range of investment options, including private equity, property, and venture capital. These investments often require significant capital and carry higher risks but can also offer the potential for higher returns.

Furthermore, now that the Lifetime Allowance for pensions has been abolished, pensions are a solid long term investment for HNWIs.

On the other hand, investors with a high tolerance to risk could consider Venture Capital Trusts and Enterprise Investment Schemes. VCTs & EIS are investment options that provide tax benefits to investors who fund small & growing companies, offering high returns but also high risk.

An investment adviser helps individuals and organisations make informed decisions about  where to invest. An experienced investment adviser will go through a fact finding process and will align their recommendations with the client’s goals, and tolerance to risk.

They provide personalised guidance on investment strategies, monitor progress towards financial goals, and may also offer insights on financial planning, tax strategies, and risk management.

Yes, you can certainly learn how to, or simply invest on your own. However, getting professional advice can provide a number of benefits that you may not get from going it alone. 

For instance, an experienced adviser can help you identify your wealth, and financial goals and create a personalised investment strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Their knowledge around tax, risk management, and asset classes can be invaluable for an inexperienced investor. 

Additionally, their professional  experience can help you avoid costly mistakes. They can also help you monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your investment plan along the way. 

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to work with an adviser is up to you, but it’s worth considering the potential benefits of doing so.

Getting investment advice can help you make more informed and strategic decisions about your finances.

It can also provide you with access to expert insights and market knowledge that may not be easily available to the general public. This can potentially lead to better returns and financial stability over the long term.

Another benefit of getting advice from an investment specialist is they can help you avoid making knee-jerk emotional decisions if the financial markets go through a period of correction or turbulence. 

There is an old saying that “it’s about time in the market, not timing the market”. People who don’t understand how the markets fluctuate, could cash-in their investments in a panic, only to see the market recover swiftly, leaving them with short term losses, as opposed to long term gains.