Best way to protect your finances

Andrew Morgan is a Partner in the Private Client Department and can be contacted on 01323 434414 or email am@stephenrimmer.com

What investors, savers and homeowners should consider to protect their finances

At the beginning of the year, we could not fathom the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on the way we work and live - not to mention our savings, investments, and day-to-day finances. The UK is now in recession - the biggest on record. There have been monumental swings in the stock market and in the price of almost every other asset including property, bonds, oil and gold.

Companies have been forced to cut and cancel dividends, with many concerned that they may even go out of business altogether. However, you can still take action to protect your finances, savings, and investments as far as possible. In this article, we look at some of the steps you can take to prepare for a better financial future in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Long term investor? Wait it out.

If your investment plan is for longer than five years, you may want to wait out the storm. For long-term investments such as property, this slump may just be a blip in your overall investment strategy and portfolio history. If you sell your assets now, you will be taking a hit on those losses and missing out on the eventual upswing. Don't panic sell.

Review your financial and investment goals

If you feel anxious about your investments, even just your home, you may be itching to do something. If you think you need to take action, use this opportunity to review your goals. Re-establish why you have invested in the ways you have, look at your savings and understand what your long-term strategy is. You can then get a clearer view of what you may be able to do to achieve your goals in the longer term. A quick win is to ensure you are using a stocks and shares ISA to take advantage of the tax benefits and look at the associated fees. Is there a cheaper option?

Diversify your investment portfolio

Don't keep all your eggs in one basket; now is the time to diversify. If you hold shares, spread your investment across several industries. You may wish to invest in different types of assets too. You should consider capital preservation' - that is, investing in the assets that perform in uncertain times. Such assets include gold, absolute return funds, and gilts (government bonds). Absolute return funds aim to perform even in adverse circumstances, and while they may not provide the same returns as a fast-growing tech company, they can help to preserve your capital through the storm.

Accept the volatile nature of investing.

In times like these, it is essential to remind yourself that volatility is just part of the investment lifecycle. While some market conditions are predictable, many, including a global pandemic, are not. However, the way in which you react to the change in market conditions is within your control. Seeking wealth management advice can help you to manage your investments at this challenging time.

Website content note: 

This is not legal or financial advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current issues.