Jun 16, 2021 | JONATHAN ELSIGOOD
The end of the roadmap might be delayed but the end of the pandemic is still very much in sight.
Will the 19 July also be the day we turn our backs on some of the phrases that have taken over since March 2020?
This week we’re looking at some of the most common ones and how they apply to your financial situation going forward – even if you never want to hear them again!
New normal – this could apply to you in so many different ways. Maybe you’ve discovered you prefer chatting to your adviser online? Or your goals have shifted from travel to transforming the home. Life may try and slip back to the way it was before – we urge you to think about which parts of the ‘new normal’ you’ve really enjoyed and take them with you as the old pace of life resumes.
Shielding – being an investor through a global pandemic has been a little bit like taking a rollercoaster ride you didn’t choose to get on!
We’ve said it a million times before but a huge part of surviving this experience has been about shielding yourself from fear-inducing headlines. Emotions play a big part in investing and the media are very good at twisting the truth when it comes to numbers. If you’ve found a way to handle, or simply avoid, the barrage of investment news, then continue to do so. It will help you make level-headed decisions going forward.
Exponential growth – we’ve seen this one work both ways. From exponential stock market declines in March 2020 to the highs of the New Year. It proves one thing – stock market movements are tough to predict and the return tough to beat. You can’t foresee these volatile periods, so don’t try to. Invest for the long-term and your portfolio should see you through the toughest of times.
Social distancing – hug your loved ones to your hearts content but keep your investments distanced!
Putting all your eggs in one basket is a risky business when it comes to your portfolio. When a crisis hits one part of the world, you don’t want all of your money riding on that economy or stock market. Spread your investments around as much as you can – both geographically and in terms of the type of investments you hold. That provides you with some protection when there’s a bump in the road.
R-rate – don’t worry, we do realise the ‘R’ stands for reproduction. But for our purposes it stands for risk and return. Understanding how comfortable you are taking risk is important. Were you unable to stomach the falls we’ve seen or were you un-phased? Either way it’s important to get this balance right so your long-term plan doesn’t suffer if you decide you can’t handle the heat.
So, even if you’re hoping to turn your back on these phrases and the pandemic, bear in mind the important lessons we’ve all learnt. Both in terms of investing and our way of life – there are lots of positives to be taken from the experience.
If your mindset has shifted because of COVID then get in touch – we can help to ensure your financial plans align with your post-pandemic views.
Past performance can’t guarantee what investments will do in the future. The value of a portfolio can go down as well as up, so there’s a chance you’d get back less than you put in.