Happy New Year! As the memories of 2018 fade into the distance, our thoughts turn to what is to come in 2019. The markets have been volatile over the past year as a result of the Brexit complications with the FTSE All Share index falling by over 14% from its highest point in May, compared to its lowest point in December. We have also seen the bubble burst for the over hyped Bitcoin falling over 74% over the twelve month period. Whilst the markets have fallen (which is the nature of stock market linked investments), it is not all doom and gloom as the lower prices enable investors to buy in at a more competitive price and will hopefully reap the returns when the markets recover. However, we will have to wait and see what’s in store for 2019.
Perhaps the first thing to do at the start of the year is to audit your paperwork to ensure you have full knowledge of your finances, contacting pension and ISA providers to see if any old policies you may have are still active and if so, the current value.
Once you have full knowledge of the current extent of your finances, the next step is to ensure that they are positioned appropriately to meet your goals. What may have been the right choice some years ago may not be the same now, with legislation changes potentially meaning that something ‘better’ is available to you.
At Philip J Milton & Company Plc we can advise on all aspects of your finances and help you to achieve your financial goals for the New Year and the longer term. If you would like a professional input into your finances, please do contact the office to arrange a mutually convenient no obligation appointment.
Risk warning – The value of stock market investments and any income from them may fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Yield figures may vary and are not guaranteed. It is advisable to hold these investments for a minimum of five to ten years, over which periods stock market returns have shown themselves to be historically superior and broadly predictable through both good and bad times. Past performance should not be seen as an indication of future performance.
