Why is there a big gap between investor and investment returns?

All of the evidence is that the returns achieved by the average investor are well behind the returns provided by the average investment fund.

The problem is that many people spend a lifetime trying to find the best investment and then blow it completely by making one big mistake at the wrong time.

Even with a sound investment plan, a single, hasty emotional decision can cause a client’s portfolio to significantly under perform – The Behavior Gap, Carl Richards

We would all like to think that there is a way of avoiding investment market downturns but sadly that does not exist. No matter how solid your investment strategy, and how well you have selected your investments, there will be tough times when your confidence and resolve will be tested to the extreme.

When our investments go down, as inevitably they will, what really counts is how we respond.

That is when you need someone on your side who has seen it all before, lived though it and come out the other side. Someone who will give you the confidence to walk back off the ledge when you are ready to jump.

If you have a financial adviser how confident are you that he/she is that person? Were they there for their clients in 2007 when all seemed lost? How brilliant they are at choosing good investments will be worthless if they can’t make sure you behave correctly when times get tough.

I am a great supporter  of the online, user-friendly, low cost investment platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown but I worry about how their clients will fare when times get tough and they have no-one to support them. Their excellent investment guides, online valuations, and top customer service will not be enough to avoid the disaster caused by that one big mistake when investments seem to be heading for the floor.

If you are using Hargreaves Lansdown, or one of the similar online platforms, and would like someone who has seen it all before by your side when things get tough give me, Richard, a ring on 07770 575122 and let’s talk about how you can access my support at the fraction of the cost of appointing a regulated financial adviser.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This document and our on going services are not personal advice. We'll give you all the help and guidance you need to make your investment and retirement decisions, but we can't advise you. If you're not sure whether you need regulated financial advice we can put you in touch with a suitably qualified and experienced regulated adviser. Because we are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service in respect of any complaints. If you use one of the "no advice" on line services to handle investment transactions they will be Regulated and you will have access to the Ombudsman and The Financial Compensation Scheme in respect of their services. The value of investments/pension plans can fall or rise depending on market performance. The Retirement Team and The Investment and Retirement Coach are trading names of Capture Success Ltd Reg No 01825075 Tel 07770575122