Planning for the future in a turbulent present.

It's nearly 4 years since the markets ceased to rise and the turmoil initiated by the 'Credit Crunch' began. Interest rates continue to remain at record lows with inflation above where it should be and confidence in the banks very low indeed. Bad news for anyone accumulating or living off their savings, one could almost be forgiven for wondering what point there is in planning for the future in such times. In reality it is more important than ever.

Wessex Investment Management Limited, a firm of experienced independent financial advisers (IFAs) who have  advised clients through the many booms and busts from the 1980's, believes that despite all the doom and gloom it is possible to see your savings grow and/or take an income from what you have accumulated even in these troubled times. Regulations and taxation are changing all the time, creating problems for some but opportunities for others and so receiving independent, impartial, quality advice has never been more important.

Remember, your independent financial adviser works for you, whereas your bank, building society manager, or insurance company salesperson works for his or her employer;  they can, if “tied” only recommend and sell you what their financial institution has to offer, whether there is better elsewhere or not. Whereas IFAs have access to and research the most appropriate solution from the whole market place in order to provide you with impartial, suitable and bespoke financial advice. After all, we are all individuals.

The regulatory world of financial advice is changing. In less than 18 months, in addition to other increased professional standards, advisers will be deemed to be either independent or restricted. The Financial Services Authority’s definition of an independent financial adviser is:

“The new definition is advice which is unrestricted, and based on a comprehensive and fair analysis of the relevant market. It is designed to reflect the idea of a genuinely independent adviser being free from any restrictions that could impact on their ability to recommend whatever is best for the customer.”

Wessex Investment Management Limited will remain independent throughout this transition and beyond and encompass all regulatory requirements, will your current adviser?

Reasons to speak with your independent financial adviser at Wessex Investment Management today can include one or more of the following:

• If you want to make sure your current investment, savings and retirement plans are working as hard as they can for you, without costing you too much.
• If you are a high earner and want to make the most of your tax allowances and increase your net income potential
• If you are a member of a final salary pension scheme (public, or private sector) and are confused over the taxation of your contributions and benefits and want to know what options you have
• If you want to know how much you or your business can put into your pension fund
• If you are in retirement and want to improve the tax efficiency of, and maximise the income from your investment portfolio
• If you are in retirement and want to release equity from your property as safely as possible or fund long term care perhaps
• If you are starting out and need protection for your family or a mortgage to buy or move home and want to know what the whole market offers.
• If you want to reduce the impact of inheritance tax on your estate

If any of these describe your situation then call Wessex Investment Management Limited in Ferndown, Beaminster or Newbury today on (01202) 574455, (01308) 861200, or (01635) 582222 respectively, or visit us at www.wessexinvestments.co.uk today.