Margaret George MBA DipPFS Independent Financial Adviser

So you are looking for advice on how to invest your money wisely. It may be that you have recently retired and want to invest your pension lump sum. Perhaps you have sold your business, or moved to a less expensive home. You may have inherited the money or you may even be a lucky Lottery winner. It could simply be that you want a better return on your current savings or investments. Whatever the reason, it is very important that you get advice that is right for you.

Don't Plan to Invest - Invest in Planning!*

What do I mean by that? Well, rather than just simply going out and putting your money in various funds, there are some very important questions that need to be considered:

• What do you want this money to do for you? Money, in and of itself, is not important. It is what it can do to make your life better that is important.
• What stage of life have you reached?
• What are your life goals, dreams and ambitions and how will this money help you achieve them?
• Do you have any debt? Expensive debt, such as credit card debt, should be cleared first before any money is invested.
• Do you have an emergency fund - ideally money sufficient to cover at least six months' bills should be held in readily accessible funds such as a cash ISA or other bank or building society deposit?
• What is your attitude to investment risk? No-one likes to think about their hard earned money being at any risk. However all investments carry some element of risk. Even money in a deposit account carries the risk that the interest earned will be less than inflation, thus eroding the value of your savings over time.
• Are you a tax payer? It is important that tax-efficient investments are considered first - especially if you pay tax at a higher rate.
• Do you need to plan for Inheritance Tax mitigation?

These are some of the questions I ask my investment clients, before any investment advice is given. Once I understand your situation and your objectives thoroughly I can tailor my investment advice in such a way that it is right for you.

Why not arrange an initial meeting with me - entirely at my expense. This can either be in your own home or place of work or, if you prefer, you can come to see me in Stewarton. Just telephone me on 0845 136 5329 (local rate) or fill in the form below. I look forward to meeting you.

I work on either a fee or commission basis - your choice. The fee will be agreed with you before any work is undertaken.

Just remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back all of your capital.

*Justin Urquhart-Stewart of Seven Investment Management