IFA recommendations London

johnadams7

Hi,

Most of my friends only use SJA - which we have discussed as a no no. I have phoned around and they all come across as very similar, returns appear similar as do costs.

Therefore I am looking for personal recommendations - whether south London, or in the city. Possibly also surrey. Please feel free to PM if you prefer. Thanks.

johnadams7

I have several hundred k to invest - just as a reference. Do I go for the self managed route, HSBC/Vanguard multi asset, and then a few active funds I like. Maybe 3-4 each of 10%.

SonOf

City firms tend to be more expensive than rural firms. If you focus on firms with "wealth management" in their name or they use discretionary fund managers, then you would expect them to be more expensive.

Do I go for the self managed route, HSBC/Vanguard multi asset, and then a few active funds I like. Maybe 3-4 each of 10%.

Random allocations without any structure/process will usually result in lower returns.

cattie

Just as point of interest, I've recently switched from my IFA & gone with the iweb platform & chosen both Vanguard & HSBC mulit asset funds plus a couple of actively managed funds that I've done quite well with so far. As time goes on I'll likely just stick with the multi asset funds to make like easier.

The reason for my switch is to save on the fees I was paying. I seldom deal so will save quite a few hundred a year on approx 150k invested.

johnadams7

SonOf wrote: »

City firms tend to be more expensive than rural firms. If you focus on firms with "wealth management" in their name or they use discretionary fund managers, then you would expect them to be more expensive.



Random allocations without any structure/process will usually result in lower returns.

Of course there is structure to it. They would be active well performing funds.

johnadams7

Que comments of he who should not be named. I'm just worried that if I DIY it could lead to expensive errors.

johnadams7

Truth be told, I was planning on investing the same in 2 IFA's - using different products and platforms. That would mean the risk is lower - I would check the make up of the funds and thus = diversification.

I'm not sure whether I should plump 300k in a flat in SW london. Rental income should be good, or is it the wrong time to invest in property?

The last choice is to leave it where it is. After fees, I believe it made about 20% in the last 5 years. They are offering a different portfolio - which has averaged 8.3% gross over the last 5 years (could be 10, can't quite recall.)

capital0ne

unbiased is the place to look

SonOf

johnadams7 wrote: »

Of course there is structure to it. They would be active well performing funds.

You said " Maybe 3-4 each of 10%."

That is not structure. That is taking a punt.

I'm just worried that if I DIY it could lead to expensive errors.

It can do. It may not. It all depends on how well you DIY.

Truth be told, I was planning on investing the same in 2 IFA's - using different products and platforms. That would mean the risk is lower

That doesnt reduce risk. It can increase charges though.

I'm not sure whether I should plump 300k in a flat in SW london. Rental income should be good, or is it the wrong time to invest in property?

London prices are falling are they not?

unbiased is the place to look

not any more. Unbiased became a commercial lead generation site and now includes restricted FAs. Most IFAs have ceased to pay for an entry and just have the free one now (you could deselect the option to only show paying firms though).

OldMusicGuy

johnadams7 wrote: »

I'm just worried that if I DIY it could lead to expensive errors.

Make sure what you are clear you mean by DIY. Investing in well-diversified, multi-asset funds on reputable platforms won't lead to expensive errors. Trying to build a single sector portfolio to beat the market when you don't have the time or knowledge could.

If you haven't read "Investing Demystified" by Lars Kroijer and "DIY Simple Investing" by John Edwards, do read those before you make any decisions.

FWIW I have a large DC pot invested across three multi-asset funds on one platform and it's achieving my objectives.

george4064

capital0ne wrote: »

unbiased is the place to look

www.unbiased.co.uk