Bond allocation

dont_use_vistaprint

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82169767#Comment_82169767

if I was choosing to do what I've been told not to why would I bother paying for an IFA ? The logic makes no sense, ifa shouldnt be concerned with my perception of risk they should build the best performing solution that I don't have the skills to do and it should gain at least greater than their fees over a standard track the market or what's the point

dont_use_vistaprint

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82169428#Comment_82169428

Yes, as long as it stays tax free coming out it makes sense! But if it may become taxable later or is being taken from ISA it doesn't make sense does it ?

Linton

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170884#Comment_82170884

I would not see the objective of an IFA as being to create the best performing portfolio. That is impossible unless you have the skills of Mystic Meg (sorry a reference that anyone under 40 is unlikely to understand!) and so you are likely to be disappointed. More importantly, a risk may turn into reality and you gain far less than you could have easily achieved had you been less ambitious. Time would have moved on and you may be unable to repair the damage.

A far more rational strategy is to generate the returns you need at a risk you understand and can accept. To do that you need to know your objectives, the cost of meeting them, your risk tolerance, and have a good understanding of investment risk and how it can be mitigated. That is where you may need the assistance of an IFA.

I am talking about managing money that is essential for your future well-being. If you are just playing some sort of game then, yes, there is no point in seeing an IFA.

dont_use_vistaprint

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82170966#Comment_82170966

I guess they have a place for the extremely financially illiterate to stop them from harming themselves. But for everyone else what can they actually tell you that you can’t find out yourself from a bit of research ? and the fees are just outdated and ludicrous. How on earth they can justify a charging mechanism that is a percentage of your portfolio is beyond belief. I guess it’s because that’s how the outdated SIPP products charge so they are following that as long as they can carry on getting away with it?

Veloflyer

I don't particularly like cash. Too vulnerable to inflation. I'm - sort of - with the second poster. 45% in an ILG gilt ladder to cover basic spend for 20 plus years and more importantly as a cover against a market crash, 50% in equities - low cost ETF trackers - for anything else, and 5% cash for emergencies. I'll need to have a think about moving some of the 50% into ILG/annuity when SP kicks in.