It pays to regularly take a look at the cover you have as circumstances and requirements change over a period of time.

Most people organise some initial life cover when they get maried or buy a property but then fail to revisit their needs to see if the policy is still doing its job. For instance, if you have a mortgage protection policy designed to pay off a repayment mortgage on death during the term, you should check to see what interst rates apply to the policy. It's probably ok at the moment as interest rates are low but some policies have a ceiling and if interest rates are higher than the policy limit then there could be a shortfall in the cover in the event of a death claim. Some policies are outdated and no longer provide adequate cover. Some are now too expensive and you may be able to get better cover at a cheaper premium.

Critical illness cover has become popular and not surprising. This will provide a lump sum in the ... Read more

Over the last few months investment markets have shown signs of recovery.

For anybody looking to invest long term, whether it be in a pension fund, ISA, unit trust or bond then now is a good time to consider making that decision. This goes for both lump sum and regular investors.

As an independent financial adviser I assess a client's attitude to risk and their overall needs then either recommend or build a suitable portfolio to meet that requirement. This is then reviewed and re-balanced at regular intervals.

The portfolio could therefore consist of a mix of UK and global equities, fixed interest, corporate bonds, property and cash deposits. The percentages would vary depending on risk profile.

I am to run an investment portfolio to meet client expectations.

Call me on 01252-344454 for further information or visit www.barriedean.co.uk 

Too many people have financial service products and never review them. Why is that?

Financial markets change, personal ambitions and requirements change so a regular review is absolutely vital. Most people's perception of their attitude to both risk and loss will have changed over the last year as a result of the Credit Crunch. But, have they reviewed their investments or pensions to ensure that they are still invested in the right areas for their risk profile? Very few have but we have contacted all our clients and asked them to complete a Risk Proflie Questionnaire that we then assess to check wheteher any alterations need to be made. 

If you haven't had contact with your existing IFA for a few years and are not getting a regular review service then contact us for an initial free meeting and we will show you how we work with you to make sure you remain on course.