Investment Advice
Close Financial Group are qualified financial planners who have many years of experience gained within the Financial Services Industry.
“Many people make the costly mistake of not seeking professional advice with their finances; often with disastrous results.”
The recent highly publicised “Global Financial Crisis” has brought home in no uncertain terms the need for both businesses and individuals to seek specialised advice when planning their investment strategies.
Our financial advisers are highly qualified and fully licensed; allowing us to provide you with accurate financial advice.
Taxation, superannuation and social security laws are constantly changing; these are changes which can have a significant long term effect on your savings and investment returns. Our experienced staff are constantly keeping themselves updated to provide you with the latest and most up to date advice.
We can tailor a plan to suit your needs and show you how to formulate tax effective investment strategies that will help you to achieve financial independence; allowing you to live the lifestyle that you want.
HELPFUL TIPS: When investing ensure that:
- all risks are properly explained
- information is clear and understandable
- all hidden costs are explained in detail
- advice is explained in writing in a Statement of Advice (SOA)
- you are made aware of any conflicts of interest from your adviser
- a Financial Services Guide (FSG) is supplied to you upon initial meeting
- you leave yourself adequate working capital
The purpose of investing is to achieve financial independence, wealth creation and also to keep ahead of rising inflation and general living costs. “Smart investing is about making your money work harder for you whilst minimising any unnecessary risks.”
Investing your money wisely can provide you with:
- An income supplement
- A regular income
- Capital growth
- Financial security
Some key points to consider when investing are:
- How much money can you afford to lock away?
- What size return are you looking for?
- Within what timeframe do you require your return?
- What risks are acceptable? Consider the company or product vulnerability in the market place, also look at past performances.
- Beware of outlandish claims; if it seems too easy or too good to be true....it probably is!
- Check with the ASC (Australian Securities Commission) about the background history of any company BEFORE you invest
- Be very cautious when investing overseas
Your investment strategy will depend on several factors such as your goals, personal needs, age, circumstances and the level of risk that you are prepared to take. This will determine whether your investment plan is “long term” or “short term.” Long term investment periods are considered to be a minimum of two to three years; investment periods of five to ten years are not uncommon.
Short term investors tend to be more conservative with their investments or require easy access to their money. Cash deposits into banks, building societies or credit unions and fixed term deposits tend to be the most popular choices. These are considered to be the safest options and allow you quick access to your money.
Examples of some different short term investment options include:
- Cash
- Fixed Term Deposits
- Government Bonds (fixed interest securities) considered very safe
- Corporate Bonds (fixed interest securities) not as safe but yielding higher returns
Examples of some different long term investment options include:
- Shares
- Managed Funds
- Foreign Currency Trading
- Real Estate (residential or commercial)
“Investing is a complex issue which requires highly accurate and specialised advice” Tim Close, Principal Planner.
Do not gamble with your financial security... contact one of our professional Financial Planners at
Close Financial Group today and start achieving your financial independence.