There is a curse, reputedly based on an ancient Chinese proverb, which proposes to the recipient, ‘may you live in interesting times’. At times, the credit crisis has certainly seemed to be the curse in action, particularly for those thinking about investing in the share market. Some investors have jumped at the opportunity to pick up a perceived bargain, while others have been paralysed with fears of doing the wrong thing! But for most of us, the current uncertainty has left us wondering what the right course of action is. (more…)

Riding the wave of economic buoyancy during the Noughties saw many investors being seduced by financial products offering the potential for big returns. Leveraging, gearing and ‘capital guaranteed’ were all terms bandied about the BBQ, without it seems any real understanding or concern for the potential consequences. It has taken a market downturn of the size and scale we are currently experiencing to make us aware that all investments carry with them a level of risk. (more…)

My knowledge of investing is limited. I’ll admit that until recently, it’s not really been an area I’ve been too interested in. Investing and planning for the future seemed only for those who either had significant means or a high tolerance for risk-taking. (more…)