It's a question that deserves a thoughtful, nuanced answer. In the age of robo-advisors, commission-free trading apps, and abundant financial information online, the role of the financial advisor has never been more scrutinised - or more valuable. After years in this profession, I've observed that people generally fall into one of three groups when it comes to financial advice:
There's a simple truth about building wealth that never makes it onto motivational posters: “you're going to suffer either way”. The only real choice you get is which flavour of pain you prefer. As an investor, there are only three main levers you can pull to improve your financial future.
Market sell-offs now feel increasingly familiar: sharp headlines, fast declines, and then, often before investors can reposition - markets recover. What once felt like prolonged, grinding bear markets* now resemble acute shocks that resolve with surprising speed.
Diageo is having a terrible day. Ireland has €13 billion sitting in a drawer. You can see where this is going… Diageo's share price fell 14% today. In a single session. That's the kind of drop that makes CEOs cancel their lunch reservations and quietly update their LinkedIn profiles.
Warren Buffett is often quoted on many aspects of wealth, but one observation resonates particularly strongly with parents: “Give your children enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing.” It’s a great line, but it gestures toward a much messier reality.
Significant changes to residential tenancy law will take effect on 1 March 2026, bringing new obligations for small landlords, defined as those with three or fewer tenancies.