Frequently asked questions
If your financial questions are not addressed below, please contact us and we will reply as soon as possible.
How can financial planning benefit me?
Whoever you are, and whatever age, sound financial planning should be an important part of your life. We all have dreams and goals and today most of these require financing. By taking a medium to long-term view on saving we can help to achieve your ambitions.
What can you help me plan for?
With savings, we can help with almost any type of financial planning from buying a house or holiday home, a boat or a car, to starting your own business or simply to give yourself extra income during your retirement. To plan for your child or grandchild’s education or to give them a step on the property ladder later. With your capital you can speculate for growth or protect for income or inheritance. The list is almost endless and only through consultation will we be able to assist you.
Why is it important to have an ‘independent’ financial advisor?
As we are independent financial advisors, we are not tied to any one product provider or institution. A tied agent has to choose from a very limited range of products and cannot compare investment fund ranges or costing. We are only licensed to act on behalf of our clients and by doing so have the ability to choose exactly the right institution and product for you.
Where can you conduct business?
Kielder is licensed under the recent EU directive, to operate in all European states as confirmed below. This does not exclude persons living elsewhere in the world but it does depend upon local jurisdiction. For further information contact Kielder.
How much will your service cost me?
In most cases we do not charge a fee. Following our recommendations, the institution chosen to solve your needs, pays us. However, in a very few complex cases we reserve the right to charge a fee but you would be informed of this in advance.
Can I save money by dealing directly with the institutions?
Most of the recognised institutions do not deal directly with clients. However, where you are able to approach an institution directly, their fees will be the same. There is nothing to gain and you would be denying yourself the benefits of independent advice.
What does tax efficient mean?
This means that whether you are working or retired, any planning takes into account the tax laws of any country involved in your plans. Many governments reward saving in such products as they are trying to relieve their burden of supporting an increasingly older population.
Where will my money be invested and how can I monitor it?
We use a range of locations and companies depending upon the client’s needs. Every case is different and we research to find the best product or products, for each need. Your investment information will be provided on a regular basis by the institutions and by consultations with us. In most cases online information can also be made available to you.
What security will I have?
All of the locations and institutions we use are located in highly regulated offshore centres and the companies we recommend are some of the world’s leading financial institutions.
If I do invest in one product will that mean I will have ‘all my eggs in one basket’?
Definitely not! Because of the vast range of funds available, your capital or regular savings amounts are buying into many different unit linked investments and you can monitor their progress in the financial papers or by accessing the institution’s own website via the links given on ours. In addition, should you choose to, you could switch your funds, easily and usually free of charge, into different funds to take advantage of market situations.
What are unit linked investments?
Unit linked investments allow access to a diverse portfolio of separate investments in for example, managed funds, equities, bonds, fixed interest, deposits and property. This means that without having a vast fortune, your money can be spread to benefit from the growth of the world stock markets.
With so many products to choose from, how will I know which is right for me?
Every client has a different set of needs and this is where our expertise is of value. We assess your circumstances and plans carefully, before we recommend any product or products. Our recommendations are then presented to you in a written report and we will answer any question you have about the choice.
What if the markets fall?
Values do rise and fall. A spread of investments dictates a spread of risk. A medium to long-term strategy reflects a levelling out of peaks and troughs. Saving on a regular basis can greatly benefit from a fall in the markets as the fund units bought at such a time will be very good value. In addition there are products available that can place money into a deposit fund and ‘drip feed’ into an investment if market situations require this solution.
I am retired so how can my capital be protected?
Many of the funds offered by the institutions offer capital protection in one form or another. We can give you the choice to tailor your investment to one that you feel comfortable with.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount that I can save or invest?
There are neither minimum nor maximum levels of investment, either for a single capital lump sum or for regular savings. However, the ratio of investment costs to the investment made must be taken into account. To be cost effective, currently a regular contribution should start at the currency equivalent of €250 per month, or for a lump-sum investment, €10,000.
How can I monitor the performance of the institutions?
Standard and Poor’s Micropal who provide statistical information on investment funds worldwide grade the institutions for performance. The highest rating is referred to as triple A, (AAA). There are nine grades in all, ranging down. The second, AAB, is the lowest we ever consider using.
What happens if I die?
Your executors should contact Kielder or the institutions direct to make a claim. Your estate will receive the current value of the investment. However, products can provide for two or more owners payable on first or last death. Therefore, a partner could inherit directly or the investment could continue uninterrupted in the survivors name only. In some cases we may recommend placing your investments into a trust, with named beneficiaries, as this method can often simplify estate planning.
And finally, a message
Kielder strives to be for life, for security and for you. From individuals to international corporations, we have tried to answer a number of questions but we recognise that a question answered often creates another. Therefore, should you have any query please contact us. Our advice can only reflect the measure of your input and our research. Our friendly support, willingly given, can help change your life, your future and you.