Everyone has a risk level that they’re comfortable with – and we can get a pretty good idea of where that is by using psychometric risk profiling.

What are the factors we look for when selecting investment funds? Well, there are quite a few! Our screening process includes a long list of well-defined criteria, but here’s a selection of some key considerations.

What is a Bear market anyway? You can read and download the full Q2 Market Commentary from our Investment Committee here.

“I have only been with Fortitude Financial Planning for a short time, but I am proud to have joined a company that is so focused on its clients and acting in their best interests.”

There are many reasons why people respond differently to changes in the market. Whilst one type of behaviour might lead to success on occasion, it might also be counterproductive in the long term.

Active fund management is facing an existential crisis as a result of the rise of passive investing, which helps to explain the steady stream of myths we read about index funds.

For our second walking challenge we settled on a walk from Venice to Marseille, clocking in at a total of just over 500 miles. And just to add a little bit of intrigue and healthy competition, we split ourselves into two teams to go head-to-head.

As investment opportunities go, putting money into your State Pension is pretty boring. But don’t discount it too soon, because it could be the best-performing investment you ever make.

Chris has discovered that mentoring is one of the most valuable ways to give back to his profession. It’s a way for him to act as a middle man. He’s there to offer his knowledge and help people learn, but not lead too much.

It’s time to say hello to our Client Support Team member, Liz Reed. If you’re a client you’ve certainly been in touch with Liz at some point, as she’s the one working hard to provide any and all support that you may need.

Sam is a busy bee. In addition to his core role as financial planner, he also stepped up to take the reins alongside Chris and Mark when Neil and Helen officially left the business last summer.

Now that we’re all firmly settled into 2021, let’s take a look back at the final quarter of 2020. Here's the latest Market Commentary from our investment committee, reflecting on Q4.

One drizzly day in early autumn, Sam suggested that we walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End. So far the team has walked 772.4 miles, with 461.1 remaining. That puts them at around Liverpool, wading through the Mersey.

Davina started working in financial services in 1990. She was asked to help out for a while at Fortitude in 2006, and is still here fourteen years later. Davina leads a busy life both in and out of work – we’ll let her tell you all about it in her own words.

We’ve had our eye on this technology for a while and we’re really excited to start using it. It’s a safe and secure way for our clients to sign documents electronically.

Mark is passionate about ensuring that our clients are working with a trusted financial planning firm with the highest ethical and moral values; one that helps clients make smart decisions about what to do with their money.

We're already into Q4 – this year is sliding by at great speed. Here's the latest Market Commentary from our investment committee, reflecting on Q3.

"2020 has been a rollercoaster for investors. The first quarter saw the fastest 30% fall in the history of global equities, the next quarter saw the largest 50-day advance since records began and quarter three continued to build on this recovery seeing a 3.8% increase in global equities."

Stepping into the spotlight this month is our Senior Client Support, Belinda Stock. She’s been with us for five years out of her long career in financial services, and says that the profession is “not quite such an “old boys’ network” as it used to be, which can only be a good thing!”.

We thought we’d share the details of a scam that one of our clients nearly fell prey to recently – and we’re not surprised as it was quite convincing. With our experience though, we could see that it didn’t all stack up.

Our team member Alex volunteers with The Pensions Ombudsman in the Early Resolution Service. He took the time to share his experience with us.