Info Centre
FAQ's
Q1. What does it mean to be an independent provider of financial services?
It basically means that we can offer our clients an unbiased or untainted recommendation, an example being; if a client needed an offshore bank account, we would find the five best and list them by return against administrative ability and then explain all of this to the clients as to which would be the best - this list would include the likes of a cross section of banks depending on the clients nationality. However if we went to bank for advice on this topic, you can be pretty sure they would recommend their own accounts! Last year out of our KL Office we recommended 55 different companies, each of which had perhaps three or four products or concepts, so we probably recommend about 200 different plans, banks and non-independent companies, banks just can't compete with that.
Q2. How do Montpelier earn their money?
Montpelier take an introductory fee from any company we work with, in that way it does not cost you, the client, anything to use us. This fee is usually part of the money management fee or the fee to set up the plan. If you went direct to the company instead of via Montpelier, then they would still levy the fee and you would not save any money. We can also save a client money as we can offer cheaper, or more cost efficient solutions via corporate discounts.
Q3. What updates do I get on my financial arrangements?
Every month clients receive an investment update from your account executive (this is a office based administrative person who has been allocated your account and who is contractible every day in our KL office). Every six weeks, you will receive a phone call from your account executive to ensure all is going well, every three months a visit from your consultant, which may be more or less depending on your situation. Every year you will receive a complete statement and fund report from the companies we are using. Currently we are in the process of launching an interactive service via our new website which will allow clients to receive weekly valuations and advice on your investments.
Q4. When should I consult with a financial adviser?
A vital component of any sound financial plan is a commitment to saving. Saving makes use of the `little and often' principle. If you save regularly, small amounts add up faster than you think. The important thing is to start. Delay will rob your savings plan of what it needs to succeed - time. Every investment contribution takes you one step closer to a better financial future.
Q5. How do I plan for the costs of my children's education?
The most important step in planning for a University education is to start early even prior to the birth of a child. University costs are increasing each year at a rate far more significant than that of inflation. The growth of savings will require how much is to saved now.
Q6. What happens in my retirement?
With proper planning, retirement life can be comfortable and enjoyable. The retirement process is different for each individual, and decisions on strategies should be tailored to each specific situation. The first thought of retirement is the time for discussion with your financial adviser.
Q7. With so many investment choices available, how do I choose which investments to take?
Focus and definition of purpose are important. Goals must be defined and focused; that is, time frames and amounts must be established in order to achieve the financial goals of the individual. With nothing at which to aim, a miss is likely. Tolerance of risk must be firmly identified. Investors are quite happy to take unnecessary risks when the market turns, sometimes the risk taken far exceeds an understanding of the risks involved. Shifting through the myriad of investment choices becomes somewhat easier when an investor understands the purposes and risk of the investment. By focusing goals, many investment choices can be eliminated based on the risk factors and investment objectives. A financial adviser can help investors focus on goals and highlight the risks involved.
Q8. Should all assets be jointly titled?
Assets maybe titled in one name only for specific reasons such as disability, incapacitation, anticipation of incapacitation, inherited money, previous marriage, large estate, and so forth. A professional should be consulted on the proper tilting of assets based on each individual situation.
Q9. If something were to happen to my spouse am I sufficiently protected?
This questions can only be answered after a careful analysis of a financial situation. Will a reduction of living standards be necessary for the surviving spouse? It is important to provide for college education's for the children? the amount of insurance, assets and income are all factors in this analysis as well as the age of the spouse and dependents.
Q10. What should I do if the market goes down?
With proper planning of financial strategies, a downward market movement should not be a problem. In fact, it should be viewed as a sale on some of the best companies in the world. If anything, an investor should see this as a buying opportunity. Chance favor the prepared. If the investor has not prepared for a contingence, the funds will not be available to take advantage of market downturns.
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