Posts In Financial Planning
Financial planning for a stay-at-home spouse

Most families tend to focus on the primary breadwinner when they take out life insurance as it’s easy to comprehend how losing their income would impact the household. However, people tend to overlook the huge non-financial contribution of a stay-at-home parent. Verena Malherbe investigates.
Eight bad financial habits you should avoid

Carl Turner lists eight signs that indicate that you probably aren’t in a healthy place with regard to your finances. If you can relate to any of these points, it’s definitely time to rethink your habits and adopt a more positive approach to long term financial planning. Read on to learn how.
Are forgotten assets losing you money?

Poorly performing investments could put your comfortable retirement in jeopardy, even if you're a diligent saver. Verena Malherbe talks about how you can safeguard your assets through effective financial planning.
Why do we procrastinate over our financial decisions?

You know deep down that you should be getting to grips with budgeting, saving regularly and investing for your retirement...but you're not. Why is that? In his latest blog, Jordan Donald discusses the psychology of saving - and how to stop kicking the retirement can down the road once and for all.
Ten life moments when DIY financial management is not enough

It’s not uncommon for people to think that a financial adviser is not for them. Often this is because they think they don’t earn enough (wrong!) or because they think they can do it themselves. Adon Beddoes analyses ten key life moments when expert guidance is essential.
It’s never too late to start saving

If you’ve been putting off saving for retirement and have reached your forties or fifties, retiring can seem like a financial impossibility. However, there's still hope! In his latest blog series, Trevor Keidan explains how it's never too late to set and achieve financial goals.
Four financial golden rules for smart women

We all know one: that woman who seems to breeze effortlessly through life on time, in control and impeccably turned out. Having your finances in order is part of the package. In her latest blog, Lynda Calver lists her four financial golden rules for smart, savvy women.
Why comparison is the thief of joy when it comes to your finances (and everything else!)

It was Theodore Roosevelt who first said ‘comparison is the thief of joy’. Trevor Keidan explains why comparing your financial situation to other people's is getting you nowhere, and what you should be focusing on instead.
What would you do with a dream lottery win?

Canadian teenager Charlie Lagarde rung in her 19th year around the sun by winning an enviable prize: the choice of a lump sum of $1m Canadian dollars or $1,000 per week for the rest of her life. Ms Lagarde opted for the weekly payments, but what would you do? Adon Beddoes reviews both sides of this interesting dilemma.
Calculating your net worth

It’s amazing just how many people don’t have a clue about their net worth even though this is possibly the single most critical figure to know if you want to be in control of your finances. Check out Philip Howell-Williams' blog post dedicated to this topic which tells you how to calculate your net worth and why it's so important to know.
The best things about being an expat in Vietnam – and some useful tips for newbies

Are you considering a move to Vietnam? Or maybe you have just relocated and are finding your feet? Either way, Adon Beddoes talks about the best things about being an expat in Vietnam with some helpful tips for newcomers.
Have millennials switched on to the importance of saving?

Millennials, who have come of age in the shadow of the financial crisis, have learned some important lessons about saving money. Joseph Regan talks about the importance of being savvy with your savings.
How to find the right financial adviser

For many people the start of a new year is a good opportunity to review the direction their lives are heading in. It’s always great to have at least one financial goal - so why not make 2018 the year to take charge of your finances and find a financial adviser to help you?
How to make financial New Year’s resolutions you will keep

Once the festive partying is over and a new year dawns, our thoughts turn to resolutions. We start off optimistic, but before January is over, many of us have already run out of steam. Carl Turner talks about his recommended goal-setting system for making resolutions that you won’t break a week into 2018.
Six books about money to read over the festive period

Some of the world’s most successful business people are renowned for being avid readers. Why not take a leaf out of their book and use the festive period to catch up on some reading? Carl Turner recommends six books which could benefit your personal finances.
Eight reasons why expats find themselves worse off

Many people assume that expats in Asia are living the high life, with maids attending to every need and weekends away in exotic locations. The reality is far less glamorous. Adon Beddoes discusses the reasons why expats often find themselves worse off financially than they were back home.
Invaluable not illegal: offshore investing and saving for expats

The term offshore often raises alarm bells with expats, conjuring up images of illegal investors stashing cash where they shouldn’t. Despite the media hype, most offshore investing is completely legal and a useful money management tool which all expats living overseas should consider. Adon Beddoes investigates.
Automated financial planning - Will robots replace financial advisers?

Developments in technology and artificial intelligence will have a major impact on every market sector, and financial services is no exception. Duncan Taylor discusses why humans won’t be taken over by robo-advisers anytime soon.
Financial planning advice for expats in Hong Kong

This month, Philip Howell-Williams was invited to talk expat finances in Hong Kong with Peter Lewis on his Saturday morning show on RTHK, Money Talk. Hong Kong is an attractive expat destination, so if you're thinking of making the move here are some key financial considerations you need to take into account.
Ten habits of financially successful people

Financial success is not usually something that just happens, unless you are blessed with astounding good fortune. Financially successful people come from all walks of life but they have certain habits in common which contribute to their success. Infinity's Lynda Calver is here to give you insight into what it takes!
Debt Free Life: Be Like Buffet and Don’t Lose Money!

Debt is of the biggest problems we see as financial advisers. The best way to combat debt is to stay debt free, but that's often impossible in today’s world. Luckily, Joe Regan has put together his top tips for dealing with debt effectively.
Financial planning: don’t stress over things you can’t change, concentrate on what you can

When it comes to your investments, you have to learn to accept that there are a lot of issues that you have absolutely no control over. That's why Carl Turner recommends you stop worrying about what you can’t control and use the time and emotional energy that you free up to change the things you can.
Five common financial planning mistakes to avoid when moving overseas

Carl Turner is an expert in expatriate financial planning. In today's blog post he looks at the five common financial planning mistakes people first make when moving overseas.
Is it really worth me meeting a financial adviser?

Although meeting a financial planner might be as appealing as a visit to the dentist financial health is vital to your future well being and should be a priority for us all.
Moving to Malaysia: five financial planning steps in order of priority

Infinity's Sam Barrie takes a look at the most important financial issues for new expatriates to Malaysia to consider.
Five familiar financial mistakes made by new expats arriving in Hong Kong

Carl Turner, one of Asia's top financial advisers, outlines the common mistakes he sees expatriates repeat time and agian when they first move to Hong Kong.
Moving back to the UK? Manage the financial upheaval with this handy repatriation checklist

Infinity's Lynda Calver looks at how UK expatriates can manage the financial issues involved in moving back home.
Have you become too comfortable with debt?

Infinity's Carl Turner looks at the issue of debt and the danger of falling into the trap of seeing at as a norm of personal financial management.
Choose one of these five financial goals for the New Year

Infinity's Carl Turner looks at some potential financial goals for the year ahead.
How to make sure you keep your New Year’s resolutions

New Year's resolutions often fall be the wayside but, as Carl Turner explains, if you apply SMART goal setting you have a much better chance of going all the way.
Financial planning for single expat parents in Hong Kong: five important areas you need to address

Infinity's Lynda Calver looks at the most important financial planning issues affecting single expat parents living in Hong Kong.
Four common financial planning questions Indian expats ask

Carl Turner covers the most common questions he encounters when advising Indians working overseas.
Just moved to Hong Kong? A six point checklist for updating your finances

Carl Turner gives some excellent and practical advice for expatriates relocating to Hong Kong.
Moving overseas? A six point checklist for updating your finances

Follow Carl Turner's six point checklist to take some of the stress out of moving to a new country.
When should you seek a financial health check?

Joe Regan highlights the times and circumstances when you should review and consider your financial well being .
Brexit – what next?

Carl Turner takes a look at the implications of the result of the UK's referendum on EU membership.
Financial planning for trailing spouses

Many married women are living as expatriates because of their husband's work and whether they are dependent on their husband's income or not they should still understand some financial planning essentials.
Turbulent Times: Financial Planning for the Brazilians in China

The Samba spirit cannot help but be muted by the economic and political crisis engulfing Brazil. However, as Joe Regan explains, Brazilians based in China have financial planning options that can help mitigate the financial fall out.
Joining Finances: it doesn't have to be a minefield

Infinity's Adam Kemp takes a look at the potentially thorny subject of setting up joint finances.
Financial planning for the Indian expats of China

Joe Regan takes a look at financial planning issues faced by Indian exptriates living and working in China.
Financial planning for diplomats in China

Infinity's Joe Regan outlines financial planning services for diplomats posted to China.
Budgeting: five easy steps to getting your finances in order

Infinity's Carl Turner shares some tips on getting your finances in order.
More month than money? Five ways budgeting will improve your life

Most people lose out on the potential to grow their wealth because they do not budget effectively and the resulting loss of financial control hinders effective planning and saving.
There are major benefits to working to a financial plan and in his first blog of 2016 Infinity's Carl Turner offers some reasons how budgeting will improve your life.
Money: a panacea for all ills?

Lynda Calver takes a look at the serious message cloaked in another flippant Facebook cartoon.
The Cost of Delay

New blogger Adam Kemp takes a look at the cost of procrastination when it comes to organising for financial future.
Financial planners: we’re not all bad!

More often than not financial planners get a bad rap but that fact is that many people need help to get their financial lives in good working order. Infinity's Lynda Calver explains why you shouldn't run a mile from an ethical, regulated financial planner.
Five financial must-haves for expat nomads

Many expats have careers that require them to change countries with unusual frequency. This introduces challenges to good financial planning. In today's post Infinity's Carl Turner takes a look at the needs of the modern day expatriate globetrotter.
Why European bankers would make terrible financial advisers!

European bankers made a proper hash of the Greek crisis by ignoring some fundamental principles of the financial planner. In his second look at the Greek debt crisis Trevor Keidan turns the spotlight on complicity of the lenders.
Could a competent financial adviser have saved Greece?

Could a decent financial adviser have helped Greece avoid its perilous debt crisis? Trevor Keidan examines how some straightforward advice might have saved a lot of grief.
Protecting your savings against the silent thief

In today's post Lynda Calver looks at how you can protect against inflation eroding the value of your savings.
How to discuss money with your partner without coming to blows

Financial discussions can be highly emotional and are a major cause of arguments and discord between couples. In this post Philip Howell-Williams discusses ways couple can approach talking about money and maintaining household harmony.
Women, wise up! - Financial planning for single expat women in Hong Kong

There are plenty of successful professional expat women in Hong Kong but statistics suggest that they are likely to have made fewer financial plans than their male counterparts. Lynda Calver explains why this is a mistake and why more women need to put themselves in control.
What exactly is an offshore bank account and do you need one?

The term 'offshore banking' often conjures up all kinds of negative connotations but actually, as Carl Turner explains, an offshore or international bank account can be an invaluable financial tool for expatriates.
Labor’s $14bn tax grab will have major repercussions for wealthy Australians

Carl Turner examines the potential impact to Australians of the Labor Opposition's plans to raise more than $14bn over the course of a decade by targeting superannuation schemes of the wealthy.
What to expect from your financial planner

A financial planner can have a huge affect on your life so choosing the right one is an important decision. Infinity's Managing Director, Trevor Keidan gives some pointers on what you should be looking at when you are considering appointing a financial adviser.
Leaving the UK part 1: Tax and National Insurance

In Part 1 of a double post feature Carl Turner walks UK nationals through the important steps to take when leaving the UK for an expat life. Today he looks at what to do about your tax and National Insurance.
Leaving the UK part 2: Insurance

In the second part of his look at arrangements to make when leaving the UK, Carl Turner examines how you should get your insurance affairs in order.
Could you get compensation on EU flight delays?

Few things are more frustrating than flight delays. However many expats may be in line for EU compensation if they suffered delays on any qualifying flight all the way back to 2005.
Carl Turner explains.
How to keep your financial New Year’s resolutions

Paul Dodd shares his top tips to keeping your financial new year’s resolutions.
Happy New Year!
Would you trust your GP to perform heart surgery?

Paul Dodd uses a medical analogy to explain the difference between the roles of Infinity as a financial planner and Tilney Bestinvest as an investment manager.
Falling prices? It’s not as good as it sounds!

Paul Dodd examines the consequences of deflation and how it impacts personal financial planning.
Inflation the silent assassin of saving

Paul Dodd takes a look at the effects of inflation and why it is important to take it into account in all your financial planning decisions.
Do you know your residence from your domicile?

Home sweet home may not be where you think it is, at least as far as the authorities are concerned. For any expat residence and domicile status are a key factors in effective financial and estate planning as Carl Turner explains.
Do nothing! What sort of advice is that?

Doing nothing might seem like odd advice from a financial consultant but sometimes it is the right thing to do. Carl Turner explains why.
The scourge of events

Unplanned, unexpected events can wreak havoc with even the best laid financial plan. Ben Bennett takes a look at the 'events effect' and what you can do to protect yourself.
Jars! An old concept still relevant today

Trevor Keidan looks back to his his Grandmother's method of saving and explains why the modernised form is just as relevant for financial planning today.
I am not an investment manager

It is a common misconception that financial planners manage and pick investments. It is easy to see why this has arisen as in Asia if a common practice. However it shouldn't be and in today's post I explain why.
A day in the life of a financial planner

Many people believe that financial planner spend most of their days studying markets and tracking stocks and shares but that is not remotely what I do. In this post I share how I actually spend my days.
Thinking is scary, planning is worse!

As you get older and collect responsibilities life can get scary. However making like an ostrich really doesn't help!
What is a financial planner?

Common misconceptions abound about what a financial consultant actually does. In this post I clarify what the job entails and what role I perform for my clients.
Money Matters

Money is just pieces of paper, bits of metal or digits stored on a computer somewhere - nothing particularly impressive about that. Why then is money so important to our lives?