Mike Forrest

When is the right time to invest?

There’s always a degree of uncertainty when it comes to investing, so it’s natural for some people to feel nervous about it.

When the news is reporting stock market volatility, it’s understandable that some people might feel more cautious about investing. But including investments in your long-term financial plan is a smart way to give your money the best chance to grow.

Keeping money in cash might feel like a safe option, and having some money easily available is a sensible decision. But too much cash could end up costing you more because of inflation’s ability to eat away at the value of your savings. For example, when £10,000 is invested it can grow by 78% over 30 years, but if it was kept in a current account its value could actually reduce by 59%*.

There are lots of options when it comes to investing, and I’m here to guide you through them. I can help you decide things like which risk level is right for you, what types of investments to use to maximise your tax efficiency, and how to create an investment plan tailored to your circumstances and goals. I can also show you how different investment approaches could impact your finances over the long term.

If you’re thinking about how investing today can help create the life you want in the future, let’s talk about how I can support and guide you through the process.

The value of investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change

*Based on an annual average investment return of 5% and inflation at 3%.

As a self-employed, qualified Financial Planner, I deliver tailored, comprehensive financial solutions to meet my clients' unique needs. Before I joined Quilter, I built a distinguished career as a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser, with over two decades of experience in financial leadership, strategic business planning, and tax advisory.

My experience spans senior roles in private equity, project finance, and fund and asset management. I have led teams providing financial and asset management services to portfolios exceeding £1 billion, delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries. My diverse background enables me to address each client’s circumstances and provide the clarity and confidence they need to successfully navigate their financial journey.

I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments, holding the Investment Advice Diploma and Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning. I am also a Fellow of ICAEW, CIOT, and CIMA. My academic credentials include a Doctorate in Business Administration from Heriot-Watt University (specialising in tax and strategy), a PgDip from the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School, and an MA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Glasgow.