Ryan O’Connell

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%.

I follow a three-step process with my clients:

1. Discovery: Our initial meeting focuses on you - where you are now and where you want to be. Understanding your unique story is paramount.
2. Financial Planning: In this meeting, we answer the critical question: ‘How much is enough?’ When does work become optional for you to maintain your desired lifestyle and spend time doing what truly matters?
3. Implementation: During this meeting, we review my recommendations and implement any advice that is appropriate in helping you get to where you need to go.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my wife, Kate, and our daughter, Lily. We’re passionate about cruising, enjoying incredible sunsets and the excitement of waking up in a new place every day. We also love visiting National Trust sites like Kingston Lacy and Stourhead, where we immerse ourselves in the beautiful and well-preserved scenery.