Is my financial planner overcharging me?

Q I have a financial planner who charged $7700 for an initial investment of around $30000. This gave me a credit until $100000. Every time I do additional investing (capital +or margin loan) they charge 5.5% of that extra investment amount (after $50000 it becoms 3.5%). Also the index fund, MLC-Vanguard Aus share index charges its 0.54% with a 0.3% rebate + the margin loan interest of approx 10%. My question is, this seems extreme to me. is it? The value of the portfolio would have to increase by at least 4% + 4% dividends for this investment to even break even. Am I right?

Josie’s answer: ‘Watch out.  Everyone is after your money.   Learn how to outsmart them! (also applies to financial planners).

Thanks for your question and I am gobsmacked.     Read more

Financial Planning Factories - Money Tip without the Boring Stuff

It is a tough world out there.   How do you find a financial planner that you can trust?   First and foremost, we are not demigods (although I think I have met some that believe they are half human, half God).

It is not the first time you have heard me say that finance professionals cannot predict the future (obviously).   It worries me no end that people (known as prospects to the financial planner) walk into extravagant financial planning offices and think to themselves ‘Wow, this guy must know what he is talking about!’   Look he is so successful!.

Intelligent investors know if anyone possessed the ability to consistently and accurately time the market, they would be instant billionaires.   Why didn’t Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, anyone in the Top 500 Rich List walk into the same office?   Oh that’s right.. I forgot they genuinely care about the little people.  Codswallop! (not even sure if it is a word).   If that is the case, why do they need to charge ridiculous fees?  Why do they have to preach to the masses?  Why do they need to advertise to get people to attend their seminars? Read more