As an investor, weaving through the large amount of available investment options can be time consuming and stressful. There is a lack of investor understanding about how funds are set up, structured and managed, which can leave people feeling vulnerable when they are trying to wade through the range of opportunities, particularly as some investments are emotively driven. It can feel like Dorothy when she first sees he Wizard of Oz without knowing what is really happening behind the curtain.
My experience from participating in The Investment Series has provided me with a unique opportunity to work with a fantastic adviser who was able to learn about my specific investment needs and apply them to potential investment opportunities that matched my objectives.
In particular, I was able to see first-hand what happens behind the scenes with investment funds, watching key research houses ask questions direct to the fund managers themselves.
In doing so, this ‘black hole’ of how a fund really works and the details behind its structure were clearly communicated. I was able to better understand the rationale behind a fund managers approach, the risk versus return of the investment, and the key elements around investment type, length and opportunity.
It was a fantastic experience and it was empowering to be able to digest and discuss these insights with my financial adviser as it was played out in front of me. I now have a much clearer understanding on how things work ‘behind the wizards curtain’.
I was also able to better understand the important elements that you need when you are working with an adviser. My advice to fellow investors is make sure you are clear on your investment objective: What is main reason you are investing? How long can you invest for? What is your appetite for risk? Finally, when you are considering an investment, make sure you find out who is actually managing a fund, what their fees are and what drives their investment approach.
At the end of the day you need to feel confident that your adviser has the experience to meet your objectives and is working for you and not for the fund manager.
