In a variety of arenas, people agree that diversification can improve chances for success. Investors are no different. In a recent survey of nearly 2,000 self-managed super fund investors, about 76 per cent agreed that it is important for their SMSFs to be diversified across different investment types. Yet only 39 per cent say their portfolio is very well or well-diversified.*
That’s not especially surprising. Closing the gap between theory and reality is always a challenge. Just as it’s easy to promise yourself to eat healthily but still sit down to steak, chips and ice cream too often, it’s easy to agree on the wisdom of diversification but not be certain that your portfolio achieves that goal.
Diversification protects against the risk that a share, bond or asset class will fall in value and generate losses that will prove difficult to recover from. Today’s soaring tech share could be tomorrow’s bankruptcy. By expanding the number and type of shares and bonds you own, you increase the odds that parts of your portfolio will hold their value when others fall.
A diversified portfolio is divided among asset classes such as shares, bonds and cash to achieve investors’ required returns within the limits of their risk tolerance. This formula will vary depending on an individual investor’s age, risk tolerance, time horizon and goals.
As you examine your investments, keep these diversification concepts in mind:
*2019 Vanguard/Investment Trends SMSF Report
**Vanguard Portfolio Construction for Taxable Investors
Written by Robin Bowerman
Head of Corporate Affairs at Vanguard.
13 August 2019
Vanguardinvestments.com.au
Director
BEc (Acc), MBA, CPA, FFin
David has been in the Financial Services Industry for nearly 30 years. He was one of the founding Directors of the successful Financial Planning and Stockbroking Practice, Henderson Gregory Forrest, for a decade. Prior to that, he held senior roles in companies such as ING, KPMG Accountants and AMP. David was previously Chairman of OAMPS Superannuation Trustee Board and currently serves as an independent Board Director for several companies.
David’s extensive experience in all forms of superannuation, including Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF), Defined Benefit Funds, retirement funding through Account Based Pensions, stockbroking with a focus on Direct Share Investment, Taxation/Remuneration Planning, Centrelink, Aged Care and business management, equip him to advise expertly on all aspects of Financial Advice.
Those with a particular interest in superannuation/SMSFs, direct share investment, salary packaging or applying for the Centrelink Pension will find his knowledge and ability in formulating and implementing creative, logical and simple wealth creation strategies a valuable asset.
David maintains a strong personalised client service focus, providing tailored solutions for clients.
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David Forrest is an Authorised Representative of Integrity Financial (SA) Pty Ltd ABN 16 133 921 187 — AFSL No 334846
Business Finance Manager
B Bus (Acc), CPA
Michelle’s career has spanned across the Financial Services, Retirement Living and Aged Care industries working in the private sector, not for profit and more recently with the state government for over 20 years. Her experience extends to many facets of the financial services industry, having worked in superannuation administration, technical support and financial planning practice administration.
Commencing with AMP and subsequently working in commerce and accounting roles with companies such as Brambles, Adelaide Bank Retirement Services, ECH Inc and SA Health and Wellbeing, Michelle returns to financial services after working in practice financial management at Henderson Gregory Forrest. This wide range of experience from senior accounting and management roles has provided Michelle with a strong background in business administration.
With an astute financial acumen and keen interest in business improvement strategies, Michelle ensures the smooth running of the Integrity Financial Advisory practice providing valued management support to our personalised client service focus.
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Client Service Manager
Jasmine has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years in all areas of client administration, working with David since 2013.
Jasmine has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, portfolio reporting, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), term deposit management and a long history of helping clients with their enquiries.
Jasmine’s attention to detail, yet gentle approach, means she is able to solve the trickiest of questions for our client community.
Jasmine has gained her Certificate III in Financial Services qualification.
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Senior Client Service Manager
Merrilyn has worked in the financial services industry for over 11 years in all areas of client administration, and is a new addition to our client services team, returning from Melbourne to join the team in June 2019.
Merrilyn has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, managed fund administration, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and process improvement for the previous practices she has worked with. Merrilyn’s experience with direct shares constitutes the other part of our administrative support for direct equity investments.
Merrilyn’s warm and caring nature continues to endear her to our clients and she has already established herself as a valued member of our team.
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