Oak Four Limited

21/01/2022

2021 wasn't quite the normal year as we were expecting, but it still has plenty to teach us teach us as investors and as human beings.

27/10/2021

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/oakfourkevin_stockmarket-investing-evidencebased-activity-6858325079194005504-xPlK

Is there an ideal time to enter and exit the stock market? Of course there is: the best time to get in is just before share prices start to rise, so you...

24/09/2021

We earn a lot more than we did in the 1960s, even accounting for inflation. But what about happiness? Is earning more money all that it takes to feel good?

11/03/2021

Did you know that over half of UK adults — and 60% of parents — are reckoned not to have made a will?

A will is a no-brainer grown-up decision, but one often avoided because of the hassle and the cost of a solicitor. But why leave the judgment on who gets your worldly goods to someone who may not know what your wishes are? March is Free Wills Month, so there’s no excuse to put it off any longer.

There’s more to a will than ensuring cousin Steve gets your vintage Man Utd shirt, though. Specifying who will inherit what makes sound financial sense and can save your loved ones paying more than they need to in inheritance tax, for a start.

Read more about wills and estate planning in our latest blog (link in comments). And don’t put off making a will any longer than you need to. Google ‘Free Wills Month’ for details of participating solicitors, or get in touch with me to discuss tax-efficient financial planning.

Did you know that over half of UK adults — and 60% of parents — are reckoned not to have made a will? A will is a no-brainer grown-up decision, but one...

10/03/2021

Many of our clients receive a large lump sum, either from the sale of a business, a partial sale of shares, or a legacy.

One of the most common questions when this happen is, "Shouldn't we invest it gradually over a year or two, to minimise the risk of buying at a market top?"

My answer is always 'No', because you're not really hedging: you're making a bet in which the odds start out at 3 to 1 against you.

This short video from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows the impact of missing just a few of the market’s best days.

The animated video shows a hypothetical investment in the stocks that make up the S&P 500 Index.

Many of our clients receive a large lump sum, either from the sale of a business, a partial sale of shares, or a legacy. Once of the most common questions...

09/03/2021

What does a century of economic cycles teach investors about investing?

This interactive exhibit from Dimensional Fund Advisors, examines how stocks have behaved during US economic downturns. Markets around the world have often rewarded investors even when economic activity has slowed. This is an important lesson on the forward-looking nature of markets, highlighting how current market prices reflect market participants’ collective expectations for the future.

What does a century of economic cycles teach investors about investing? This interactive exhibit from Dimensional Fund Advisors, examines how stocks...

09/03/2021

Goals ➡️ Plan ➡️ Portfolio

The only intelligent progression of a lifetime investment plan.

Don’t get the order mixed up!

28/01/2021

How can you reduce financial anxiety when it comes to spending in retirement?

We certainly don't want to run out of money before we run out of life!

These 3 rules act as guardrails and bring confidence to your spending strategy in retirement.

5 minute read.

It's one thing putting money in and accumulating enough money in your various pots. But what about taking money out? This needs to be done in such a way that gives you the security and peace of mind that you never run out of money? There are 3 decision rules that act as guardrails that can help....

24/01/2021

Early Retirement: Are you a FIRE starter?

Advocates of FIRE - Financial Independence Retire Early - plan to retire in their 40s or even earlier. Is it a good idea? And how can you achieve it?