We are just approaching the end of the first week of the ‘lockdown’ in the UK and I am sure I am not the only one who thinks it feels a lot longer. My wife, Vikki, my two daughters, Ellie and Charlie and I are comfortably holed up at home, trying to make the best of things; the girls have a small greenhouse and they have been busy planting vegetables ……… just in case! Vikki is actively involved with supply chain issues with her company and has never been busier and for my part, I am trying to make myself useful around the house (with mixed results), at least my drumming is coming on a treat and I am starting to look a little less like that Duracell monkey! The most important thing however, is that we are keeping our spirits up whilst not forgetting those who are much less fortunate than ourselves.
Over the weekend I was reflecting on how everyone might be feeling re their investments and on how they might be worrying about how this ongoing situation might impact their future financial plans. I have already sent a number of these ‘Round Robin’ e-mails in which I have reiterated the advice that sitting tight and not panicking is the correct response when markets crash and we are in the midst of so much uncertainty. However, as I have watched the value of my own investments evaporate (albeit temporarily), I am conscious that many of my clients will nonetheless be feeling anxious and that they might welcome a friendly chat and/or some quiet words of reassurance. If this is how you are feeling, please do not be afraid to call me, you are not being silly by being unsettled by these events and neither is that pit of the stomach feeling of anxiety imaginary, I have it too!
I know many of us will be worried about more than our finances at this time, particularly those with elderly relatives who are really struggling with the social isolation of a lockdown or you may be in a high risk group yourself but please do feel free to call or drop me a line telling me how you are feeling, if you think it would help. I can’t promise to offer magical solutions (if only) but I can promise to listen.
Thinking of you all and your families at this very troubling time.
With warmest regards,
Yours sincerely
Graham Ponting CFP Chartered MCSI
Managing Partner
