When selecting a financial advisor there are many options an individual can choose from, whether they be an asset management branch of a bank, a private investor, a family office, or an independent investment advisor both domestic or offshore. Since we are based offshore we have already written extensively on why one might choose an offshore jurisdiction for financial services (Switzerland: Safe Haven during Crisis) and also how to choose a financial advisor (How to choose an External Asset Manager for U.S. Citizens). Both of those topics are important and worth spending some time thinking about. However, today we want to delve into what the benefits are of working with an independent registered investment advisor versus being served by the asset management branch of a larger bank.

This year, making the right investment decisions has been quite challenging. Markets are down double digits year-to-date. The game was therefore not about gaining the most but about losing less than everybody else. Investors are unsure about how to position their portfolios. While some say that this is the beginning of a bear market, others state that the current weakness in the markets is a buying opportunity. We believe that the current downward movement will not be reversed until there is a mutual effort to change something about the current situation. Accordingly, from our perspective counter-movements represent opportunities to get out at a better price instead of giving confidence that the markets go up further. However, there are always exceptions where it makes sense to stay invested or even take in new investments.

This article will help your clients and prospects understand the basics of asset allocation, and how their portfolio balances risk and potential returns. Each asset class has its own set of risks and rewards, depending on your time horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals. The asset allocation strategy you select will allow you and your financial advisor to create a framework that will be able to manage the level of risk your portfolio will hold based on the asset class. You and your financial advisor may make adjustments to your portfolio over the years as your needs change, however, having a selected strategy will help to keep the portfolio balanced and not stray from a healthy level of risk.

Managing portfolio risk can be difficult for even the savviest of investors. Investors need to remember that markets can be turbulent and that preparing for potential declines is essential. There can be a strong temptation to pull out of markets when they become volatile. However, instead of acting on this temptation, it may be smarter to adjust your investment approach. By remaining flexible, you might be able to take advantage of opportunities while managing risks. These risk management basics can help.

When you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation reflected your goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. Over time, however, any of these three factors may have changed, and your portfolio may need adjustments to reflect your new investing priorities. Understanding diversification is the first step in building a strong portfolio. Are you ready to weather the storm?

Having conflicts and wars going on somewhere around the world is not unusual. The Correlates of War Project states that there has been no year without war since 1816. We would like to take the opportunity to share our perspective on the effect this war has on Switzerland’s economy paired with some historical insights about how Switzerland managed to navigate through previous wars and conflicts as well as potential investment opportunities that arise from the situation.

Test your own financial knowledge by reviewing these 5 must-know investment basics. Working with a trusted financial professional is important when it comes to strategizing and preparing to meet your financial goals. As most of us handle money on a daily basis, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of financial literacy, especially when it comes to investing. In our blog post we’ve identified five financial basics everyone should know. Understanding these important concepts can serve as a basis for your financial investment standings.

You may be tempted to panic or sell when the stock market is down. However, with a wise strategy you may want to reconsider saying the course. Here's why. Billionaire and real estate magnate Warren Buffet told CNBC in 2016 that buying or selling in a rush may not be the best strategy. “If [worried investors are] trying to buy and sell stocks, and worry when they go down a little bit … and think they should maybe sell them when they go up, they're not going to have very good results." Such a panic move could unbalance your portfolio where you are either taking on more or less risk than you should.

Are you frustrated with the level of growth you experience when you attempt to invest on your own? Do you feel left out when your friends or coworkers talk about how much money they are making in the market while the value of your portfolio barely budges? If the answer is yes, it is probably a good time for you to take the next step in your investing journey and ditch DIY investing by finally hiring a professional. A good financial advisor can bring your portfolio to a higher level.

I fear many brokers tell their clients they are safely diversified, yet they are not. I’ve seen my fill of fancy computer reports proclaiming diversification, that is nothing more than owning several mutual funds (generally fee-based, managed by the brokerage firm) all denominated in US dollars. It is very rare to see any gold or assets that will protect against real inflation. Real inflation was 15% last year. If your broker proudly proclaims an 8% return, you lost buying power. Don’t get hoodwinked! Immediately after Chuck’s interview, I received the WHVP newsletter, “The Swiss View: How to handle inflation?” I contacted Managing Partner Urs Vrijhof-Droese for an interview. He provides a great global view on diversification and inflation.

WHVP has been crowned “Best Client Communication”, “Best Overall Digital Engaging (In-House)” and "Best Female Executive" (for Jamie Vrijhof-Droese) at the WealthBriefing Swiss EAM Annual Awards 2022.

Recently inherited an IRA? The wrong move could cost a boat load in taxes and penalties, but you have options. Governing bodies like the IRS and legislation such as the SECURE Act have outlined important rules regarding an inherited IRA, such as how much you may owe in taxes as well as whether you will need to begin taking required minimum distributions. These can depend on several factors, such as your relationship to the deceased, whether the IRA inherited is Roth or traditional and more.

As we move through 2022, it becomes very clear that the heightened inflation numbers are not a trifle but are something that should be followed closely. Why is that? While central banks were chasing inflation during the last three decades, now as inflation finally arrived, it seems they did not see it coming. Let's take a look at the kinds of inflations we see out there and how to wade through them.

While an investment advisor can be helpful in any situation, hiring one is typically more important when you are nearing retirement or have complex issues and questions to sort out. From your needs and objectives to your risk tolerance and timeframe, there are a variety of factors your investment advisor will consider when designing your customized investment strategy. However, before you hire an investment advisor to help you grow your assets, it’s important to ask yourself these four key questions first.

Whether facing a devastating event or an exciting advancement, people frequently make money decisions as a response. At any given point, the market can go up, down or it can remain the same. While many aspects of the virus or even the economy are out of our control, one thing we can control right now is how we handle our financial strategy. In the past, the market has recovered in response to epidemics with an average of 17.17 percent over time. While no two situations are alike, remembering the likelihood of recovery over time - and the market’s nearly inevitable up-and-down movement - can provide a more logical angle to calm the nerves.

This episode talks about Jamie’s background in wealth management and banking in Switzerland. Potential international solutions for US investors. Typical funding requirements when it comes to Swiss banking. What to consider before investing in Switzerland or other offshore places? The importance of relationship building and trust in wealth management. Asset protection using Swiss banking products/methods? A brief overview on the taxation of international accounts for US investors. Typical fees when it comes to investing in a Swiss account. Could you borrow against your Swiss Bank funds by leveraging it as collateral? What are the typical rates of return on a Swiss investment (example of one type of investment) account? Can you use a self-directed IRA to own a Swiss account? Do we convert US dollars into other currencies when investing offshore? If so, what are the advantages of doing so? How does one measure the strength of the US dollar? Do you have to physically go to Switzerland to open a Swiss bank account?

The “money illusion” refers to how we view our buying power today versus in the future. Are you falling victim to this potentially dangerous ideology? The “money illusion” refers to how we view our buying power today versus in the future. Are you falling victim to this potentially dangerous ideology? It’s no surprise that a dollar today isn’t worth the same as a dollar was 20 years ago. This is the result of inflation. Inflation plays a major role in financial planning, whether you are conscious of it or not.

In this episode Alex is joined by Jamie Vrijhof-Droese who heads the business development of WHVP and advises a group of international clients with respect to international diversification and asset protection. Together they will discuss how you can use your IRA to invest internationally.

When deciding which types of investments you’re interested in pursuing, consider some of this helpful information you can use to better understand evidence-based investing and how it differs from other types of investment styles. Understanding the difference between popular investment terms including active, passive, behavioral, and evidence-based is the first step to making informed decisions about your investment strategies.

Stocks, bonds and ETFs... oh my! If you've always been an investment novice with no idea where to start, class is officially in session. Welcome to Investing 101. Before you do a deep dive into theories, past performances, or principles, we’ll get you up to speed with the basics of investing and what you should know as you look to grow your financial knowledge.