The downs - the snakes
Boa Constrictor – high charges that squeeze and suffocate performance
Python – lack of diversity in savings could be the biggest reason for poor returns
Cobra – tax poisonous to performance of your portfolio
Grass snake - inflation – not poisonous but slows performance
Black Mamba - Risk of Loss– taking too much risk for short term time horizons
Green Mamba - Inflation Risk – not taking much risk for long term time horizons
Adder – Rules of Intestacy - property goes to the wrong people in the event of death
Anaconda – Inheritance Tax – a sizeable chunk of your estate could be swallowed and lost by this tax
The ups - the ladders
Tax efficient financial products – ISAs, pension plans, etc.
Capital Gains tax allowances
Monitoring and reviewing investments in line with time horizon
Savings habit – saving surplus to your budget regularly in more efficient investments could offer higher returns than if left in your bank account where they can be used on frivolous costs
Diversity - spread of returns suited to varying time horizons
Writing a Will – property passes to correct beneficiaries
Trusts for gifts and life assurance policies
Life assurance protection policies that provide money to protect your family due to an unforeseen event