Portfolios
Six portfolios, one at each level from 1 to 6 on the risk scale. Each is a mix of shares, bonds and cash, run by a named portfolio manager and rebalanced twice a year.
Six levels, six mixes
The strip shows each mix: shares in dark green, bonds in sage, cash in pale. The higher the level, the more shares.
Cash reserve
Money you may need within two years: cash deposits and short-dated government bonds.
Risk level 1 of 7: 1234567
Shares 0%, bonds 30%, cash 70%
0 / 30 / 70
Defensive
For people drawing on their savings who want smaller ups and downs.
Risk level 2 of 7: 1234567
Shares 20%, bonds 65%, cash 15%
20 / 65 / 15
Cautious
Mostly bonds, with a share of company shares for some growth over five years or more.
Risk level 3 of 7: 1234567
Shares 35%, bonds 55%, cash 10%
35 / 55 / 10
Balanced
Shares and bonds in roughly equal measure, for savings left alone for seven years or more.
Risk level 4 of 7: 1234567
Shares 55%, bonds 40%, cash 5%
55 / 40 / 5
Growth
Mostly shares, for long-term savers who can sit through larger falls.
Risk level 5 of 7: 1234567
Shares 75%, bonds 20%, cash 5%
75 / 20 / 5
Adventurous
Nearly all shares, including smaller companies and emerging markets, for ten years or more.
Risk level 6 of 7: 1234567
Shares 90%, bonds 5%, cash 5%
90 / 5 / 5
Shares Bonds Cash Figures: shares / bonds / cash, in percent (sample).
The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you put in.
What changes between levels
Moving up one level adds roughly fifteen to twenty percent more shares. That means bigger rises in good years and bigger falls in bad ones, and it usually takes longer to recover from a fall.
Minimum, managed portfolio
$100,000
Minimum, ready-made portfolio
The same mixes, held in one fund per level
$25,000
Number of funds held
8 to 14
Rebalancing
Twice a year
Statements
Every quarter
Questions about the portfolios
Can I change level later?
Yes. Ask at any time; we redo the questionnaire with you and move the portfolio at the next rebalancing, or sooner if you prefer.
Why is there no portfolio at level 7?
Level 7 is for single-country or single-sector funds that can halve in value. We do not think one portfolio should carry that much risk.
Can I exclude some companies?
Yes. Most clients who ask choose a fossil-fuel or tobacco screen. We show the funds we would use before you decide.
Can I take money out?
Yes, at any time, usually within five working days. There is no charge for withdrawals.
Start with an introductory meeting
An hour at our office or by video, free and without obligation. Bring a recent statement for any savings or pensions you would like to talk about.