Addressing the raft of amateur investors who started trading during the pandemic, renowned investor and US business tycoon Warren Buffett said at an annual shareholder meeting in May, “I do not think the average person can pick stocks.” This is not the first time he has imparted pearls of wisdom over the years! “Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No.1” and “If you aren’t thinking about owning a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.”
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested. A pension is a long-term investment. The fund value may fluctuate and can go down. Your eventual income may depend on the size of the fund at retirement, future interest rates and tax legislation.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. If you withdraw from an investment in the early years, you may not get back the full amount you invested. Changes in the rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value or price of an investment in sterling terms if it is denominated in a foreign currency.
Information is based on our understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change.
Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
Other Insights of interest
9th July, 2025
Why life insurance matters
Taking out life insurance is a crucial step in protecting what matters most — your…
Read full insight
9th July, 2025
Economic Review June 2025
Survey points to modest second-quarter growth Data released last month by the Office for National…
Read full insight
3rd July, 2025
HNWIs face gaps in retirement and succession planning
Many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) have yet to establish retirement or succession plans, even though they…
Read full insight
25th June, 2025
Residential Property Review – June 2025
May sales hit post-2022 high as housing market regains momentum Rightmove says May 2025 was…
Read full insight