2022-06-29 10:09
This bear market differs from others in recent history.
So what should you consider if you have extra cash to invest?
On 20th May, the S&P 500 fell into bear market territory, droppi… Read More
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The voice of the only Corporate Chartered Financial Planners in the Middle East, AES International’s blog seeks to educate and inform expats with respect to pensions, savings and investments in the offshore marketplace. A key instrument of its mission of ‘Positive Change’, AES International’s blog tackles some of the toughest topics, often challenging the status quo maintained by international life companies and unscrupulous international financial advisers.
2022-06-23 11:04
I read a fantastic article recently in The Financial Times.
Super relevant to us all given current market performance...
Author, Rhymer Rigby, explained why the richest people tend t… Read More
2022-06-21 08:19
We are officially in a bear market.
The S&P 500 has now fallen by more than 20 percent from its previous high.
But what does that mean going forward?  &hell…Read More
2022-06-17 05:56
Why, after every major accident and blunder, do we look back and say, how could we have been so blind?
Why do some people see what others don't?
And how can we change?
In a week when the… Read More
2022-06-15 13:06
As I approach my 40th birthday, my thoughts turn increasingly to the future...
In particular, my daughter Sophie.
Because, as we know, success in investing often has more to do with… Read More
2022-06-08 11:47
"We are our choices."
This quote by Jean-Paul Sartre is extremely accurate...
Particularly when it comes to our happiness and overall success in life.
Examining your choices to ensure the… Read More
2022-06-08 05:30
Along with increased opportunities...
There's something else that comes along with receiving family wealth.
Uncertainty.
To sensibly integrate new family assets into your life…… Read More
2022-06-02 05:23
It seems everyone wants to know how to live more fulfilled lives and foster happier families.
All while creating stronger teams, and having happier clients.
And why not?
Can you imagine a… Read More
2022-06-01 05:02
As financial planners, it’s our responsibility to get our clients to stick to their financial plans for the long term.
This can include changing any preconceived notions that may exis… Read More
2022-05-26 09:12
I read a great article recently by best-selling author, Morgan Housel.
It explained the value of having low expectations...
98-year-old Charlie Munger was asked the question,
"You seem… Read More
2022-05-24 08:23
Fad stocks have garnered attention for returns recently.
And while they’ll likely be around forever, in some form or another…
Most of them don’t reliab… Read More
2022-05-19 06:46
Imagine you have a kind friend who deposits £86,400 into your bank account every morning.
This happens every day.
The only condition is that you cannot save that deposit.
You… Read More
2022-05-18 13:33
One of the many challenges our affluent clients face is living in multiple places.
The practicalities of living and the ease or time taken to do simple things, can become complex.&nbs&hell…Read More
2022-05-12 11:11
When I start questioning my abilities...
I take a break and turn to my favourite books.
One of my favourite characters is Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective brought to life by Arthur… Read More
2022-05-11 07:12
I'm still very positive about the stock market and believe it's an excellent time to deploy capital.
This is because we're currently able to purchase good companies at a cheaper price… Read More
2022-05-05 06:06
Life is uncertain.
No one can predict the future. Remember 2020?
When your plans, even the most carefully made ones, were brought down to their knees by a virus just 60-140 nanometers in d… Read More
![The Current State Of The Markets: 5 Questions Answered [video]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/4811/481062-853467651.w320.jpg "The Current State Of The Markets: 5 Questions Answered [video]")
2022-05-03 06:42
This week, I published a short video answering 5 questions about the current state of the markets.
You can watch it here...
My regular readers will know that I advocate ignoring the nois… Read More
2022-04-28 05:01
This story dates to 1720.
Isaac Newton, one of the most intelligent people to have ever lived, invested a big chunk of his wealth into shares of South Sea - a leading company in England.
A… Read More
2022-04-27 06:10
Lagging performance by active fund managers isn't a new story.
Neither is concern over fees charged or value added by working with financial professionals.
But is the solution to DIY… Read More
2022-04-21 06:36
In his 1983 letter to shareholders, Warren Buffett talked about Rose Blumkin ('Mrs. B').
Without any formal education, she'd built America's largest furniture store...
How did she do it?… Read More
2022-04-20 13:25
Are you concerned by recent market performance and thinking about making a change?
Investors with bond-centric portfolios are likely feeling fragile after unusually poor first-quarter retur… Read More
2022-04-13 22:30
If you know even a little about Elon Musk...
You know he is one of the most optimistic people around in technology.
Some even call him a 'genius who can be overly optimistic.’
From… Read More
2022-04-12 09:05
Investing can be defined as forgoing consumption today to increase one’s ability to consume tomorrow.
Delayed gratification…
Making decisions about the future, even though we… Read More
2022-04-07 05:52
Grigori Perelman, a Russian mathematician who solved a key piece in a century-old puzzle known as the 'Poincare Conjecture', was one of the four mathematicians awarded the Fields medal (the… Read More
2022-04-05 11:32
This is one of the most important questions for senior international professionals, when it comes to the management of their family’s financial assets.
Historically, asset alloc… Read More
2022-03-31 11:07
We are all busy.
Life happens.
There's always something to distract us from things we know we should do; work, reading more, tennis practise, home renovations...
And with the always-on w… Read More
2022-03-31 11:05
I often talk about how our capital needs to be aligned with the goals and objectives we have.
Because investing is about you, not the markets.
Some goals are universal.
Most are deeply pe… Read More
2022-03-24 10:48
On 23rd April 1910, a year after leaving office as the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt delivered what would become one of the most widely quoted speeches of his caree… Read More
2022-03-24 09:21
Leaders are used to addressing life’s challenges.
This is often done with one eye in the present and one on possible future repercussions, helping others to constantly make deci… Read More
2022-03-22 12:00
As a senior international professional, you know that 'offshore' simply refers to any (business) activity that takes place outside an entity's home base.
In finance, the term simply de… Read More
2022-03-17 06:06
Morgan Housel, the author of 'The Psychology of Money'...
Shared a story of John D. Rockefeller, who was one of the most successful businessmen of all time.
"Rockefeller was a recluse… Read More
2022-03-16 11:46
It’s rare these days to have one constant place, particularly for senior executives and their families living overseas.
Different life transitions dictate our movements.
Many people… Read More
2022-03-10 07:56
It was Valentine's Day in 1990.
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft was speeding out of the solar system.
Scientist Carl Sagan requests the camera to be switched off to conserve power.
However… Read More
2022-03-10 06:30
Many senior international professionals are worried about not having enough money when they retire.
But once retired, then comes the challenge of balancing spending and saving.
I thi… Read More
2022-03-03 07:49
In the 15th century, a German goldsmith named Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press.
Revolutionising the distribution of information.
Up until then, books were considered a r… Read More
2022-03-02 10:30
Over the years, we've seen many clients make mistakes when building their wealth.
Particularly when it comes to the professionals they hire.
These mistakes are as common with average… Read More
2022-02-24 07:30
According to researchers at Cornell University, the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day.
Apparently, 226 of these are on food alone.
These numbers might… Read More
2022-02-22 08:30
Living abroad, no doubt you're wanting to make the most of your wealth.
You want your money to work for you, instead of the other way around.
But with so many ways to invest, and so many p… Read More
2022-02-17 05:48
Every day, shortly before nine o'clock in the morning, a man with a red hat stands at a busy traffic light and begins to wave his hat frantically.
After five minutes, he disappears.
One… Read More
2022-02-16 12:00
Every family of wealth needs a financial plan.
In fact, an investment in a solid, thoughtful plan will pay dividends long into the future.
If you have significant net worth and aren… Read More
2022-02-10 05:52
In 1956, the British Supersonic Transport Aircraft Committee met to discuss building a supersonic aeroplane, the Concorde.
French and British engineers and governments were involved in the… Read More
2022-02-03 07:14
Are you seeing what you look for and hearing what you listen for?
If growth, success, healthy relationships, and prospering are at all your priority, then pay close attention to Grant&rsquo&hell…Read More
2022-01-27 10:36
Charlie Munger once said, "show me the incentive and I'll show you the outcome".
Incentives drive nearly everything.
I have come to accept this philosophy as common sense, one… Read More
2022-01-21 07:16
When life changes, money changes.
And when money changes, life changes.
Transitions in life aren't just inevitable.
They're constant.
In fact, life isn’t linear but a set of many t… Read More
2022-01-18 10:12
Each of us has our own perspective when it comes to how we view money, and that perspective is shaped by our upbringing and personal history.
When making a financial decision, do you care m… Read More
2022-01-14 07:30
I have a secret for you.
This secret will allow you to double your income in 18 months for only five more hours of work per week.
Do you want to know it?
If you answered “yes,&rdquo&hell…Read More
2022-01-12 09:45
According to research, there are three types of "money minds".
Fear, happiness and commitment.
Once you know which of those minds applies to you, you’ll be able to manage your financ… Read More
2022-01-07 08:00
It’s that time of year again.
When the "New Year, New You" image, posts and emails flood our social media channels and inboxes.
Oscar Wilde is quoted as say… Read More
2022-01-06 05:32
January is the time when the pundits make their rounds, offering us their crystal ball for the year ahead.
From what I can see...
A common theme for the last three years, is that what lies… Read More
2021-12-30 06:33
Hollywood actor Jim Carrey once said...
"I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see it… Read More
2021-12-30 06:10
When life changes, money changes.
And when money changes, life changes.
Transitions in life aren't just inevitable.
They're constant.
For global clients with increased complexity aroun… Read More
2021-12-23 09:05
Epictetus said "the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have."
I'm sure, like me, you've been there.
You’re frustrated.
You lose it and start yellin… Read More
![[2022 Outlook] Plus 3 Things To Remember](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/4811/481062-1411560033.w320.jpg "[2022 Outlook] Plus 3 Things To Remember")
2021-12-21 05:00
I generally take the annual forecasting published by all the major firms and their strategists with a pinch of salt.
Why?
My opinion is that it’s nothing more than guessing.
But tha… Read More
2021-12-16 06:14
Frank Bruno vs. Mike Tyson I and II were defining boxing fights in my youth.
The first was in 1989 for the WBA, WBC, IBF and lineal heavyweight champions… Read More
2021-12-15 08:12
Whether you’ve been investing for decades or are just getting started...
At some point on your investment journey you’ll likely ask yourself some of the questions below. … Read More
2021-12-09 09:07
Last Friday, my colleagues and I cycled 200 miles (325km) for Conquer Cancer UAE.
This was brilliant fun and an important cause.
And it also got me thinking...
What lessons can we all lea… Read More
2021-12-08 13:51
2021 has been a unique year for investors.
Bitcoin started the year at $30,000.
Gamestop became a global sensation.
NFTs took the world by storm.
Most of the above subjects have been cov… Read More
2021-12-02 07:09
This is a long weekend and camping fever has taken the UAE by storm.
I plan to take my sons to the desert to cook marshmallows on a fire.
What life lessons can we all learn from marshmallo… Read More
2021-12-01 07:13
The AES blog has always been about education.
I'm thrilled to see thousands more subscribers join us this year...
Who are all interested in becoming the best version of themselves.
Our… Read More
2021-11-25 09:35
If you take 30 linear steps where do you end up?
30 metres away.
If you take 30 exponential steps (2 to the power of 30) - how far will you travel?
1 billion+ metres or 26 times around th… Read More
2021-11-24 13:27
This week, we were lucky enough to host a webinar alongside the extraordinary David Labouchere, MBE, OBE.
The topic was energy, and how leaders can maximise it to get the best results. &hell…Read More
2021-11-18 10:01
Diogenes was a Greek philosopher who lived around 300BC.
A controversial figure, he was one of the founders of Cynic philosophy.
Cynics believed happiness came from rejecting all conventio… Read More
2021-11-11 05:24
Watching the wings out the window of my flight back from Nepal last week…
Reminded me of a lesson from WW II.
About planes that did and didn’t survive enemy fire…
And… Read More
![The Cost Of Living In Dubai For Senior International Professionals [3 Points To Factor In To Your Financial Plan In 2021]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/4811/481062-4264419637.w320.jpg "The Cost Of Living In Dubai For Senior International Professionals [3 Points To Factor In To Your Financial Plan In 2021]")
2021-11-10 10:57
Are you a senior international professional about to move to Dubai?
Perhaps you have recently arrived to start a new chapter of your career?
I moved here in 2015 to start a new life… Read More
2021-11-04 04:55
Confucius said, "We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one."
This week, it was a real privilege to arrive at Everest Base Camp with one of the most remarkabl… Read More
2021-11-02 05:34
November is the month we pay tribute to men’s health issues.
And raise awareness around the importance of prevention, early detection, and living a healthy life.
According to the Mov… Read More
2021-10-26 08:06
This week I’m in Nepal, trekking up Kala Patthar.
Before I lose signal and start my climb towards to the Everest viewpoint...
Here’s what I read while acclimatising.
(It&rsquo&hell…Read More
2021-10-20 11:27
It’s a short week here in the UAE.
And everywhere I look there’s talk of the Expo.
Positive energy and excitement.
Here’s what I’ve read this week on people, the m… Read More
2021-10-14 08:32
Next week I’m off trekking to Kala Patthar - the viewpoint for Mount Everest.
It was in my Accountability Document last year but I thought Covid had put the idea on hold.
I’ll… Read More
2021-10-07 07:43
A few weeks back I spoke about rituals. As a high-performance individual, you have consistent behaviours unique to you. They help drive well-being, fulfillment and success. Cycling is one of… Read More
2021-09-30 09:46
97 days until the end of the year.
How many of your goals have you achieved?
How many are off track?
I hope this week’s reading inspires you to end the year on a high note.
If you… Read More
![[Case Study] How To Retire Wealthy & Leave A £1.7 Million Legacy For Your Children](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/4811/481062-2370452535.w320.jpg "[Case Study] How To Retire Wealthy & Leave A £1.7 Million Legacy For Your Children")
2021-09-28 12:00
As a high-performance executive, you have many great ambitions.
There’s the care-free retirement you’re working hard to secure…
And the nest egg to help kickstart your c… Read More
2021-09-23 08:05
A ritual is a consistent behaviour, intentionally practised and precisely scheduled.
They are the foundation upon which high performance is built.
Take Rafael Na… Read More
2021-09-16 07:40
This week’s biggest topic was the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
I was based at RAF Brize Norton at the time, learning how to parachute.
So much has changed since then.
And so many lesso… Read More
2021-09-09 08:20
I’m back from cycling in Italy.
5 days and 5 classic rides through challenging and beautiful terrain.
I’m refreshed and recharged to tackle the rest of the year.
But what othe… Read More
2021-09-08 06:40
I held a webinar on Dimensional vs. Vanguard the other day.
After, one attendee emailed asking my advice on the best countries to invest in.
With a cash lump sum being eroded by inflation… Read More
2021-09-02 04:46
This week I’ll be cycling in Italy with Andrew Hallam and a few of our friends.
I’m so excited about spending time in nature…
With people who share the same values I do… Read More
2021-09-01 12:40
After working in this profession for many years…
There are products I’m still asked about daily.
Offshore investment bonds are one of them.
They’re one of the most wide… Read More
2021-08-26 07:55
This week I was invited onto The National’s podcast, Pocketful of Dirhams.
We spoke about breaking the fear of investing.
Fear around investing isn’t abnormal.
In fact, it&rsq&hell…Read More
![How To Remove Your Fears About The Market [5 Easy Ways]](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/4811/481062-3737016113.w320.jpg "How To Remove Your Fears About The Market [5 Easy Ways]")
2021-08-26 05:53
One of my favourite authors as a child was Charles Dickens.
I would read Oliver Twist over and over.
Dickens had a way with words.
And today’s stock market reminds me of his famous… Read More
2021-08-19 12:12
Last week was incredible.
I hosted a talk by best-selling author Morgan Housel.
I am a huge fan and in awe of his communication skills.
Here’s what I learned from him, and more.
Mo… Read More
2021-08-19 05:29
We received a question the other day.
One we get quite often - around how to invest large sums of money.
Should it be invested gradually?
Or all at once?
Working with many wealthy profes… Read More
2021-08-11 11:49
I recently read an article by a well-known financial site.
They listed the 6 most popular investment funds sold by banks in the UAE.
Stunningly, all had underperformed.
Here’s what… Read More
2021-08-11 11:27
Performance seems important lately.
Likely because of the Olympics but possibly, in part, due to Q4 approaching.
A time when everyone reassesses what they are yet to do or achieve.
So per… Read More
2021-08-05 09:21
This week I celebrated another year of life.
As birthdays do, they make you reflect.
Thinking about 12 months of change, lifespan and priorities.
I discovered some valuable vignettes from… Read More
2021-08-04 08:30
There's always a reason to be concerned.
Markets could be lower in two years; they could be higher.
The question, then, becomes: what is your tolerance for discomfort?
What are you goi… Read More
2021-07-28 11:39
The Olympics have finally kicked off with many glued to their screens.
Admiring superhuman achievements.
Motivation.
And performance.
What lessons, if any, can we learn about better heal… Read More
2021-07-28 08:52
Last week I enjoyed a few days off.
In between swims and playtime with my daughter, Sophie, I caught up on my favourite blogs and books.
One piece was by multi-billionaire investor and phi… Read More
2021-07-22 06:31
These days, there is a growing focus on the fact our scarcest resource isn't our money, it's our time.
But, perhaps our scarcest resource is something else?
Discover what’s been… Read More
2021-07-20 04:23
Today more than ever…
Investors are calling for investment opportunities that reflect their personal ethics and causes.
And the markets are answering.
For a high-performance exec… Read More
2021-07-15 11:03
Next week is Eid Al Adha.
And if you’re living in the UAE like me, that means a 6-day weekend…
To rest, spend time with loved ones and create memorable moments.
A true gift o… Read More
2021-07-14 11:27
As an avid football fan…
There was only one topic I could write about this week.
Granted, I’m not a supporter of the English national team…
(I’m from Glasgow aft… Read More
2021-07-08 08:13
This week, my colleague, Stuart was telling me about a dinner party he attended.
He was invited by one of his friends, a well-known business owner in Dubai.
He said it was inspiring to nei… Read More
2021-07-05 12:19
What sets high-net-worth investors apart from everyday investors…
Are the ways in which they build and preserve their wealth.
There are tactics they use to ensure they can enjoy the… Read More
2021-07-01 06:23
This week, I’m going on holiday.
Two weeks of creating memorable moments with my wife and kids.
Here’s what I’ve been reading in-between packing.
Everyone has their own… Read More
2021-07-01 05:41
Bitcoin is the Marmite of the financial world.
Love it or hate it, it’s going to be around for some time.
But rather than debating whether it should or should not exist, here are thr… Read More
2021-06-29 10:51
Private banking is a big, global business.
But how do senior international professionals decide where to place their wealth?
It’s not uncommon to see relationship decisions made upon… Read More
2021-06-24 11:45
Yesterday was our monthly Team Leaders’ Day.
A day to reflect on our goals.
Track their progress and plan ahead.
We also chatted about one of my favourite topics - “simplifica… Read More
2021-06-24 11:37
Over the last 12 months, small-cap value stocks are up +73%.
The S&P 500 is up +37% during the same period.
Why have small-cap value stocks been performing so well?
Let's use toothpas… Read More
2021-06-23 09:46
Inflation is known as the silent killer.
You think your money is safe in cash but its value is being eaten by termites.
The key to stopping this is understanding the difference between &ls&hell…Read More
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