Lump Sum Investment

Although Ireland has experienced tough times recently, there is still a huge amount of money sitting in deposit accounts with Irish Banks. At a time when the public want more interest for their deposits, the banks are generally offering less and charging more on lending.

Financial Architects deal with several of the main providers of Lump Sum Investment Products, so we will give you independent advice on who we think suits you best.

We will show you who has the best performance, by comparing funds, which fund has the best charging structure and who we think will ultimately make you the most money.

As Qualified Financial Advisors, we will give you professional advice and help you to set up a fund that will give you exactly what you need. The type of clients we deal with vary from someone that has €1,000 to invest, to someone that is managing a professional portfolio.

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Whatever you're financial objective, lump sum investments generally are dependant on a few key areas:

RETURN

Is the return to be given to you as:

RISK

What risks will the product chosen be subject to?

- Individual Stock Risk- investing in just one share can be very risky.

- Market Risk- If stock markets fall, Feb 2007- March 2009 for example, you can expect your fund to fall if invested even in diversified shares/regions/sectors. We can help you to switch your fund to try avoiding serious corrections.

- Currency Risk- If the investment is made in non Euro denominated assets, eg US/UK shares, if the value of the Euro against the US dollar falls, so too does the value of your investment and Visa Versa.

- Investment Manager Risk- Where a fund is actively managed by a professional investment Manager, there is a risk that they could get it wrong in deciding on the asset allocation of the fund, ie cash, shares, property etc. or which stocks to pick in their fund.

- Inflation Risk- If the fund performs lower than rate of inflation.

-Interest Rate Risk- The return could be affected by interest rate rises or falls.

- Default Risk- The increasingly important question of a financial institutions financial strength, what is the likely hood that they will not be around in the future?

GUARANTEES

Are there any guarantees on returns for:

If so, who are they guaranteed by?

INVESTMENT TERM

Has the product a specific investment term, ie 3 years, 6 years 10 years.
Or is it open ended, ie you can leave it there for as long or short as you want.
Some products may offer a guarantee if held for a specific term.

TAXATION

How are returns taxed? Are benefits taken from the investment taxable?
Are there any tax benefits attached to the product?

FUND ACCESS

Is there access to part or all of the investment? If so what are the penalties if any?

CHARGES

Initial Charges eg Bid/Spread offer.
Recurring Charges, eg fund charges.
Early Encashment/termination charges?
Do charges vary by investment size or investment duration.
Are charges variable with advice required during investment term?

EXIT PENALTIES

Can you get access to the funds without any penalty?