IT IS an inevitable part of investing that at some point markets will fall by an alarming – if not unexpected – degree. We haven’t seen large market falls for a decade, but we should expect that we will. When, and in what magnitude, no-one knows. Remembering the following can help:

1. Embrace the uncertainty of markets – that’s what delivers you with strong, long-term returns

2. Don’t look at your portfolio too often. Once a year is more than enough

3. Accept you cannot time when to be in and out of markets – it is simply not possible

4. If markets have fallen, remember you still own everything you did before (the same number of shares in the same companies, and the same bonds holdings)

5. A fall does not turn into a loss unless you sell your investments at the wrong time. If you don’t need the money, why would you sell?

6. The balance between your growth (equity) assets and defensive (high quality bond) assets was established by your adviser to make sure you can withstand temporary falls in the value of your portfolio, and that your portfolio has sufficient growth assets to deliver the returns needed to fund your longer-term financial goals

7. Be confident your (boring) defensive assets will come into their own, protecting your portfolio from some of equity market falls

8. Your adviser is there – at any time – to talk to you

- KARL Hartey is a qualified financial adviser who has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. Taking professional financial advice is vital to ensure you are equipped to make the most of your hard-earned savings and receive the income you need in retirement, so please get in touch.

Call 0808 168 5866 or email info@harteywm.co.uk.

The above has been provided by Hartey Wealth Management Ltd, Oswestry. Tel: 0808 168 5866. www.harteywm.co.uk. Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Reg Office: Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QP. Hartey Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.