Viewing posts categorised under: Le Tour de Finance
Who do you bank with?
By David Hattersley
This article is published on: 30th October 2013
Following the recent “Le Tour de Finance” seminar at the Marriott Hotel in Denia, one of the attendees approached me with interesting tale. The Lady was a British expatriate and long term resident in the Javea area. Like many retried expatriates she had been concerned about the security of her assets following banking issues in both UK and Spain, post 2008. She told me she had always felt safe banking with British household names whether at home or abroad. She was shocked to learn that Lloyds Bank’s Spanish operations had been sold to Banco Sabadell.
She felt this had not been properly publicised and she had not had clear information about the change from the bank. She visited her local branch and was surprised that the staff knew little about the change of ownership.
I was able to explain the €100,000 per account deposit guarantee scheme, guaranteed by the Spanish Government in the same way as UK bank deposits are guaranteed by the British Government to the tune of £85,000. This Lady had clearly done her homework and pointed out that the guarantee is per banking group and not per account. We agreed that bank accounts were necessary for emergency funds even when, given current interest rates they were guaranteed to lose money in real, spending power terms. We also agreed that for longer term investing, especially for income, there were much better options out there, one particular proposition from the Prudential, (fully Spanish compliant) had been highlighted during the “Le Tour” seminar.
Our motto is “With Care, You Prosper”, we urge our clients to take a very active interest in their finances, we are here to help our clients help themselves.
The Spectrum IFA Group & Tour de Finance Seminar Costa del Sol – October 18th 2013
By Charles Hutchinson
This article is published on: 18th October 2013
The Spectrum IFA Group & Currencies Direct held the final Tour de Finance seminar of the season on Friday the 18th October 2013 at the H10 Estepona Palace Hotel on the Costa del Sol, Spain.
The morning comprised various presentations by industry experts and professionals followed by finger food lunch and wines and soft drinks where guests mingled with the presenters and Spectrum staff to discuss questions and personal needs
The following gave presentations:
Jonathan Goodman introduced the seminar with a presentation of the company, who we are, how we do business and where and how we are regulated. Particular emphasis on client concerns and worries and how our top priority is to build a long term relationship with our clients.
Alan Lawrence of Blackrock stressed what worries and concerns investors, how asset returns have altered in both scale and type. Declining bond yields and income equities have shifted the risk profile of both Fixed Interest and Equity assets. The need now to rethink what is low risk and what is high. Where to obtain a reasonable income yield with lowest risk. The dangers of holding cash and how Emerging Markets are an essential part of a portfolio into the future. He ran through various currently recommended BR funds and special emphasis was also made on Gold and its outlook.
Alex Barratt of Currencies Direct showed the guests how using a specialist foreign exchange partner can save you money, both in the exchange rate margins and also in the charges free transfer service they provide, not only in Spain and Europe but all over the world. Of particular interest is that they have made an agreement with a major Spanish bank to provide charges free transfers to and from a client’s account which CD will set up on their behalf.
Andrew Wallace of Prudential International emphasised the strength and history of the company globally, their credit ratings, assets under management and number of clients worldwide. It was unique presentation in the session in that he majored on International Investment Bonds, their value to an investor and the various tax advantages of wrapping one’s investments within them. He then went on to explain the Spanish Compliant Bond and its value to the Spanish resident.
Michael Lodhi, our venerable leader and spiritual guide, repeated what he said at earlier seminars around Europe, viz: Spectrum addresses client concerns for tax efficiency, investment returns, pensions and inheritance tax planning. He highlighted the effects of inflation on essential expenditure and how important it is to regularly review your investments to ensure their constant effectiveness. He went on to explain QROPS (transferring your UK based pension abroad) and the importance of taking unbiased advice to see whether it is suitable for all.
Whether you want to register for our newsletter, attend one of our road shows in 2014 or speak to me directly, please call or email me on the contacts below and I will be glad to help you. We do not charge for reviews, reports or recommendations that we provide.
Le Tour de Finance Heads to Spain
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 10th October 2013
Following the recent success in Italy and France, Le Tour de Finance is heading to Spain. The Spectrum IFA Group in collaboration with Currencies Direct are proud to announce the Spanish leg of the Tour that begins on Tuesday 15th October in Barcelona before moving on to the Costa Blanca, Almeria and the Costa del Sol.
Le Tour de Finance brings professional experts in expat finance, in Spain, closer to you in an open, friendly and professional manner.
The following professionals will be speaking over the course of the week:
- Currencies Direct – Currency Transfer specialists
- The Spectrum IFA Group – Independent Financial Advisers
- Prudential International – Spanish Compliant Products
- JP Morgan Asset Management – Investment Managers
- Blackrock – Investment Managers
- Plus Information on Tax changes in Spain
The events will commence at 10.30 and finish at 14.00 with welcome coffee and snacks on arrival, followed by brief presentations, a FREE tapas lunch and then time to chat with the experts and meet other like-minded expat individuals.
- Tuesday 15th October – Barcelona, Sitges
- Wednesday 16th October – Costa Blanca, Javea/Denia
- Thursday 17th October – Almeria, Mojacar
- Friday 18th October – Costa del Sol, Estepona
Register for this FREE event by sending an email to seminars@spectrum-ifa.com or calling 936 658 596
Successful LTDF seminar in Valbonne
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 9th October 2013
Nearly half way through Le Tour de Finance the latest stage took us to Valbonne, Alpes Maritime. The seminar was located at the wonderful Château de la Bégude Golf Club. Guests were welcomed on a gloriously sunny morning with dew glistening on the nearby fairways. The seminar teed off at 10.30 after coffee and pastries.
The seminar was sponsored by The Spectrum IFA Group and compared by Peter Brooke. The fact filled seminar covered various subjects pertinent to expats living in France including; French tax laws and the recent changes, QROPS, Assurance Vie, currency exchange, investments and wealth management.
The expert panel of guest speakers included:
- Stephanie Glasper, Tax Lawyer, Hent – French tax update
- Pippa Maile, Currencies Direct – Currency exchange savings and strategies
- Michael Lodhi, Chairman of Spectrum – Inflation & QROPS update.
- Jeremy Ferguson, SEB Life International – Assurance Vie, Efficient Investing in France
- John Hall, Standard Bank International – Structured Deposits.
- Peter Brooke, The Spectrum IFA Group– Selecting funds & building portfolios
- Mark Riggall, JP Morgan Asset Management – the value of investment advice
Le Tour de Finance is an excellent and relaxed forum in which you can get those important questions answered. After the session finished guests re-located to the terrace over looking the 18th hole and were able to mingle in a pleasant atmosphere with other expat residents whilst enjoying a complimentary buffet lunch.
Le Tour de Finance has 3 events left in France:
- Wednesday 9th October – Var, La Motte
- Thursday 10th October – Vaucluse, Avignon
- Friday 11th October – Aude, Brugairolles
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TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris « Société de Courtage d’assurances » R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) Numéro d’immatriculation ORIAS 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers, référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréée par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers»
La Tour de Finance Friday 4th October – Maine et Loire, Saumur
By Amanda Johnson
This article is published on: 20th September 2013
Question: I would like to speak to a financial adviser about my finances but do not feel I have enough money to warrant talking to one?
There are many people who feel like this which is why I give people the opportunity to meet me in person for an informal chat over a coffee at the Open Door in Civray (last Tuesday in each month) or Thursday mornings at Café des Belles Fleurs in Fenioux.
I aim to give people the chance to ask questions relating to their financial position, changes in tax & inheritance laws or their own personal circumstances since their last review. These informal surgeries allow us to quickly see whether you would benefit from a free consultation in the comfort of your own home.
During September & October I will also be at the following events:
• The Deux Sevres Trade Fair on Saturday 21st September from 10.00 am until 17.00 where you can have a chat and enter a Free Prize draw to win a hamper.
• Le Tour de Finance event on October 4th in La Salle des Caleches at the Bouvet – Ladubay Wine House near Saumur.
Event format
- 10:30 Welcome coffee and pastry platter
- 11:00 Forum commences (various presenters will give 15 minute presentations). To keep the topics varied, only one company will represent a specialist area i.e. investments, pensions, currency transfer etc
- 12:30 A light luncheon buffet accompanied by local wine and soft beverages will be served allowing delegates to network with other delegates and the speakers
- Followed by an optional tour of the caves of Bouvet-Ladubay and a wine tasting!
If it has been some time since your last financial review, perhaps you would like to attend one of these events?
To register for this seminar please contact myself or e-mail seminars@spectrum-ifa.com
LE TOUR DE FINANCE IS COMING TO ITALY
By Gareth Horsfall
This article is published on: 13th September 2013
Following the success of Le Tour de Finance in France, The Spectrum IFA Group, in collaboration with Currencies Direct, is proud to announce that Le Tour de Finance for expats will be arriving in Italy. On the 26th and 27th September 2013 Le Tour de Finance will be making its first appearances at the Circolo dei Forestieri, Bagni di Lucca and Ristorante Pomerancio, Umbertide, respectively. Le Tour de Finance brings professional experts in expat finance, in Italy, closer to you.
The following professionals will be speaking on the day:
- Currencies Direct
Talking about how to save money on currency transfers and making the transfer process easier.
- Studio Gaizo Picchioni, Cross border specialist commercialisti, Judith Ruddock
Discussing the latest changes in tax reporting and how it may affect you, and how to ensure that as a resident in Italy, you are ‘IN REGOLA’.
- The Spectrum IFA Group, Italy: Gareth Horsfall and Michael Lodhi (Group Chairman)
Why financial planning for expats in Italy is important to avoid pitfalls and traps that you may not otherwise know about, or see.
- QROPS. How UK pension holders can benefit from transferring their fund to a recognised overseas pension scheme.
- Studio Legale Metta, Nick Metta
The legal and administrative issues faced when making an Italian or foreign will, for an Italian property and foreign owned assets.
- Jupiter Asset Management, Rob Walker
Talking about the state of the world financial markets, economies and current government policies, how this may affect us all in the near future and how we can protect ourselves from the negative impacts of these decisions.
The events will commence at 10.30 and finish at 14.00 with welcome caffe and snacks on arrival, followed by brief presentations, a FREE buffet lunch and then time to ask questions of the experts and meet other like minded individuals.
Register for this FREE event by sending an email to info@spectrum-ifa.com or calling +39 3336492356
LIMITED AVAILABILITY.
Come and meet the Spectrum IFA Group on Le Tour de Finance this Autumn
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 2nd September 2013
The Spectrum IFA Group are delighted to be taking part in 13 events in Italy, France and Spain during September and October.
These events are designed to bring financial and tax information to the English speaking expatriate communities around Europe. The idea is to give expatriates first hand access to financial experts varied areas of the financial world.
We will normally be talking about financial planning in each Country, Pension Transfers (QROPS) and changes in the local tax rules and how these impact expatriates.
Each seminar will include a speaker from a large, well know investment management house, this Autumn one of BlackRock, JP Morgan or Jupiter Asset Management will be attending. They will give their firm’s view of global markets and currencies.
Life Assurance companies SEB Life International, The Prudential along with Standard Bank International will participate at some of the events along with Foreign Currency Transfer specialists, Currencies Direct.
To find out which event is nearest to you and register, visit our seminar page.
If none are in your area use our contact page to get the information.
Spain – Overseas Tax Reporting and Financial Planning Seminars
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 13th March 2013
An opportunity to meet with The Spectrum IFA Group
Spectrum seminars are a series of events for English speaking expatriates seeking information on a range of different financial products and services; from investments to pensions, healthcare to international transfers and banking to taxation. You can learn about Overseas Tax Reporting and how to make the most of your money, while chatting to like-minded people from your area.
Entry is free for all events; please send an email stating the event you wish to attend, to book a place. Booking is mandatory due to limited availability of seats.
| Date |
Location |
Booking and Information |
| 20 March 2013 |
Barcelona |
|
| 27 March 2013 |
Menorca |
|
| 4 April 2013 |
Sitges |
|
| 22 April 2013 |
Mallorca |
|
| 23 April 2013 |
Madrid |
|
