Viewing posts categorised under: Spectrum-IFA Group
Le Tour de Finance 2015
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 26th March 2015
After a very successful string of events during 2014, Le Tour de Finance is back and has started its spring series.
The events in 2014 were a huge success, with large numbers attending all the events with fact filled sessions followed by an opportunity for an informal questions and answers session over complimentary refreshments and a buffet. The initial events in 2015 have been even better! The first events have been held in truly spectacular surroundings in Les caves, de la Maison Ackerman, near Saumur, the Château Colbert in Maulevrier, Pays de la Loire.and at the Chateau de Javarzay, Chef Boutonne, Deux Sevres
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The relaxed and open forums are a chance to expand your knowledge of personal finance as an expat resident in France. The panel of speakers are experts in their respective fields and are on-hand to answer questions you may have about protecting and strengthening your personal financial situation while a resident in France.
The spring events are continuing throughout April in Spain and Italy:
Spain:
Barcelona – 14th April
Sitges – 15th April
Denia – 16th April
Italy:
Castiglione del Lago – 20th April
San Gineso – 21st April
The Spectrum IFA Group is an European leader in professional personal financial advice and will be covering subjects such as; QROPS, pensions, tax advice, investments and wealth management, healthcare, and mortgages.
Le Tour de Finance is an excellent and relaxed forum in which you can get those important questions answered, plus mingle in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere with other expat residents whilst enjoying a buffet lunch.
All of Le Tour de Finance events are very popular so we therefore recommend you to book well in advance using the form below:
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The Spectrum IFA Group Economic Forum
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 2nd February 2015
We have just had our annual conference, The Spectrum Economic Forum. We had presentations from leading investment managers including BlackRock (the world’s largest investment house), J P Morgan Asset Management, Rathbones, Kames Capital, Jupiter Asset Management and Henderson Global Investors.
The conference is a great opportunity for us to hear directly from some of the investment management companies, which we recommend for the investment of our clients’ financial assets. Their collective forward-looking views on markets and key issues for 2015 provided us with a valuable insight, so that we are better able to advise our clients.
We also had presentations from several product providers, including Prudential International, Old Mutual International (formerly Skandia International), SEB Life International and Tilney Best Invest (who also provide discretionary asset management services). All companies gave interesting presentations on developments in their products, which are focused upon the needs of expatriates.
The conference is always a good opportunity to get together with colleagues from the six countries in which we operate. It’s a chance for us to exchange views and discuss issues that are common to all our clients, wherever they live.
There was agreement amongst us that one of the biggest potential ‘issues’ that the financial services industry is facing this year is the subject of pensions, as a result of the forthcoming UK pensions reform. Many Spectrum advisers expressed concern about predatory companies that are already operating, which could result in people unwisely cashing in their UK pension pots. The importance of obtaining professional advice from qualified advisers, who are regulated by the authorities in the country where the pension scheme member is living, was highlighted.
We were fortunate to have Momentum Pensions present to us, which is the first company to be able to offer a truly multi-jurisdictional pension solution for clients. Like us, Momentum has their clients’ best interests at heart and they understand that expatriates can move from one country to another. Therefore, Momentum has now added a UK Self Invested Pension Plan to their range of international pension solutions, which means that even if the client moves back to the UK, they can have a smooth transfer of the pension benefits from the overseas pension scheme back to the UK.
As can be seen from the above, we are constantly working closely with investment managers and product providers to find the best solutions for our clients, whether this is for the investment of financial capital, using tax-efficient solutions, pensions or inheritance planning. This forms an important part of our Client Charter
Planning for Le Tour de Finance 2015 is also now underway. As many people reading this know, this event is a perfect opportunity to come along and meet industry experts on financial matters that are of interest to expatriates. We are now taking bookings for May 2015 events, please contact us here:
Perpignan – 19th May
Bize-Minervois – 20th May
Montagnac – 21st May
Le Tour de Finance is an increasingly popular event and early booking is recommended. So if you would like to attend one of these events, please contact me to reserve your places.
Finding a Financial Adviser in Barcelona
By Chris Burke This article is published on: 27th December 2014
The number of British people moving abroad is rising, with about one in 10 British people now living overseas.
Despite its obvious economic difficulties, Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British expatriates, as the laid-back lifestyle and improved transport links with the UK gives it an allure that is hard to resist.
However, setting up residence in a Spanish city, such as Barcelona, involves a great deal of upheaval, both on a personal and practical level, and it’s a sad reality that expats can be particularly vulnerable to poor financial advice.
How to Choose a Financial Adviser
In practical terms, one of the most important things to get right as an expat is your finances, and having the right banking arrangements is a fundamental part of life overseas. Banking services should ideally meet at least two main criteria: flexibility (money should be easy to access and transfer between countries); and financial security (in a reputable bank that complies with international financial regulations and has a solid capital base).
But what other factors should you take into consideration when searching for a Financial Adviser in Barcelona?
Are they regulated? Do your research, visit websites, and confirm registration with the IFA before choosing an adviser.
Qualifications: Every nation has different rules relating to how qualified a financial adviser needs to be to gain authorisation, but the UK is a world leader in terms of required qualifications. So if you’re speaking to a British adviser abroad, you can gauge their industry education based on the British qualifications they have.
Experience: You can ask your adviser how long they’ve been qualified and giving advice, and you can research the brokerage to see how long they’ve been in business.
Are they independent? Ensure that your adviser is independent rather than tied to one financial institution, so that they are able to advise you on suitable products from the entire financial market place.
Testimonials: If your IFA is good at their job, they are highly likely to have a list of satisfied clients, from whom you can request a testimonial.
The Spectrum IFA Group
At The Spectrum IFA Group, we provide financial advice to expats on all aspects of living, moving and working in Spain. From calculating the cost of living to choosing a good school for your children, our guides to money management and family finances will help you prepare for the challenges of living and working abroad – so you can make the most of your expat experience.
We provide Insurance Intermediation advice and assist clients in their choice of Investment Management Institution. Mutual respect is earned by working together, looking after your best interests and by adding value to your financial planning through qualifications, experience and enthusiasm.
GIVEWATTS and The Spectrum IFA Group
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 17th December 2014
17.12.14
Please see below an open letter sent to The Spectrum IFA Group by GIVEWATTS
Dearest Christine and Chris,
I hope you are well indeed! You have a big place in my heart, part of my secure base. Thank you for everything you have done and for always being there!
I can’t thank you and Spectrum enough for the support to GIVEWATTS over the years! It has meant a great deal, both in terms of funding (see attached project update), but also morally. You joined us at an early stage, taking a chance on something you believed in. I am happy to say that it is really working now, and it also has a great deal of impact.
It has been a very good year for GIVEWATTS. Our partnership with Spectrum has been a key component in our being able to scale up during the year. We have grown into 649 schools across Kenya, and we are starting in Tanzania early next year, and DRC a month after that. More reasons for you to come and visit again!
The school calendar has all the kids in Christmas recess now, and we are waiting for the final grades for the last term in January 2015. In the current report the improvement is at 7%, and this reflects the changes between a county wide diagnostics test and the national exam. After that we will update those numbers, as well as the changes in school ranking. You should expect a change of around 20%, which is the average change across our Kenyan schools between two national exams.
You will be pleased to see that 107 lamps have been paid off. The balance of lamps have been signed up for and are being paid for now. The total savings for the households is almost CHF 40K, and using the most conservative measures available (100 kg of Co2 per replaced kerosene lamp) so far the project has offset a total of about 17 tonnes of Co2. This calculation is based on number of total days lamps have been replaced. For comparison, for the total 265 lamps in the project, the saved emissions will be 26,5 tonnes per year. As the number of lamps increase, this number will go up.
I also include two impact videos. Short and concise for busy Spectrumers. We are also changing our project page on the website again, to make it more interactive. The local web developer we are using says that this will be done early next week. As soon as we have it, I will send you a note.
I hope to make it to Lausanne in the first quarter of 2015, and I will so very much take you out for a meal to celebrate our joint success! And just to have a curry with some great people!
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 28th November 2014
Back in October there were 16 fearless riders that set off from Ancona in Italy and after cycling over 850km in six days arrived fresh faced in Antibes, France.
This gargantuan ride was completed with one thing in mind – to raise as much money as possible for cancer research. All funds raised, that means 100% are in aid of Cancer Research UK, Clinique Tzanck Cancer Care unit in Mougins, France and the Children’s Cancer unit at the Lenval Hospital in Nice.
The Spectrum IFA Group were very proud to be sponsoring Lee Mutch on this epic ride and were delighted to be part of the other fund raising events held in and around Antibes.
The amount raised at this time has hit an unbelievable €285,560.06.
Spectrum sponsor the Barcelona English Radio Party – 20th November
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 14th November 2014
The Spectrum IFA Group are delighted to be sponsoring the English Radio Party on 20th November, 2014.
By Gareth Horsfall This article is published on: 14th October 2014
Join us in San Ginesio (Le Marche) and Barga (Tuscany)
The Tour de Finance 2014 is back for its autumn tour and this time we are visiting the East coast of Italy and returning to Tuscany.
Every year we bring a group of financial experts on the road in Italy to talk directly to expats about the financial considerations and concerns that they are facing.
We will be returning on:
23rd October – Palazzo Morichelli D’Altemps San Ginesio, Le Marche
24th October – Nr Bagni di Lucca at La Cantina delle Pianacce (Ghivizzano)
Arrival time: 10.30am for coffee, with start time at 11am. The Forum questions and answers is followed by a FREE buffet lunch, wine and an opportunity to meet your fellow expats.
What is the Forum?
No more powerpoint presentations and structured presentations!
The Forum events are designed to put the speakers on the spot and deliver the answers to the financial questions you need to know, rather than the information we think you should know.
You may be interested in knowing the answers to some of the following questions:
What are the likely implications of being a resident or non resident and living in Italy?
What are the benefits of being subject to Inheritance tax in Italy?
What are the Italian tax rates that my income is subject to?
With world financial markets rising and falling almost daily, how can I find a way to benefit from these movements without taking too much risk?
How can I gain more interest on my savings when bank rates are so low?
As the world economy limps on what can be done to make my money work better for me?
Questions will be asked for one hour before lunch so it is an opportunity to put the experts ‘on the spot’
The Panel of experts will include:
Richard Brown and Julian Hall: BEST INVEST Leading UK Investment and financial planning firm with over £9 billion of assets under management.
Judith Ruddock: STUDIO DEL GAIZO PICCHIONI Cross border tax specialists and commercialisti.
Andrew Lawford: SEB LIFE INTERNATIONAL He will be facing questions about tax efficient savings vehicles for Italy and ways to potentially. reduce your Inheritance tax liabilties.
I hope you will register your attendance. And I hope that the FORUM event will avoid all the boredom of powerpoint presentations and make the morning much more interactive for you.
If you would like to register for this event then you can do so by sending your full contact details to info@spectrum-ifa.com or call Gareth Horsfall on 0039 333 6492356.
Cogs4Cancer Tribute Ride
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 9th October 2014
The epic charity ride from Ancona in Italy to Antibes in France is getting close to the finish line.
The riders set off on Sunday in Ancona on their 850km ride to arrive in Antibes on Friday 10th October. The final leg of this ride starts in San Remo on Friday morning, stopping for a well earned break at Stars’N’Bars in Monaco, and then pushes on to the finish line arriving in Antibes at the IYCA.
The Tribute Ride is a chance for other riders to join the main group on this last 80km stretch and help raise even more funds for the cancer charities supported by Cogs4Cancer. The welcome champagne party is sponsored by FREEDOM MARITIME together with a wonderful array of hand crafted beers on offer from Colgans Brewery and The Spectrum IFA Group will be there to welcome all the riders home.
The riders are expected to arrive in Antibes at 16.00 and we encourage anyone in there area to come and support these heroic guys and girls on their final day.
The Spectrum IFA Group are the proud sponsors of Lee Mutch.
Below is a selection of photos from the ride.
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Le Tour de Finance returns this autumn
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 2nd September 2014
After a very successful string of events earlier in the year, Le Tour de Finance is back during October 2014.
These previous events were great success, with large numbers attending all the events with fact filled sessions followed by an opportunity for an informal questions and answers session over complimentary refreshments and a buffet.
The relaxed and open forums are a chance to expand your knowledge of personal finance as an expat resident in France. The panel of speakers are experts in their respective fields and are there to answer questions you may have about protecting and strengthening your personal financial situation while a resident in France.
The Spectrum IFA Group is an European leader in professional personal financial advice and will be covering subjects such as; QROPS, pensions, tax advice, investments and wealth management, healthcare, and mortgages.
Le Tour de Finance is an excellent and relaxed forum in which you can get those important questions answered, plus mingle in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere with other expat residents whilst enjoying a buffet lunch. The free sessions commence at 10.00 and will finish at 14.00.
Wednesday, 8th October – St Endréol, 83920, La Motte, the Var.
Thursday, 9th October – Chateau La Coste, 13610, Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade.
Friday, 10th October – Domaine Gayda, 11300 Brugairolles.
Le Tour de Finance – “Bringing Experts to Expats”.
The Spectrum IFA Group and Cogs4Cancer
By Spectrum IFA This article is published on: 31st July 2014
The Spectrum IFA Group have agreed to sponsor Lee Mutch for his epic ride from Ancona in Italy to Antibes, France in October 2014.
This momentous journey will take the 16 riders on a tour of more than 850km over six days in aid of Cogs4Cancer.org. Spectrum would to wish the whole team the very best of luck for this wonderful fundraising ride.
All funds raised, that means 100%, are in aid of Cancer Research UK, Clinique Tzanck Cancer Care unit in Mougins, France and the Children’s Cancer unit at the Lenval Hospital in Nice.
The ride will not be easy and team are immensely grateful for all support received thus far. The riders will be followed by support vehicles throughout the ride including Gourmet deliveries who will be making sure the riders have full bellies and are receiving wholesome food over the six day journey. Inter-nett Monaco are providing support vans and drivers and Liz Wright and Chelsea Good will be on hand to look after the bodies in terms of massage and sports therapy.
Stages:
DAY 1 – ANCONA TO FORLI – 156km DAY 2 – FORLI TO EMPOLI (through Florence) – 142Km DAY 3 – EMPOLI TO LA SPEZIA (VIA LUCCA AND VIAREGGIO) – 146Km DAY 4 – LA SPEZIA TO ARENZANO – 134Km DAY 5 – ARENZANO TO SAN REMO – 123Km DAY 6 – SAN REMO TO ANTIBES – 81Km
This gargantuan journey can be followed via GPS tracking devises that all the riders have been given by YB Tracking.
On arrival at the finishing line in Antibes at the International Yacht Club on Friday 10th October, the riders will be welcomed by a well deserved champagne reception kindly sponsored by Freedom Maritime.
As the world becomes increasingly socially aware it is obvious that we all have to adjust the way we run our businesses and lives in general. The Spectrum IFA Group seeks to operate as close to being paperless as possible whilst maintaining the highest levels of security of client information. Furthermore, we seek to keep our corporate footprint as small as possible by avoiding unnecessary long distance travel and by an adviser network living and working within the community in which their clients are based.
Every year, like many organisations, The Spectrum IFA Group is approached for support from many charities. As a company, we budget to support international and local charities and causes close to our staff and our clients’ hearts.
