Blog

Coronavirus Impact on Personal Expenses, Investments, and Wealth

This week, our 5th blog during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, we will revisit some of the economic measures and scenarios highlighted in our opening blogs, to see if things are now any clearer? In addition, we will explore the potential path for economic recovery, however with an increased focus on the implications for your wealth.

For the benefit of those new to our blog, The Wealth Consultant is a free to use digital wealth platform helping clients to achieve financial peace of mind, a tall order in the current environment. However, it is at unprecedented times like these, and as some may argue not seen since WW2, that we must keep our head, or risk losing our mind, we must “Keep Calm and Carry On”, in so far as that is possible. In the meantime, learn more about:

  • three economic scenarios during the pandemic
  • economic recovery strategies after the lockdown
  • pandemic consequences for the wealth investment market
  • financial management best practices during the pandemic

Three economic scenarios during the pandemic

In our opening blog, we explored three economic scenarios laid out by Charles Stanley. It would now seem that the ‘best case’ has passed us by, which suggested an early peak in virus numbers, allowing a return to normal conditions. It is still too early to say whether we meet the ‘base case’ or ‘worst case’, at present it is hanging in the balance. Despite snippets of more positive news emerging, their latest feature, published this week, states that any return to normality will be slow and phased, and that ‘Business as normal’ is unlikely to be seen any time soon. Read here

V-shaped versus U-shaped recovery

Whilst the global recession induced by COVID-19 may only be months old, direct central bank intervention, identified as critical to preventing lasting economic damage, and some encouraging signs of recovery from China have sparked the debate of a ‘v-shaped’ versus a ‘u-shaped’ recovery in economies and markets. JPMorgan has written a report exploring what the recovery from COVID-19 recession will look like. Read here

Pandemic related consequences for the wealth investment market

What does all this mean for business investments and your wealth? The popular Chinese proverb says “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now”, is perhaps appropriate when considering what you should do when it comes to personal wealth planning. Schroders Personal Wealth has written an article “How to make time pay – TIME IS MONEY”, which supports this notion, in the context of historic ‘Black Swan Events’. It highlights that we all need a financial plan, but that plan requires the ‘expenditure’ of time! Read here

Financial management best practices during the pandemic

Our tip for your financial health this week comes from Wealthify, Turn ‘Stay at Home’ into ‘Save at Home’. This follows on from our blog last week that focused on the importance and benefit of financial advice and investing, and an introduction to ‘robo advice’. Wealthify’s recent blog suggests those fortunate enough to be working from home, make the most of their extra money, saved owing to the eradication of regular expenses such as commuting, going to pubs, and restaurants with friends. Read Here

In next week’s blog we will explore how the pandemic may have changed our attitudes towards investing, by accelerating megatrends and demand for ESG products, as we increasingly look to do the right things for our planet, appropriate given World Earth Day was this week!.

The Wealth Consultant is here to help you assess your current situation, to hold your hand through these testing times, and to give you peace of mind. If needs be, and at the appropriate time, we can introduce you to alternative advisers/managers who may be better placed to serve your needs.

Please do get in touch with any questions or comments, or let us know how we can help you out by filling up this questionnaire. Let’s make your finances thrive!

Keep well, Keep Calm and Carry On.

Written on Friday, April 24, 2020 on the subject of Blog