7 Secrets of Money

Simon Brown is a partner at BHP Wealth Management with 23 years' experience advising clients. He is the first certified Wealth Mentor in the UK. Ben Sherwood is a partner in UK chartered accountancy firm Hillier Hopkins LLP, where he advises a select group of clients on investment consultancy and tax planning. Richard Stott is founding partner and Chief Investment Officer at Connectum Capital Management AS based in Norway. Bruce Wilson is vice-president of the Institute of Financial Planning. He was founding managing director of London-based IFA Helm Godfrey from 1999 to 2010, where he remains a director, shareholder and client adviser.

• List of figures Foreword by George Kinder Introduction Glossary of terms The 7 Secrets 1 There is a financial conspiracy going on 2 The financial press peddles investment pornography 3 You cannot beat the market 4 Some financial risks are really not worth taking 5 Asset allocation is the most crucial decision of all 6 Your behaviour will define your return 7 Investing is simple: control the things you can control Postscript: Keep calm when everyone else is panicking Conclusion: You can be a successful investor Summary: 7 steps to investment success Appendices 1 Historical best and worst returns for the investment portfolios detailed in Chapter 5 2 Selection criteria - a list of questions to ask a potential financial adviser 3 Drawing up your income and expenditure accounts and a net worth statement 4 Size and value effects on equity returns Recommended reading About the authors Acknowledgements Notes and references Index

"The 7 Secrets of Money is an essential read for anyone currently investing for their future or considering doing so. It provides a simple, yet powerful, framework for making better investment decisions. Not reading this book will be a costly mistake." Tim Hale, author of Smarter Investing, MD, Albion Strategic Consulting "The 7 Secrets of Money is an easy-to-read guide to how investment works, where the costs arise, what to avoid, and how to choose a financial adviser. Having read this book, the reader will be in a position to make an informed contribution to the decision making process." Janice Trebble, Partner at Saunders and Dolleymore LLP "If you've ever wondered why your portfolio only rises 5% when the markets rise 10%, then this book is for you. It is a must-read for all of us who want to retire with a sense of financial security. I cannot recommend it enough." Mark Baldry, private investor and Senior Consultant, Priorities for Profit