Articles from the author

Over the past few weeks there have been a series of reports showing positive news relating to the economy in many of the world's leading markets.

Over the last few weeks I have met a number of people who have decided to set up business for themselves. I remember being in the UK at the beginning of the Thatcher years when, to relieve the high unemployment figures, people were encouraged to start their own businesses.

I realise that many people have lost confidence in the stock markets and have doubts as to when it will show some continued signs of revival. As a result, there is a great demand for guaranteed funds.

I can almost hear the cry go up, "Not another boring article about financial planning". I can well understand it.

I do not know about you but there are some professions and services that I use where I try to make myself look knowledgeable by asking questions and then find out that what I have asked is quite inconsequential in view of a problem that has occurred later.

It really is very depressing when you pick up your Gulf News and read about a whole series of good economic data being released from most of the industrialised countries around the world, and then look over at the stock market indices to find that they have fallen further.

It's started.

What a wonderful phrase that is. It was used by a journalist who wished me to write an article about retirement. Sounds so much nicer doesn't it. After all, retirement has connotations of old age and waiting to die for many people.

One of the many problems that the fall in stock markets has caused over the last few years is that the fall in individuals' assets may have well put back their retirement plans for a number of years, as they have watched their capital fall.

I think that I am really lucky in having one of the most interesting jobs in the world. Why? Because people of all ages, different nationalities and religions come to see me to tell me their dreams for the future and seek help in fulfilling them.

Over the last few weeks we have all seen headlines about speculation and fluctuation in the currency and stock markets. We have also seen gold hitting a new low. All this during a period of growth, low unemployment and low inflation in the industrial world.

Money Wise: I told you to invest, didn't I?