Expat Investor - Episode 34- Exploring Property Investment: Leveraging, Risks, and Strategic Planning

Welcome back to the Expat Investor Podcast! This week, we're diving deep into the world of property investment with your host, Tom Pewtress, Head of Global Partners at Skybound Wealth Management, and special guest Simon Athwal, a seasoned financial advisor with many years of experience in the Middle East.

Why Property?
In this episode, Tom and Simon tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in the world of wealth management: Why is property such a popular asset class? They explore the tangible allure of real estate, the cultural influences driving property ownership in the UK, and the historical performance that makes property a reliable long-term investment.

The Power of Leverage
Tom and Simon break down the concept of leverage in property investment, illustrating how you can control a large asset with a relatively small capital outlay. They discuss how leveraging can significantly amplify returns and why it’s such a powerful tool for building wealth over time. Using practical examples, they demonstrate how even modest increases in property value can yield substantial returns when leveraged correctly.

Navigating Debt and Risk
Understanding debt is crucial to successful investing. Tom and Simon delve into the differences between good debt and bad debt, particularly in the context of property mortgages. They compare interest-only and capital repayment mortgages, providing insights into which might be best depending on your financial goals and life stage. They also discuss the importance of having a robust financial plan, especially when dealing with leverage and long-term debt.

Diversification and Market Risks
While property is a strong investment, Tom and Simon caution against over-reliance on any single asset class. They discuss the importance of diversification, explaining how spreading investments across different assets can protect against market volatility, maintenance costs, and rental income fluctuations. The duo also highlights specific risks within the UK property market, such as interest rate fluctuations and tax implications, and how to mitigate these risks.

Off-Plan vs. Completed Properties
Are you considering investing in off-plan properties or completed ones? Tom and Simon explore the pros and cons of each, helping you understand which option might align best with your investment strategy. Whether you’re early in your wealth accumulation journey or looking for immediate rental income, they provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making.

Strategic Retirement Planning
For those planning for retirement, this episode offers essential advice on creating reliable income streams through property investment. Tom and Simon explain how property can serve as a stable source of income that complements other investments, helping to extend the longevity of your retirement savings. They also discuss property as a hedge against inflation, ensuring your income keeps pace with rising costs.

Expat Investor Episode 33: Planning As An Expat Parent

The Expat Investor Podcast takes a slightly different approach in this episode. Skybound Wealth Financial Advisor, Max Gerstein sits down with a Zee, a South African expat living in Dubai desperately trying to strike a balance between enjoying the present, whilst planning for the future. Dubai is famed for its high living costs and dynamic lifestyle, and Zee shares her personal journey and challenges in achieving financial stability amidst these factors.

Challenges and Goals: Zee, a mother of three navigating life in Dubai, discusses the financial hurdles faced by many expatriates. Working in real estate, she highlights the uncertainties of fluctuating income and the importance of maintaining an emergency fund. Zee reflects on past experiences with credit card debt, emphasising her newfound aversion to credit and the need for disciplined financial habits.

Financial Strategy and Vision: Her income primarily supports her children's education and extracurricular activities, with less focus on tracking other expenditures, leading to unexpectedly high monthly spending. Despite these challenges, Zee remains determined to build a property portfolio to secure her family's financial future.

The Role of Financial Planning: Max explains the pivotal role effective financial planning plays in achieving long-term goals such as property ownership, funding her children's education, and ultimately attaining financial independence. She discusses the transformative impact of structuring priorities and savings strategies under expert guidance.

Key Insights and Takeaways: In this candid conversation with Max, an experienced financial advisor and fellow expat, Zee explores optimised savings strategies aimed at early retirement. The pair discuss the significance of dividing resources between immediate financial needs and long-term investments, providing clarity and control over her financial journey. As a result, Zee leaves the session feeling empowered and focused, ready to implement practical steps towards her financial goals. Zee’s story serves as an inspiring, if all too real, case study for expatriates in Dubai and beyond. By highlighting the importance of proactive financial management and setting clear priorities, Max offers valuable insights for other expats to apply to their own situation as they strive to secure their financial futures.

Expat Investor Episode 32 - Tom Pewtress, Group Head of Technical at Skybound Wealth and Olympic Medalist & World Champion Jamie Baulch

In a departure from our usual podcast format, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jamie Baulch, a retired Olympic Sprinter with an illustrious career. Jamie's journey is not just about his athletic triumphs but also the valuable lessons he learned along the way, particularly in the world of finances.

Expat Investor Episode 31 with Tom Pewtress and Max Gerstein - Insurance Planning

Today I don’t want to talk investment management. I want to talk about insurance planning. Last year I covered this topic on a number of occasions, but over the course of the last 12 months I have witnessed scenarios when planning was done well, planning was done to some extent and planning had not been done at all – sadly all cases needed the best planning to be in place but not all did. I can’t stress enough the obligation and work that should be being done to protect what have and those around us. And that includes the continuous ongoing review of the cover that you have in place. Today im joined by a fellow member of team – Max Gerstein to explore this topic further. To be honest I hate the word insurance – protection is all about risk management. Seeing the outcome of a critical illness claims makes it very easy to understand the benefit of transferring the risk of critical illness. Why should I risk my own savings, investments and future income when I can pay a sum of money for someone else to carry that risk. That’s what thee huge companies were designed to do.

Expat Investor Episode 30 Market Review And Outlook With Tom Pewtress and Jabir Sardharwalla - Planning On Purpose With Tom Pewtress and Paul Butler

Episode 29: A Look At The Markets with Edmund Teasdale and Special Guest, Oliver Harwood from Quilter Cheviot.

Episode 28: AI is taking over. Are emerging markets set to benefit?

With Tom Pewtress and special guest, Olivia Wingrove from LGT Wealth Management

Episode 27: Moving Abroad - the process, the challenges, the joys with Tom Pewtress, Peter Gollogly, Bryan Bann & Jonathan Lumb

Welcome to our Expat Investor Podcast Special – Moving abroad – where today I’ll be joined by a number of our team here at Skybound Wealth to discuss the process, the challenges, the joys and hear some of the stories our team have encountered when they decided to move overseas. 

• Quick recap of the markets from the previous week
• Joined by a trio of guests; Financial Planning Director Peter Gollogly, Regional Manager for Geneva Bryan Bann, and Regional Manager for the UAE Jonathan Lumb. 
• Over the last 18 months what has been a main concern for clients?
• Having moved more than once to a new country, was there something that you prioritised differently on your last move?
• What were the biggest challenges that you faced when you first moved?
• Did you have any milestones set up to achieve before you first moved abroad?
• What do you think is the biggest factor is in why clients move on from where they first were situated?
• Finally, what drives you all to remain living and working where you do?