Financial Father and Son

In this episode, I am joined by David Stevenson, an experienced investment commentator and writer, with a passion for media and technology. David writes for a number of leading publications including The Financial Times, where he is a columnist, the Investors Chronicle, Money Management and trade newspaper Investment Week, where he's the contrarian columnist.  Links David's Twitter: @advinvestor David's website: http://www.adventurousinvestor.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/David-Stevenson/e/B001HPPK2U?ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vu00_i1 Episode summary: Intro (01:28), How did you get into investing? (04:17), How the youth of today can be real investors? (08:18), Riding your winners, cutting your losses and the importance of rebalancing (14:32), Thoughts on how we should invest in Chinese companies? (17:31), Your 1600% return investment (22:29), Are ESG investments here for the long term? (28:48), What career advice for a recent graduate in the current climate (33:14). Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, I am joined by Matei Vlad, the president of the UCL Investment Society. Some of the topics discussed include: Transitioning to a post-covid university experience Job searching in 2021 The UCLIS fund thesis Matei's take on the current market Advice to your first-year self Episode summary: Who is Matei? (00:30), The transition as a university student during the C-19 pandemic (01:41), How has your job search changed during the C-19 pandemic? (06:33), UCL Investment Society (10:34), Leadership skills learnt being the president of the UCLIS (12:08), The investment thesis for the UCLIS fund (15:20), Best moments for the UCLIS fund in 2020-21 (19:04), Key pieces of advice a first-year student should take onboard (24:56), Outro (32:50). Links Matei's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matei-vlad/?originalSubdomain=uk UCL Investment Society: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uclu-investment-society/ Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, I discuss what ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Investing is and why it is important but can be used for marketing purposes by fund managers. Links CNBC ESG Report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ1cliM0b0Q Morningstar article: https://www.morningstar.co.uk/IntroPage.aspx?site=uk&backurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.morningstar.co.uk%2Fuk%2Fnews%2F204080%2Fbest-and-worst-esg-funds-of-2020-so-far.aspx All-In Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCESLZhusAkFfsNsApnjF_Cg Episode Summary: Market update and the reason for the recent sell-off (00:41), The history of ESG Investing (05:33), The 3 group of people who drive ESG Investing (12:44), Top-performing ESG funds (17:35). Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, I discuss why the Tesla stock price will likely keep increasing and a general update on what I have been up to with final-year University and my other projects. Links Vaccine shipments begin: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405 Fund manager makes a bad call to short Tesla: https://masterinvestor.co.uk/funds-and-investment-trusts/without-a-clunie-the-fund-manager-who-shorted-tesla-is-shown-the-door/ Contact Us Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: FinancialFatherandSon@gmail.com Episode Summary: Intro (00:12), Jay's update since the last upload (00:40), Thoughts on the vaccine (10:52), Tesla talk (13:32).

In this episode, I discuss the argument of whether UK university students should be given a discount on their tuition fees for the 20/21 academic year due to it being delivered mostly online. Links University of Manchester 2018/19 Financial Statement (Page 16): https://www.shorturl.at/anv13 Student Living Costs in the UK 2020: https://www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/what-do-students-spend-their-money-on.html Open University: http://www.open.ac.uk/ Contact Us Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: FinancialFatherandSon@gmail.com Episode Summary: Intro (00:11), Are students being educated any less being fully online? (01:15), Is the in-person university experience still available? (06:23), Are universities making any savings with classes being online? (07:26), Are students making a saving with classes being online? (13:57), My experience with my university education being fully online (18:50), The people that benefit from online university (20:56), Outro (23:03).

In this episode, I discuss car manufacturer reliability, a fully autonomous car road network and why ridesharing is the long term solution for major cities. Mentioned links: WhatCar.com Survey: https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey-brands/n20069 Average Running Cost of Car: https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/average-cost-run-car-uk Lyft Founder Interview: https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDMxMy9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA&ep=14&episode=MTRhY2VhYTQtNDQ3YS00OWRjLTk5NGYtYTI2YTVjNTU2YzQy Telsa Fully Autonomous Driving (Similar video to what I mentioned): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlThdr3O5Qo Connect with us: Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: FinancialFatherandSon@gmail.com Episode Summary: Update on FinCEN files leak information (00:50), Most unreliable car manufacturer 2020 (04:57), My families experience with Jaguars (08:04), Car finance/stock market arbitrage (10:00), My experience with London public transport (11:56), Ridesharing services are efficient modes of transport (16:05), Ridesharing services adapting to a fully autonomous driving road network (20:37), Outro (25:41).

In this episode, I discuss The Social Dilemma, the Oracle/TikTok deal, and the FinCEN files leak. I discuss a variety of points regarding these topics, including: Why the Oracle/TikTok deal is not good for the United States. What we know so far about the FinCEN files leak. Links: The Social Dilemma on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224 World's Most Wanted on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81013210 Chamath talk at Stanford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMotykw0SIk FinCEN files leak: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54226107 Contact us: Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: FinancialFatherandSon@gmail.com Episode summary: Intro (00:11), The Social Dilemma on Netflix (01:21), My view on the Oracle/TikTok deal (09:37), The FinCEN files leak by Buzzfeed (15:20), Outro (21:40).

In this episode, I discuss Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) and the student loan crisis. I discuss a variety of points regarding these topics, including: Could the government pay for your university education? Should we limit to how much debt students can accumulate? Traditional IPO vs. SPACs Links: My First Million Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-million/id1469759170 What is a SPAC: https://medium.com/@saileshpatnala/the-revival-of-spacs-44d7209f4651 Chamath Palihapitiya: @Chamath Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis 'Student Loans Decoded': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO_rAsMuAlM&t=713s Note: I mistakenly mention the Student Loans Company (SLC) being in England only. SLC is across all U.K. countries. My Twitter: @FinancialSon Episode Summary: Intro (00:11), What are SPACs? (00:43), Where does the money raised by a SPAC go initially? (04:16), Traditional IPO vs. SPAC (05:25), What do I think of SPACs (07:09), Student loan crisis (09:07), How do UK students pay back student loans? (11:37), What if the government makes university free? (16:03), Limit how much debt you can accumulate as a student? (17:08), Summary (19:05).

In this episode, we discuss how we are feeling about the upcoming elections, trustworthy news sources, and some personal finance. Some of the topics explored in this conversation include: Who our entire net worth would be on for winning the upcoming U.S. elections. Why capitalists and socialist only exist together. Which groups of people switch political party the easiest. Episode summary: Finding trustworthy news sources (01:12), What are your news sources? (05:58), Who is your money on for the U.S. elections? (06:54), Why trade with other countries is good for all countries (21:18), Do you have a vested interest in the upcoming U.S. elections? (25:09), Why the protest damage is further disadvantaging the mom and pop stores (29:48), Outro (35:04). Twitter: @FinancialSon

In this episode, we discuss how to properly allocate your assets globally. Some of the topics explored in this conversation include: What is an asset class? Home country bias Examples of funds to allocation your money in Acceptable fees to pay for various equities investments Episode summary: What does it mean to be diversified? (00:40), How globalization has allowed everyone to be globally diversified (04:41), Is index investing too boring? (06:49), What is your ideal allocation between equities and property? (08:02), How to start with properly allocating your assets? (12:00), What are acceptable fees to pay for equity funds? (19:57), Which funds you can you buy to be globally allocated? (25:09). Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. David Cleevely CBE, a serial entrepreneur and investor. In this conversation, we explore a range of topics including: How David's companies have pivoted due to the pandemic. Why serendipity has marked David's life. Why meaningful relationships are a major key to success and maintaining a network. Taking risks when you are young and can see trends. David Cleevely, CBE, FREng, FIET is a British serial entrepreneur and international telecoms expert who has built and advised many companies, principally in Cambridge, UK. He has founded many companies and networking organisations including Abcam (one of Cambridge's 17 ‘Unicorns') and Cambridge Angels (which last year partnered in investing over $100m in startups and follow-ups). Find out more about David Cleevely: Cleevely.com Twitter @DavidCleevely Episode Summary: Introduction to David Cleevely (01:01), When do you know when to commit to an idea/investment? (03:00), What pivots have your companies made due to the pandemic? (04:33), How Bocca di Lupo (David's restaurant in London) pivoted during the lockdown (09:35), How has managing all your companies remotely been? (12:11), The advice you'd give to the younger generation (14:16), What to do in your 20s (19:21), Skill-building when you are young (21:06), How are you working with you children with investing (24:38), Do you see yourself shifting to a more passive investor in the future? (29:55), Serendipity and being intentional with your decisions (32:22), Outro (37:04). Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early) with Martin Bamford from Informed Choice Radio (icradio.co.uk). Some of the topics discussed were: - The importance of financial building blocks - How time and patience are your allies - Why we typically waste as much as 15% of our lifetime income on scams. Episode Summary: A little about ourselves (02:11), Chatting about money with your children (04:03), Why we started the Financial Father and Son podcast (06:38), The impact F.I.R.E. can have on the next generation (09:13), Getting inspired to be financially literate (11:43), What are some habits you've picked up from the F.I.R.E. movement? (13:38), How can you avoid financial scams? (17:10), WHen does retirement come for you both? (23:50). Twitter: @FInancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, I talk with Conor from @InvestmentTalkk about his journey so far. We cover a broad range of topics so sit back, relax, and enjoy. Some of the topics explored were: - Why Conor started investing. - Red flags to look for in companies you are thinking of investing in. - Why your investing style changes over time. Episode Summary: Conor's education and journey to investing (00:53), What pushed you to buy your first equity? (05:25), What initially attracts you to look into a company? (10:06), When do you know to get out of a position? (15:45), With hindsight what would you have done differently during March 2020 (24:03), Why did you start sharing your investing analysis on Twitter? (27:25), How do you see your investing style change over time? (34:55), How do you diversify your portfolio? (41:15), Worst investment so far? (43:47), Red flags to look for when investing in a company (48:45), Best investment so far (54:49), What does a traditional workday look like for you? (57:28), Advice to someone wanting to pursue your career and investing in general (1:04:42), Tesla (1:16:42), Outro (1:23:18). Twitter: @FInancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss how to be fully insured in your life and why estate planning is important. Episode Summary: [00:50] What is protection/insurance? [05:24] Has your building insurance paid out yet? [08:28] How much can you claim on your building insurance? [11:34] What exactly is life insurance? [13:46] Deciding how much life insurance cover you need. [15:16] What stage in life should you get life insurance? [21:05] Do you need life insurance if you don't have any debt? [25:31] Do you have enough to cash to not need to take out insurance? [27:09] Shopping around for the best insurance deal. [30:05] Wills and estate planning. [33:10] Why you shouldn't mix investments with insurance. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss how you can repay missing years of your UK state pension in order to qualify for the full pension value of £9,100 per year (or the highest amount possible for you). We also discuss Robert De Niro's liquidity crisis and how Tesla is close to qualifying to be in the S&P 500. Episode Summary: [00:40] Paying missed years into your state pension. [04:42] The process to pay missing years. [14:10] Why the age to take your UK state pension is going up. [16:58] Robert De Niro liquidity problems. [18:45] It's all about how much you keep. [26:30] Tesla about to enter the S&P 500? [29:07] John Bogle's thoughts on P/E ratio. [31:34] Stock picking or passive investing. [36:01] Episode summary and outro. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss what a pension is and the importance of building a private pension as a young person. You can think of your investments for retirement as a subscription that provides it's service to you when you are no longer working. The more you pay for this subscription now, the more it will return to you when you need it. Episode summary: [00:52] What is a pension? [03:46] UK state pension. [06:22] UK company schemes. [09:05] What can the self-employed do for their pension. [12:34] How much you need to accumulate to stop working today. [14:57] Fees with company pension schemes vs. private pension (e.g. Vanguard). [22:18] Can you decide where your money is invested with a company pension scheme. [25:54] What can the young people of today do to ensure they have enough in retirement. [32:25] Outro summary. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss our experiences with scams and whether they can be avoided. Specifically, we cover the FOMO that sells online courses, experiences with commercial property schemes that turned out to be Ponzi, and the best way to confirm whether a so-called investment is legit or not. Episode summary: [00:49] The financial independence dream being sold by online gurus. [04:13] Our experience with being scammed. [04:58] Online course marketing should be regulated. [08:12] Commercial property buying scheme turned out to be Ponzi. [12:06] Testimonials for online courses may not always be real. [15:28] Investments should not come to your desk (most of the time). [20:53] Cold callers about investments are usually pure salespeople, and are not investment advisors. [23:33] Diversification through the stock market. [26:38] Can you check if an investment is legit? [31:15] Main takeaway from the episode. Twitter: FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the importance of debt in your journey to financial independence. Specifically, we cover whether you need to buy a house, if the markets provide a solution not being able to get on the property ladder and why car loans are dangerous. Episode summary: [07:36] The bad side of financing. [11:49] Car loans are not as good as they are advertised. [15:33] The advertisements you see that offer a 'Great Deal' are not always what they seem. [16:44] How much debt is too much to have. [19:37] The Big Short film reference. [22:54] Index funds as an alternative to property investing. [26:17] How the younger generation can start their journey. [30:57] Avoid buying a house and just buy the stock market instead. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, I discuss how I have become more financially literate over the last few years through reading various books, attending a few seminars, and doing research online. Episode summary: [00:48] When I first learned about personal finance. [03:36] Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallam. [06:08] How much you need to retire with. [10:40] Why I found budgeting so important. [16:59] Why you MUST start investing early (Unshakable by Tony Robbins extract). [21:41] You are on your own race. [27:43] Car finance payments are stopping you from becoming financially independent. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the importance of making investing a habit and what steps to take in order to do so. Specifically we talk about why you should treat your investments as a monthly subscription. We also talk about why making your investment payments automatic is vital. And also why time in the market is much more important than timing the market. Find full show notes here: shorturl.at/orJQ9 Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we discuss the importance of social mobility and how it is possible for you to change your financial situation and lifestyle over time. Specifically, we talked about the benefits of being new to a country, what rookie financial moves Financial Father made and why a university degree is still important. Full show notes for this episode can be found here. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode, we go over what the difference is between an active and passive investment, and some of the misconceptions we usually have with these investments. For example, property rentals are not true passive income as they involve some active hands-on approach (e.g. organizing for maintenance work when things inevitably break). We also cover how you can increase the returns of your company pension scheme, which will reduce your time to financial independence. Hooray! Full show notes for this episode can be found here. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com

In this episode we discussed the following: F.I.R.E = Financial Independence Retire Early: A movement where individuals are extreme savers and investors, which allows them to retire earlier than traditional retirement plans would allow. 30,000 days is an important number. It signifies how many days we live (on average). After sleep and work, we are usually left with little time to ourselves doing what we want. FIRE allows us to buy back our time as we have built up an investment portfolio that pays for our lifestyle. Just because you hit Financial Independence (FI), does not mean you must retire, it just means you have choices to do what you want (e.g. take a year out to travel the world like you always wanted to). During a 30 year professional career, Financial Father has seen a manner of different investment products and schemes that are supposedly designed to work in his favour. This was not always the case. Sometimes unwise financial decisions resulted in poor performance, even money back if he was lucky, or worse, ending up in smoke! After many years of working and learning about investing, he realises which investment asset classes work and which vehicles worked best, namely property rentals and the stock market through index funds. So for Joe Public or Mr Average member of the Public, they only need to focus on a savings habit, building an emergency fund, making regular monthly contributions to index funds, then stay the course. The wealth will build over time. One day, the financial resources will build up to a level that will support your living expenses. There are loads of books written on personal finance. Books we like to help get started on a personal finance journey include, for example, A Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins, Unshakable by Tony Robbins, Millionaire Teacher by Andrew Hallum and Millionaire Next Door by Thomas.J.Stanley. The best time to start investing was yesterday...failing that today is better than tomorrow. Full show notes for this episode can be found here. Twitter: @FinancialSon Email: financialfatherandson@gmail.com