Trusts are no longer only for the ultra-rich

When most people hear the word trust, they assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. Something reserved for billionaires trying to manage estate taxes or pass down dynastic wealth.

But that’s no longer true.

Today, more professionals and families are using trusts as a simple, effective tool to protect assets, provide for loved ones, and ensure their money is used according to their wishes—even if they’re no longer around or able to decide for themselves.

It’s easier to set one up than most people think.

Here’s a guide to help you understand what’s involved.

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Phase 1: Plan With Purpose

Be Clear on Why You Want a Trust

Most people set up trusts for one of these reasons:

• • To protect assets for children or dependents
  • To manage wealth in the event of illness or mental incapacity
  • To avoid family disputes or mismanagement
  • To pass on wealth without complications later

Your objective sets the direction for the rest of the setup.

Choose the Right Structure

The most common types include:

• • Living trusts (activated while you’re alive)
  • Testamentary trusts (activated through your will)
  • Revocable (can be changed)
  • Irrevocable (can’t be changed, but offers stronger protection)

What you choose depends on how flexible or protective you want the trust to be.

Decide Who’s Involved

Pick a trustee—someone or a professional company you trust to manage the assets.

Name your beneficiaries and decide how and when they’ll benefit (e.g. age milestones, fixed payouts, or specific situations).

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Phase 2: Set Up the Trust

Identify the Assets You Want to Protect

You don’t need to move everything. Start with what’s important:

• • Investment accounts
  • Cash savings
  • Insurance payouts
  • Business shares
  • Property

Draft the Legal Document

This trust deed oulines your instructions, distribution rules and the trustee’s responsibilities. Work with a trust service provider or lawyer to get this right.

Fund the Trust

Once the structure is in place, move the selected assets into it. This step activates the trust. Until then, it is just a plan on paper.

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Phase 3: Maintain and Review

Review As Life Changes

Trusts aren’t fire-and-forget. Revisit the structure when there’s a major life event—marriage, illness, children, or a significant change in finances. If it’s a revocable trust, you can make updates easily. For irrevocable ones, you’ll need to plan carefully from the start.

If you’ve built up savings, investments or property, you already have something worth protecting. A trust gives you control over where that money goes and peace of mind for those you care about.

If this sounds important to you, we’d be happy to have a chat. No jargon, no pressure. Just a conversation about what matters most to you.

If Your Portfolio Only Consisted of S&P 500, 28% Would Be Invested in Just 7 Companies

Investing in the S&P 500 is often considered one of the safest and most reliable ways to grow your wealth over time. After all, it’s an index that tracks 500 of the largest and most successful companies in the U.S., offering what seems to be a well-diversified portfolio. However, what many investors don’t realize is that if your portfolio only consisted of the S&P 500, a whopping 28% of it would be concentrated in just 7 companies. These are mostly tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Tesla, and Nvidia, which currently dominate the index.

This over-reliance on a few companies presents both opportunities and risks, particularly when it comes to diversification, portfolio stability, and long-term growth.

The Illusion of Diversification in the S&P 500

One of the primary reasons investors flock to the S&P 500 is the belief that it offers built-in diversification. After all, with 500 companies spanning various sectors like technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods, you’d assume that you’re spreading your risk across multiple industries and companies.

But here’s the catch: the S&P 500 is a market-capitalization-weighted index. This means that companies with the largest market values have the most significant impact on the index’s overall performance. As a result, the top 7 companies, which include some of the most valuable corporations in the world, make up 28% of the entire index, while the remaining 493 companies share the rest.

Essentially, even though your portfolio may include hundreds of companies, nearly one-third of its performance depends on just 7 players.

Why is This Important?

This concentration in the top few companies means that your portfolio is much more vulnerable to the success or failure of these firms than you might expect. If one or two of these tech giants were to experience a significant downturn, the impact on your overall portfolio could be substantial, regardless of how the rest of the companies in the index perform.

In short, while the S&P 500 offers broad exposure in terms of the number of companies, its market-cap weighting results in a concentration risk that could undermine the diversification benefits you were expecting.

Sector Imbalance: The Tech Overload

Let’s dig a little deeper into the composition of the S&P 500’s top holdings. The top 7 companies are all tech giants or closely related to the technology sector. These include Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Meta (formerly Facebook), Tesla, and Nvidia. While technology has been the driving force behind much of the growth in the stock market over the last decade, this sector’s heavy influence presents some risks.

Over-Exposure to One Sector

A well-diversified portfolio typically spreads investments across different sectors to reduce the risk that a downturn in any one area of the economy will hurt your returns too much. However, with the S&P 500’s top 7 companies all being tech-focused, you are disproportionately exposed to the performance of the technology sector.

Tech stocks have seen tremendous growth over the past few years, but they are also prone to volatility. Regulatory challenges, changes in consumer behavior, or even a tech bubble could impact these stocks significantly. If you’re heavily invested in the S&P 500, a downturn in the tech sector could have a much larger impact on your portfolio than you might expect, despite the index being composed of 500 companies.

Economic Cycles and Tech Volatility

Different sectors perform better or worse depending on where we are in the economic cycle. Technology tends to do well during economic booms but can struggle in periods of economic slowdown or high inflation. For instance, tech companies are often valued based on their future growth potential, and when interest rates rise, it becomes harder for these companies to justify their high valuations.

If your portfolio is concentrated in tech-heavy S&P 500 holdings, you could be more exposed to market volatility in economic downturns, which could erode your portfolio’s value at a time when stability is most needed.

The Potential Risks of Heavy Concentration

Concentration risk is a term used to describe the potential downside of having too much of your portfolio invested in a small number of assets. In the case of the S&P 500, the top 7 companies dominate the index, meaning that a significant portion of your portfolio is reliant on their performance. This over-reliance can expose you to several risks:

Market Volatility

The stock market is inherently volatile, and while diversification can help manage this volatility, a concentrated portfolio exacerbates it. In a concentrated portfolio, if one or more of the top 7 companies were to underperform or face an external challenge (such as regulatory fines, lawsuits, or leadership changes), the entire portfolio could suffer.

For example, when Facebook (now Meta) faced privacy scandals and regulatory scrutiny, its stock dropped significantly, impacting not just individual investors but also those with heavy S&P 500 exposure. Similarly, if any of the current top 7 companies were to face a major setback, the ripple effect could be substantial, especially if your portfolio is concentrated in the S&P 500.

Regulatory and Market Risks

As companies grow larger, they often attract more regulatory attention. We’ve already seen this with many of the top tech firms in the S&P 500, such as Apple, Alphabet, and Meta, which have faced increasing scrutiny over issues like privacy, antitrust laws, and monopolistic practices.

Regulatory challenges can result in significant fines, restrictions on business practices, or even the breakup of large corporations. This type of regulatory risk disproportionately affects companies with massive market power, like the top 7 in the S&P 500. As an investor, this exposes you to risks beyond the usual market fluctuations.

Why It Matters for Long-Term Investors

Investing is not just about short-term returns; it’s about ensuring long-term financial stability and growth. When too much of your portfolio is reliant on a handful of companies, your risk profile becomes skewed, even if it seems like you are diversified.

The Case for Further Diversification

Given the concentration risks associated with the S&P 500, it may be time to consider further diversification. While the S&P 500 remains a strong investment option, relying solely on it could leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations, particularly those affecting the tech sector.

Adding Other Asset Classes

To mitigate these risks, consider adding other asset classes to your portfolio, such as bonds, international stocks, and small-cap stocks. Bonds, for example, provide stability and income, while international stocks offer exposure to markets outside the U.S., helping to spread your risk across different regions and economies.

Small-cap stocks, on the other hand, can provide growth potential without being as heavily concentrated in the same sectors as the S&P 500. By including these additional asset classes, you can create a more balanced portfolio that’s better suited to weather market downturns.

What Investors Should Consider

When managing your portfolio, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to diversification. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Understand Your Risk Tolerance

Every investor has a different level of risk tolerance. If you’re comfortable with the potential ups and downs of a tech-heavy portfolio, then the S&P 500 may suit your needs. However, if you prefer more balanced exposure and less volatility, you may want to consider diversifying further into other asset classes.

Active vs. Passive Investing

The S&P 500 is a passive investment, meaning you simply track the performance of the index. While this can be a low-cost and effective strategy, it may not provide the diversification you need. In some cases, actively managing your portfolio by selecting individual stocks or sectors can help you avoid the concentration risks present in the S&P 500.

Monitoring and Rebalancing

No matter how diversified your portfolio is, it’s essential to monitor and rebalance it regularly. Over time, certain assets may outperform others, causing your portfolio to become unbalanced. For example, if the tech sector outperforms significantly, your portfolio may become overly concentrated in that area. Regular rebalancing ensures that your asset allocation stays aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Conclusion

While the S&P 500 remains one of the most popular and effective investment tools available, it’s important to recognize the concentration risk that comes with it. With 28% of the index concentrated in just 7 companies, your portfolio may not be as diversified as you think. By understanding these risks and considering further diversification, you can build a more balanced and resilient portfolio that better aligns with your financial goals.

Should You Work with a Fee-Based Financial Advisor? Here’s What You Need to Know

When it comes to financial planning, finding the right advisor is just as important as making the right investment choices. Many investors today are exploring fee-based financial advisors as an alternative to traditional commission-based advisors. But how do these advisors work, and is it worth paying for their services?  

Let’s break down what you need to know about fee-based financial advisors, how they differ from commission-based advisors, and why fee-based planning remains less common in Singapore despite its benefits.  

Why Do People Look for Fee-Based Advisors?

One of the biggest reasons investors seek out fee-based financial advisors is to eliminate sales pressure. When working with a fee-based advisor, you’re paying for professional guidance—not for buying financial products. This means the advisor’s income isn’t dependent on selling specific investments, insurance, or other financial products.  

With commission-based advisors, there’s always the potential for conflict of interest, where the advisor’s recommendations might be influenced by which products offer the highest commissions. Fee-based advisors remove this concern by ensuring they are compensated only by the client, aligning their interests directly with the people they serve.  

How Fee-Based Advisors Charge for Their Services

Fee-based financial advisors use different pricing structures based on how involved they are in managing your finances. Generally, these are the most common models – 

Flat Fee for a Financial Plan

The key takeaway here is that fee-based advisors charge for advice, not transactions. This allows them to focus entirely on what’s best for you, rather than what generates the highest commission. 

How Are Fee-Based Advisors Different from Traditional Commission-Based Advisors? 

Most financial advisors in Singapore operate on a commission-based model, which means they earn commissions from the financial products they sell, such as insurance policies and investment-linked products. While many commission-based advisors provide excellent service, their income structure creates inherent conflicts of interest.  

Challenges with the Commission-Based Model 

A commission-based advisor must keep selling products to maintain income. Their revenue stream is driven by –

While there are ethical and competent commission-based advisors, the fee structure itself influences behavior, often leading to – 

The reality is that the quality of service a client receives under this model is heavily dependent on the individual advisor’s moral compass. Some advisors successfully balance ethics and commissions, but others may prioritize their income over what’s truly in the client’s best interest.  

How Fee-Based Advisors Solve These Issues

Unlike commission-based advisors, fee-based advisors earn their income mainly from client fees. This structure provides several key benefits –

Ultimately, the core difference between fee-based and commission-based advisors is how they are compensated. The former gets paid for guidance, while the latter gets paid for selling financial products.  

If Fee-Based Advice is Better, Why Isn’t It More Common? 

Despite its benefits, fee-based financial planning is still relatively rare in Singapore. Why?  

Many consumers balk at the idea of paying a visible fee for financial advice, even though commission-based advisors still get paid—just in a less obvious way.  

When working with a commission-based advisor, clients typically don’t realize how much they’re indirectly paying because –

In contrast, a fee-based advisor clearly states their fee upfront, which some clients perceive as an “extra” cost, even though they may end up paying more in hidden commissions with a traditional advisor.  

Because most financial advisors in Singapore work on a commission basis, the industry itself promotes this model. Consumers are far more likely to encounter commission-based advisors, making them the default choice simply due to visibility.  

Moreover, commission-based advisors often work for large firms with strong marketing budgets, while fee-based advisors operate independently and rely more on referrals. This means many investors may never even come across a fee-based advisor unless they actively search for one.  

For an advisor, transitioning to a fee-based model is difficult. The commission-based system provides –  

In contrast, fee-based advisors must –

It’s a much tougher business model, which is why many advisors choose the easier path and stick to commissions.

So, Should You Work with a Fee-Based Advisor?  

If you’re looking for truly unbiased financial advice, a fee-based advisor may be the right choice. They align their interests with yours, focus on your long-term financial well-being, and don’t rely on product sales to earn a living.  

However, that doesn’t mean all commission-based advisors are bad. Some are highly ethical and prioritize their clients’ best interests despite the structural conflicts. The key is understanding how your advisor gets paid and whether that affects their recommendations.  

How to Choose the Right Advisor for You

At the end of the day, what matters most is finding an advisor you trust—one who prioritizes your financial goals over their own commissions. Understanding these differences helps you make a more informed decision about who you entrust with your wealth planning.  

By shedding light on how different advisors operate, I hope this article helps you navigate the world of financial planning with greater clarity. If you like an honest second opinion on your current approach, we offer a complimentary initial consultation to offer clarity.

 

Worried about high valuations? Here’s how using a low-cost active strategy can help.

Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about the market, especially worries over high valuations. The Magnificent 7 stocks are holding a significant chunk of the market, and many are concerned that if these major players experience a downturn, it could bring more volatility to your portfolio.

To address this, an approach might be to diversify and rebalance your investments to lower the overall valuation. One way to do this is by exploring an equal-weighted S&P 500 fund instead of the traditional market cap-weighted S&P 500 index. To help you understand the potential benefits, let’s take a closer look at the historical performance of the S&P 500 from 1974 to 2019.

Exhibit 1 – Summary of Historical Performance, July 1974–December 2019

Returns

From July 1974 to December 2019, an equal-weighted index simulation delivered impressive results, outperforming the traditional market with an average annual return of 13.8% compared to 11.8%. While these numbers show a stronger return, it’s important to remember that higher returns aren’t the only thing that matters—keeping risks in check is equally vital.

Risk Management

The equal-weighted portfolio is more volatile, with an average annual standard deviation of 19.9% compared to 15.5% for the market-weighted portfolio. This higher volatility occurs because equal-weighted indexes don’t incorporate real-time information about individual companies or the broader market, leading to less effective risk control. 

For example, if some companies in the portfolio are heading towards bankruptcy, the equal-weighted approach continues to allocate the same weights to both struggling and profitable companies, increasing overall risk.

Costs

Equal-weighted strategies require frequent rebalancing, which results in much higher trading activity compared to the traditional market approach—about 32% versus 6% (refer to the  Exhibit 2). This increased trading means higher expenses, and those extra costs can eat into your overall returns.

There are three key differences between equal-weighted and market-weighted portfolios: equal-weighted portfolios often achieve higher returns, experience greater fluctuations in value, and incur higher trading costs compared to market-weighted portfolios.

So.. what is the solution?

We compare our low-cost core strategies with a focus on small-cap, value, and profitability within the same timeframe.

Returns & Risk Management

Our core strategy utilizes market prices to adjust the weights of securities, preventing extreme deviations and maintaining a balanced approach to over- and underweighting. From our observations, the core strategy not only delivers higher returns than the traditional market approach but also manages risk more effectively, achieving similar returns to the equal-weighted strategy with lower volatility.

Exhibit 2 – Average Annual One-Way Turnover by Strategy Weight, July 1974–December 2019

Costs

When it comes to costs, both the Equal-weighted and our Core strategy involve more trading activity than the market. However, our Core strategy has a lower turnover rate, which means you’ll incur fewer trading fees overall.

Recent Observations

Another timeframe when technology company valuations were soaring spanned from 2000 to 2009, overlapping with both the dot-com bust and the global financial crisis. During this challenging period, we compared our Core strategy against the S&P 500 to assess performance and resilience.

Exhibit 3 – Performance, Monthly: 01/01/2000 – 31/12/2009

With $100,000 invested in our core portfolio from 2000 to 2009—it would have grown by 46%, reaching a total of $146,000. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 would have taken a hit, ending the decade with a loss of 9%.

In short, while passive index investing is certainly valuable, active strategies like ours offer significant benefits by helping investors achieve higher returns for each unit of volatility risk they take on.

How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor: 4 Key Questions to Ask

Choosing a financial advisor is more than just finding someone who knows the numbers. It’s about finding a partner who understands your goals, values, and unique financial journey. Here’s how to determine if an advisor is the right fit for you.

Philosophy

“What is your approach to wealth management?”

An advisor should always align with your goals, whether it’s building wealth, retiring comfortably, or creating a legacy.

You’ll want to look for a philosophy rooted in transparency, and clear strategies to deliver long-term results.

Services Offered

“What’s included in your scope of services?”

Your advisor should offer comprehensive services that cover your financial life—from investment strategies to appropriate planning beyond just selling a product. The services should include –

The Process

“How will we work together?”

The process you’re looking for should be a clear, step-by-step process that ensures transparency and alignment. Look for the following.

Fees

“What am I paying for, and how is it structured?”

Understanding the fees involved helps you to see the value of the services provided. The fees are typically broken down into 3 parts, as listed below.

Are all investments risky?

Navigating risks of asset classes

Understanding the associated risks is key to making informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the financial world, recognising the risk spectrum is crucial. Let’s take a closer look from the safest to the riskiest investments, demystifying the complexities along the way.

Cash – The Foundation of Security

The safe haven at the foundation of the risk pyramid lies cash. Holding physical currency or maintaining funds in a bank account provides liquidity and safety. However, the trade-off is low returns, and over time, the value may erode due to inflation.

Bonds – Stepping into Stability (slow and steady)

Stepping into Stability Moving up, we take a look at bonds, a debt instrument. 

In short, you are lending money in exchange for “interest”, which is known as the coupon. 

Government bonds are considered low-risk, providing a fixed interest rate and return of principal at maturity. They offer stability but might have lower returns compared to bonds issued by companies (Low risk, low returns).

Investment grade bonds are bonds issued by large stable companies, which brings a balance between risk and return. An instrument that investors love if they are looking for stability and passive income.

Money market instruments is another name for bonds as an alternative for bank deposits.

They are short-term, highly liquid and high quality debt securities with maturities usually less than one year. 

Money market instruments are known for their stability and low-risk profile, making it attractive to investors seeking safety and preservation of capital, over fixed deposits. It is a suitable parking tool for money that you do not want to take risk on, such as emergency funds.

High yield bonds sit on the riskier side, offering higher returns. 

As the name suggests, high yield bonds are usually issued by an entity with a less ideal financial standing which compensates investors with a higher coupon for taking on the risk.

REITs – Real Estate’s Investment Gem

Entering the world of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), we find a unique asset class that provides exposure to real estate without the need for direct ownership. 

REITs focus on owning and managing income producing real estate properties, which offers both passive income and capital appreciation potential to investors primarily from rents collected and price appreciation of the underlying properties owned by the REITs. 

Investors no longer need millions or commit to hefty mortgage loans to invest in real estate. With REITs, investors can gain access and diversification to a wide range of real estate investment such as residential, retail, office, industrial, healthcare, data centre or even mortgage backed investments to generate passive income and capital growth.

Stocks/Equities – Riding the Market Waves (high volatility, high returns)

Now, let’s venture into the realm of stocks/equities. Starting with the least risky of the asset class, we have blue chip, or large-cap stocks. These are shares in large, well-established companies known for their business stability and consistent dividends.

Moving up in the risk spectrum, there are growth stocks. These belong to companies with potential for substantial expansion, offering capital appreciation but often with increased volatility. Usually associated with sectors like Tech or drugs developing pharmaceutical companies. 

There are also small-cap stocks, which represent smaller companies with higher growth potential but also heightened risk. These stocks belong to smaller and often newer companies with a relatively small market capitalisation. While they offer the potential for high returns, they come with a considerable risk of volatility. 

There are also cases where long-standing companies may fall into the small-cap category. This can happen for various reasons –

Market Conditions

Economic downturns or industry-specific challenges can impact a company’s stock price and market capitalisation.

Niche Markets

Companies operating in niche markets may have smaller overall market capitalisation, even if they’ve been around for a significant period.

Size of Operations

Some companies deliberately choose to remain smaller in terms of operations and market capitalisation.

Investors interested in growth and small-cap stocks for higher returns should conduct thorough research, as these stocks can be volatile and may require a different risk tolerance compared to larger, more established companies. 

Embracing the Risk-Return Tradeoff 

In conclusion, shying away from investments due to fear of risk may not be the wisest approach. Each investment class caters to different risk appetites, and understanding their dynamics is the key to successful wealth building. 

Diversification across various asset classes can help manage risks effectively. 

Finding Your Comfort Zone

Ultimately, your investment journey is unique. It’s about aligning your financial goals with investments that match your risk tolerance. As you navigate the markets, each type of asset class reacts to market conditions differently, education and knowledge is your compass, and professional advice can be your guiding star. 

In the world of investments, risk is inevitable, but so are opportunities. By understanding the landscape, you empower yourself to make choices that resonate with your financial aspirations.”

Whether you are embarking on the journey on your own or working with an adviser, investing is a must if you want your money to be working for you while you sleep. 

Here at InvestAble, we believe that there are no single best or worst investments, but it is more about understanding them and using them accordingly to get the ideal investment experience. We hope to educate and work with clients to reach their financial goals by making decisions with research, data and statistics. 

If we are able to be of assistance, feel free to reach out for a consultation.

Check out our article – Do I need to work with a financial professional for my own personal investment?

Building Wealth in Your 30s, 40s, and Beyond

The pursuit of financial success is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. In the dynamic world of investments, where every decision can shape your financial future, strategic planning becomes paramount.

Whether you find yourself in the vibrant years of your 30s, the seasoned expertise of your 40s, or beyond, the journey to building and preserving wealth is both an art and a science.

Financial Goal Setting: Charting Your Path to Success

One of the initial steps in building wealth is setting clear and realistic financial goals. As a professional, you likely have various milestones on your horizon, such as homeownership, education expenses, and retirement. Take the time to evaluate your short-term and long-term objectives, considering the timeframes and financial commitments associated with each. This deliberate approach not only provides direction but also allows you to tailor your investment strategy to align with your unique goals.

Diversification Strategies: Mitigating Risk and Maximising Returns

Diversification is a cornerstone of successful investing, and it’s particularly relevant for professionals juggling diverse responsibilities. Spread your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk and enhance the potential for returns. While the allure of high-risk, high-reward investments may be tempting, a well-balanced and diversified portfolio is more likely to weather market fluctuations and deliver stable growth over time. Consider a mix of stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. For a more comprehensive article on diversification, please refer to this article. 

Retirement Planning Realities: Navigating the Future

Retirement planning takes on a different hue for professionals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Beyond the traditional considerations of lifestyle expectations, healthcare costs become a critical factor. Start by envisioning your desired retirement lifestyle and estimating the associated expenses. Factor in potential healthcare needs, and explore investment strategies that ensure your retirement nest egg is robust enough to support your chosen lifestyle. Remember, the earlier you start planning, the more effectively you can navigate the unique challenges posed by retirement in your professional years.

Navigating Market Volatility: Staying the Course

Market volatility is an inevitable part of the investment landscape. For professionals with demanding careers, the ability to navigate market ups and downs is essential. Develop a long-term perspective that allows you to weather short-term fluctuations without succumbing to panic. Resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on market noise. Instead, focus on the underlying strength of your investment strategy and the resilience of your diversified portfolio. This mindset ensures that you stay on course, even when the financial seas get rough.

Remember that building wealth is not a sprint but a marathon. The steps you take today, in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, shape the financial landscape of your future. By setting clear goals, diversifying strategically, planning for retirement realistically, and navigating market volatility with resilience, you are not just managing money; you are crafting a legacy.