Investments

Our investment principles

At Betterment Wealth, our investment philosophy is a cornerstone of our financial advisory services.

Discover our principles below, guiding our process of building and managing client wealth.

1.

Evidence-based

An investment approach should be quantitative and based on observable data, including security prices and financial information, rather than opinion or speculation. An evidence-based approach with a repeatable formula allows clients to focus on their long-term goals.

2.

Embrace market pricing

The market is an effective information-processing machine. Each day, the world equity markets process billions of dollars in trades between buyers and sellers and the real-time information they bring helps set prices.

3.

Avoid active fund management

Investment returns come predominantly from markets, not from fund manager skills. Conventional active management isn’t worth the cost. Active fund managers consistently underperform the market’s pricing power. Rather than trying to beat the market using stock picking or market timing, we take an evidence-based approach to investing – grounding decisions in academic research.

4.

Consider the drivers of returns

There is a wealth of academic research into what drives returns. Expected returns depend on current market prices and expected future cash flows. Investors can use this information to pursue higher expected returns in their portfolios.

5.

Diversification reduces risk

The goal of asset allocation is to balance risk and reward by adjusting the percentage of each asset in an investment portfolio according to an investor’s risk tolerance, goals, and investment time frame. Holding securities across many market segments can help manage overall risk, and diversifying globally will broaden your investment universe.

6.

Uncertainty creates opportunity

Returns are compensation for taking on uncertainty. Without risk, there would be no reward. But there’s also a risk in not investing. If our money doesn’t grow over time, it won’t go as far in the future.

7.

Control what you can control

Many people struggle to separate their emotions from investing. Markets go up and down. Reacting to current market conditions may lead to making poor investment decisions. A financial planner offers expertise and guidance to help you focus on actions that add value. This can lead to a better investment experience.

8.

Tune out the noise

Daily market news and commentary can challenge your investment discipline. Tuning out the noise is crucial to being a successful long-term investor. We all know that markets rise and fall — so we can be disappointed by downturns, but we shouldn’t be surprised by them. Reacting emotionally to market volatility may be more detrimental to your portfolio performance than the drawdown.

9.

Harness the power of compounding

The ‘Rule of 72’ is a quick, beneficial formula popularly used to estimate the years required to double the invested money at a given annual rate of return. An 8% annual return on your investment would double your money in nine years (72 / 8 = 9).

Client stories

Our clients say it best

Discover how our personalised advice has supported clients through important financial decisions and life changes.

Hear their stories

Richard helped us plan not just our finances, but the life we wanted to live

Peter

We went from uncertainty to feeling genuinely confident about our family’s future.

Alex

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Valvona 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Richard and his team provide a great service, in my case over several years around mortgage brokering. What makes Richard, in particular, different from other professionals in this area is how much time he will spend in properly understanding both your circumstances but also what you and your family are trying to achieve into the future. He then brings the right products into discussion without ever suggesting one or the other product is 'right' or "better', rather allowing you to come to that conclusion yourself with further advice from him and his team as and when needed. It also helps that Richard, who I've known for years now, is a really lovely person! I unhesitatingly recommend him and his company's services! Ian Valvona - September 2025.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carina Eriksson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have used Betterment Wealth twice now. They've been incredibly helpful, efficient, thorough and honest throughout the process. We felt we were in safe hands, getting the best mortgage offer for us, and would have been a bit lost without them. Cannot recommend them enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Holden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jamie was great from start to finish arranging the mortgage. A non standard set of circumstances that required additional work to resolve. Throughout Jamie was great. Highly recommend for mortgage advice, application and follow through to a successful mortgage offer and finally exchange and completion.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Shields 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Exemplary service from everyone at Betterment Wealth - I had a great, personalised, service from Richard and Laila and have dealt with Richard before for previous remortgages etc. Despite my slightly unusual pay structure, the team were able to package things up and present the complexity neatly to lenders, making the process effortless from my point of view. Highly recommend and will be using Richard and the team for future remortgages and other financial input.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Samuel Matthey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We cannot recommend Betterment Wealth highly enough. They were with us every step of the way during our first property purchase, offering excellent advice, efficient paperwork/admin processes and helpful, personable staff. Special mention must be given to Jamie Panter, who was our main point of contact through the process and was always willing to talk and offer support and advice, as well as being very understanding of our personal circumstances. Additionally, Laila Hatcher offered excellent support during the latter stages of the purchase. I’m very glad that we selected Betterment Wealth. Would recommend to anyone.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mel Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have followed Richard over to Betterment Wealth as he has been a God Send to my finances. He has enabled me to have 2 properties and sorted out my pension so I have NO money worries even though I am freelance. Everybody needs a Richard, he simplifies everything makes sure you understand and I am SO pleased I met him!

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