Christchurch Earthquake: All staff and families are well and safe. Office is in some disarray as the 14 story block (we are on the 2nd floor) shook violently and there is some internal damage. As we use OMNIMax Software which is housed in a data center  in Auckland all our core systems are intact. We cannot enter the CBD for 3 days and we will have to wait for a building inspection. The team are looking after their families and sorting out their homes. Strategic's portfolios have a large percentage of their growth assets out of New Zealand to counter specific risk. Little did we know!! We are monitoring emails. There will those we know who have lost their lives and we are all waiting for news amid the continuing (just had another one!!) after shocks. Most folk are emotionally drained.

With the introduction of a new  regulatory regime overseen by the Securities Commission all Financial Advisers and Investment Advisers have to be both Registered and Licensed. Michael was one of the first 10 advisers in New Zealand to be granted a License on the 1st December 2010. The License requires adherence to a strict Code of Conduct and the intention is to restore confidence to the general public in the provision of Financial Planning and Investment Advice. Michael is also a Certified Financial Planner.

We are finding Bank Bonds and Investment Grade Corporate Debt are meeting the needs of the moment. Both are tradable so unlike a Term Deposit they can be more liquid nevertheless we recommend client purchase with the intent to hold to maturity (2+/- years). With so much uncertainty thereis little merit in committing to longer periods. Those who have traditionally 100% in fixed interest should consider a wider spread of assets and seek to retain the purchasing power of their funds going forward. There is no one off the shelf solution and each client should review their goals and objectives. Again the 10% rule should apply

With the release of the 2009/10 Tax Reports we will be providing each Strategic client with a personal login to Strategic’s Portfolio Management Platform. You will be able to go to your secure login and download your tax report to either use yourself or forward to your accountant. Using the same facility you will also be able to obtain, at any time, a portfolio valuation and an overview of your spread of investments. Your Reviews can also be stored here.
 
Following your account login, we will be releasing the ability to track your total assets and liabilities and eventually relate this to your goals. This way you will be able to manage your assets in the most effective and realistic way.
 
These developments have been assisted by the development work our associate company OMNIMax Software Solutions Ltd has been releasing these features in India. Assisted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise OMNIMax has developed a market in India. Michael’s frequent visits have aided this development while at the same time providing an inside understanding of the Indian economy. The future for India remains very positive as wealth percolates down through this incredible democracy.

Strategic Finance was placed into receivership in March 2010. We have no connection with that company. In the many years that Strategic Financial Planning ( not Strategic Finance ) has been serving clients many companies have come and gone. Some very large! Some Banks over the last 20 year have offered financial services and then withdrawn them, the re-instigated them. Strategic's low turn over of staff makes a big difference.