In financial advice, complexity often masquerades as sophistication. The investment industry loves to reinforce this idea—telling you that every portfolio must be unique, carefully crafted with bespoke strategies. There’s even a TV advert running at the moment from a well-known (and expensive) investment manager, claiming that “every portfolio needs to be different.”
That’s a bit like a builder insisting they need an entirely new set of tools for every house they build. It’s nonsense.
While every financial plan should be tailored to the specific needs of a client and their family, the portfolio supporting that plan doesn’t need to be reinvented every time. The core principles of successful investing—broad diversification, low costs, and patience—apply to everyone.
Why simple wins
A well-structured financial plan is like a well-designed home: solid foundations, clean lines, and no unnecessary clutter. When done right, it offers two key advantages:
- Ease – A simple financial structure means fewer decisions, fewer moving parts, and less stress. You know where your money is, how it’s working for you, and what needs attention (if anything).
- Time – Simplicity frees you from the endless noise of markets, the latest investment fads, and unnecessary tinkering. It also gives your future self—and, if needed, your family—the clarity to manage things without confusion or overwhelm.
The illusion of complexity
Many financial firms profit from making things look more complicated than they are. If you believe that success requires constant intervention, exotic strategies, and expensive expertise, you’ll keep paying for it. But true wealth isn’t built through complexity—it’s built through patience, discipline, and simplicity.
A good plan is specific to you. A good portfolio is based on principles that work for everyone.
Simple, not simplistic
None of this means thoughtless investing. Simplicity doesn’t mean basic—it means effective. It means owning a diversified, low-cost portfolio aligned with your goals. It means having a clear estate plan, structured in a way that removes ambiguity for your loved ones. It means eliminating unnecessary decisions, so you can focus on living your life, not managing your money.
Elegant simplicity isn’t just easier. It’s better.
If there’s anyone in your life who you feel would benefit from our straightforward approach to financial planning, they can learn more about working with Emery Little here.
