Question: The Client: Darius Williams, 44, is a single father with three-year old twin boys, who just lost his job as a Finance Analyst. He was
The Client: Darius Williams, 44, is a single father with three-year old twin boys, who just
lost his job as a Finance Analyst. He was employed for nine (9) years with Vroom
Finance, a vehicle financing company. Management decided to restructure the company
to cut costs and stay competitive. As a result, Darius, along with seven (7) other
employees were made redundant.
On his exit from Vroom, he received a severance package that included the following:
1. USD $45,496 in cash in accordance with the severance laws in the country
2. Proceeds of USD $19,775 from the company pension plan. If he decides to take cash,
he will be taxed 25% by the government. The other alternative is to roll the funds into
a new pension plan without penalties or taxes. He now has one month to decide.
3. Three (3) months of health insurance. There are two weeks of coverage left.
4. Three months of life insurance, with the option to continue the plan as an individual.
He now has one (1) month to decide.
Although losing his job was a huge shock, Darius immediately started looking new
employment. The job market was very tough, and jobs like his last position were paying up to $1,500 less than what he was making. Two months after his exit from Vroom, he
accepted a Finance Officer job at Maxwell Merchant Bank. The job pays $51,188 (after
taxes) annually and is expected to start in two weeks. Benefits include health insurance,
life insurance, an annual wellness benefit of $1,000, employer funded pension, and
funding to pursue relevant job certifications.
Whilst employed at Vroom, Darius was able to take advantage of the special staff rate
and purchase and pay off for his vehicle. However, he still has other monthly expenses to
consider:
1. Childcare: $750 month (Nursery fees for twin)
2. Mortgage: $1,253 for a two-bedroom home (7 years left to pay)
3. Utilities: $600 (Electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet, and cable subscription)
4. Groceries: $700 (Fluctuates depending on availability of some items)
5. Gas: $500 (Fluctuates depending on fuel price adjustments)
6. Property Expenses: $100 (Taxes and insurance)
A few months ago, Darius launched a part-time online business, tutoring Caribbean
Examinations Council (CXC) students in Accounting and Mathematics. He currently
tutors eight (8) students for two (2) hours each week and earns $960. Next term he wants
to add two (2) more students to the register, which would earn him an additional $240 a
week.
In addition, he now has about $32,000 in primary shares and $7,000 in youth accounts for
his sons at the credit union. Since losing his job at Vroom, he regrets not saving more
money over the years. However, he understands that he cannot change the past, but can
make wise choices for the coming years. As a result, Darius approached FINA Investors
to help him create a plan for his money. He wants to invest, but he is not sure where to
start. He is not scared to take risks, but because of his sons he has to be cautious. Darius
knows that he has to take steps now to make a foundation for a strong future and
fulfilling life for his children and himself.
Base on the scenario above :
- Overall Investment Objective: Why is the client investing and what does he hope to achieve?
- Return and Risk: Provide a thorough analysis of the client's financial situation, current and future needs, and factors (both micro and macro) that could impact the investment approach.
- What are the client's primary goals for the portfolio?
- What type of portfolio would you recommend for the client (e.g. what mix of cash and investments)
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