500,000 GBP to invest

[MrWorldwide]

Some interesting responses here, given that the most common advice usually doled out to folk on TV is 'never invest anything in Thailand that you cant afford to walk away from'. At the risk of appearing just as paranoid as some of the people who give that advice, I think it comes down to one simple question : how many of us can accurately predict what will happen when the elephant finally leaves the room ? Anyone who doesn't know what I mean by that has no business investing 50GBP in Thailand, much less 500K.

[DannyDubai]

reallyso why when I google highest saving account interest rates in the UK does it say the best one is 1.7%? Perhaps you can share which UK banks pay 3% as I am interested to investigate their offers.

fixed rate deposit bonds allowing early closure.

[DannyDubai]

Eh, I'll rise to the bait.

Mercedes Girl was at a bank repossession auction yesterday, she's looking to buy more land in San Khampaeng. We are not allowed to own land however we can own condos. She said there were a few condos going cheap at the auction. She also said it's shocking how many properties are being auctioned, apparently this is a three day sale that's going on.

Cheap condos in tourist areas? Got to be worth looking at.

* Proviso, they need to be quite modern, older condos have a poor resale value.

What is cheap, as in what's the bottom? During the US housing crash, I watched guys buy houses on the way down only to see them go lower. I've been predicting a condo crash in Thailand all year and even posted such several times in the financial forum. I can't predict a time, and I can't know that I'm right of course.

But I see the same signs and the same "buy now and buy more because prices always go up" thinking in the Thai condo market as I saw in the US. I see the same vacancies and the same irrational price increases as vacant units increase.

In other words if they've just started falling and it's just a few, I would wait. As the old saying goes, "never try to catch a falling knife."

$.02

Post your 2 cents on another thread matey, this isn't about the US property boom/bust = please keep on topic.

[DannyDubai]

Some interesting responses here, given that the most common advice usually doled out to folk on TV is 'never invest anything in Thailand that you cant afford to walk away from'. At the risk of appearing just as paranoid as some of the people who give that advice, I think it comes down to one simple question : how many of us can accurately predict what will happen when the elephant finally leaves the room ? Anyone who doesn't know what I mean by that has no business investing 50GBP in Thailand, much less 500K.

I know exactly what you are on about and even so, I would not invest. And as for the elephant, well, nothing at all will happen .....zero. The influence that jumbo has is gone. Times move on, jumbos leave. Tee military remains, as it always has been, the controlling force.

[MrWorldwide]

Some interesting responses here, given that the most common advice usually doled out to folk on TV is 'never invest anything in Thailand that you cant afford to walk away from'. At the risk of appearing just as paranoid as some of the people who give that advice, I think it comes down to one simple question : how many of us can accurately predict what will happen when the elephant finally leaves the room ? Anyone who doesn't know what I mean by that has no business investing 50GBP in Thailand, much less 500K.

I know exactly what you are on about and even so, I would not invest. And as for the elephant, well, nothing at all will happen .....zero. The influence that jumbo has is gone. Times move on, jumbos leave. Tee military remains, as it always has been, the controlling force.

We see the Thai people very differently, but it's all academic : for Thailand's sake, and the sake of those of us who find ourselves in LOS on the day the inevitable happens, I really hope you are right. Business as usual would be the best of all possible outcomes.

[DannyDubai]

No doubt.

The iron hand in tight fitting suites has always ruled Thailand.

[meatboy]

"oh danny boy the b.s.is calling"

i have this lump that needs removing,

from kuwait to the sunny uk or bkk,

my wife and kid is calling,

oh danny boy you put it where the sun dont shine.

[krisb]

I'd invest in property. Pay off your mortgages now. Because your only 39, you have plenty of time. Rent the propertys out, live off the rent in Thailand if you want to live there. Property is the safest bet.

[theblether]

A guy working for 10 or 15 years in the oil trade could save £500K easy if he keeps a grip on himself. Working tax free and earning £80-£130K per annum as some of my pals are doing it's not exactly a big ask for a single guy.

[Naam]

Buy some Bitcoin and wait for the stock market to crash before buying anything. You won't have to wait long by the looks of it.

[Gsxrnz]

Try seeking out some second tier merchant banks that specialise in finding equity investors for their commercial client base. You can choose all sorts of private investments with returns and risk levels that suit you.

They have client bases of developing and mature middle level companies seeking funding for growth and development - and I don't mean "start up" companies, but long established private firms that are seeking to seriously expand or grow through acquisitions etc. Often the merchant bank will form a strategy with their client to seek equity from investors with a view to selling or doing an IPO in a 3-5 year period.

These companies are traditionally owned by families or small partnerships that have matured over several decades to a point where they need serious dollars to become dominant in their market, or take a strategic step that will double their balance sheet. Traditional banks are reluctant to take part through debt so the company seeks new equity investors. Often the merchant bank will also take an equity position and assist the company with management and advisory skills to achieve their objectives.

You can put all your eggs in one basket or spread your investments - up to you. The real benefit here is that you are privy to balance sheets and budgets, and can see the anticipated cashflows etc. These are real companies with real assets and real cashflows. Sure, they're not all geese that lay golden eggs, but pick the right investments and serious returns and profits can be made with risk that is acceptable due to the tangible asset base they have.

[LOS14]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

[Gsxrnz]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

NZ banks are paying 4% p.a for a 1 year term. Tax free if you're a non resident.

[Naam]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

NZ banks are paying 4% p.a for a 1 year term. Tax free if you're a non resident.

only for Kiwi-Dollars, not for GBP.

Edited September 1, 2013 by Naam

[tingtong]

I don't think you have nearly enough money to retire at your age. There is no safe haven right now, especially not one with good yields.

I was just doing some math this morning on what I think would be the amount I would need to retire in Thailand as a single man and I'm 67. I had to figure that I might live to be 92 since my mom lived that long and my dad is alive and well at 96. So I figured 25 years. I didn't figure inflation because I have no idea whether the world will be in recession or high inflation. I just did a straight line.

I figured US$50k just to get set up. That's air fare, visa, a car, a scooter, insurance, licenses and other incidentals until I'm established.

Then I figured a bare minimum of US$2500 per month which atm is 80,000 baht. Who knows what the exchange rate will be? Who knows whether it's best to transfer a bunch of money into baht, or leave it in the US hoping for a better rate?

The 80k pm isn't absolutely necessary, but there are always surprises. I do have more savings in the US and the ability to return to the US if things go sideways.

Bottom line is that I need $50k plus $750k with no thought for inflation. I could eat up a bunch more in medical bills if I have an accident or serious medical emergency. If a big medical problem isn't an emergency, I could fly back to the US where I have health insurance. Still the trip and all would be expensive.

If I need a minimum of US$800k + medical at my age, I think you're dreaming.

this is a linear expense of your 25k/yr + set up cost...till 92?

ok, that is 800k.

but where is your income, as i am sure that some point you should be able to get some pension.

if yes, you can sure deduct that against your 800k total.

inflation, at least part, can be ofset with interst or dividend on the savings...

and to be honest, if you own your place here, 80k should be enough. depend how high life you imagine up, but i would assume if one goes easy on the viagra and 20 yrs olds, 80k can take you a long way.

there was plenty of discussion where is the point when enough is enough money...

i am young like the OP, and can only congratulate for him being where he is.

[Gsxrnz]

Could somebody advise me which banks pay 3% in the UK or alternatively offshore accounts paying a similar amount in GBP? The best I can manage is 1.95% with Barclays, but for 12 months only. It then reverts to 0.5%!

NZ banks are paying 4% p.a for a 1 year term. Tax free if you're a non resident.

only for Kiwi-Dollars, not for GBP.

Yes, you can't get non domicile rates for any currency in any country. Even if you buy NZD and invest in NZ at 4% and try to hedge out your FX position at the same time, the time/rate differential will reflect the GBP interest rates so no gain can be made - what you make on the 4% you lose on the forward FX hedge.

But.....if you're willing to take the FX risk for a short period (say 3-6 months) and then hedge it out, there's a good chance you'll get the arbitrage margin. Half the exposure could be hedged, half unhedged. The volatility of the NZD also means you are in a position to take advantage of any peaks or troughs as you're holding both currencies and can do multi forward hedges as and when profits can be taken.

[Boycie]

UK Fixed rate deposit accounts

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/savings/search/results/?goal=SAV_FIXEDRATEBONDS

[Joe Mamma]

You might consider the Thai govt. banks fixed rate accounts. They have some that have no taxes(15%),and vary from 13 months to 18 months. They are insured and some have no limit. It is safe and secure and we are getting 3.3% and 3.6% not taxed. Being you are starting middle age, i would search for a significant other as 2 people are much better in combining goals, assets and skills. Life is much better in love anyways. Good luck!

[UbonOz]

It is a WHOLE lot easier to lose money than to make money especially if you get in a hurry.

You are an American, right?

Yep...put your money in a FDIC American bank savings account now and you're lucky if you get 1/2 percent interest...so UK banks are paying 3% on savings accounts? Really?

really

so why when I google highest saving account interest rates in the UK does it say the best one is 1.7%? Perhaps you can share which UK banks pay 3% as I am interested to investigate their offers.

Interest rates on savings were lowered again last week in the UK.

[batty123]

I have bought several condos in Bangkok. I look for older buildings within the prime Sukhumvit area (easier to let to farangs) that give me a return of not less than 6.5%. There are literally thousands of them and the biggest problem is deciding which building is the best bet. I never pay more that Bt5 million for a condo as I want to spread my investment as wide as possible. I have retained an agency to seek out likely properties and also to manage the condos once they are mine. I ignore the BS you get on here about property values as the whole point of buying the properties is to maintain an income over many years an not to realise capital gains. There is no point in having cash if it does not work for you and provide an income.

[UbonOz]

Did anybody read/understand or take action on my post in August?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/662729-do-you-have-funds-in-the-eu-read-below/

[UbonOz]

A good resource is Max Keiser, on Youtube and his own site, he does not mince words.

Also, watch Nigel Farage giving it what for in the EU parliament.

Edited September 1, 2013 by UbonOz

[rayongchelsea]

I like reits in the us even if interest rates rise can't see them getting back to normal for many a year.

Pay off the mortgage, buy another property in the uk.

Keep the rest in cash to move over here if the exchange rate goes in your favour..then invest in the set for long term gain as this where you will eventually reside the majority of the time.

[Suradit69]

My question - how would you invest the booty? I had a FA once in Kuwait but the dodgy little git gave me crap advise

So you've decided to move up to the high quality advice available here at TV?

Preservation of capital ought to be your main objective in these uncertain times. You ought to be comfortable with what you have and not look for anything aside from the most conservative investments. Seek advice from an established firm back in the UK and ignore any suggestions or offers from this forum (aside from me of course ) or anywhere else on the Internet.

Although I do have a bridge available in Brooklyn if you're interested.

[dunque]

Some interesting responses here, given that the most common advice usually doled out to folk on TV is 'never invest anything in Thailand that you cant afford to walk away from'. At the risk of appearing just as paranoid as some of the people who give that advice, I think it comes down to one simple question : how many of us can accurately predict what will happen when the elephant finally leaves the room ? Anyone who doesn't know what I mean by that has no business investing 50GBP in Thailand, much less 500K.

I know exactly what you are on about and even so, I would not invest. And as for the elephant, well, nothing at all will happen .....zero. The influence that jumbo has is gone. Times move on, jumbos leave. Tee military remains, as it always has been, the controlling force.

Ah, an expert - that is good to know.

[SOTIRIOS]

I am in line with a Small Capital Programs that has been returning 25% weekly for over 3 years now

Minimum investment is 100k U.S.D.. You open an account in your name and the funds are blocked and cannot be touched by anyone, so they are safe. You can take out your weekly returns.

P.M. me if you would like to pursue this. You would fill out a Customer Information Sheet and submit it. Upon approval you will be in contact with the Program Coordinator.

[DannyDubai]

A guy working for 10 or 15 years in the oil trade could save £500K easy if he keeps a grip on himself. Working tax free and earning £80-£130K per annum as some of my pals are doing it's not exactly a big ask for a single guy.

Exactly. It took me a touch over 7 years. Day rates, are going through the roof now for experienced hands. Its a bad time to leave but I hit the goal so get the hell out of dodge now.

[DannyDubai]

"oh danny boy the b.s.is calling"

Meatboy, thankfully......I'm not you. Don't use yourself to judge how others go about their lives. Though as a bottom feeder, you prolly already know that you failed to reach the exceptionally low goals you set yourself.

[DannyDubai]

Try seeking out some second tier merchant banks that specialise in finding equity investors for their commercial client base. You can choose all sorts of private investments with returns and risk levels that suit you.

They have client bases of developing and mature middle level companies seeking funding for growth and development - and I don't mean "start up" companies, but long established private firms that are seeking to seriously expand or grow through acquisitions etc. Often the merchant bank will form a strategy with their client to seek equity from investors with a view to selling or doing an IPO in a 3-5 year period.

These companies are traditionally owned by families or small partnerships that have matured over several decades to a point where they need serious dollars to become dominant in their market, or take a strategic step that will double their balance sheet. Traditional banks are reluctant to take part through debt so the company seeks new equity investors. Often the merchant bank will also take an equity position and assist the company with management and advisory skills to achieve their objectives.

You can put all your eggs in one basket or spread your investments - up to you. The real benefit here is that you are privy to balance sheets and budgets, and can see the anticipated cashflows etc. These are real companies with real assets and real cashflows. Sure, they're not all geese that lay golden eggs, but pick the right investments and serious returns and profits can be made with risk that is acceptable due to the tangible asset base they have.

Interesting.

[DannyDubai]

I'd invest in property. Pay off your mortgages now. Because your only 39, you have plenty of time. Rent the propertys out, live off the rent in Thailand if you want to live there. Property is the safest bet.

Its best to have mortgages, especially now with debt so cheap and have someone else pay them for you IE renters.