Josh Hoskin Smart Money jhoskin@goldridge.co.nz

I can't remember the last time a TV financial report started with positive news, despite the actual results of the global market and, more particularly, our market being spectacular. We all know bad news sells, but don't forget where the crowd goes is often the last place you want to be. The old cliche of jumping off cliffs comes to mind – have a look for yourself first, maybe ask a base jumping expert and make sure the parachute works.

The bare results as of January 31, 2013 year end are staggering. The NZ market according to the Mercers Investment Survey is 30.8 per cent and the global market in NZD was 14 per cent. You would think these sorts of numbers would be discussed on national news a little bit more. If you don't believe in diversification and are happy receiving approximately 1 per cent net per annum from your term investment, if you are lucky, with one bank – feel free to ignore this message, but at least someone has provided you with the above information.

Yes, I know there have been crashes and defaults and financial crisis but let's remember the portfolio lessons learnt from these problems, diversification is key. Yes, by definition diversification means you will not receive the best return, but the whole idea is you mitigate risk. Your financial adviser will help you achieve your goals in the most risk adverse way possible, so go and see them today.