Our expert Ilaria Rossato is here to serve as our guide. Ilaria is the Investment Product Manager at Solution Bank and has decades of experience in financial analysis and consulting, including supporting large institutional investors.

Here is what we asked her:

What is the purpose of counseling and what are the reasons why each of us should engage a counselor?

One of the main objectives of financial advice is to protect the investor’s wealth over the long term. The market environment is changing, and in recent years defending assets against inflation is becoming a crucial issue for everyone. The typical “mistake” one is likely to make is to want to beat inflation in the short term, thus loading the portfolio with risk: however, this choice could prove counterproductive or not in line with a long-term goal, which is asset protection. For this reason, it is useful to rely on the figure of the advisor who, with proper planning, makes it possible to join together the client’s objectives and needs, such as protection or growth of invested capital, time horizon, risk tolerance and more. Relying on advice also makes it possible to avoid cognitive bias, which often occurs when making decisions independently and can result in entering and exiting financial markets in a disorganized and unconscious manner.

How does long-term financial planning work?

Generally, one acts with a “strategic” type of allocation, i.e., a long-term allocation that, through the construction of a diversified portfolio with a certain degree of risk defined with the investor, allows one to achieve long-term objectives such as protection or growth of the invested capital. In the short term, the portfolio may experience fluctuations in value, which is why a gradual approach of entry into riskier markets, such as investing via CAP (Capital Accumulation Plan), can be useful. This type of planning allows market entry on a cadenced basis, typically monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually, to mediate the purchase price if the market experiences a downward swing. This type of strategic allocation can be complemented by an allocation called “tactical,” which focuses on the market cycle or recent news, and is accomplished by buying or selling certain instruments in a “tactical” manner, that is, in line with short-term expectations in order to increase portfolio profitability.

Can planning therefore also be managed to meet needs in the short term?

Financial planning is by no means only concerned with long-term choices, such as supplementary retirement or estate planning, but must also be able to meet short- and medium-term goals, such as the need for liquidity for an upcoming purchase or expenses related to one’s children’s studies. In this case, planning may involve periodic receipt of flows (interest, dividends, and coupons) or investment in highly liquid instruments, where liquidity means the possibility of selling the instrument quickly and without capital losses, or-at most-with limited losses.

We ask for help from our expert Marco Biondini, Head of Marketing and Banking Products at Solution Bank. During his career, which boasts a good 18 years of experience within our bank, he has acquired transversal skills in various fields.

This is what we asked him:

What are the main challenges you face in managing your daily expenses?

In recent years, managing daily expenses has become more complex due to the rising cost of living. Since the post-pandemic period, we have witnessed an increase in mortgage and financing rates, as well as rising costs for utilities and basic necessities. In this scenario, the key word is ‘need’. It is crucial to be able to identify one’s needs and to distinguish essential expenses, such as those related to home and family, from expenses related to personal pleasures. The goal should be to be able to balance these outgoings, allocating a portion to savings, even a modest one, to build a solid base that is indispensable to cope with unforeseen events and future projects. Planning correctly is the first step to economic stability.

What role does the bank play in supporting customers in their personal financial planning?

Financial planning is a highly individual process that depends on the specific needs of each individual. At Solution Bank, advisors are available to help clients define customised solutions together with them. If the goal is to preserve a sum for a future project, a time deposit could be the ideal choice, as it guarantees a certain return against the unavailability of capital for the agreed period. Insurance policies also offer preventive protection, protecting family and assets, as well as an opportunity for succession planning. Finally, immediate liquidity needs for the purchase of important assets, such as a car, can be met by a loan, without having to intervene on one’s savings.

What services does Solution Bank offer to help customers better manage their finances?

At Solution Bank, we focus on practical and effective solutions to simplify daily financial management. We recommend the use of payment cards, which make it easy to monitor transactions via internet banking and mobile apps. Paying utility bills on your current account allows you to keep track of your recurring expenses, while our Solution Mobile app provides informative statistics on your personal budget, as it allows you to see your monthly income and expenditure projected over the previous 12 months. These are tools that can be supportive, but awareness of one’s budget and careful planning are the starting point. The real added value is the relationship of trust established with our advisors, who build a tailor-made financial plan together with the client.

In April, we asked Diana Trepiccione, Wealth Manager of our Bologna Mazzini branch, to share some practical tips for building and maintaining a strong personal balance sheet over time. A useful guide for those who want to manage their resources consciously, with an eye to the future.

Here’s what he told us:

What are the basic principles for maintaining a sound and sustainable personal budget over time?

Maintaining a healthy personal budget over time is possible as long as a few basic principles are followed. The first is undoubtedly planning: setting concrete financial goals, both short-term and long-term, is essential to build a clear path. Alongside this is the need to draw up a monthly budget that takes into account income and expenses, so that you have a complete and up-to-date view of your finances. Effective management also comes from being aware of one’s expenses: knowing where our money is going helps us to curb unnecessary expenditures and prioritize the really essential ones. At the same time, it is important to allocate a portion of one’s income to saving and investing, so as to build a base of security for the future. Finally, it is crucial to maintain some flexibility, because unforeseen events can always arise in life, such as an urgent expense or job change. Having the ability to adapt one’s financial plan to these situations is essential, and in these cases relying on a financial advisor may be the wisest choice: a trained professional is able to identify tailored solutions in line with the client’s real needs.

What role does liquidity play in a well-structured budget? Is there an ideal percentage of savings to income?

What role does liquidity play in a well-structured budget? Is there an ideal percentage of savings to income?Liquidity is a crucial element in building a sound budget. Knowing how to manage income and expenses in a balanced way allows you to face daily expenses and unexpected events with greater peace of mind. There is a simple rule, known as 50-30-20, that can help us have a guideline in the monthly management of our resources. This formula suggests allocating about half of the income to essential expenses, a portion to personal and discretionary expenses, and at least 20 percent to savings or investment. Of course, this is an indicative proportion that should be adapted to each person’s specific situation, but it can be a good starting point for building a sustainable financial balance over time.

Investing rather than spending: how much sense does it make to allocate resources in financial instruments instead of consumption?

Choosing to invest rather than spend impulsively is a decision that can make a big difference in the long run. Indeed, allocating resources in well-chosen financial instruments allows not only for capital growth, but also for protecting its purchasing power from the erosion of inflation. Unlike immediate spending, which tends to deplete value in the short term, investing-if done consciously and diversified-is a tool that can help us realize important projects, such as a home, retirement or children’s education. To achieve concrete results, however, it is essential to be guided by an experienced advisor, who knows how to calibrate each choice according to the objectives, risk appetite and wealth situation of each client. It is precisely in this constant dialogue between client and advisor that a truly effective investment path is born.

In May, we interviewed Carlo Scarabattoli, Wealth Manager of our Forli Republic branch, to gather insights and thoughts on how to deal with the markets in a period of high uncertainty.
Here is what we asked him:

In your daily work, what kind of support does Solution Bank offer to clients who want to set up flexible but sound financial planning?

Solution Bank provides a very diverse range of instruments, designed to fit the specific needs of each client. We are talking about accumulation plans, deposit accounts, investment funds and asset management. Accumulation plans, for example, are perfect for those who want to invest steadily, while retaining the freedom to suspend or change the monthly amount according to their needs. Deposit accounts, on the other hand, are ideal for employing unused liquidity while providing a certain and secure return. The added value lies precisely in the possibility of combining different instruments according to the client’s goals and time horizon: this is the key to building flexible, yet solid and consistent planning.

In your opinion, is there a difference in approach to planning between individual clients and entrepreneurs?

Yes, there is a clear difference. Entrepreneurs have very multifaceted needs: from managing business liquidity to planning severance pay for employees to protecting their business through targeted insurance tools. This is a world that requires an integrated view between personal and professional spheres. That said, individual clients are not exempt from complexities either: think of savings or health protection, or the need to carefully plan one’s retirement future. One element that both categories have in common is the generational transition: an increasingly heartfelt issue, made even more topical by demographic changes. It is an area that requires awareness, strategy and ongoing professional support.

Do you have a “practical” piece of advice that you often give to clients at this time of year?

In such an uncertain environment, where markets are affected by geopolitical factors such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East or trade tariffs, emotionality risks undermining even the most rational choices. It is precisely at such times that one must keep the time horizon and investment objective clear. If the portfolio has been constructed judiciously-with the right diversification by geographic area, sector, product type-then it can withstand even the most volatile phases. The advice I most often give is not to act on impulse: relying on a competent advisor helps to maintain objectivity and strategic vision, two aspects that really make a difference in turbulent times. Ultimately, managing volatility and emotionality is an integral part of investment strategy.

In July, we asked Gabriele Millemaggi, an expert in Investment Products and with more than 15 years’ experience in banking, to share some insights into the world of green financial instruments. Nowadays, in fact, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become central criteria in investment decisions.

What is the difference between a traditional fund and an ESG or green fund?

The main difference between a traditional fund and an ESG or green fund lies in the investment selection criteria. A traditional fund focuses mainly on financial parameters, such as expected return, volatility, and economic soundness of companies. In contrast, an ESG or green fund also integrates environmental, social, and governance factors into the decision-making process. This means assessing, for example, a company’s environmental impact, respect for workers’ rights, transparency in management, and business ethics. These criteria are not ancillary, but an integral part of the investment strategy. The goal is not just to generate returns, but to do so responsibly and sustainably, with a long-term strategic view that considers non-financial risks, which are increasingly relevant in today’s markets. In short, it is a broader and more conscious approach to the concept of value.

Why are so many clients looking with interest at sustainable investments today?

Because priorities and awareness are changing. More and more investors are paying attention to the impact their financial decisions can have on society and the environment. Issues such as energy transition, climate change, and social justice have become key decision criteria for investors. There is also an important technical aspect: evidence shows that integrating ESG parameters into portfolio construction can improve risk management and deliver solid performance over time. Sustainability and performance are therefore no longer in opposition. Today, clients are looking for consistency with their values, transparency, and accountability, and that is precisely what ESG investments can offer.

Is there a concrete background example or project that particularly struck you?

Yes, I was particularly impressed by some of the strategies implemented by our partner SGRs, which invest in energy transition, energy efficiency, and sustainable mobility. What impressed me is not only the concrete environmental impact-such as the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the deployment of low-impact technology solutions-but also the rigor with which non-financial results are monitored, through measurable and transparent ESG indicators. I think this approach perfectly represents the direction in which the industry is moving, a direction that we as a bank also want to take. It is no longer just a matter of following a trend, but of integrating sustainability into the investment strategy in a structural way, with the understanding that this represents a responsibility to the community, as our choices today will have a big impact on the near future.

Insight coming on August 1.

Insight coming on September 1.

Insight coming on October 1.

Insight coming on November 1.

Insight coming on December 1.