John Foster

When is the right time to invest?

There’s always a degree of uncertainty when it comes to investing, so it’s natural for some people to feel nervous about it.

When the news is reporting stock market volatility, it’s understandable that some people might feel more cautious about investing. But including investments in your long-term financial plan is a smart way to give your money the best chance to grow.

Keeping money in cash might feel like a safe option, and having some money easily available is a sensible decision. But too much cash could end up costing you more because of inflation’s ability to eat away at the value of your savings. For example, when £10,000 is invested it can grow by 78% over 30 years, but if it was kept in a current account its value could actually reduce by 59%*.

There are lots of options when it comes to investing, and I’m here to guide you through them. I can help you decide things like which risk level is right for you, what types of investments to use to maximise your tax efficiency, and how to create an investment plan tailored to your circumstances and goals. I can also show you how different investment approaches could impact your finances over the long term.

If you’re thinking about how investing today can help create the life you want in the future, let’s talk about how I can support and guide you through the process.

The value of investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

Tax treatment varies according to individual circumstances and is subject to change

Approver Quilter Financial Services Limited & Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. May 2025.

*Based on an annual average investment return of 5% and inflation at 3%.

I’m John Foster, a financial adviser with a passion for helping individuals and families manage their wealth, plan for the future, and protect their financial well-being. My areas of expertise include managing wealth and investments, pension planning, savings strategies, protection, and general insurance.

My approach to financial planning is shaped by two distinct experiences: my background as a British Army officer and my formal education in business through an MBA.

Before transitioning to finance, I served as an officer in the British Army. My time in the military instilled in me invaluable skills, including leadership, discipline, and a meticulous attention to detail. I learned how to navigate high-pressure situations and make decisions with confidence and precision; qualities that I now apply to my work in financial advisory.

Whether guiding clients through challenging financial markets or helping them plan for long-term goals, I bring the same level of strategic thinking and focus that my military training taught me. After leaving the military, I pursued an MBA to deepen my knowledge of business and finance.

This education has given me the technical foundation to complement the practical skills I developed in the army. Combining both aspects allows me to offer clients a unique perspective, one that balances long-term vision with the tactical steps necessary to achieve financial success. My goal is to take the complexity out of financial planning and give my clients clarity and peace of mind. I specialise in wealth and investment management, where I help clients grow and protect their assets. I create personalised investment strategies that align with each client’s risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals. Whether a client is looking to build wealth over time or preserve their capital, I work diligently to ensure their investment portfolios are tailored to meet their needs. My approach is rooted in sound analysis and a deep understanding of market trends, which enables me to guide clients through both favourable and challenging economic conditions.

Pension planning is another key area of my practice. I understand how important it is for individuals to feel secure about their retirement, so I work closely with my clients to develop strategies that maximize their pension contributions while optimising tax efficiency. Whether they’re just starting out in their careers or approaching retirement, I offer tailored advice to help them achieve a comfortable and worry-free future. In addition to wealth management and pension planning, I also provide guidance on savings strategies and protection. I help clients build financial safety nets through well-structured savings plans, ensuring they’re prepared for both short and long-term needs. My expertise in protection strategies, including life insurance, critical illness cover, and general insurance, ensures that my clients and their assets are safeguarded against life’s uncertainties.

On a personal note, I live with my family in the New Forest, Hampshire. I’m an avid sportsman and enjoy playing golf, sailing, cricket, and rugby. I also love spending time outdoors with my family, especially on long walks in the forest with our two fox red Labradors. At the heart of my work is a commitment to helping my clients achieve their financial goals with confidence and clarity. Every financial plan I create is tailored to the unique needs of the individual or family, and I’m proud to offer a service that combines discipline, expertise, and personal dedication.