John Foster

Aim to maximise your cash savings

It might shock you to know that 28% of people hold their cash in interest-free savings accounts⁽¹⁾, receiving no return on their hard-earned money. Because under current rules a basic rate taxpayer can earn up to £1,000 in interest from their savings without paying tax, these people could be missing out on a significant financial boost that they could be enjoying.

This is even more relevant when you consider that the average person typically holds up to 25% of their available money on cash deposit⁽²⁾. So, by reviewing your cash and tackling any ‘lazy money’, you’ll be making a great start at getting your finances in shape and achieving longer-term financial security.

If your money isn’t working as hard as it could, I can help. By making it easy to access potentially better interest rates, I can help you to aim to maximise your cash savings – giving you more money to spend on the things you enjoy or helping you grow your money towards a longer-term goal.

¹ Building Societies Association Sept 2024
² The Lang Cat: Cash as an asset class survey June 2024

Cash on deposit advice is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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 wealth and investment management, 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.