25th April 2025
Stock Market Volatility – Keep Calm!!! Very recently we have seen wild swings in stock market values triggered by President Trump’s tariff policy. If you read the newspaper headlines or watched the new or online, you’d think the world was ending due to the hysterical response. The markets were down heavily for a short period very heavily, then back up a little...
3rd April 2025
ARE YOU AMONG THE MANY FAMILIES UNPREPARED AND LACKING STRUCTURED PLANS? The world is on the verge of an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer, with projections estimating that by 2047, an astonishing £5.5 trillion will change hands. Despite this monumental shift, many families remain unprepared, lacking structured plans to ensure their financial legacies are preserved or...
18th March 2025
DO NOT IGNORE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE MONEY There is a potentially unbeatable opportunity everyone aged 40 to 73(Ish) needs to consider. You've got until 5 April 2025 to buy back any missing National Insurance years from 2006 to 2016. This can be prove very lucrative, as some are on course to make over £50,000 in boosts to their State Pension by following this guide. ...
11th March 2025
Welcome to our latest March/April 2025 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Wealth transfers of financial legacies Are you among the many families unprepared and lacking structured plans? ‘Grey divorce’ Understanding the financial impacts of divorce over 50 Empowering your retirement savings...
31st January 2025
Welcome to our Guide to New Year Financial Strategies for a Brighter Future. CLICK FOR THE FULL GUIDE A new year is the perfect time to take charge of your financial future. It’s an opportunity to step back, reevaluate your financial health and set a clear path toward greater stability and growth. Why not make 2025 the year you take control of your money and create a strategy that...
31st January 2025
The tax year end is coming and even with the impending introduction of IHT on death benefits, pensions remain the best place to save for retirement and wealth transfer. With tax relief available at a client's highest marginal rate, it remains as important as ever to maximise contributions. Therefore, we have compiled a checklist of discussion points that may...
7th January 2025
Welcome to our latest January/February 2025 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Maximise your tax allowances before 5 April Make the most of your financial situation before the deadline Autumn Budget Statement 2024 How could the range of changes impact your wealth planning? Financial resolutions to boost your wealth this...
8th November 2024
Welcome to our latest November/December 2024 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: How does pension consolidation work? Pensions can be confusing, but there is an alternative way to help keep on top of them Maximising returns The power of reinvesting dividends for long-term growth Stay focused on your retirement goals Identifying...
31st October 2024
Yesterday saw the Chancellor Rachel Reeves very first Budget. With an unusually long gap between election day and budget day the days were filled with rumours, speculation and quite possibly hysteria of what was going to be announced and the rights and wrongs of that. I have had lot of conversations with clients regarding the possible impacts of some of the decisions the...
1st October 2024
YOUR PATH TO CONFIDENCE AND A SECURE FUTURE Welcome to our guide to Financial Advice during Divorce. CLICK FOR THE FULL GUIDE Divorce can be bewildering, especially when managing your finances. However, understanding your options can make the process more manageable. Financial concerns may not be your first thought during a marital breakdown. Still, given the...
10th September 2024
Welcome to our latest issue. On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget Statement 2024. It will be a critical indicator of the government's approach to managing the economy, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth. The outcomes of this Autumn Budget will have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing everything from...
27th August 2024
LATER LIFE CARE When you think about your future, how far ahead do you plan? Have you ever considered how far ahead you plan when you think about your future? Perhaps you’ve considered what your life will look like in 10 years, but have you considered your later years? CLICK FOR THE FULL GUIDE While retirement planning is common, people often focus on the early...
16th July 2024
Welcome to our latest July/August 2024 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Retirement matters Making the right decisions today could boost your retirement pot and make the future a whole lot brighter Caring for grandchildren How it can help you boost your State Pension Britain’s biggest pension taxpayers How to make sure you avoid...
21st May 2024
How to ensure you fully exploit the benefits and allowances available to you. CLICK FOR THE FULL GUIDE Welcome to our guide to building a bigger pension pot. As we embark on the 2024/25 tax year, this guide looks at the opportunities to revitalise and boost your pension savings strategy, setting a solid foundation for future financial stability. Early attention to your...
13th May 2024
Welcome to our latest May/June 2024 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Britons procrastinate on making a Will Research identifies that over half of adults do not have a Will Looming pension pitfall £50 billion of hard-earned pension funds could be in jeopardy Costs of later-life care Establishing a thorough...
29th April 2024
NAVIGATING THE INTRICACIES OF RETIREMENT PLANNING - How to get your retirement plans in motion? Welcome to our Guide to Navigating the Intricacies of Retirement Planning. Preparing for your twilight years can often be perceived as a convoluted and daunting task. Questions about the longevity of your savings or the kind of lifestyle you aspire to live post-retirement might hover in your...
28th March 2024
10 Years – Feels Like Yesterday “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle” a quote from Steve Jobs. For me the last 10 years since our business Oyster Financial Planning was created, starting in Hythe Marina, have flown by because I am lucky enough to love what we do. Earning...
21st March 2024
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BIGGEST ASSET Life is unpredictable and filled with a multitude of potential risks. The harsh truth is that an unexpected serious illness, a debilitating injury or even a sudden death can drastically affect a family’s financial stability. Welcome to our Guide to Protecting your Family, your Biggest Asset CLICK FOR THE FULL GUIDE...
11th March 2024
Welcome to our latest March/April 2024 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Planning for an early retirement Living life to the fullest and accomplishing long-held dreams Wealth accumulation Valuable insights that can impact an investment strategy Adjusting your pension plans How could the normal minimum pension age...
26th January 2024
Oyster’s Guide to Tax Year End Planning As we approach the end of the tax year on 5 April 2024, it presents an ideal opportunity to assess the various allowances and reliefs available for your benefit. Allocating time for this review can provide valuable insight into potential opportunities for you and your family. Welcome to our guide. Understanding your tax...
11th January 2024
Welcome to our latest January/February 2024 edition. CLICK FOR FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: National Insurance Contributions (NICs) Significant reforms and rates cut for millions of workers Changes to the State Pension ‘Triple Lock’ to increase by 8.5% from 6 April 2024 Tax-saving measures What actions to review before the...
10th November 2023
Welcome to our latest November/December 2023 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Taxing times for 2023 A year marked by several tax changes that impacted higher rate taxpayers Strategies to minimise retirement tax Many pensioners may face a lurking tax risk as the State Pension grows Decoding auto-enrolment Good news on...
6th September 2023
Welcome to our latest September/October 2023 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Preserving wealth for future generations Starting estate planning early and implementing it in stages is desirable Will you make the right decisions around your pension pot? Why defined contribution pensions are even more appealing for wealth...
29th August 2023
Welcome to our ‘Guide to Protecting Your Financial Future’. Life is a series of unpredictable moments, and some events may threaten your longterm financial stability. While we cannot foresee the future, we can establish plans to maximise our life experiences. However, having a reliable financial safety net is crucial when life throws curveballs. CLICK FOR THE FULL...
11th July 2023
Welcome to our latest July/August 2023 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Normal Minimum Pension Age update Essential information for your retirement planning 10 reasons to get your tax return filed now British workers overpay £8.2bn in tax due to wrong codes Maximising your investments in...
3rd July 2023
‘State’ Of the Nation – Interesting!!! These last few years have been crazy, haven’t they? Financially, first with the Pandemic then coming out of that we have the situation in Ukraine, associated Energy and Food supply and cost issues all feeding into pushing the world’s inflation up sharply, which always brings with it higher interest rates to try and stem...
5th June 2023
It’s no secret that the traditional approach to retirement planning is becoming increasingly obsolete. While previous generations may have depended on their employers to provide them with a comfortable retirement, many of today's workers are often left to their own devices to save for their retirement. However, even as individuals take on more responsibility for their...
9th May 2023
Oyster's Financial Magazine May/June 2023 Welcome to our latest edition. In this issue, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s first proper Budget 2023, on Wednesday 15 March, brought some welcome but unexpected changes to pension tax. Britons can now expect significant changes that will affect their retirement savings. On page 10 we consider how these changes could impact on your pension and...
6th April 2023
Oyster is 9 years old!! On the 6th April 2023 Oyster Financial Planning will have be trading for 9 years! Where has that time gone? I myself, Michael Osman have been advising for 26 years of which 9 have been at Oyster. We have certainly seen some changes and consistent growth over the last 9 years. Helping lots of our clients, most of whom are local people gain Confidence...
28th March 2023
SETTING UP A FUTURE FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN How to give them more opportunities for life. Investing in the future of your grandchildren is a great way to help them prepare for their financial needs in life. By setting aside money now, you can provide them with added security and increased opportunities in the years to come. Investing for grandchildren...
9th March 2023
WEALTH SUCCESSION Making the right preparations for future generations. Welcome to our latest edition. In this issue, financial planning can be a daunting and uncomfortable conversation for many, but thankfully attitudes towards talking about money are changing. Wealth succession should be an integral part of your financial plan as early as possible – because the right...
9th February 2023
Menopause in the workplace Unique Retirement Planning Challenges Women Face Women make up nearly half of the UK workforce, but many feel forced to reduce their hours at work, pass up promotions and even leave their jobs due to lack of menopause support. While symptoms vary between individuals, for many women the menopause can have big impact on their everyday...
2nd February 2023
A tale of two twenties! If you are a parent or grandparent to late teens or early 20’s who are working, please read on! They will thank you in the long run! Oyster have always encouraged our clients who have 20 (ish) year old children or grandchildren to speak to them about getting into the habit of regularly saving 10% of their earnings into short and longer term...
10th January 2023
Welcome to our latest edition. With the current tax year having begun on 6 April 2022, the clock is ticking and it is important to utilise all the tax reliefs and allowances available to you before 5 April 2023 in order to minimise any potential liabilities. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE On page 10, we look at the way personal tax planning should be at the top of your agenda as the end...
29th November 2022
Today everything is different. Not only are we living longer, healthier and more active lives, most of us can now decide when, how, and even if, we retire. It's never too early to start thinking about retirement planning. Whether you're just starting your career or you're a few years away from retirement, it's essential to start saving and investing for your future. But...
9th November 2022
DON'T ABANDON PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS AS PRICES RISE Savers could miss out on thousands of pounds in retirement. As the cost of living continues to soar, with inflation reaching a 40-year high, the impact on household finances is taking its toll. But it is essential to try to maintain a savings habit even in the current climate. On page 10 we look at the impact breaks in pension...
17th October 2022
Welcome to our guide to maximising pension savings. Many people are feeling the pressure on their finances at the moment due to the backdrop of rising inflation and the cost-of-living soaring. In these circumstances, it can be difficult to think about your long-term finances or even contemplate saving for the future. Click here for the full guide "Anyone who...
4th October 2022
FAMILY PROTECTION Three things to put on your family protection ‘to do’ list Welcome to our Guide to Family Protection. There various complex risks in life that we all face, such as serious illness, an accident or death. What would happen if something were to happen to you? Would your family be able to cope financially with the impact an unexpected event might have...
14th September 2022
PUTTING LIFE ON HOLD Delays to homeownership, having children and retirement. Welcome to our latest edition. Rising living costs have been so significant in recent months that most UK households will have noticed a squeeze on their monthly budgets. Not only does this have a direct impact on people’s lifestyles, even though they are making every effort to cut back, but it...
25th July 2022
Getting Your Retirement Plans in Motion When it comes to retirement planning, there are a lot of things to consider. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you have enough saved up to cover your costs. This includes things like living expenses, health and care costs, and any other debts or financial obligations you may have. Click for the full guide You...
11th July 2022
Welcome to our latest edition. Welcome to our latest edition. It’s not surprising that the world of investing can seem complex, especially in the current global economic climate. Investors face an endless supply of market news, many investment choices and often-changing market conditions. There are a number of key principles that every investor should follow with the aim of building an...
1st July 2022
Friday 1st July saw our 10th SO45 Charity Golf Day take place at Dibden Golf Course raising money for The Waterside Cancer Support Centre organised each year by Michael & Donna Osman. Well, what a day! Our hope this year was to take the total we have raised in 10 years for local good causes, charities and projects to 100k. Before the day our total raised from golf days...
24th June 2022
Dealing With Divorce A revolution in family law finally removes the need for blame as a basis for divorce. No one enters into marriage expecting it to end in divorce. However, it happens for many couples. It can be an emotionally charged time but there are things you can do to make the process go more smoothly. Keeping a level head whilst negotiating a financial settlement is...
31st May 2022
168 hours in a week! How do you spend your time? From the super wealthy billionaires to the ordinary person in the street we all have the same to spend each week in life now and retirement. All of us have 168 hours a week. How do you ‘spend’ your time? Do you feel like there is never enough time in the day, or are you sat around trying to find...
24th May 2022
What will your legacy look like? Welcome to our Guide to Estate Preservation. This is an important part of wealth management, no matter how much wealthyou have built up. It’s the process of making a plan for how your assets will be distributed upon your death or incapacitation. Click for the full guide This subject doesn’t only affect the very wealthy. Inheritance...
19th May 2022
Six tried and trusted principles to help you reach your investment goals. If you're new to investing, knowing where to start can be a daunting task. The reality is that people should start saving and investing as early as possible. The growth of savings and the power of compounding gives an enormous head start to those who can put money aside and invest in the early stages of...
12th May 2022
SO45 Online Charity Golf Day is 10! Friday 1st July see’s Dibden Golf Course host the 10th annual SO45 Online Charity Golf Day. 120 golfers are expected to take part in this years event. All attempting to be crowned champion golfer and win the prestigious Paul Brogan Memorial Trophy. Paul a local man and a keen golfer sadly lost his life to cancer in 2012 and as he was a friend and...
12th May 2022
How you can keep the cost of bills down while inflation is high. Rising inflation and increases in taxes are set to leave millions worse off in 2022. Households are already grappling with the worst cost of living crisis in a generation but budgets have been further squeezed by a raft of pricwe and tax rises. Inflation is the highest it has been in 30 years and no one is...
5th May 2022
Welcome to our latest edition. Are you fed up with your nine-to-five? There are many factors that can influence when someone decides to retire. For some, it may be based on health reasons, while others may want to take advantage of government benefits or simply enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. However, one of the most common factors that determines when people choose to retire is their age. On...
22nd March 2022
Prepare for the unexpected... Change is inevitable. It's part of life. Click for the full GUIDE Some changes you can predict, while others you simply cannot. But that doesn't mean you can't have a plan in place to help mitigate the impacts and protect your wealth, should something change in your life, like your career, your health or even your family...
14th March 2022
So you have a lump sum to invest. What now? Do you invest it all at once or bit by bit? Will soaring inflation, rising interest rates and further supply chain disruption fuel market volatility this year and impact on your lump sum? Click here to read the full guide Pound cost averaging enables you to create a more disciplined investment...
8th March 2022
Welcome to our latest Oyster March/April 2022 edition. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Getting ready to retire? Bolstering your retirement lifestyle as you approach retirement Invest your way out of inflation Why now is the time to make sure you protect your wealth Looking to build a bigger pension? Don’t miss the...
22nd February 2022
SAVE NOW BUY LATER 1997 doesn’t feel too far away, right? Biggest new story of that year was the passing of Princess Diana. A lot has changed in the world since then. One of the biggest changes has been the relentless growth in UK housing prices. Back in 1997 the average house price in the UK was c£64,000, in 2020 that was £234,000 rising to a predicted £...
27th January 2022
Protect yourself, your family and your future As another tax year end approaches, it’s important to finalise your 2021/22 tax planning to reduce your obligations wherever possible. The current tax year started on 6 April 2021 and ends on 5 April 2022. Reviewing your tax affairs now will enable you to make the most of any allowable deductions and strategies available to...
10th January 2022
Welcome to our latest edition. Inside, we look at New Year’s tax saving resolutions to make sure you are fully utilising your relevant tax planning opportunities. With the tax year end (5 April) on the horizon, taking action now may give you the opportunity to take advantage of any remaining reliefs, allowances and exemptions. CLICK FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE On page 08 we have...
10th January 2022
25 years, where has that time gone? This week I celebrate 25 years since I started my career as a financial adviser/planner. I don’t feel old enough!!! Beginning at Standard Life in 1997, 7 years there, 10 years as a director/planner with an IFA practice in Chandlers Ford and the last 8 years since we set up Oyster. It’s been a really enjoyable time. As my clients will...
24th November 2021
What will I receive from the State Pension in my retirement? The State Pension is a vital source of income for millions of retired people across Britain. However, the system can be complex and it is important that you know how it works. If you're looking to maximise your income in retirement, a good place to start is with your State Pension. Click here to download...
9th November 2021
Welcome to Oyster's latest Newsletter magazine November/December 2021 edition. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MAGAZINE Articles featured in this issue: Change to the State Pension triple lock Pensioners ‘deeply disappointed’, particularly women and self-employed UK pensioners underpaid More than £1 billion in State Pensions impacted due to ‘repeated human...
21st September 2021
How to turn your pension savings into income for life. There are many things to consider as you approach retirement. It's good to start by reviewing your finances to ensure your future income will allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you want. The earlier you start thinking about what you'll need for a comfortable retirement and where your money is going to come from...
6th September 2021
BUILD YOU OWN FINANCIAL PLAN Vision without action is merely a dream Welcome to our September/October 2021 issue. Inside, we look at how having a financial plan in place early on can make it easier to manage your money further down the line. It’s never too early to make a financial plan. Click here to view the full financial magazine The sooner you work out your goals...
9th July 2021
PENSION BOOST Welcome to our latest edition. Inside this issue, the unique combination of tax breaks and flexible access available to pensions makes them a compelling choice when saving for retirement. On page 08 we look at one of the key benefits of saving into a pension rather than another type of savings or investment vehicle – the generous tax relief you’re entitled to...
5th May 2021
Welcome to our latest edition. As we enter another new phase in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, each UK nation has set out a roadmap out of lockdown, a positive sign that we can hopefully start to get back on track both financially and emotionally. Click to download the full magazine It’s always a good time to consider financial planning, but even more so at the start of...
10th March 2021
Welcome to our latest edition. At the time of publishing, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak had not delivered his Budget 2021 speech. We’ll look at the key announcements and how these could affect your personal, family and business finances in the next edition. Click here for the full magazine Articles featured in this issue: Passing on pension benefits Providing for...
4th March 2021
Oyster Budget Summary 2021 Following Rishi Sunak’s Budget Speech yesterday, here is a high level summary of some of the announcements. If you do have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I’ve seen a calculation that looks at the implied calculated costs of the ‘giveaways’ looking like some £70 Billion over the next few years, from the Furlough...
18th October 2019
Here at Oyster Financial Planning aka SO45 Online presented a cheque for £5,200 to The Waterside Cancer Support Centre from our recent annual Charity Golf Day which took place in July this year raising £6,200, £1,000 of which was presented to Hythe Sea Scouts. The Waterside Cancer Support Centre based in Hythe is a very special place with a specialist team offering...
19th July 2019
SO45 Charity Golf Day 2019 - Well what a day. Our 7th Annual SO45 Golf Day was a huge success. With the weather not so great, all 68 players joined us for a day of some great golf and possibly not so great. As always everyone who took part enjoyed the day along with those that joined us for the presentation, raffle and auction and of course the game of heads n tails...
