LETTING GO FOR ONCE

Thankfully, I had built up a quiet trust in Mr Shaw, my surgeon. He was a decade younger than me which to some may have been unnerving considering I was only forty-two and he literally was to have my life in his hands. However, his primary concern throughout the numerous consultations was to alter not only the physicality of my spine but also the misplaced perception that I had held of myself for thirty years. He really did comprehend the view that I held in my mind actually outweighed the disfigurement and pain that the Scoliosis held over me. He saw me as a whole person.

The day of the surgery loomed – Monday 23 January 2012 – my children were fourteen and ten and my step-son was just eleven – that unsettled me as this period in my life was going to effect them in many ways. Tony, my partner had been given absence of leave from his job for three months to be carer. Something that we still are truly grateful for.

I had never been one to let go and trust that a situation would work out – this time in our lives was not only about to hopefully improve my long-term health but unknowingly at that point would bring us untold lessons that would remain with us all. Everything happens for a reason, as they say.

Saying goodbye to Lou and Fynn was difficult. We had always been together apart from their time they had with their Dad – until that point I had always been available to them no matter what. I felt that I was abandoning them. Of course, that wasn’t the case but this had to happen. I cried many silent tears hoping that they would get through this, doubting that our bond would be enough. I irrationally questioned my capabilities as their Mum. It hurt so much it still brings tears to my eyes.

So, after a restless night and many a last phone call to family and friends wishing me well I was administered the pre-med to calm me. I wanted to scream and run away and get back to my babies. Scared is an understatement but to know life in a wheelchair was my destiny as the curvature increased the pressure on my lung. That was a good deterrent and a reason to stay.

The staff were amazing as I was wheeled in the bed down to theatre – Tony was by my side throughout. He really has never been a worrier but even now I could see and sense that he was. For once, I had to give in to this situation and allow these skilled and gentle souls do what they are trained to do. I felt like a lamb to the slaughter. I didn’t want to know what the operation entailed and it was the right move in hindsight – I just wanted to be okay and get home.

The theatre doors loomed in front of me and I felt myself drifting into a peaceful and relaxed sleep. It was a relief to know that after all these years someone was finally understanding and knew how to make it better and for once, there wasn’t any fight in me. It was time to let go of everything and trust.

Estate Planning Sorely Lacking For Many British People

An annual survey conducted by Canada Life has found many Brits poorly positioned to pass their wealth on.

There is worrying evidence that many people that own substantial estates are not getting the expert advice they need to manage money. Some are wilfully ignoring estate management and paying more tax than they necessarily have to. Currently only 27% of those with assets over £325,000 and who are aged over 45 have sought professional advice for planning ahead.

Passing money on after death is an area people in general have not prepared for. 27% of wealthy individuals have not even written a will. Just 1 in 5 people have thought ahead enough to gift money whilst still alive. The inheritance tax that will be imposed on those who receive the money will be far higher than if they had prepared and sought proper advice.

There is concern over the lack of awareness of the importance of professional financial advice when it comes to estate planning. Worrying responses were received in the survey such as 46% of those questioned saying they would never take out life insurance.

Misconceptions Preventing People From Seeking Advice

After life insurance the second most popular method of passing on money was to set up a fund. However, 40% said they did not intend to utilise them themselves. A significant number (19%) gave the reason that doing so seemed too time consuming and difficult. In fact the process is simple and highly worthwhile and with so many unaware of this there have been those that question the financial literacy of the population.

The survey indicates that seeking professional advice would save a great number of people from unnecessary payments of inheritance tax. Although it is an individual’s right to decide what they do with their finances the current situation is set to see the beneficiaries pay unneeded charges.

Debbie Day.

Mobile : 07704 311021 Felixstowe Office : 01394 775711

deb.day@hoskinfinancial.co.uk www.debbiedayifa.co.uk

THIS BLOG PROVIDES INFORMATION, IT IS NOT ADVICE. ANY OPINIONS ARE GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. OPINIONS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS EMAIL DO NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE. (IF YOU REQUIRE PERSONAL ADVICE BASED ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, PLEASE CONTACT US AT HOSKIN FINANCIAL

TRUSTING THE UNKNOWN

Many thoughts had preceded this surgery – Would I wake up? Would I be able to walk again? How would the children and my family deal with the changes? Would it hurt? How long would I be off work for? Could we afford to do this? Was there a right time?

So many questions – no answer could possibly be the right one because we literally had no idea whatsoever as we entered into the unknown.

It was a relief to fall into an induced sleep to be honest – the conscious mind finally stopped turning.

As time ticked by and Tony sat waiting for however long was required to straighten the curvature in my spine and reconstruct my right ribcage, Mr Shaw and his team worked intensely.

In a bizarre way, I had drawn the long straw as I was asleep and the time passed in an instant for me. However, Tony sat and sat and sat some more – almost eight hours passed before he was informed that I was being transferred to Intensive Care (ICU). Two hours longer than expected – I was blissfully unaware yet Tony was feeling every minute. I wonder what really went through his mind in those hours – I had been warned of the risk of not waking or not walking as the spinal column was worked on.

Waking up was gradual – I understand that it took around three hours to gain any sort of true sense from me and throughout it all there was Tony – he was just there doing what he does best. Making sure I was okay.

I don’t remember much but just relief that I had woken up and I daren’t move incase it hurt! I lay with the morphine pump in my hand and recall Tony saying, “I’m not going until I know you can press the button yourself”. That was hard work – I do know that much.

As I drifted in and out of consciousness everything seemed like a complete blur – I knew I was to have my own room and that was about it – this unknown business was so daunting but I was still coming back to reality that I really didn’t care about anything.

Apparently I was in ICU for overnight and into the following day – it was time to leave and I recall telling every member of staff who came my way just how much I loved my children and how great they are!

By pure chance, at the point of wheeling the bed from the ward, Tony had brought Lou and Fynn to visit – They still joke now about how highly medicated (ok – so maybe not so politely put!) I was and how embarrassing I was as in my drowsy state I had to let everyone know that THESE were my children – sorry kids!

You know what though – the only snippets of memories from waking up to being transferred to the ward room were just Tony and the children. That is all – What does that tell me now?

My little world means the WHOLE world to me.

Top Tips to Spot a Second Charge Customer

Top Tips to Spot a Second Charge Customer.

1. Interest only mortgage customers.

For some consumers, staying on their existing interest – only mortgage is the best option for them. However many believe that the only way to obtain further credit is if their current mortgage arrangement is switched to a repayment option. For many this will make their monthly repayments rise dramatically, making it unaffordable. A second charge mortgage will allow the customer to borrow additional money without interfering with their existing mortgage.

2. Lifetime tracker customers.

With interest rates at a historical low of 0.5% and speculation about a rate rise now common, some customers will want to move to a fixed rate. However, a fixed rate mortgage will almost always carry early redemption charges that can cost customers thousands of pounds in fees if they choose to opt out before the initial product term has ended. Plus some may find it difficult to remortgage to equivalent or lower rates. For these customers a second charge loan should be considered as it will sit behind the customers existing first charge mortgage, with minimal exit fees or changes to terms and conditions.

3. Customers who want to consolidate credit.

Many customers will owe money on more than one credit card or have several different credit agreements or loans in place.

This can make keeping track of them all very difficult and could lead to serious consequences if missed.

Consolidating debts can take the difficulty out of managing a client’s money. It has become increasingly difficult to source consolidation loans, particularly if over £30,000.00 on the high street, as these lenders prefer simpler cases.

Second charge loans not only allow the customer to consolidate debts over a longer term than an unsecured loan, but also give then the flexibility to have a shorter term than their first charge mortgage whilst reducing their monthly outgoings.

4. Self-certification mortgage customers

Self-certification mortgages, known for being popular with those who had irregular earnings, were banned in 2014 following the mortgage market review. However , nearly half of all mortgages taken out between 2007 and the beginning of 2010 were advanced on this basis , leaving many consumers as ‘mortgage prisoners’ trapped on very high interest rates and unable to borrow as lenders continue to tighten their lending criteria . These customers won’t be able to get any more funding on a self-certification based.

5. Self-employed customers

If a customer has become self-employed in the last couple of years, he or she is likely to have a mortgage application rejected due to lenders needing extensive proof of income. They may however be eligible for a second charge loan as lenders will take into account all income, including buy to let rental yield and foster care along with many other benefits.

6. Adverse Credit

Customers who have experienced difficulties with their finance and who may have historical credit problems.

For more help and advice please do noy hesitate to contact me.

Ian Chambers Hoskin Home Loans
Mobile: 07962 152776 Office: 01621 876030

Inflation Starting To Devalue Cash Savings

Inflation Starting To Devalue Cash Savings

As prices rise globally, the value of cash is starting to fall.

Those who hold cash savings are being warned that relative to the goods they can buy, their money is becoming worth less.

Customers are starting to feel the effects of global inflation through what they buy on the high street. At present, the U.K.’s inflation rate stands at 1.2% but it is predicted to rise to 2.4% next year.

Savers have already been hit hard by the tough environment of extremely low interest rates. Based off 3-month sterling Libor rates, £100,000 deposited into a bank in 2007 would have seen an extra £6,000 generated. The same scenario in 2015 would see just £575 generated. This figure has not yet even accounted for inflation lowering the real return value.

Those With Cash Urged To Invest In Equities

In an environment of inflation, equities bring about the best returns. Share prices as well as corporate revenues and earnings grow with inflation rather than being damaged by it.

This becomes clear when we look at inflation-adjusted figures showing the return on investment. Over the last 118 years, £1 saved in the form of cash would have brought in £3. £1 invested in Gilts would have earned twice this amount, £6. However, if the money had been placed in equities, namely the F.T.S.E. 100, the return would be a far greater £340.

The option advised for the highest possible returns is clearly equities. The obvious caveat is the increased risk. Many people are put off by the fact that they could actually lose money but the data suggests the risks of volatility are more short term. History has shown that over longer periods of time, investing in stocks has provided far and away the best returns.

Debbie Day.

Mobile : 07704 311021   Felixstowe Office : 01394 775711

deb.day@hoskinfinancial.co.uk  www.debbiedayifa.co.uk

THIS BLOG PROVIDES INFORMATION, IT IS NOT ADVICE. ANY OPINIONS ARE GIVEN IN GOOD FAITH AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. OPINIONS AND INFORMATION INCLUDED WITHIN THIS EMAIL DO NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE. (IF YOU REQUIRE PERSONAL ADVICE BASED ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, PLEASE CONTACT US AT HOSKIN FINANCIAL

LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

Listen to your heart.

With every beat of your heart, life is being pumped through you.

If we truly think about that for a moment, how incredible is it that that pure beat and rhythm is the on/off switch to us being here or not.

So, with that in mind I would like to share with you how I came to be the person that I am now. I have had many experiences over the years that, in hindsight, I wish I had had the knowledge, confidence and ability to deal with them differently however it is what it is.

It wasn’t a case of reinventing myself just like that. It was a decision from a huge life change that caused an opportunity to re-evaluate my wants in life.

What was my purpose? Traditionally, we are all programmed to study, gain our grades, perhaps go to college and then off we go to work. I wanted to break my own mould. I had done so prior to this realisation by becoming self-employed and owning a Driving School coaching pupils to become qualified drivers. I gained total satisfaction from this role but the most beneficial aspect was that it was clear, during the eleven years, how it became instinctive to sense what the pupil was feeling.

My original tutor, Fred, often commented about being “at one” with the car and the pupil. Over time, through experience I understood what that meant. The new me chooses to see this as intuitively sensing the energy shifts within the confined space of the vehicle. It’s fascinating and created an ability to avoid several dangerous situations and sense the pupil’s reactions before they even realised the energy that was being released.

It was suggested on a number of occasions by various people that I should become a Coach of a certain description, yet to be found, that would resonate with me – I had no understanding whatsoever of that concept. It scared me. How could I possibly guide others on their life choices when mine could have been more carefully plotted? It was hard to think that the testing and unsettled waters that was my past could actually benefit others – little did I know it was the moving forward that would serve others.

The crunch came after life-changing surgery. Having lived with Idiopathic Scoliosis since the age of twelve and many years of despising my physical being. Unnecessary throw away comments had struck me to the core regarding the abnormal shape of my back and ribcage and the pain had become unbearable. After much research and fear filled appointments, I chose to opt for Spinal Fusion and Costoplasty despite being told several years before that I was too old – I was only forty-two. Time had been wasted and I wasn’t prepared to lose any more. If this procedure did not take place, I would be guaranteed a future in a wheelchair as the curvature continued to worsen and effect normal breathing as it added pressure to a lung at a steady rate.

My main concern was how my family would cope. My partner was so supportive despite the risks as metal rods were to be screwed and tweaked to straighten the spine plus ribcage reconstruction to bring a balance to a twisted torso. This procedure is on a par with open-heart surgery.

Signing the permission form was the most unnerving action I have ever taken. To know I may not walk again or even wake up was unnerving. I had to follow my heart on this one. My life was now in the hands of the Surgeon…
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