Kasia Ostler - Key Steps Financial

16/09/2026

I love where I live 🥰

03/09/2026

After a great summer break, September brings us back to routine — school, work, busy diaries… and for me, back to Paisley at 106 for our Women Who Business Community networking evening.

It was so lovely to catch up with familiar faces and welcome some new ones too.

This month, Caroline Laudren Quillet - Independent Financial Adviser at Consequential Planning gave us a really interesting, inspiring and, most importantly, easy-to-understand presentation covering pensions, investments and protection.

One thing that really stood out to me was how easy it is to lose track of pensions from previous employments. If you have old workplace pensions sitting somewhere and you’re not really sure what’s happening with them, I’d definitely recommend having a chat with Caroline. She can explain your options and guide you through the process in a way that actually makes sense.

We also talked about savings and investments, including Cash ISAs and Stocks & Shares ISAs, and what you might want to consider if you’re thinking about putting money aside for yourself or saving for your children’s future.

It was a great reminder that whether it’s an old pension, savings you’ve built up or simply planning ahead for your family, it’s worth understanding what options are available to you.

We’re back at Paisley at 106 on 1st October so if you’re a local woman in business and fancy meeting some lovely, supportive businesswomen, sharing ideas and making genuine connections then drop me a message.

Women Who Business Community

See you in October! 😊

30/08/2026

For all your domestic security needs.
🏡🚨

Another house now secured in Bromsgrove. The owner now has a smart alarm so she will always know what is happening and when, and can be controlled anywhere in the world. Parents also have the app and were surprised how easy it is to use.

For all your security needs give us a shout and we will conduct a free, no obligation security audit.

26/08/2026

A lovely review from a recent client — and one that shows how a remortgage can help with more than just the mortgage itself.

In this case, we arranged a BTL remortgage and raised additional funds to help cover renovation work on both the rental property and their own home.

Sometimes it’s the jobs you’ve been putting off for ages — a new kitchen, bathroom, windows, roof repairs or giving the whole place a much-needed refresh.

If there’s work that needs doing but you don’t want to use all your savings to pay for it, it can be worth exploring whether raising funds through a remortgage could be an option.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but that’s where looking at the whole picture can really help.

Thank you for the lovely review!

26/08/2026

Where learning, connection and action gathers pace.

19/08/2026

This is where things are starting to get interesting for first-time buyers.

More lenders are looking at ways to make getting onto the property ladder a little easier — including reducing the deposit you need, rather than sticking to the usual 5% minimum.

And one of the latest options I can now offer could help if you've got the income to afford a mortgage, but your deposit is the bit holding you back.

You could potentially borrow up to 98% of the property's value, meaning a deposit from £5,000 could be possible.

For example, if you're looking at a £250,000 home, a 2% deposit would be £5,000.

Here's the good stuff…

🔑 Up to 98% LTV
🔑 Up to 5x income
🔑 Minimum deposit £5,000
🔑 Minimum household income £30,000
🔑 Self-employed? You can still be considered
🔑 Gifted deposit? That's accepted too
🔑 Available on 5-year rates
🔑 New builds ❌ aren't included

Obviously, it isn't a case of “£5k deposit = here's your house keys” 😄

You'll still need to meet the lender's affordability and lending criteria, and we'll need to look at your individual circumstances.

But if you're a first-time buyer thinking:

“I've got a decent income, I can afford the monthly payments… I'm just struggling to get that 5% deposit together.”

Then this could be worth a look.

Drop me a message and let's see if it could work for you.

Subject to lender criteria, affordability and underwriting. Not all applicants will qualify.

☎️ 07773 351471 / 01562 850071
📧 [email protected]
📆 https://linktr.ee/kasia.ostler

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances, but will range from £295 to £495, and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

16/08/2026

Such an important cause. These collections are helping families who have lost everything, with their homes completely destroyed by the recent wildfires.

Danielle will be taking all donations on Tuesday so if you’re able to donate anything that could help someone rebuild their lives, please consider supporting this. Even the smallest contribution could mean a lot.

Thinking of everyone affected. ❤️

‼️ D O N A T I O N S ‼️

We are collecting donations here at the dog to help anyone who is suffering and struggling due to the local wild fires! We will collect anything that could help a family in need! Whether it is utensils, children’s toys or clothes we will take it! Please anyone who has been affected do not hesitate to contact the email address advertised and we will try to help anyone we can. We hope everybody has stayed safe and please contact us if you need any help. Danielle, General Manager x

15/08/2026

This is my view when I’ve been sat at my desk for too long 👩🏻‍💻

I think someone is trying to tell me that it’s time to switch off and enjoy the weekend…. or more likely give me a snack or play with me outside 🤣🐾

Happy weekend everyone!

Who else has a needy furry friend keeping them company while they work? I would love to see them! 🫶🏼

12/08/2026

Don’t be left in the dark 🌞🌒

Today’s eclipse is a good reminder that things can change unexpectedly.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO MY MORTGAGE IF LIFE SUDDENLY CHANGED? 🤔

I’ve got a mortgage too, so making sure my income and mortgage are properly protected is just as important to me as it is to the people I help every day.

It’s about being prepared — much like getting ready to watch the eclipse tonight. You wouldn’t want to be caught without a safe way to view it! 🫣

So, how are you planning to watch it?

Special eclipse glasses? A colander and a piece of paper? Or have you got another homemade method up your sleeve?

I’d love to hear what everyone’s doing!

07/08/2026

🏠

🏡 Did you know that many buyers start forming an opinion about a home within the first few minutes of arriving?

It is not always about one big feature. Often, it is the overall feeling - the entrance, the light, the smell, the space, the way the home flows, and whether they can imagine themselves living there.

✨ That is why presentation matters so much when selling. A clean, bright and welcoming home can help buyers feel more connected from the moment they walk in.

When I work with sellers, I always look at those little details because they can make a real difference to how a property is viewed.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Solihull or the surrounding areas, I would be happy to help 🤍

📞 07902 147670
✉️ [email protected]