My Review of “Life Centered Financial Planning”, by Mitch Anthony and Paul Armson

Life-Centred Financial Planning (LCFP) and Non-Intermediating Financial Planning (NIFP): A Better Way to Plan

Life-Centred Financial Planning is a brilliant book for any financial planner who prioritises clients over commissions. I couldn’t put it down—it’s an essential read for planners seeking resilience and readiness in an evolving world.

Money-centred approaches, driven by algorithms and automated solutions, are becoming obsolete. The sales-first mentality is fading fast, along with outdated practices like prognosticating market moves. Reward systems have long distorted consumer outcomes, but the future lies in value propositions that are human, not transactional.

True advisers need to deepen their understanding of clients. A great planner isn’t just a number cruncher—they’re a biographer. Think Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey: understanding where the client has been (Act 1), where they are now (Act 2), and where they want to go (Act 3). This narrative builds a personal timeline of life transitions and future goals, creating plans that inspire action.

The best advisers embrace humility and gratitude, focusing on their clients’ needs, not on selling products. This is where LCFP shines, and NIFP takes things further.

Why NIFP Stands Out

NIFPs (Non-Intermediating Financial Planners) don’t just manage wealth—they help create it. In a commoditised market where products are secondary, NIFPs work to create value for clients without pushing funds or products. Their approach is especially powerful for the 95% of people who fall below typical wealth thresholds.

• Plans Create Wealth: Products manage wealth for the wealthy, but plans are the foundation of wealth creation.
• Assets Matter: NIFPs don’t dismiss client assets like businesses or inheritances. Every asset, managed or not, is a vital piece of the financial puzzle.
• Holistic Objectives: Beyond financial security and freedom, NIFPs add Wisdom (education and financial literacy) and Legacy (inheritance and succession planning).

Where NIFPs differ most is in their starting point. They emphasise where clients want to be before focusing on where they are now. By starting with goals, they avoid dismissing dreams as unrealistic. This “productive cycle” opens a box of possibilities and builds plans that create new wealth.

The NIFP Mindset

Transitions, like caring for a parent, can feel like obstacles. NIFPs inspire clients to dream big and build a vision first, creating plans that empower them to overcome challenges. By balancing aspirations with practical steps, clients are encouraged to take action while their vision is clear.

While LCFPs focus on making the most of the money a client already has, NIFPs focus on unlocking new opportunities. This is a critical addition to the planning process, particularly for bridging wealth gaps.

Why NIFP Over LCFP?

The LCFP framework often relies on fees tied to assets under management, with the hope that “assets will come.” NIFPs have a different philosophy: plans create wealth, and the goal isn’t about managing money but empowering people.

For planners who want to offer more than asset management, NIFP is the future. It’s about getting the best life possible for clients while leaving the world a better place.

Become a Non-Intermediating Financial Planner

If this resonates with you, we’d love to help. At the Academy of Life Planning, we’re building a community of forward-thinking planners who embrace purpose-driven, client-centred approaches.

Whether you’re starting fresh or transitioning from traditional financial advice, we can help you thrive in this new landscape. Contact us today to learn more about how the Academy of Life Planning can help you build a resilient, future-ready financial planning practice.

Let’s create better lives together!
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