The Surge in Pension Allowance Charges: A Wake-Up Call Recent HMRC data has laid bare a startling truth: pension allowance charges have skyrocketed. The figures for the tax year 2021/22 reveal that annual allowance charges surged to £335mn, a significant leap from £202mn in the previous year. The Taxman's Response: A Band-Aid Solution In an … Continue reading The Unveiled Reality of Pension Allowance Charges: A Shift Towards Sustainable Livelihoods →

A recent FSCS study reveals that over half of UK adults are concerned about their financial well-being in retirement. While these concerns are understandable, I believe there's a more empowering approach to planning for the future.

Introduction In 2020, I highlighted a critical issue plaguing the financial advice industry: the "Fee for No Service" problem. This issue is not confined to St. James's Place (SJP); it extends to other firms like Quilter, Brewin Dolphin, Rathbones, Hargreaves Lansdown, and typical Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs). The problem has far-reaching consequences for both clients and … Continue reading The “Fee for No Service” Quagmire: A Ticking Time Bomb for Advisers and Clients Alike →

Introduction The world is at a crossroads. With increasing income inequality and a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots, the need for financial empowerment has never been greater. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that the key to unlocking this empowerment lies in separating financial planning from financial advice. This distinction … Continue reading Empowering the World Through Financial Planning, Not Financial Advice →

Introduction The financial services industry often paints a grim picture of retirement, particularly for those without pensions. The narrative usually revolves around "cliff-edge retirements," a term designed to induce fear and, consequently, encourage asset management services that come with fees. However, when we put the consumer first and integrate financial planning, technology, and advocacy against … Continue reading A New Paradigm for Retirement: Beyond Pensions and Towards Sustainable Livelihoods →

As we're seeing more people live well into their 80s and beyond, it's crucial to shift our societal focus from age to capability. The potential for older adults to contribute meaningfully—as volunteers, consultants, community leaders, employees, board members, and active family participants—is immense. Taking Charge of Your Health The key to ageing well lies in … Continue reading Unlocking the Full Potential of Older Adults →

Mental, social, and spiritual health are as important as physical health and are deeply interconnected. In a survey of 19,000 people across 19 countries, around 85 percent of respondents said their mental health is as important to them as their physical health, and their spiritual and social health were also listed by the majority as … Continue reading Adding Years To Life And Life To Years: Factors Influencing Health →

In today's complex financial landscape, the need for transparent, accessible, and equitable financial planning has never been greater. At the Academy of Life Planning, we're pioneering a transformative approach that aims to reshape the industry and contribute to a more just society. Let's break down what this means: What is Non-Intermediating Financial Planning? Traditional financial … Continue reading 🌟 Empowering Equitable Societies: The Revolutionary Approach of Non-Intermediating Financial Planning 🌟 →

Introduction In the world of financial planning, every basis point counts. With the rise of direct market investment platforms, consumers now have more options than ever to manage their portfolios. This article delves into the long-term financial implications of choosing between traditional wealth managers and direct market investments. The financial planning industry is undergoing a … Continue reading The Long-Term Financial Impact of Direct Market Investments vs. Wealth Managers →