Today, a joining member who has been a financial planning intermediary for many years questioned the value of taking the game plan accreditation programme. If you're in the same boat, this article aims to shed light on why this accreditation is not just beneficial but essential for your practice. 1. The Narrow Scope of FCA-Regulated … Continue reading Why Game Plan Accreditation is a Game-Changer for Financial Planners →

Introduction This Autumn, a bill is racing through the UK Parliament that could significantly alter the landscape of pension savings for younger and lower-paid workers. Known as the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) (No. 2) Bill, it aims to extend pension auto-enrolment to those aged 18 and over. While the government champions this as a … Continue reading The Double-Edged Sword of Pension Auto-Enrolment Expansion: A Boon, a Stealth Tax, or a Future Tax Burden? →

Introduction Recent research by Abrdn has brought to light a worrying trend: retirement anxiety is on the rise among UK adults over 40. Max Brooks, the author of "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," once said, "Fear is the most valuable commodity in the universe." This statement rings true in the … Continue reading Challenging the Retirement Anxiety Narrative: The Commodification of Fear in Financial Planning →

Introduction The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently released its latest Financial Lives Survey, revealing some eye-opening statistics about the public's perception of financial advisers. While the survey shows that those who have used financial advisers generally trust them, a significant portion of the public remains sceptical. This post delves into these findings and argues for … Continue reading The FCA Survey: A Wake-Up Call for Financial Advisers and a Rallying Cry for Non-Intermediating Financial Planning →

1. Introduction Welcome to a new era of financial planning, one that puts you in the driver's seat. This post will explore why everyone needs a financial plan but not necessarily a financial intermediary. 2. The Importance of Financial Planning Financial planning is the cornerstone of a secure and fulfilling life. It's not just about … Continue reading Everyone Needs a Financial Plan, But Not Everyone Needs a Financial Intermediary →

Article: Why Gen Z Needs 'Planning My Life' More Than TikTok for Financial Wellness Introduction Ever wondered why Gen Z, the digital natives, are more inclined to seek financial advice from TikTok influencers rather than professionals? The answer lies not just in the appeal of social media but also in the gaps left by traditional … Continue reading Why Gen Z Needs ‘Planning My Life’ More Than TikTok for Financial Wellness →

Steve Conley | Updated: September 5, 2023 | 12 Minutes Introduction The 'rainy day' that people often talk about saving for is here for many. With a large number of households having little to no savings, it's crucial to find alternative ways to boost your finances. Remember, financial products don't create wealth; people do. So, … Continue reading No Cash, No Problem: 100 Ways to Boost Your Finances When Savings Are Low →

Introduction The financial literacy crisis in the UK is reaching a tipping point, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Amidst this, the government is pushing for extended maths education up to the age of 18. However, with high failure rates in maths resits, the question arises: is traditional education enough? "Planning My Life" offers … Continue reading Planning My Life: Navigating the Maze of Financial Literacy Amidst Educational Reforms →

Proper Financial Planning: Threshold Hypothesis and Lifetime Liability Forecast When financial planning, plan the client before you plan the money. Once you have identified the client’s life goals (their favourite future), attach a cost to it. We call this the lifetime liability forecast. It can be expressed in three parts: A. Basic Expenditure (Region 1 … Continue reading Holistic Financial Planning: Balancing Lifetime Liabilities and Wellbeing →