Financial Planning: Filling the Gap Left by Financial Advice

The financial services landscape in the UK has seen significant shifts over the last few decades, but one critical mistake has caused lasting damage: the failure to recognise the difference between financial planning and financial advice. It’s a mistake that has led to a significant "planning gap" – a void in the services offered to … Continue reading Financial Planning: Filling the Gap Left by Financial Advice

Paving the Way: A Professional Pathway for Aspiring Financial Planners

When we talk about financial planning, many people think of it as synonymous with financial advice. But in reality, they are two distinct disciplines, with financial planning offering a much broader, person-centred approach. As the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) puts it: “A financial planner focuses on you – your goals, your aspirations, … Continue reading Paving the Way: A Professional Pathway for Aspiring Financial Planners

Discover who you are and why you’re here, by Steve Conley

Question: “Subject: Who is Steve Conley? Hi Steve, I haven’t gone mad, but do you think you should put something out there about you ... No one who doesn’t know you, knows anything about you and what drives you to be the changemaker.  Your story is an important one. Just a thought Steve…  only a … Continue reading Discover who you are and why you’re here, by Steve Conley

The Trusted Adviser Project: From Industry to Profession

Tell me, do you ever wish financial planning was seen more as a profession—and less of a product sales-driven industry? Maybe you’ve spent years building assets under management, and recurring revenue makes up most of your earnings. But now, with the FCA raising concerns about whether ongoing advice is even relevant for 90% of the … Continue reading The Trusted Adviser Project: From Industry to Profession

Take Control of Your Retirement Finances with HapNav

Are you feeling confused about pensions? If so, you’re not alone. Recent research reveals that nearly three in five Britons (56%) find pensions complicated and difficult to navigate. This confusion often leads to anxiety, with almost half (45%) of those yet to retire avoiding retirement planning altogether. These feelings of uncertainty are compounded by a … Continue reading Take Control of Your Retirement Finances with HapNav

Choosing a Red or Blue Ocean Strategy in Financial Services

Just the other day, someone commented on social media, "Well, financial planning certainly hasn't seen a great take-up thus far, has it!" – Financial advice tech consultant. This sparked a thought. From a marketing perspective, businesses often navigate between two different types of strategies: Red Ocean and Blue Ocean. These terms paint a vivid picture … Continue reading Choosing a Red or Blue Ocean Strategy in Financial Services

Become a Holistic Financial Planner and Thrive Beyond Traditional Financial Advice

Many traditional financial planners find themselves at a crossroads. The weight of heavy regulation, the stress of compliance, professional indemnity insurance costs, and the ever-present pressure to sell financial products can take a toll. For many, it’s no longer just about offering the best advice, but navigating a system that demands more paperwork, more insurance, … Continue reading Become a Holistic Financial Planner and Thrive Beyond Traditional Financial Advice

A New Path for Financial Planners: The Professional Body We Deserve

As the financial advice industry continues to unravel, it’s becoming increasingly clear that something has to change. The recent upheaval with the CII appointing its executives to the PFS board is just the latest in a series of events that expose the underlying control of the financial industry over what should be independent professional bodies. … Continue reading A New Path for Financial Planners: The Professional Body We Deserve

Retirement Planning for Women: Why Both Financial and Human Capital Matter

Retirement planning isn’t just about building a robust financial nest egg. It’s about preparing for a fulfilling, purposeful life after work—a life that involves both financial capital and human capital. For women, in particular, this broader approach is vital, as they often face greater challenges in securing financial independence for retirement. Understanding these two sides … Continue reading Retirement Planning for Women: Why Both Financial and Human Capital Matter

The Wealth of Well-Being: How Financial and Life Satisfaction Intersect

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving financial well-being is often seen as the ultimate goal. But is financial success alone enough for a fulfilling life? In A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance, Professor Meir Statman delves into the heart of this question. He introduces a refreshing perspective on how financial decisions are … Continue reading The Wealth of Well-Being: How Financial and Life Satisfaction Intersect