The way we approach retirement is changing. Traditional financial planning has long centred on building financial capital—pensions, savings, and investments—to secure our future. But the cracks in this strategy are becoming harder to ignore. For many, it no longer holds up under the weight of increased life expectancy, economic uncertainty, and the changing nature of … Continue reading Retirement Planning: Why It’s Time to Focus on Human Capital Over Financial Capital
Month: November 2024
Why Holistic Wealth Planners Approach Problems Differently
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and nowhere is this more evident than in later life. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a partner, an unexpected health challenge, or a pension pot that falls short, these moments often reveal the limitations of traditional financial advice. Most financial advisers focus on financial capital strategies—essentially, making … Continue reading Why Holistic Wealth Planners Approach Problems Differently
Choosing Your Path: Salaried Financial Adviser or Self-Employed Holistic Wealth Planner?
In recent years, a growing number of accountants have been exploring career paths in personal financial planning. This shift reflects a desire to leverage their financial expertise to provide comprehensive, client-focused advice. Organisations like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have recognised this trend, offering resources and communities to support professionals … Continue reading Choosing Your Path: Salaried Financial Adviser or Self-Employed Holistic Wealth Planner?
Safeguarding Your Family Farm: Navigating Upcoming Inheritance Tax Changes
In the recent Autumn Budget, the UK government announced significant changes to inheritance tax (IHT) affecting farmers. Starting April 2026, the first £1 million of combined business and agricultural assets will remain exempt from IHT. However, assets exceeding this threshold will be subject to a 20% tax rate, a shift from the previous full exemption … Continue reading Safeguarding Your Family Farm: Navigating Upcoming Inheritance Tax Changes
Financial Advisers or Product Sellers? Let’s Put Truth on the Tin
When you’re facing a significant life event—whether it’s losing a loved one, navigating a serious illness, or dealing with a divorce—it’s natural to seek help. The public’s instinct is often to contact someone labelled as a “financial planner” or “financial adviser.” They believe they’ll receive guidance on how to handle these emotional, life-altering changes. Instead, … Continue reading Financial Advisers or Product Sellers? Let’s Put Truth on the Tin
The Pathway to Becoming a Financial Planner (Not a Product Seller)
In the world of financial planning, there’s a growing need for a clear and distinct pathway for professionals who want to focus on holistic life planning rather than selling financial products. This distinction is critical for those who aspire to be true financial planners—coaches and guides helping clients map out their life goals—not tied to … Continue reading The Pathway to Becoming a Financial Planner (Not a Product Seller)
A New Blow to Consumer Rights: The Government’s Plan to Curb Access to Free Dispute Representation
In what can only be seen as another move favouring financial corporations over the public, the Government’s latest initiative looks set to erode consumer rights in financial dispute claims. The proposal? Charging consumers who wish to be professionally represented when making a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), the very institution that was set … Continue reading A New Blow to Consumer Rights: The Government’s Plan to Curb Access to Free Dispute Representation
The Illusion of Advice: Why Financial Capital Isn’t the Whole Story
The financial services industry can be a confusing maze for consumers. At the heart of it all, you’ve got distributors (the salespeople), manufacturers (the product creators), regulators (the watchdogs), and their suppliers (everyone from tech providers to marketers). What do they all have in common? They want you, the consumer, to buy more of their … Continue reading The Illusion of Advice: Why Financial Capital Isn’t the Whole Story
Cutting the Red Tape or Cutting Consumer Protection?
The Chancellor’s Mansion House speech was a love letter to the City of London – wrapped in reform rhetoric but smelling distinctly of deregulation. Rachel Reeves wants us to believe her package of reforms will drive growth and unleash the financial services sector like never before. But let’s look past the polished prose, shall we? … Continue reading Cutting the Red Tape or Cutting Consumer Protection?
Review of PFS’s “A Guide to Personal Financial Planning”: Assessing the Essentials of Modern Financial Planning
In the ever-evolving landscape of financial planning, it’s crucial to move beyond the traditional focus on financial capital alone. A comprehensive approach must integrate human capital strategies and personal values assessments, recognising the broader context of an individual's life. Let’s explore whether the PFS guide effectively incorporates these critical components. Does the Guide Include Personal … Continue reading Review of PFS’s “A Guide to Personal Financial Planning”: Assessing the Essentials of Modern Financial Planning
Academy of Life Planning 