As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the milestones, growth, and impact we’ve achieved together. From empowering individuals to take charge of their financial futures to strengthening the community of values-driven planners, this year has been one of transformation and progress.
Let’s take a look back 👇:
Milestones
What a year of growth and achievement for the Academy community! 🎉
In 2024, we proudly reached 625 members, with 337 HapNav users taking control of their financial futures.
We also celebrated the qualification of 10 new Accredited GAME Plan Practitioners, bringing the total to an impressive 61 practitioners across the Academy.
Our member polls revealed a wealth of expertise within the planning community:
✅ 95% of members are professionally qualified to QCA Level 4 and above.
✅ 75% of members hold qualifications at QCA Level 6 and above.
This collective expertise speaks volumes about the professionalism and dedication of our community.
Throughout the year, we delivered a packed schedule of opportunities for learning and collaboration, including:
🧠 13 CPD Masterclasses
🤝 8 Partner Parades
⚡ An AI Power Hour
And to help members expand their reach and impact, we supported the launch of 10 new member-branded e-Commerce websites. These platforms are designed to empower planners to showcase their unique value and connect with their clients more effectively. See our Success Stories.
These milestones are a testament to the strength, collaboration, and shared vision of our incredible Academy community. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!
Key Developments
This year has been one of innovation and advancement for the Academy, as we introduced groundbreaking initiatives and tools to further empower our community 🌟.
We launched the CPD Evolution Masterclass Series, a game-changer for professional development. Each two-hour live video session dives deep into a specific aspect of the GAME Plan framework, with recordings available on-demand for free to all members. These masterclasses have been a fantastic way to enhance knowledge, sharpen skills, and stay ahead in the profession.
A major milestone for the profession was securing a professional development pathway with CISI, leading to CFP accreditation and registration. This means financial planners can achieve the highest standards of professional recognition without ever having to engage in product sales—a significant step forward for those focused on holistic, client-centred planning.
In the summer, the Academy took control of the MoneyFitt financial education platform from its developers in Singapore. This comprehensive resource is now a core part of our mission to provide accessible financial education and empower individuals to take charge of their financial well-being.
December marked the launch of HapNav v2.0, the world’s first end-user financial planning application integrated with Open Banking. Recognised as an industry-leading tool, this enhanced version makes financial planning more accessible, transparent, and impactful for individuals everywhere.
These developments reflect our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating lasting value for both our members and the wider financial planning profession. We’re excited to build on these successes in 2025!
Do any of these innovations resonate with you? Let us know your thoughts 👇 or get in touch—we’d love to hear your feedback!
Events & Engagements
This year, the Academy had the privilege of hosting and participating in impactful events that brought together like-minded professionals and organisations to champion transparency, values, and collaboration 🤝.
Our Partner Parades featured fantastic showcases from:
🌟 CISI
🌟 Wise Monkey
🌟 Keylu
🌟 My Finance Future
🌟 Planner Pal
🌟 Goal Mapper
🌟 Today & Tomorrow
🌟 Money Habitudes
These partnerships highlighted innovative tools and services that align with our mission of empowering financial planners and their clients. See Our Partners.
In celebration of World Values Day, we were honoured to present at the Transparency Taskforce. This event provided a powerful platform to advocate for integrity, accountability, and purpose within the financial services profession.
Events like these remind us of the importance of working together to create a positive impact in the lives of individuals and the broader community.
Were you part of any of these engagements, or is there an event you’d like to see us participate in next year? Let us know—we’d love your suggestions! 👇
Here’s to even more meaningful collaborations in 2025! 🚀
Metrics That Matter
This year has been remarkable for the growth and engagement across our platforms, reflecting the strength of our message and the vibrancy of our community 🚀.
Here’s a snapshot of the numbers that truly matter:
📈 Our LinkedIn community has grown to 5,425 followers and 4,681 connections, creating a powerful space for collaboration and sharing insights.
📜 The Asset Strategies LinkedIn Newsletter has now reached an impressive 454 editions with 1,397 subscribers—thank you to everyone who reads, comments, and shares!
💼 Our LinkedIn Groups continue to thrive, with:
- 545 members in the Professional Generic Financial Planning Adviser Network.
- 999 members in the D2C Platforms group—nearly hitting the 1,000 milestone!
The momentum doesn’t stop there:
✨ Impressions on LinkedIn are up 1,663% compared to last year.
✨ Member engagement has increased by an incredible 1,294%.
✨ Weekly run rates are now regularly exceeding 20,000 impressions, putting us on track for a one million annual impressions run rate!
Meanwhile, over at Financial Life Coach, our cheeky and sardonic posts have been a hit, driving a 1,500% increase in post views and site sessions compared to last year.
These metrics tell a story of connection, impact, and growth—and they inspire us to keep building spaces where meaningful conversations and ideas can thrive.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these amazing results. Let’s keep the momentum going into 2025 and beyond! 💪
Steve’s Blog: A Year of Growth and Connection
2024 has been an incredible year for Steve’s Blog, with significant growth in reach, engagement, and impact. From just five posts a month in January to an impressive 50 posts a month in the second half of the year, the blog has truly flourished as a platform for thought leadership and meaningful conversations.
Here’s what the numbers tell us:
📈 15,000 views in 2024—a 562% increase compared to the prior year.
👥 Visitors up by 566%, connecting with a growing global audience.
👍 2,695% increase in likes, reflecting the resonance of the content shared.
💬 267% increase in comments, sparking deeper discussions and engagement.
With 659 posts spanning over a decade, the “searchable” blog continues to be a rich resource for insights, guidance, and inspiration. Each post is a testament to the Academy’s dedication to empowering individuals and professionals through transparency, education, and actionable advice.
Thank you to everyone who has read, shared, and engaged with the blog this year. Your support is what drives its success and helps us spread the message of holistic financial empowerment far and wide.
As we step into 2025, we’re committed to delivering even more valuable content to inspire, inform, and connect with our community. Have a topic you’d love to see covered? Drop your suggestions below or get in touch—we’d love to hear from you! 📬
Let’s keep the momentum going together 🌟.
Which of these milestones resonates with you most? Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇.
Testimonials & Feedback
The feedback we’ve received this year has been nothing short of inspiring, and it’s a privilege to share the transformative impact our approach has had on planners and clients alike 💬✨.
One professional planner shared their story of rediscovery:
“As someone who walked away from the financial services profession due to the stress, I fully understand where FS professionals are coming from. However, I have since discovered an alternative path: becoming a holistic fee-paying financial planner. It’s still early days, but the feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive.
I provide all the services of a typical financial adviser, except I don’t recommend specific products or investments, thereby avoiding intermediary services. This means less heavy-handed regulation, minimal compliance costs, and no overpriced professional indemnity insurance. It’s all about delivering excellent service at a fair price—a true win-win for everyone.”
From the USA, a planner shared how our life planning approach went far beyond financial advice:
“I know we’re in different industries, but your life planning approach goes far beyond financial planning. Yesterday’s session was a life-changing experience. For the first time, I truly saw who I am, thanks to the exercises we did together. It’s not just about money—it’s about understanding your true self and finding your purpose. What you offer is so much more than advice; it’s a path to self-discovery and living authentically. I’m excited for the journey ahead and the fresh perspective I’ve gained. There’s so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to dive in.”
These heartfelt words remind us why we do what we do. It’s not just about improving financial well-being—it’s about empowering people to live meaningful, authentic lives.
To everyone who has shared their experiences with us this year, thank you for your openness and trust. Your feedback inspires us to continue improving, innovating, and championing this life-changing approach.
Have you experienced a similar transformation? We’d love to hear your story—drop a comment below or reach out directly. Let’s keep the conversation going! 🙌
Awards & Recognitions
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news as we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the future. At the back end of this year, the Academy of Life Planning has been honoured with multiple awards that celebrate our ongoing commitment to empowering financial advisers and transforming the profession 🎉.
In 2025, we proudly received:
🏆 Best Financial Adviser Support Network 2025
🏆 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Finance 2025
These accolades were awarded by:
✨ SME500 UK – 2025 Awards
✨ M&A Today – Global Awards 2025
✨ Corporate America Today – Annual Awards 2025
This marks the fourth consecutive year that we’ve achieved these prestigious recognitions, and we couldn’t be prouder of the journey we’ve shared with our members, partners, and community.
These awards reflect not just the work we’ve done but the shared values we champion: transparency, integrity, and a commitment to holistic, client-centred financial planning.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Your belief in our mission and your contributions to this incredible community make achievements like these possible.
We’re energised and inspired to continue raising the bar in 2025 and beyond. Together, let’s keep driving change and empowering professionals to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What should our next goal be? We’d love to hear from you.
Associated Company Developments
This year has been a standout for our associated companies, which continue to grow, innovate, and expand the reach of our mission 🚀.
Each business plays a vital role in advancing our shared vision of empowering individuals and professionals to achieve holistic financial well-being. Here’s a quick look at their progress in 2024:
🌟 Planning My Life launched new resources to help individuals take charge of their financial futures, making holistic financial planning more accessible and achievable for everyone.
🌟 Financial Life Coach has seen incredible growth, providing transformative coaching experiences that empower clients to align their financial lives with their broader goals and values.
🌟 HapNav unveiled its groundbreaking v2.0 upgrade, introducing Open Banking integration and solidifying its position as the world’s first end-user financial planning app. It’s an innovation we’re particularly proud to share!
🌟 MoneyFitt continues to grow as a comprehensive financial education platform, equipping users with the tools and knowledge to make informed, confident financial decisions.
The momentum behind these companies reflects the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of everyone involved. Together, we’re not just building businesses; we’re creating resources and opportunities that transform lives.
As we look to 2025, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries, strengthening partnerships, and delivering even more value to our clients and community.
Which of these developments excites you most? Let us know—we’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! 💡
Lessons Learned
This year has taught us valuable lessons, underscoring the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the strength of our incredible community 🙌.
The Power of Community
One key takeaway has been the immense power of connection. The support, collaboration, and shared values within our network have driven meaningful change for both members and their clients. It’s a constant reminder that together, we achieve more.
Overcoming Challenges
2024 wasn’t without its hurdles. A significant challenge arose when Wix Payments decided to categorise financial education alongside prohibited financial services, giving us just three days’ notice to replatform our entire subscription membership.
Thanks to the loyalty and understanding of our members—and a lot of hard work behind the scenes—we managed to transition seamlessly to new payment providers without interrupting service provision. Not only did we overcome this challenge, but we also grew revenues from that position. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us during this transition!
Innovations for Accessibility
This year, we introduced key enhancements to make membership even more valuable and accessible:
- Free CPD Masterclasses and VOD recordings for all members, delivering hours of professional training and resources at no extra cost.
- A low, industry-leading subscription price of just £19/month, ensuring maximum accessibility while providing immense value.
These changes mean Academy revenues remain comparable to 2023, but the value-add for members has grown exponentially. As we move into 2025, we’ll review how these additional services are utilised, ensuring we remain efficient and sustainable while giving you the biggest bang for your buck.
The M-Power Movement: A Transformative Partnership
In 2024, the Academy of Life Planning proudly aligned with the M-Power Movement, marking a significant step forward in our mission to empower individuals to take control of their financial futures. This partnership embodies our unwavering commitment to financial empowerment, fairness, and accessibility.
By joining forces with the M-Power Movement, we’ve enhanced our ability to provide comprehensive planning services, cutting-edge education, and transformative tools. Together, we’re breaking down the barriers of traditional financial services, ensuring financial knowledge and resources are accessible to all—regardless of background or circumstance.
This collaboration isn’t just about improving financial literacy; it’s about fostering a fairer society where everyone has the tools and confidence to build a secure and fulfilling future. We’re redefining excellence, trust, and inclusivity within the financial planning industry.
As we look to 2025, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we can create a world where financial empowerment is the standard, not the exception.
Let us know how we can support you, or share your ideas for how the M-Power Movement and the Academy can drive even greater impact. This is just the beginning of something truly extraordinary 🌟.
2024 saw the Launch of AoLP Sponsorship Opportunities: Join a Movement Towards Holistic Well-Being
At the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), we believe that true wealth goes far beyond financial success. It’s about creating a life rich in balance, purpose, and well-being—financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
This year, we’re thrilled to invite like-minded organisations to partner with us through our sponsorship programme, launched in 2024. By joining as a sponsor, your brand becomes part of a movement dedicated to transforming lives and advancing a vision of holistic well-being.
Why Partner with AoLP?
Partnering with AoLP offers your brand the chance to:
- Make a meaningful impact in the lives of thousands across the globe.
- Align with a purpose-driven community committed to transparency, empowerment, and sustainable growth.
- Reach a diverse global audience of professionals and individuals passionate about creating positive change.
We offer tailored sponsorship packages designed to maximise visibility and engagement while reflecting your commitment to our shared mission.
By becoming an AoLP sponsor, you’ll not only strengthen your brand’s visibility but also join a global movement that’s changing lives through financial empowerment and holistic well-being.
Let’s make a difference together. To explore sponsorship opportunities or discuss a tailored partnership, reach out to us today. Together, we can create a brighter, more balanced future for all 🌟.
Which sponsorship level resonates with your brand? We’d love to hear from you! 📬
Exciting Updates for 2025
We’re starting 2025 with fresh energy and a host of exciting initiatives designed to empower planners and enhance the value we deliver to our community 🚀.
Looking ahead, we’re enhancing our offerings even further:
- Continuing our 50 Town Halls, held every Friday, alongside the popular Weekly Waffle Newsletters.
- Introducing CPD Evolution Masterclass Series 2, free to members and available on-demand.
These additions reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding value and supporting our members in achieving their goals.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your feedback and participation drive everything we do, and we look forward to growing together in 2025. Let us know how we can better serve you—your voice is always at the heart of our decisions! 💡
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
🌟 Series 2 CPD Masterclasses
Building on the success of our CPD Evolution Masterclasses, we’ll be diving even deeper into topics that matter, with sessions live and on-demand, free for all members.
🌟 The Return of Worksite Wednesdays
We’re bringing back Worksite Wednesdays to explore exciting B2B2E opportunities—helping you unlock new avenues to support employees directly through workplace financial well-being programmes.
🌟 More AI Power Hours
Our popular AI Power Hours are making a comeback, showcasing the latest innovations and practical tools to streamline your processes and amplify your impact.
🌟 Expanded Partner Parades
Expect even more Partner Parades, featuring collaborations with innovative companies and resources that align with our mission to transform financial planning.
🌟 Global Projects
Exciting ventures are landing in Singapore, expanding our international reach and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and impact.
🌟 A New AI Mobile App
We’re thrilled to announce a cutting-edge AI mobile app for goal setting, putting powerful planning tools directly in your pocket.
These updates are designed to keep you ahead of the curve and support you in delivering exceptional service to your clients, all while strengthening our vibrant, values-driven community.
Stay tuned for more details as we roll out these initiatives throughout the year. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store—and we’re so excited to share this journey with you.
Which of these updates are you most looking forward to? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s make 2025 our best year yet! 🙌
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey this year—our members, collaborators, and supporters. Together, we are shaping a better future for financial planning.
If you have ideas, feedback, or thoughts on what you’d like to see in 2025, we’d love to hear them! Share in the comments or reach out directly, at Academy of Life Planning.
Wishing you a merry and magical Christmas season! May it be filled with warmth, joy, and the inspiration to achieve great things in the year ahead. 🎄✨🎅 Here’s to another incredible year ahead 🚀.
#LifePlanning #FinancialEmpowerment #PurposeDrivenPlanning
Academy of Life Planning 