If you’re an adviser with St. James’s Place (SJP), and considering your options in today’s turbulent financial climate, it’s essential to understand the current landscape—and how it might affect your future. With advisers owing significant sums to SJP and associated lenders, the financial dynamics have become increasingly complex. Let’s break it down together. The Loan … Continue reading Understanding the Challenges Facing SJP Advisers: A Call for Proactive Planning
Month: December 2024
Navigating the Stages of Psychological Development Through The Matrix
Morpheus’s words in The Matrix resonate deeply when he tells Neo, “Many are not ready to unplug from the system.” This statement cuts to the heart of a profound human truth: the journey of awakening to our true selves—our soul’s essence—is neither linear nor without challenges. Let’s explore the parallels between the stages of psychological … Continue reading Navigating the Stages of Psychological Development Through The Matrix
The Four Scenarios of Values Alignment for Financial Planners: Outcomes and Strategies
At the heart of every financial planning career lies a simple question: Are your values aligned with your work environment? This question often goes unasked, yet it profoundly influences your happiness, effectiveness, and long-term success. As we explore the four scenarios of values alignment, we’ll uncover how recognising and addressing this alignment can empower you … Continue reading The Four Scenarios of Values Alignment for Financial Planners: Outcomes and Strategies
Empowerment, Not Nudges: A Better Way to Serve Underserved Communities
The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) proposals on targeted support have been widely discussed as a step towards bridging the advice gap. But are we missing the bigger picture? For underserved communities—those who most need accessible, trustworthy support—there’s a crucial difference between empowerment and nudges. While targeted support offers well-intentioned suggestions, it risks funnelling people towards … Continue reading Empowerment, Not Nudges: A Better Way to Serve Underserved Communities
The Next New Shiny Thing Syndrome: Why Good Investments Should Be Boring
In today’s fast-paced financial world, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the latest investment opportunity. Whether it’s cryptocurrencies, zero-fee pensions, or AI-driven platforms, there’s no shortage of shiny new things claiming to revolutionise the way we save and invest. But as someone who’s spent decades overseeing product review teams in banks—and … Continue reading The Next New Shiny Thing Syndrome: Why Good Investments Should Be Boring
Raising Living Standards: A Welcome Shift for the Public and Holistic Financial Planners
Last week, Keir Starmer made a decisive shift in focus—moving from a narrow "growth objective" to a broader and far more meaningful goal: raising living standards. For the public and holistic financial planners alike, this is a breath of fresh air and a move in the right direction. Why? Because the old focus on growth … Continue reading Raising Living Standards: A Welcome Shift for the Public and Holistic Financial Planners
Debunking Two Myths About the Advice Gap
The term “advice gap” has been widely used in financial services to describe the absence of accessible financial advice for certain segments of the population. However, two persistent myths about this so-called “gap” need to be addressed to ensure we’re truly solving the right problems. Myth 1: There Is a Genuine Advice Gap The first … Continue reading Debunking Two Myths About the Advice Gap
Should Cryptoassets Feature in Your Wealth Plan? A Balanced Look for Personal and Professional Planners
Cryptocurrencies are headline-grabbing, high-risk, and highly debated. From Bitcoin to Ethereum, cryptoassets have sparked curiosity and controversy alike. If you’re a personal or professional financial planner wondering whether these digital assets deserve a place in your wealth strategy, this article aims to provide clarity. Let’s unpack the current state of the crypto market, weigh the … Continue reading Should Cryptoassets Feature in Your Wealth Plan? A Balanced Look for Personal and Professional Planners
The Power of Reviewing Your Pension: Take Charge of Your Retirement Today
As retirement approaches, many people feel a growing need to review their financial arrangements. Recent studies show that the more you review your plans, the better you feel about your financial future. But here’s the good news: reviewing your pension doesn’t have to involve an ongoing relationship with a financial adviser. In fact, you can … Continue reading The Power of Reviewing Your Pension: Take Charge of Your Retirement Today
Thank Goodness They’ve Put the Brakes on Expanding Auto-Enrolment!
For once, it feels like common sense has prevailed. The decision to pause the expansion of auto-enrolment pensions is a welcome relief, especially for businesses and individuals already feeling the strain of financial pressures. Increasing minimum contribution rates, reducing the minimum enrolment age from 22 to 18, and removing earnings thresholds might sound like progressive … Continue reading Thank Goodness They’ve Put the Brakes on Expanding Auto-Enrolment!
Academy of Life Planning 