For years, I have championed the need for clear blue water between financial advice and product sales. The distinction is not just a regulatory nuance; it is the foundation of ethical, client-first financial planning. Despite the oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), this oversight does not guarantee integrity. Consumers place their trust in a … Continue reading Another Case for Blue Water Between Advice and Product
Month: February 2025
Human Capital: The Missing Piece in Financial Planning
For nearly a century, economists have recognized the value of human capital, yet the financial industry remains fixated on financial capital—predominantly, how to save and invest money that has already been earned. This narrow focus is no accident; it is the by-product of an industry designed to sell financial products, not to empower individuals. An … Continue reading Human Capital: The Missing Piece in Financial Planning
The True Measure of Britain’s Success: How the Middle Class is Being Squeezed—And What We Can Do About It
For too long, we’ve been told that the success of Britain is measured by how well the top 1% are doing on the stock market. Headlines celebrate rising share prices, corporate profits, and GDP growth, yet none of these reflect the reality of everyday life for most people. If we really want to measure success, … Continue reading The True Measure of Britain’s Success: How the Middle Class is Being Squeezed—And What We Can Do About It
Financial Education or Product Sales? The Red Flag at Bristol University
By Steve Conley In 1979, during my fresher week at Bristol University, I was approached in the Union building by an Endsleigh Insurance representative. He had the university’s approval to speak to students about financial education. He told me that opening a savings account was a good idea. Right there and then, he set one … Continue reading Financial Education or Product Sales? The Red Flag at Bristol University
How to Avoid the Inheritance Tax Grab: Why You Need a Holistic Financial Planner
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is becoming a growing concern for many families, as HMRC’s latest figures reveal a relentless increase in tax receipts. With the government taking in a record-breaking £639m in IHT in January alone—a 15% jump from last year—more estates are being dragged into the tax net. If you’re looking for ways to protect … Continue reading How to Avoid the Inheritance Tax Grab: Why You Need a Holistic Financial Planner
The Blame-Shifting Game: A Sign of Resistance to Change
When old beliefs start to crumble, those who have relied on them—whether out of habit, fear, or social conditioning—can find themselves feeling unsteady. Instead of questioning what they were taught, they often turn their attention outward, searching for someone to blame. One of the most common tactics they use is blame-shifting—accusing those who have stepped … Continue reading The Blame-Shifting Game: A Sign of Resistance to Change
Breaking Free from the System: The Path to Financial Self-Sovereignty
For too long, the financial system has been built to benefit institutions, not individuals. It thrives on complexity, dependency, and a belief that only experts can manage money. But what if you could take back control? What if you could become the master of your financial destiny? That’s exactly what financial self-sovereignty is about—breaking free … Continue reading Breaking Free from the System: The Path to Financial Self-Sovereignty
The Role of Human Capital in Redefining Financial Planning
For years, financial planning has focused on one thing: money. How much you save, how much you invest, and how much you’ll need for retirement. But what if true wealth isn’t just about what’s in your bank account? What if your greatest financial asset is actually you? That’s where human capital comes in. Human capital … Continue reading The Role of Human Capital in Redefining Financial Planning
How the GAME Plan Empowers Individuals to Take Control of Their Financial Futures
Taking control of your financial future can feel overwhelming. The world of money is often shrouded in complexity, with jargon-filled advice that leaves many feeling disconnected from their own financial decisions. But what if there was a way to make financial planning clear, empowering, and truly centred on you? That’s exactly what the GAME Plan … Continue reading How the GAME Plan Empowers Individuals to Take Control of Their Financial Futures
Reclaiming Our True Path: The Ancient Blueprint for Modern Freedom
In an era where global institutions, financial giants, and corporate entities exert increasing control over our lives, many people feel trapped in a cycle that offers little room for true autonomy and self-fulfilment. We are led to believe that the path to success and security lies in following prescribed societal norms—working tirelessly, saving diligently, and … Continue reading Reclaiming Our True Path: The Ancient Blueprint for Modern Freedom
