By Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning
“The industry teaches about products instead of people.”
It’s a statement that reflects a seismic shift already underway in financial services—one being led by Gen Z. A generation that won’t settle for less than meaning, autonomy, and impact in their careers.
‘Financial planning is dying’ – attracting next gen of advisers, FT Adviser, 21 March 2025.
Holistic wealth planning isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. It aligns with Gen Z’s deepest values and most marketable strengths. And as traditional financial planning faces an existential crisis, holistic wealth planning is rapidly emerging as the compelling, scalable, and ethical alternative. Here’s why this moment is an extraordinary opportunity for aspiring Gen Z professionals.
1. Purpose Over Profit: A Career That Aligns With Your Values
Gen Z isn’t just looking for a paycheck. They want purpose. They want their work to matter. Holistic wealth planning enables you to help others live more meaningful lives by addressing not just their money, but their goals, values, and potential. You’re not pushing products. You’re empowering people. It’s life-changing work that feels good—because it does good.
2. Become a Respected Professional, Not a Salesperson
Gen Z wants careers that come with recognition and integrity—think lawyers, doctors, and accountants. Traditional financial advice, still wedded to commission-based product sales, doesn’t deliver that. But holistic wealth planning breaks away from that model.
It’s professional, fee-based, and independent of product sales. You’re paid for your time, skill, and insight—not the sale of a fund or insurance policy. Through the CISI pathway to Certified Financial Planner status, you can achieve respected credentials without ever having to sell a product.
3. Build a Business With—and For—People Like You
As a Gen Z entrepreneur, your greatest asset is your human capital—your time, energy, ideas, and tech fluency. And your ideal clients? Other Gen Zs, with the same untapped potential. Holistic wealth planners help people like them build sustainable livelihoods, leveraging their skills and passions into income.
Traditional advisers don’t even talk about human capital. They focus on managing financial capital—mostly for older clients who’ve already accumulated wealth. That’s a hard sell for a young adviser. But holistic planners create wealth for people still building their lives. That’s a business you can truly believe in.
4. You Already Have the Tools to Thrive
You understand social media, content creation, and AI—skills that older financial advisers often lack. Imagine building a brand as a finfluencer who educates and inspires others to take control of their finances and life path. We’re likely just one or two viral creators away from household names in holistic planning—and you could be one of them.
This knowledge isn’t just useful—it’s essential to scale in the modern advice landscape.
5. A Scalable Business Model That Breaks the Advice Gap
Traditional financial advisers can only work one-to-one, trading time for money. Their client load is capped, and their fees are often unaffordable for younger generations. That’s the advice gap.
But holistic wealth planners deliver generic, not product-specific, guidance. This unlocks one-to-many delivery models: workshops, group coaching, on-demand video, podcasts, and more. It slashes costs for clients and unlocks unlimited earning potential for you. Scalable, accessible, and inclusive. That’s the power of this model.
6. A Pathway That Doesn’t Require Selling a Single Product
The CISI route to becoming a Certified Financial Planner is officially recognised—and it doesn’t require selling any financial products. That means Gen Z professionals can access a fully professional career pathway, entirely on the basis of skills, values, and commitment.
Be the Change: The Future of Financial Planning Starts With You
As the traditional financial advice industry contracts, insiders are calling for a new blueprint—a “regime reset” that separates planning from product and welcomes in new talent.
Holistic wealth planning is that blueprint.
It’s inclusive, scalable, and driven by a mission to create sustainable livelihoods and eliminate income inequality. It’s a profession that embraces AI, tech, and digital-first delivery. And it’s waiting for visionary Gen Z leaders to step in and lead the change.
If you’ve been searching for a career that combines personal freedom, professional respect, social impact, and unlimited potential—this is it.
Want to explore this future?
Join our movement at the Academy of Life Planning, and discover how you can become a holistic wealth planner shaping the world of tomorrow—today.
Your Money or Your Life
Unmask the highway robbers – Enjoy wealth in every area of your life!
By Steve Conley. Available on Amazon. Visit www.steve.conley.co.uk to find out more.
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