At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in turning proven healthcare philosophies into powerful financial planning principles. Inspired by the NHS Long Term Plan and the person-centered care model, we’ve developed an approach to wealth that treats individuals not as passive recipients of financial advice, but as active participants in their own prosperity.
Just as the NHS recognises that “90% of people, 90% of the time can manage their own health with the right support”, we believe that most people can manage their own wealth — provided they have access to the right tools, knowledge, and community. It is only in times of financial stress, crisis, or major life transitions that one might require one-to-one support. This belief underpins our self-directed planning framework at Planning My Life and our mentorship model within Financial Life Coach.
What is Person-Centred Planning?
Person-centred planning mirrors person-centred care in philosophy and practice. It’s a holistic, empowering, and dignified approach to financial planning. Instead of focusing on products or sales, we centre the individual—their life narrative, their resources, their goals. Just as healthcare has moved from “what’s the matter with you?” to “what matters to you?”, so too have we reframed financial planning from “what can you afford?” to “what do you value?”
Key Principles of Person-Centred Planning
Drawing from person-centred care, our wealth model is built on four key tenets:
- Tailored to the individual: Every client’s plan starts with their life story—their narrative, goals, values, and community.
- Asset-focused: We focus not only on financial capital but also human, intellectual, and spiritual capital—the full spectrum of a person’s potential.
- Collaborative partnership: Clients are co-creators of their wealth plans, supported by coaches, mentors, and community—not dictated to by financial intermediaries.
- Holistic documentation: Like the NHS’s personal health plans, our GAME Plans serve as living documents that evolve with the person’s needs and are fully transparent and accessible.
Lessons from the NHS
The NHS Long Term Plan emphasises proactive, digitally enabled, and integrated care to reduce dependency on emergency services. In the same way, our model reduces reliance on costly, reactive financial interventions. Through education, group programmes, and digital tools, we empower individuals to stay financially well and avoid preventable crises.
Our holistic wealth planners operate like health practitioners within integrated care systems—collaborating across specialisms and geographies to offer continuity, dignity, and purpose-led service.
The GAME Plan: A Financial Health Activation Model
We adapt the concept of health activation—where individuals are equipped to manage their own health—to wealth activation. Our GAME Plan framework (Goals, Actions, Means, Execution) turns complex financial theories into a simple, cyclic process of personal empowerment. It transforms lives not by treating symptoms (debt, anxiety, lack of savings) but by addressing root causes—lack of direction, community, and belief in self.
A Wealth Service Model for the 21st Century
The NHS is redesigning care to be more personal, preventative, and integrated. We at the Academy are doing the same for wealth. We are building a wealth service model where:
- One-to-one services are reserved for the few moments of acute financial need.
- Communities of practice provide group support and shared learning.
- Digital platforms enable proactive empowerment and self-management.
- Planners are facilitators of autonomy, not gatekeepers of products.
Conclusion
At AoLP, we don’t just plan money—we plan lives. By drawing lessons from our most trusted public institution, we’re creating a world where people are no longer financially dependent, disempowered, or underserved.
Wealth is not just what you have. It’s how you live.
For more details visit the Academy’s website.
Q&A: From Patient to Planner
Q1. What is the main idea behind “From Patient to Planner”?
A: The article explores how the Academy of Life Planning applies the NHS’s person-centred health care model to financial planning. Just as people can manage their own health with the right support, we believe they can manage their own wealth—with education, tools, and community backing.
Q2. What does “person-centred planning” mean?
A: Person-centred planning is a holistic, ethical approach to financial planning. It recognises individuals as capable and resourceful, encouraging autonomy, dignity, and purpose in their financial lives—just like person-centred care in health.
Q3. How does the Academy help people manage their own finances?
A: Through Planning My Life, we empower individuals to become their own financial planners. We offer education, digital tools, group support, and personalised GAME Plans that align money with life purpose.
Q4. What is the GAME Plan?
A: The GAME Plan stands for Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution. It’s a cyclical planning framework that helps individuals design their life first, and then build financial systems to support it.
Q5. How does this compare to traditional financial advice?
A: Traditional advice often focuses on selling products or managing investments. We focus on empowerment, not dependency. Our approach starts with the individual’s story and centres around their holistic well-being, not just their money.
Q6. When does someone need one-to-one support?
A: Just like in healthcare, most people don’t need constant intervention. However, in moments of financial stress, major life change, or crisis, professional support from a Financial Life Coach can provide vital guidance.
Q7. What role does digital technology play in this model?
A: We follow the NHS lead by using digital tools to enhance access, education, and personal autonomy. Our planners and clients can collaborate online, use self-service planning resources, and document everything in a personal wealth plan.
Q8. How do holistic wealth planners fit into this vision?
A: They’re facilitators, not intermediaries. They help people find clarity, confidence, and community in their financial lives—empowering rather than controlling.
Q9. What’s the difference between “what’s the matter with you?” and “what matters to you?” in wealth planning?
A: The former leads to reactive, transactional advice. The latter leads to transformational, purpose-driven plans. At AoLP, we always start with “what matters to you?”
Q10. Who is this model for?
A: For anyone ready to take ownership of their financial journey—especially those disillusioned with traditional financial services, and professionals seeking to deliver purpose-led financial planning.
Academy of Life Planning 