For decades, City bankers have dictated the civil service playbook, driving a relentless “growth agenda” that prioritises financial products over real solutions. This leads to a cycle of government-sponsored financial schemes, marketed as the ultimate solution to economic and social challenges. These products, however, rarely deliver on their promises. Instead, they serve the financial institutions … Continue reading The Growth Agenda Trap: How City Bankers Shape Government Policy to Serve Their Own Interests
Category: Uncategorized
Why You Need a Professional Ally on Your Side
The financial services industry is a minefield. Even as AI helps to eliminate information asymmetry, powerful incentives continue to distort outcomes for the public. Intermediaries earn commissions and product-based fees, ensuring their loyalty lies with financial institutions rather than the consumer. New firms pop up, promising tax loopholes that later prove to be scams, leaving … Continue reading Why You Need a Professional Ally on Your Side
Rethinking Retirement Anxiety: A Holistic Perspective on Financial Well-being
A recent study by Standard Life highlights a common concern among millennials—the fear of not saving enough for retirement. While financial preparedness is important, this research appears to frame the issue solely through the lens of product-based financial solutions, omitting crucial elements of human capital, life purpose, and psychological development. To truly empower individuals, we … Continue reading Rethinking Retirement Anxiety: A Holistic Perspective on Financial Well-being
Social Tariffs in UK Financial Services: A Step Towards True Financial Inclusion?
In an era where financial services should serve everyone, the introduction of social tariffs has sparked both hope and scrutiny. Designed to provide lower-cost banking, insurance, and financial advice to vulnerable consumers, these tariffs aim to bridge the gap between financial exclusion and genuine economic empowerment. But are they enough? Or are they merely a … Continue reading Social Tariffs in UK Financial Services: A Step Towards True Financial Inclusion?
Another Case for Blue Water Between Advice and Product
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
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
Academy of Life Planning 