When you think about financial planning, you probably picture bank accounts, pensions, or investments—what we typically call "financial capital." But there’s something just as important, if not more so, that often gets overlooked: human capital. This is your unique potential—the skills you’ve built, the knowledge you’ve gained, and the energy you bring to creating a … Continue reading Unlocking Potential: Why Human Capital Matters in Financial Planning
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Are Financial Advice Firms as Secure as They Seem?
When you seek financial advice, you might assume that working with a firm registered and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) offers reassurance and guarantees. After all, these firms are required to maintain professional indemnity (PI) insurance to cover potential claims. However, recent trends suggest that consumers may need to reassess how much protection … Continue reading Are Financial Advice Firms as Secure as They Seem?
🎄What an inspiring year it has been for the Academy of Life Planning! 🎉
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the milestones, growth, and impact we’ve achieved together. From empowering individuals to take charge of their financial futures to strengthening the community of values-driven planners, this year has been one of transformation and progress. Let’s take a look back 👇: … Continue reading 🎄What an inspiring year it has been for the Academy of Life Planning! 🎉
Where’s the Justice? The Tenet Collapse and the Cost to Consumers
The collapse of Tenet has left nearly 10,000 customers in financial limbo, raising pressing questions about the effectiveness of consumer protection in the UK’s financial services industry. These individuals, who trusted a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registered firm and its advisers, now face a sobering reality: they’re left to rely on the Financial Services Compensation … Continue reading Where’s the Justice? The Tenet Collapse and the Cost to Consumers
Understanding the Challenges Facing SJP Advisers: A Call for Proactive Planning
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
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
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