Big changes are coming to retirement planning—and fast. If you’ve been paying ongoing fees to a financial adviser to manage your pension pot, you might want to take a closer look. Why? Because soaring annuity rates and the Chancellor’s raid on inherited pensions could combine to blow a hole in the traditional "assets under management" … Continue reading Annuities Are Back—And They Might Just Break the Advice Industry
Tag: personal-finance
How the GAME Plan Empowers Victims of Financial Crime to Rebuild Their Lives
Financial Crime: A Crisis of Trust and Survival For too long, financial crime has been framed as an economic issue. But as the Faces of Financial Crime report makes clear, the reality is far more devastating. Victims don’t just lose money—they lose their peace of mind, their sense of security, and in some cases, even … Continue reading How the GAME Plan Empowers Victims of Financial Crime to Rebuild Their Lives
Dodgy Advice and a Land-Banking Scam: Lessons from the Asset Land Case
Think twice before trusting “advice” from someone who’s also selling you an investment. It might sound convenient – your adviser has a perfect opportunity just for you – but that double role can hide huge conflicts of interest. The £21 million Asset Land Investment scandal is a prime example. Investors were lured by salespeople posing … Continue reading Dodgy Advice and a Land-Banking Scam: Lessons from the Asset Land Case
The Financial Planning Crisis: Why We Need a Clear Wall Between Advice and Products
Trust in financial planning is at an all-time low. Scandals like the recent £2m fraud case involving Nexus IFA only deepen the public’s cynicism. But let’s be honest—this isn’t a one-off. It’s a symptom of a broken system that blurs the lines between advice and sales, leaving consumers vulnerable. The solution? A financial planning profession … Continue reading The Financial Planning Crisis: Why We Need a Clear Wall Between Advice and Products
Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products
Imagine sitting down with a city banker—someone on a six-figure salary, comfortably supplemented by annual bonuses. The conversation starts predictably: pension contributions, stock and fund investments, perhaps a foray into Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) or Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs). Conventional financial planning might recommend maximising these strategies for tax efficiency and long-term growth. But what … Continue reading Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products
Becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner: Why Should You Care?
Do you dream of running your own business, living by your own rules, and being your own boss? Imagine a career where you leverage what you’re good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what people will pay you for. A career where you don’t just earn a living, but make a real … Continue reading Becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner: Why Should You Care?
The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
The financial advice industry stands at a critical juncture. The UK government’s decision to bring inherited pensions within the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is not just a tax change; it marks the demise of asset-based adviser charges. With this shift, advisers must adapt—or risk obsolescence. The only sustainable way forward? Fixed-fee advice that prioritises … Continue reading The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
Why I Know Financial Recovery Is Possible—Because I’ve Lived It
Why I Know Financial Recovery Is Possible—Because I’ve Lived It I know what it means to lose everything—not once, but twice. For decades, I led pension strategies for the largest financial institutions in Britain. I understood financial security inside out—on paper. But life has a way of tearing up even the best-laid plans. Through two … Continue reading Why I Know Financial Recovery Is Possible—Because I’ve Lived It
Reclaiming Your Future: How Holistic Wealth Planning Empowers Financial Scam Victims
The Problem with Traditional Financial Advice For most people, having a financial adviser means relying on someone who, despite their expertise, may have a conflict of interest. This is because traditional financial advisers often earn money from selling financial products—whether through commissions or fees attached to transactions. This raises an important question: Can clients ever … Continue reading Reclaiming Your Future: How Holistic Wealth Planning Empowers Financial Scam Victims
Gen Z is Redefining Financial Planning—The Industry Needs to Catch Up
Gen Z is proving to be far more financially astute than the traditional financial industry gives them credit for. While institutions persist with outdated, financial-capital-only strategies, this generation is approaching financial planning with a broader, more intelligent perspective—one that considers human capital, longevity, and a radically changed economic landscape. With many expected to live beyond … Continue reading Gen Z is Redefining Financial Planning—The Industry Needs to Catch Up
Academy of Life Planning 