A New Blow to Consumer Rights: The Government’s Plan to Curb Access to Free Dispute Representation

In what can only be seen as another move favouring financial corporations over the public, the Government’s latest initiative looks set to erode consumer rights in financial dispute claims. The proposal? Charging consumers who wish to be professionally represented when making a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), the very institution that was set … Continue reading A New Blow to Consumer Rights: The Government’s Plan to Curb Access to Free Dispute Representation →

The Illusion of Advice: Why Financial Capital Isn’t the Whole Story

The financial services industry can be a confusing maze for consumers. At the heart of it all, you’ve got distributors (the salespeople), manufacturers (the product creators), regulators (the watchdogs), and their suppliers (everyone from tech providers to marketers). What do they all have in common? They want you, the consumer, to buy more of their … Continue reading The Illusion of Advice: Why Financial Capital Isn’t the Whole Story →

Review of PFS’s “A Guide to Personal Financial Planning”: Assessing the Essentials of Modern Financial Planning

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial planning, it’s crucial to move beyond the traditional focus on financial capital alone. A comprehensive approach must integrate human capital strategies and personal values assessments, recognising the broader context of an individual's life. Let’s explore whether the PFS guide effectively incorporates these critical components. Does the Guide Include Personal … Continue reading Review of PFS’s “A Guide to Personal Financial Planning”: Assessing the Essentials of Modern Financial Planning →

The Opioid Epidemic and Financial Advice: A Tale of Misaligned Incentives

When we look at the opioid epidemic in the United States, it’s impossible to ignore how financial incentives played a destructive role. Pharmaceutical companies encouraged doctors to prescribe painkillers like OxyContin, offering them financial rewards, such as bonuses, speaking fees, and perks, based on how much they prescribed. This model put profits above patient care, … Continue reading The Opioid Epidemic and Financial Advice: A Tale of Misaligned Incentives →

Will Technology Create More Time for Advisers to Connect with Clients: Will Future Advisers Be Selling Products or Focusing on Planning?

In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, the role of a financial adviser is undergoing significant shifts, thanks to technology. Yet, the key question remains: Will technology truly create more time for advisers to connect with their clients? Let’s unpack this with an eye on where we stand today and what the future might hold. Advisers … Continue reading Will Technology Create More Time for Advisers to Connect with Clients: Will Future Advisers Be Selling Products or Focusing on Planning? →

CII and PFS: The Membership Dilemma for Financial Planners

There’s an ongoing debate that has left many financial planners feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to their membership with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS). Recent communications from the CII suggest a rather troubling message: "You’re stuck with us." But are financial planners … Continue reading CII and PFS: The Membership Dilemma for Financial Planners →

Why Working Into Later Life Could Be the Solution We Need

The UK is on a collision course with a looming pension crisis, with experts warning that millions of retirees will face financial struggles in the coming decades. While policy discussions often centre around raising pension contributions, there’s another solution that seems glaringly overlooked: working longer. This isn’t just about economic necessity—it’s about giving people the … Continue reading Why Working Into Later Life Could Be the Solution We Need →

Are Banks Returning to the Advice Market? Or Just Dipping a Toe in Distribution?

Twelve years ago, bank bosses stepped away from the bancassurance market, labelling it a zero-sum game. Now, they’re back with fresh plans. So, what’s changed, and is it a good idea? HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds are all making a big push back into wealth management, with HSBC aiming to double its assets under management to … Continue reading Are Banks Returning to the Advice Market? Or Just Dipping a Toe in Distribution? →

Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP)

Navigating the world of financial planning can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're eager to elevate your career and make a real impact on clients’ lives. At the Academy of Life Planning, we understand that our range of services and development opportunities can sometimes seem like a maze. That's why we’ve created a concise, user-friendly … Continue reading Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP) →

Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms

For seasoned financial advisers who’ve spent years building a successful boutique advice firm, there comes a time to consider stepping back. The idea of leaving behind the pressures of the FCA-regulated world—heavy compliance, liability, and endless red tape—can be an appealing vision. After years spent advising on products, many dream of retiring from regulation, surrendering … Continue reading Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms →