When you’re facing a significant life event—whether it’s losing a loved one, navigating a serious illness, or dealing with a divorce—it’s natural to seek help. The public’s instinct is often to contact someone labelled as a “financial planner” or “financial adviser.” They believe they’ll receive guidance on how to handle these emotional, life-altering changes. Instead, … Continue reading Financial Advisers or Product Sellers? Let’s Put Truth on the Tin
Tag: personal-finance
The Pathway to Becoming a Financial Planner (Not a Product Seller)
In the world of financial planning, there’s a growing need for a clear and distinct pathway for professionals who want to focus on holistic life planning rather than selling financial products. This distinction is critical for those who aspire to be true financial planners—coaches and guides helping clients map out their life goals—not tied to … Continue reading The Pathway to Becoming a Financial Planner (Not a Product Seller)
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?
Academy of Life Planning 