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
Tag: personal-finance
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
Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
In today’s complex financial world, understanding how to manage money effectively is a critical skill that empowers individuals, families, and communities. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) is proud to introduce MoneyFitt—a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable financial education platform that brings valuable knowledge right to your fingertips. MoneyFitt is designed to help individuals make informed … Continue reading Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
In a society built on justice and fairness, it’s crucial that financial markets operate transparently, prioritising people over profit. So, when the courts make decisions that protect consumers from hidden fees or unfair practices, you'd expect a round of applause, right? Sadly, in the financial sector, this isn’t always the case. Instead, we often hear … Continue reading When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
Labour’s Legacy on Pensions: A History of Tax Raids and Shifting Sands
For many in the UK, pensions have long represented the promise of security in retirement, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. But recent history has seen pensions repeatedly swept up in policy changes, each bringing new challenges for savers. Today, it seems we’re on the cusp of yet another significant shift, prompting many … Continue reading Labour’s Legacy on Pensions: A History of Tax Raids and Shifting Sands
The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
A growing trend called "co-manufacturing" in financial advice is shifting more responsibility for your portfolio's performance to adviser firms, who are now partnering with discretionary fund managers (DFMs) to customise investments. But while these arrangements might sound beneficial, especially when marketed with claims of higher returns, there are crucial details that clients should examine closely. … Continue reading The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
Recent merged legal cases, Hopcraft v Close Brothers, Wrench v Firstrand Bank, and Johnson v Firstrand Bank and Motonovo Finance, have set a precedent for transparency in financial advice by underscoring the need for fully informed consent. In these cases, courts ruled that clients must be clearly informed of all commissions and hidden fees for … Continue reading Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
