Most professional academies make the same promise. They identify the professional’s dream of freedom, success and independence, then sell them the tools they supposedly need to reach it. A business model. A marketing system. A coaching framework. A qualification. A secret formula. The message is familiar: You can build the practice you want—but only if … Continue reading Professional Agency: From Selling Shovels to Giving People the Forge
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Human Harm Story #1: The Judge Who Spoke Up for Justice—and Needed Protection From the Justice System
Before the harm Claire Gilham was a district judge. In her own words, she was what many people would regard as a “bog-standard district judge”: a general practitioner of the civil courts dealing with family disputes, road traffic accidents, mortgage and rent arrears, and the everyday conflicts through which ordinary people encounter the justice system. … Continue reading Human Harm Story #1: The Judge Who Spoke Up for Justice—and Needed Protection From the Justice System
When the Investigator Becomes the Target – Part II
A contemporaneous record of events following my involvement with Safe or Scam Steve Conley Why I am publishing this For several years, various websites, anonymous online reviews and social media posts have made serious allegations about me following my involvement with an organisation called Safe or Scam. Some of those allegations accuse me of operating … Continue reading When the Investigator Becomes the Target – Part II
When the Investigator Becomes the Target
Reputation attacks against people who investigate financial misconduct When people think about financial misconduct, they usually imagine the victims. The pensioner who lost their retirement savings. The family persuaded into a high-risk investment they didn't understand. The business owner who trusted the wrong people. What they rarely consider is what happens to the people who … Continue reading When the Investigator Becomes the Target
AI Makes Lawyers of Us All
AI Makes Lawyers of Us All "AI makes lawyers of us all." One of our Get SAFE clients said this to me recently. They weren't suggesting that AI replaces solicitors. They weren't claiming everyone is suddenly qualified to practise law. They were describing something they had just experienced. For the first time, they were able … Continue reading AI Makes Lawyers of Us All
Before You Accept That Graduate Financial Planning Job, Ask Yourself One Question
Not every financial planning career is built to achieve the same purpose. A growing number of graduates are entering financial planning because they genuinely want to help people. They enjoy personal finance. They care about psychology. They like solving problems. They want to make a positive difference to people's lives. The profession needs people like … Continue reading Before You Accept That Graduate Financial Planning Job, Ask Yourself One Question
When Clients Arrive Having Already Asked ChatGPT, the Advice Model Has Already Changed
Advisers Are Talking About Cutting Fees. The Bigger Story Is Why. A recent Citywire interview with Ian Else carried a headline that should make every financial planner stop and think: "I'm looking at cutting my advice fees because of AI." It's a rational response. If AI reduces the time it takes to research, analyse, write … Continue reading When Clients Arrive Having Already Asked ChatGPT, the Advice Model Has Already Changed
The FCA Is Shutting Down Investment Scams. But What Happens Before You Invest?
2,329 FCA Scam Warnings... But Would You Spot the Next One? The Financial Conduct Authority has published its latest Annual Report, highlighting a significant crackdown on investment crime. During the past year alone, the regulator issued more than 2,300 warnings about unauthorised or potentially fraudulent firms, secured criminal convictions for insider dealing and money laundering, … Continue reading The FCA Is Shutting Down Investment Scams. But What Happens Before You Invest?
Three Bridges, Three Islands, One Journey
Over the years, I have come to realise that the Academy of Life Planning has never really been a place. It has been a series of bridges. When I first started this journey, I thought I was helping planners cross a single divide. On one side stood financial advice. On the other stood financial planning … Continue reading Three Bridges, Three Islands, One Journey
How Many Ordinary People Could Realistically Navigate a System This Complex Without Assistance?
Imagine you discover something has gone badly wrong. Perhaps a financial institution has made a mistake. Perhaps an insurer has refused a claim. Perhaps you believe you have been misled, treated unfairly, or suffered a significant financial loss. You decide to do what responsible citizens are told to do. You gather evidence. You write letters. … Continue reading How Many Ordinary People Could Realistically Navigate a System This Complex Without Assistance?
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