Story of the Week

🌍💸 The Not-So-Secret Secret to Eradicating World Poverty 💸🌍 Ever scratched your head wondering how we can actually put a dent in global poverty? 🤔 Forget about those billion-dollar aid handouts. 🤑 Turns out, the real game changer is some good old-fashioned business training! 🧠📈 Yes, you heard right. Check out our latest article: "How Financial, Business, and Marketing Skills Training for Micro-Entrepreneurs Can Be a Real 'Game Changer' in Eradicating World Poverty" 🎉✨ Spoiler: Teaching marketing skills is like handing them a megaphone for success! 📢💥 Discover how upskilling micro-entrepreneurs in emerging economies can turn the tide. 🌊🌟 Ready to see how the magic happens? 🧙‍♂️ Dive into the story and find out how a bit of business savvy is transforming lives and boosting profits by 40% (and that’s just the start!). 🚀💡🌟 Read more. 📈😅

Editor, The Weekly Waffle

Hi, I'm Steve Conley! I left the profit-driven world of City banking to become a life planner solopreneur. My mission is to help people organise their lives by focusing on human capital development, not just financial asset management. 💪💼 I'm here to reveal uncomfortable truths and challenge the cozy lies everyone holds onto. Read more by visiting steveconley.co.uk and ordering my book "Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the highway robbers - Create wealth in every area of your life!"

⚠️ Warning: This Content May Offend Past Highway Robbers. ⚠️

Hi, Waffle Aficionado!

Take a seat, everyone, because it's time for the latest installment of the Friday Lunch Bunch! 🍽️ Sit back, relax, and get ready for a feast of news you didn't know you needed. Today, we've gathered an engaging selection of topics to provide a refreshing break from your daily routine. Without further ado, here are the headlines. 😏

Your selected articles: Create wealth in every area of your life!

Pension Crisis Solution. So, we’re supposed to believe that the solution to our pathetic pension pots is... wait for it... forcing us to save even more money we don’t have? 🙄 Meanwhile, we're choosing between heating our homes or eating dinner. Cool story, bro. In my latest article, "The Real Solution to the Pension Crisis: Investing in Human Capital," I dive into how these "experts" are getting it all wrong. 🤦‍♂️ Spoiler alert: The real fix isn’t about doubling our contributions or making us work till we drop. It’s about actually investing in people. Shocking, right? 😱  🌟  Read more. 📈😅

When Cows Become Dogs. 🤔 Ever wonder what happens when a "Cash Cow" 🐄 turns into a "Dog" 🐕? Spoiler: It's not pretty. The financial advice industry is giving us all the signs 📉. Adviser numbers are slightly down 😬, and revenues are dipping faster than your savings account on Black Friday 💸. Read our latest article to see the not-so-subtle indicators that your favourite financial gurus might need a new gig soon: "When Cash Cows Become Dogs: The Decline of Financial Advisers."🙏 Read more. 👍🌝😉.

🚀 Embracing AI: The Future of Financial Advice 🚀 Hey financial planners! Ready for a reality check? AI is here to shake things up, and some of you look like you’d rather wrestle a bear than embrace change. 🙄🤖💼 Sure, keep doing what you’ve always done, but don’t cry when your clients start flocking to the advisers who actually get tech. Want to know why AI is the future and how you can ride the wave instead of being left behind? Check out my latest article: "AI: The New Financial Adviser on the Block." 📈💡📰 Read more. 📈😅

Rethink Retirement. So apparently, we're all doomed to be broke in retirement. 🥳🎉 At least, that's what Saltus Wealth wants us to believe with their latest "study." 🙄 Turns out, 96% of high-net-worth folks think they need way less for a comfy retirement than they actually do. 🤔 Because clearly, we're all terrible at maths and planning our futures. 🧮✨ But wait, there's more! Saltus conveniently forgets to mention human capital—the value of our future earnings. 💡 So, instead of suggesting we should phase into retirement with part-time work that we love, they’d rather have us freak out and toss more money their way. 💸🤑✨  Read more. 📈😅

🧐 Rethinking the AUM-Centric Model: A Holistic Approach to Financial Advising 💸💼
Oh joy, another article about capturing more AUM! Because, you know, focusing on that tiny sliver of our clients' wealth is really going to solve all their financial woes. 🙄 Here's a wild idea: what if we actually looked at the bigger picture? 📈🏡💼 🔍 Comprehensive Wealth Management: Yeah, those other assets like property and pensions matter too! 🧠 Human Capital: Ever heard of future earnings? Maybe we should care about our clients' productivity and health. Just a thought. 💡 Check it out!🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🤔 Ever thought about how sales skills are essential for financial pros but everyone loves to hate on them? Yeah, us too. Check out our latest blog where we break down why "Sales Shouldn't Be Demonized: Clarifying Roles and Expectations in Financial Planning." 📊💼 Turns out, not all selling is created equal. Who knew?! 🙄 Planners should sell plans, advisers should sell advice, and product distributors should sell products. Seems obvious, right? Yet some folks are out here calling themselves planners or advisers when their real game is gathering assets to milk for fees. 🐄💸💼 🌟 Read more. 📈😅

Mindfulness In Planning. 🌿 Hey, everyone! In case you haven't heard, mindfulness is the latest craze. 🧘‍♂️✨ Dive into our latest blog post, "Mindfulness Takes Us to True Self, Where We Can Orchestrate Our Game Plan." Apparently, it's all about sitting still, breathing deeply, and finding your true self. 🙄🧘‍♂️ Sounds simple, right? But let's be real, who doesn't want a little peace and quiet in this circus we call life? 🎪 So, grab your yoga mat and pretend everything is zen, because who doesn't need a break from the chaos? 🧘‍♀️✨🌟 Read more. 😅

🌿🧘‍♂️ Oh, another mindfulness article! Because clearly, we needed more reminders to "stay in the moment" 🙄. But hey, if you're into the whole "being happy and less stressed" thing, give this a read. It's packed with all the usual suspects: meditation, positive vibes, and a bunch of science-y stuff about how it actually works. Who knew, right? 😂 Anyway, if you're looking to zen out and maybe, just maybe, find some inner peace (or at least pretend to), this one's for you. 🧘‍♀️✨ 🌈 🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Opting Out of Your Employer's Workplace Pension: A Brilliant Idea! 🚨 Thinking of opting out of your workplace pension? What could go wrong? 🤔 Oh, just missing out on employer contributions, tax relief, and that little thing called compound interest. No biggie, right? 🙄 Our latest article dives into the fabulous consequences of this genius move. Learn how to jeopardise your financial future, gain means-tested benefits, and ensure you'll work well into your golden years. 🏆 But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We've got tips on how holistic financial planning can save the day. Because why plan for retirement when you can live in the moment? 😜🌟 Read more. 📈

DINKS Planning. 🚀 Ready to master the art of living your best life with no kids and double the income? Say goodbye to traditional financial planning and hello to a holistic approach that actually makes sense! 😏 Check out our latest article: "Designing Your Future: The Holistic Financial Game Plan for DINK Couples." 💼💡 👉 Spoiler alert: It's all about setting goals, planning actions, and executing with precision. Because why settle for a mediocre life when you can have an inspiring, unlimited future? 🌟✨ 🌟 Read more. 📈

🌴🌊 Ever dreamed of escaping the daily grind and living in paradise? Well, Jon Matthews did just that! 😎✨ 👉 Check out how this ex-soldier went from turning over £45k a month to losing almost everything, only to rise like a phoenix and start a diving school in Thailand! 🏝️🤿 📉➡️📈 His secret? Strategic planning and a bit of out-of-the-box thinking. 💡 💪 If Jon can do it, so can you! Dive into his incredible journey and get inspired to rethink your life plan. 🌟 Because who doesn’t want to trade a boring office for an ocean view? 🌟 Read more. 📈

🌟🚀 Guess What? You're Now a Financial Guru! 🚀🌟 Think financial planning is just for the "experts"? Think again! 😏 Turns out, you don’t need a fancy suit or a swanky office to manage your own money. 💸 Just a laptop, some coffee, and the right websites. 🖥️☕ Older homeowners (yeah, you!) are rocking the digital age by using price comparison websites to make sense of all those baffling financial products. 🤯💡 According to the Equity Release Council, nearly 62% of you savvy folks are already on it. Who needs a financial adviser when you've got Google and a bit of common sense, right? 🙄😂🌟 Read more. 📈

⚠️ Warning: This Content May Offend Past Highway Robbers. ⚠️

So here we go with a sardonic poem called "License to Flog." 🎭🔗 Heads up, folks! If you're one of those former commission-chasing salespeople who thrived on squeezing every penny out of clients, this might sting a bit. We're diving deep into the realm of ethical financial planning, and let's just say our old tactics are about to get a serious side-eye. Proceed with caution, and maybe a sense of humor. 😏💼🤑✨ "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke. 📜💬🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Wake Up Call for the CII! 🚨 The Chartered Insurance Institute wants to attract Gen Z talent... but first, they need to get their house in order! 🏠🔍 👉 Read my latest article exposing the truth behind the wolf in sheep's clothing 🐺➡️🐑 masquerade. Spoiler alert: it's not pretty. 💼📉 From misleading professional titles to cozying up with insurance firms, the CII needs a major overhaul before they can win over the altruistic and socially-conscious Gen Z. 🌍♻️💡 Because, let's be honest, no one’s buying the act when the backstage is a mess.🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🕵️‍♂️🤑 Consumer Duty Awareness: The Great Financial Farce 🤑🕵️‍♂️ Ever felt like your bank cares more about lining their pockets than actually helping you? 💰💸 Welcome to the club! Despite all the hype around Consumer Duty, most of us are still getting the short end of the stick. From loyalty scams to call center nightmares, it's clear the only duty these firms care about is to their bottom line. 🙄 So, next time you hear about their "commitment" to customer service, just remember it's all smoke and mirrors. 🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🤑💼 The Philanthropy Racket: Financial Advisers' New Spin to Keep Your Money 💼🤑
🎩 Ah, the charm of financial advisers! With their slick smiles and high EQ, they know just how to win your trust. But guess what? They’ve got a new trick up their sleeves! Now they’re "championing" philanthropy to attract the young wealthy. 🤔💸✨ Imagine this: Instead of just sitting on your money and tapping into it for fees, they’re now advising you on how to be charitable! Sounds noble, right? But hold on. They’re not letting go of that cash so easily. Instead, they’re promising to grow it so you can give away more later... all while they keep earning their fees. 🏦💵 Because nothing says "selfless" like making sure they get their cut first.🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🤑💼 The Financial Circus is in Town! 🤡📱 Are you ready to dive into the chaotic world of financial services where mobile apps and greed take center stage? 🎪💸 Check out my latest article on how the industry is misleading an entire generation with their so-called "holistic financial planning, that isn't holistic!" Spoiler: It's all about the money! 💰📈 Forget genuine advice—it's a high-wire act of smoke and mirrors designed to make you think they care while they rake in the cash. Step right up and see the show! 🎟️🙄🌟 Read more. 📈😅

🤔 Ever wondered how to really take care of your family's finances? 🏡💍👵 Just read this article about "holistic family financial planning" and had to share! 😒 Imagine a world where every penny, from your kid's savings to grandma's pension, is pooled together for... wait for it... "better management"! 😂 Apparently, pension consolidators think they're modern-day Robin Hoods 🏹, liberating your "trapped wealth" 💰 for the greater good (a.k.a. their fee pool). 🤦‍♂️ Because nothing says family care like funneling your hard-earned money into their pockets.🌟 Read more. 📈😅

My work is "open source," so feel free to plagiarize, copy, and share as much as you like. Thanks for being an Academy subscriber. Your membership keeps newsletters like this one coming, and we want to ensure you’re getting every bit of value from your subscription.

Member Live Events:

1. LIVE HapNav Mastery: Training & Support for Financial Planners

The HapNav session on 7th August was cancelled due to a lack of interest. Yep, you heard it right. One registered attendee who didn't even show up. Shocking, isn't it? 🤯 Let's get real—you can't do a holistic financial plan without a lifetime cash flow forecaster. And you can't empower clients to run their own finances without giving them an end-user financial planning app. 📊💡

You have the world's first end-user financial planning app integrated with open banking right in your kit bag. 🎒 Yet, there's zero interest in how to use it properly. This is either short-sightedness or a clear sign that you aren't serious about offering a future-ready holistic financial planning service. And please, spare me the excuse that you don't like HapNav. 🙄 This is the same old song from those addicted to complex, bamboozling planner systems that make you feel clever in your old comfort zone. 🌀💼

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace HapNav. Start taking this mission seriously. 🚀📈

In our HapNav Mastery session, I introduce HapNav, the groundbreaking financial planning tool that's here to revolutionise your world—or at least try. 🌟 Unlike those dusty old tools like Voyant and Truth, HapNav integrates open banking and offers a fresh take on financial planning. I take us on a journey through its humble funding origins, backed by the technical wizards at Envizage, and its moment of glory at the Investment Life and Pension Money Facts awards. 🏆

This session dives into HapNav's cash flow planning tool and its sophisticated probabilistic system, which sounds fancy but is surprisingly user-friendly. You even get a 30-day free trial to play around with it and seamless bank account integration, because who doesn't love an app that actually works? Participants are not only encouraged but practically begged to engage with the app, provide feedback, and enjoy these sessions for continued learning and improvement. Because hey, we're all in this together, right? 😏📈

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Weds, Sep 4, 2024, 04:00 PM London

Register in advance for this meeting:
Zoom Registration Link

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

It’s time for the era of financial empowerment to begin. 🏆 👉 Last session available to view now Video-On-Demand.

2. CPD Masterclass: Wed 14 Aug 2:00 PM

The Longevity Coach

Attention, all you longevity enthusiasts and financial planning aficionados! 🕒 Mark your calendars for Wed, 14 Aug at 2:00 PM, because our next CPD Masterclass, "The Longevity Coach," is coming in hot. 🔥

In this session, our Game Plan Coach will walk you through the art of living longer and better. Forget the early retirement dreams; we're talking about investing in 'vitality assets'—yes, that's a thing. 💪💡 From mind, body, heart, and spirit, we’ll show you how every choice impacts your well-being and finances.

We’ll explore how to balance physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual assets with your financial resources over a lifetime. And yes, some choices are like bad tattoos—permanent. So, mindfulness is key here. 🧘‍♂️💸 Inspired by Sir Muir Gray’s 'Living Longer Better' programme, we'll discuss how staying economically active in later years trumps the old 'cliff edge' retirement models. 📉💼

This session is your toolkit for guiding clients toward a balanced, fulfilling life that embraces both longevity and financial savvy. 🛠️📈

Join us on Zoom: When: Aug 14, 2024 02:00 PM London Register here: Zoom Registration Link

After registering, you’ll get a confirmation email with all the juicy details about joining the meeting.

Don't miss out—let's make those later years the best ones yet! 🌟💪

3. ACADEMY OF LIFE PLANNING PARTNER PARADE WITH KEYLU

🌟 Join Us for the Academy of Life Planning Partner Parade! 🌟
📅 Date: Thursday, 15th August 2024
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM London Time
💻 Platform: Zoom

Are you ready to revolutionise your financial planning and life management? 🌐 Join Steve Conley, founder of the Academy of Life Planning, and our special guest, Ian Dibb from Keylu, for an exclusive virtual event designed to simplify your life and secure your future!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Introduction to Keylu: Discover how Keylu’s innovative platform can help you organise and manage your important documents, dates, and memories.

Key Features & Benefits: Learn about Keylu’s life management tools, including secure online storage, digital memory capture, and personalised planning features.

Live Demonstration: See Keylu in action with a live demo showcasing its user-friendly dashboard and powerful features.

Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered by the experts and understand how Keylu can integrate seamlessly into your financial planning strategy.

WHY ATTEND?

Gain insights into cutting-edge tools for life management and financial planning.

Learn directly from experts and get personalised advice.

Enhance your financial security and emotional fulfillment with holistic planning solutions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your financial planning game with the power of Keylu and the Academy of Life Planning!

👉 Reserve Your Spot Now: Zoom Registration Link

Join us and take the first step towards a simplified, secure, and prosperous future. See you there!
Learn More: Keylu

4. ACADEMY OF LIFE PLANNING PARTNER PARADE  WITH WISE MONKEY

🚀 Join the Academy of Life Planning Partner Parade! 🚀

🌟 Special Guest: Simonne Gnessen 🌟
📅 Date: Tuesday, 20th August
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM London Time
📍 Platform: Zoom

Are you an accredited Game Plan practitioner looking to expand your skill set? Want to offer more holistic services to your clients? This is your chance! Simonne Gnessen, the founder of Wise Monkey, will be presenting the renowned Financial Coach Practitioner Certificate Training Programme and the Community Membership Programme.

Learn how you can add financial coaching to your holistic financial planning services and join a supportive network of like-minded professionals. 💡 Why Attend?

Expand Your Expertise: Add financial coaching to your repertoire, enhancing the value you provide to your clients.

Community Support: Join a vibrant community of financial coaches for peer support, resources, and continuous learning.

Expert Insights: Gain knowledge from Simonne Gnessen's extensive experience in financial coaching.

🎓 Programme Highlights:

Financial Coach Practitioner Certificate Training: Comprehensive curriculum covering coaching techniques, financial planning principles, and client relationship management.

Community Membership: Access ongoing support with webinars, networking events, and exclusive resources to grow your practice.

👥 Who Should Attend?

Accredited Game Plan practitioners seeking to diversify their services.

Holistic financial planners looking to incorporate coaching into their practice.

Professionals committed to enhancing their clients' financial well-being.

📢 Hear from Previous Trainees:
"A life-changing course that helped me find my true calling and improve my practice." - Former Trainee
"The best investment I made in my career. Exceptional support and training." - Certified Coach

Check out the Wise Monkey website: Wise Monkey

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and enhance your holistic financial planning services. Join us on 20th August at 4:00 PM for an insightful session that could transform your practice.

🔗 Register for the AoLP Partner Parade Zoom Meeting: [Registration Link]

Let's add financial coaching to your holistic financial planning practice. See you there!

🍷🚪 Curtain Call, Town Hall Warriors!

You’ve just survived another round of the Academy’s infamous Friday Lunch Bunch. 🏆 Scatter freely, but oh—plot twist: there's homework. Because of course, there is. 📚 Check out the hyperlinks we’ve tossed around like a trail of digital breadcrumbs. 📎 Consider the gossip mill officially closed for the week.

If you’re craving a blast from the past, browse through our legendary pranks or book your seat for the next session of chaos on August 16th, 2024, at 12 PM London time. 🎟️🕛

That’s it for today’s banter broadcast. Until next time,

Keep those waffles waving! 🧇

Steve 

Academy of Life Planning 🧀

Email: steve.conley@aolp.co.uk

P.S.Buckle up, financial adventurers, and dive into the latest blog from the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) – your self-proclaimed partner in transformational financial life planning. 🌟📚 Here, they’re not just dishing out financial advice; they’re transforming lives with the finesse of a life coach wielding a spreadsheet. It’s not just about money; it’s about finding your inner financial peace in a world where peace comes with a price tag. So, check out their latest post and learn how to turn your financial dreams into reality—or at least a well-organized plan. Happy navigating! 🚀💼  Academy of Life Planning: Your Partner in Transformational Financial Life Planning

P.P.S. If you know anyone who would like to be added to our mailing list, please share this link.

Websites: Steve Conley, Academy of Life Planning, Planning My Life, Financial Life Coach, Steve's Blog.

Copyright the Academy of Life Planning Limited 2024. Contact us by email at info@aolp.co. The Academy of Life Planning Limited is a service sector trading company regulated by the Competition and Markets Authority and Registered in England and Wales number 8016568. Registered office address 9 Franklin Way, Spilsby, Lincolnshire, PE23 5GG, United Kingdom. Information Commissioner's Office reference number ZA502687.

##footer##