Story of the Week

The CII & PFS Drama Continues 🎭 The plot thickens as the CII steps in to “help” the PFS by filling its board with their own executives. Surprised? Us neither. 🙄 Apparently, the PFS board needed some guidance, and the CII decided to step up. But is this really the solution, or just a way to keep financial planners in line while transactional advisers take centre stage? 🤔 If you’re fed up with the politics and crave a community where real professionals focus on clients—not products—there’s a better path waiting for you. Ready to step off this rollercoaster and start making a difference? 🛳️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️👉 Read more. 😅

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

🌅 Good Morning, Financial Pioneers!
Today, we continue to explore how we’re elevating our members into a professional, registered financial planning community. 💼💡 We're not just reshaping an industry; we’re transforming it into a profession by offering holistic financial planning advice. Ready to dive in and set yourself up for success? 🚀

[Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

Another Twist in the PFS & CII Saga ⚖️
The CII has once again stirred things up between themselves and the PFS by appointing their Chief Executive, Matthew Hill, alongside executives Trevor Edwards, Mathew Mallett, and Gill White, to the PFS board as of 1 October 2024. This latest move has reopened old tensions that have lingered since the controversial 'Christmas coup' in 2022, challenging the already delicate balance between these two organisations. With the future of the PFS now under the spotlight, October 2024 could prove to be a pivotal moment for make planning a profession campaign. ⚖️📅  Read More.

🌟 Financial Planning vs. Financial Advice: What's the Difference? 🌟

It’s a common misconception that financial planning and financial advice are one and the same. In reality, they play very different roles! While a financial adviser might guide you in choosing the right products, a financial planner takes a broader view, focusing on your unique goals, values, and aspirations. They work with you to craft a comprehensive plan aimed at achieving not just financial success, but also your life ambitions. So, if you’re looking for a partner to support your holistic journey, a financial planner might be exactly what you need. 💼🌱✨

Read More.

🌟 Got Goals? Meet the GAME Plan – Your Solution to Everything! 🎯💡

Whether you’re facing challenges, chasing goals, or just wondering how to reach that next milestone, the GAME Plan has got you covered. This holistic financial planning framework is designed to help you tackle life’s big questions and put you on the path to financial security and personal growth. 💪✨ And while it might not deliver world peace, it’s a fantastic start towards a life of balance and fulfilment. Because what you really need isn’t a magic wand—it’s a GAME Plan that puts you in control. Ready to take charge? 🌍💰

👉 Read more. 📈😅

✨ Ancient Wisdom Meets Financial Planning – Unlock Your Path to Success! 💸🔮

Ever thought ancient Hermetic philosophy could boost your finances? Well, in our latest exploration, we’re dusting off the Kybalion and diving into how these timeless Hermetic Principles can enhance both your personal growth and financial planning. 🧙‍♂️💼 The GAME Plan, combined with the "Law of Mentalism," offers a unique approach to achieving balance and success—not just through budgeting, but by tapping into deeper wisdom. Because sometimes, the key to modern success lies in ancient teachings. Ready to discover the magic? 🧠✨ 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌳✨ Mystical Trees & Financial Planning – A Perfect Match! 🤷‍♂️💰

What do the Kabbalah Tree of Life and financial planning have in common? More than you might think! In our latest piece, we explore how this ancient symbol of growth and enlightenment, along with its darker counterpart, the Tree of Death, perfectly tie into the GAME Plan. ⚖️🌿 This blend of light and shadow is not just for the spiritually inclined—it’s a guide for anyone seeking to balance their finances and life purpose. Because understanding both sides can be the key to true fulfilment. 🌑💡 Curious to see how it all connects? Let's dive in! 🌍🙃👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 Financial Advisers, Ready for a Change? Say Goodbye to Product Pushing! 🎯

It’s no secret—financial advisers are heading for the exits, tired of quotas and the constant pressure to sell products. Turns out, the glamour wears off pretty quickly! 🤷‍♂️ But don’t worry, there’s a way to leave that stress behind and rediscover the joy of truly helping people. Why not sell that client book and shift to financial planning? 🙌💼 In this new chapter, it’s all about solving real problems and empowering clients to make better decisions—not just discussing fees and returns at those draining annual reviews. 🤦‍♂️ Because let’s face it, clients are over it, and they deserve more. If you’re ready for a fulfilling career that makes a difference, financial planning awaits. 📊💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌿 Beyond Financial Wealth – It’s About Life Well-Being! 💸✨

Money’s nice, but is it the ultimate goal? In A Wealth of Well-Being, Meir Statman reminds us that financial wealth is just one piece of the puzzle. True fulfilment comes from a balanced life that includes relationships, health, work, and social connections. 🌱💼 So, let’s move past the endless cash chase and focus on what really matters—living a life that feels genuinely meaningful. After all, well-being goes far beyond what’s in your bank account. 🌍💡

👉 Read more. 📈😅

💰 Retirement Isn’t Just About the Money – It’s About Living Well! 🧠

You’ve been saving into that pension pot, but retirement is more than just sitting on a pile of cash and hoping it lasts! 😏 In my latest article, I explore the importance of balancing financial capital (yes, that money) with human capital—your skills, relationships, and mental well-being. Because truly enjoying retirement means finding purpose beyond the 9-to-5. 💼✨ For the women out there, you might be working with a smaller pension pot—about 43% less than men’s on average. But don’t worry; there’s much more to life than money. Let’s look at how you can make retirement work for you, no matter what’s in the bank. 👩‍🦳👨‍🦳

👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Pensions Aren’t Always the Safe Bet You Think 💼💔

We often hear that pensions are the safest way to secure our future, but did you know that 1 in 5 people have actually lost a pension pot? 😳 Consolidating pensions might sound simple, but it can come with hidden costs, like losing benefits you weren’t even aware of. And those tax perks? They’re not what they used to be. 🤷‍♂️ The good news is there are other ways to build a secure future, like investments and focusing on human capital—things that don’t just disappear when life takes an unexpected turn. 💼💪 So, take control and explore all your options for a well-rounded retirement plan. 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🔄 Balance Your Life: Human Capital & Financial Goals in Harmony 💼💡

It’s funny how we often spend the first half of our lives exhausting our human capital—our energy, health, and sanity—just to build financial capital. 💸 Then, later on, we use that money trying to repair the damage we’ve done! 🧑‍💼➡️🏥 But what if we aimed for balance right from the start? 🤯 At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in investing in your health, happiness, and relationships alongside your financial goals. 💡 Our approach helps you find that sweet spot 🧘‍♂️💰 where financial security supports a fulfilling life, without burning you out. It’s time to break the cycle and start living a life that’s as rewarding as it is secure. 🙌😉👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼✨ Tax Planning Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache 🙄

Too often, tax planning gets needlessly complicated as advisers push clients into complex schemes just to save a little on tax. The outcome? A headache for you and a nice payday for them. 💸 But what if we embraced simplicity? ISAs and pensions might not sound thrilling, but they’re straightforward and won’t leave you tangled in a web of offshore investments. By keeping things simple, you can achieve financial peace of mind without unnecessary hassle. 🌿💰👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 Financial Advice: Still an Industry, Not Yet a Profession

For years, the financial advice industry has made strides in governance, with higher standards, stronger consumer protections, and a focus on professional development. Yet, despite this progress, it remains primarily an industry—a space dedicated to manufacturing and distributing investment and insurance products. Unlike accountancy or law, financial advice has yet to fully transition into a true profession, where the focus is on service over sales. It’s time to push for a model that prioritises client well-being and professional integrity. 🌟💼 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌱 Beyond the Basics: True Financial Wellbeing in the Workplace

As Academy planners in the employee benefits market, we recognise that traditional financial wellbeing initiatives often focus on short-term strategies like managing liabilities and supporting savings from pay period to pay period. While these are valuable, they don’t delve into the deeper aspects of financial wellbeing—those that foster lasting, positive change in people’s lives. By going beyond the basics, we can help employees build a foundation for sustained financial security and overall life satisfaction. 🌟💼👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚪💼 Back to the PFS: A Welcome Return or Just a Patch-Up Job? 🏛️📉

After being asked to leave the Personal Finance Society (PFS) for not being advisers, planners like me are now being invited back. 😏👋 But what’s changed? With membership down by nearly 400 in 2023, events no longer boosting the bottom line, and operating losses creeping in, it seems there are a few cracks in the foundation. 🚶‍♂️💸 Are we truly back in the club, or is this just a temporary fix? And how many others received this golden invite? The future of financial planning remains an open question—one we’re all eager to explore. 🌐💼

👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Share the Knowledge and Empower Yourself! 🌟 My work is completely "open source," so feel free to copy, share, and spread the word as much as you like—because everyone deserves access to valuable knowledge. Let’s build a community where learning and growth are open to all. 

Thanks for being an Academy subscriber! 🌟 By stepping up to full Academy Membership at just £19 per month, you'll unlock a whole suite of tools, training, and resources—making sure newsletters like this one keep delivering value. We're here to ensure you get the most from your membership while being part of a movement that empowers the underserved. Your journey to financial independence and making a meaningful impact starts here, and we’re excited to walk alongside you. 💪 Ready to take the next step?👉 Join us today!

📥 New Downloads to Empower Your Financial Journey 💼✨

We’re excited to share three new resources to support your financial planning journey! First, explore Stand & Deliver! Discovering Your Money and Your Life, our all-in-one guide to the GAME Plan. Next, dive into The Human Capital Development Framework, a workbook designed to help you create sustainable revenue streams for your financial future. Finally, check out The Competition and Markets Authority Rule Book, which explains the regulation of financial planners who aren’t financial advisers. Download these tools today and take your next step towards a secure and fulfilling future! 📚🌟

Member Live Events:

1. 🎓 The Game Plan Evolution: CPD Masterclass Series S1: E11: The Contingency Planner 🛠️

💸 Secure your place now! Free to Members!! 🤑

🕒 When & Where: 🗓️ Mon 7 Oct, 2024
⏰ 03:00 PM London Time
📍 Zoom (Because in-person is so 2019)

How to Join the Fun: Click that registration link before you forget: 👉 Register here 🖱️

Once you register, you’ll get a confirmation email with all the details on how to join the meeting. Because we know you like to be prepared. 📩

About the Session:

💼 The Contingency Planner: On October 7 at 3:00 PM, join us for 'The Contingency Planner' session, where we dive into the critical task of helping clients prepare for the unexpected. Game Plan practitioners will learn how to model a variety of 'what-if' scenarios—because life doesn’t always go according to plan! 😅

We’ll explore the impact of different longevity and health assumptions on your client’s financial future and examine how to create adaptable plans that evolve with life’s twists and turns. From best-case to worst-case, you’ll gain the tools to help your clients stay resilient and ready for whatever comes their way. 🌍📊

2. 🚀 Exclusive Invite: AI Power Hour – Transform Your Financial Planning Business! 💼✨

As a valued member of the Academy of Life Planning community, we’re excited to invite you to our upcoming event: AI Power Hour – Grow and Streamline Your Financial Planning Business with AI. This session is designed to help you harness the latest AI tools and strategies to revolutionise your business, making it more efficient and impactful. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how AI can take your practice to the next level. Join us and unlock new potential! 🌐💡

Hi there, 

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Oct 15, 2024 04:00 PM London 
Register in advance for this meeting.

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

3. 🎉 Welcome to the Partner Parade with CISI! 🌐

We’re thrilled to welcome the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) to our Partner Parade! CISI will be presenting an exciting pathway for financial planners who are not financial advisers, guiding them towards recognition, accreditation, and professional registration. This is an incredible opportunity to gain the credibility and titles you deserve as a professional in the field. Join us as we explore how CISI can support your journey to becoming a fully accredited financial planner. 💼🌟

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Oct 24, 2024 04:00 PM London.

Register in advance for this meeting.

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

4. 🧑‍💼 Webinar: 3 Steps to Attracting & Retaining High-Value Retirement Clients 🌟

Join us on 16 October 2024 at 5:00 PM for an exclusive webinar where Susan Latremoille, with 38 years in wealth management, will share her expertise on attracting high-value retirement-age clients through personalised lifestyle planning. In a competitive market, standing out is key—learn strategies to deepen client relationships, drive referrals, and stay ahead of AI challenges. This session will equip you with the tools you need to transform your advisory services and thrive in today’s landscape. Don’t miss out! 📈💼

Susan Latremoille, FEA, CPRC, Partner, Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors will cover the challenges that advisors face in working with retirement age clients and outline the solutions we offer through our Advisor Program. 

Here is the registration link.

🍷🚪 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 👉 October 11th, 2024, at 12 PM London time. 🎟️🕛 🌟 Quick note: Next week, I’m on my honeymoon! 👰🤵 But don’t worry, everything’s still on track. If you need anything in the meantime, feel free to reach out to the team, and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Looking forward to continuing our journey together when I’m back! 🌱😊

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. 🌟📚 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.

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