Story of the Week

💸 Tax, Tax, Tax – Let’s Protect Your Unused Pension! 💸

How are you planning to manage your drawdowns now? 🤔 With Wednesday's budget introducing new taxes on unused pensions, it’s time to rethink your approach! My latest article explores the history of Labour's "pension raids" and what these changes mean for savers today. ⚙️ If you were counting on passing down your pension pot, this update might require a fresh strategy. 💼👀 Discover ways to stay a step ahead and safeguard your savings. Because if it’s tax, tax, tax… let’s make sure it’s not coming out of your hard-earned pension! 🛡️ 👉 Read more. 😅

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

🌅 Good Morning, Financial Pioneers!
Today, we’re diving into the latest UK Budget changes and how the new 67% death tax on unused pensions impacts retirement plans. 💼 We’ll also look back to ancient wisdom, exploring consciousness levels that still drive financial behaviours today, and shine a light on the murky side of co-manufacturing, including last week’s motor finance court ruling that could spell more trouble for SJP. Plus, we’re continuing our journey into human capital development and its vital role in holistic wealth planning. 🌍 Ready to rethink and rise? Let’s jump in! 🚀

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

Top Stories

🌟 Introducing Project Plan Prompt: Shaping the Future of Financial Planning! 🌟

Exciting times, Academy members! We’re thrilled to unveil Plan Prompt, our latest innovation aligned with the Game Plan Goals – Significant STORIES System. 🎯 Designed for planners, Plan Prompt helps clients envision a future that honours their values and supports human capital development. 🌱💡 Led by Stuart Erskine, with insights from founder Paul Resnik and the Suitable Advice Institute team, this AI-powered service integrates assessments on risk, values, decision-making, and communication styles. It’s a game-changer for building trust and meeting Consumer Duty standards, empowering you to provide insights that truly resonate with each client. 💬✨ More details to follow.

🌍 Intrapreneurship: A Path to Success for Black Founders 🌍

Intrapreneurship is opening new doors for Black founders, providing a pathway to success by utilising the support of their employers and minimising bias. 📈 Research shows that Black employees thrive just as well as their white counterparts in intrapreneurial roles, helping to narrow the financial success gap and demonstrating the power of innovation from within. This approach creates a win-win, promoting diversity, sparking creativity, and moving us closer to closing the racial wealth gap. Let’s champion intrapreneurship as a meaningful way to foster equity and empower Black talent in the economy! ✨✨ Read more.

🌱 Embracing Regenerative Leadership: Six Habits for the Future 🌱

Regenerative leadership isn’t just another style; it’s a purposeful blend of essential qualities applied in today’s unique context. The Six Habits of Regenerative Leaders are clear: being Systemic, Inclusive, Strategic, Caring, Innovative, and Courageous. 🌍 To lead in the regeneration revolution, it’s not just about guiding others—you must also focus on regenerating yourself. Embrace these habits and join a new wave of leadership that supports growth, resilience, and positive impact on both people and the planet. 🌟 Read More.

💌 The Power of Last Love Letters: Filling the Heart’s Gaps 💌

While estate planning addresses the material, a last love letter speaks to the soul, filling the “why” gaps that formal plans cannot. 🖋️ These letters offer comfort, softening the edges and holding space in a way that goes beyond the tangible. Even in the toughest estate situations, healing and repair are possible when we share our love in writing. If you feel moved to leave a lasting message for those who matter most, now is the perfect time to start. Your words will be a gift beyond measure. 💖 Read More.

🌟💼 Mary Magdalene: The Original Self-Help Guru? 💼🌟

It seems Mary Magdalene’s teachings go far beyond the typical “find yourself” advice! She pinpointed the real obstacles—desire, fear, ignorance... all those habits we struggle to let go of. 🙄💸 In our latest article, we dive into her timeless insights and how they align with the GAME Plan—a modern approach that encourages us to look past the shiny distractions and focus on genuine clarity and balance. 🧘‍♂️💡 Discover how these ancient ideas can inspire a more purposeful path today! 🌟 Read more. 😅

🤔 Loyalty to Your Adviser: Trust or Just a Habit? 💸

Is sticking with the same financial adviser a sign of deep trust… or simply habit? Nearly 3 in 4 over-55s have never switched advisers, making that “longstanding relationship” feel a bit like a comfy old sofa. But here’s the real question—are these advisers actually adding clear value, or is it just a friendly chat with a glossy price tag? 😏 Discover if your loyalty is well-placed or just… placed. Find out more in our latest article! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 New Legal Ruling Alert: Transparency on Adviser Fees! 🚨

St. James’s Place and “transparent fees”—yes, you read that right! Last week, the Court of Appeal ruled that if you’re paying adviser commissions, you deserve to know every single penny. 💸 So, what does this mean for SJP’s famous exit fees and those undisclosed charges? It could pave the way for compensation claims. 🎲 This ruling is a major step toward financial clarity—find out how it might affect you in our latest update! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🔍 Co-Manufacturing in Financial Advice: Real Value or Just More Fees?

We explore the growing trend of co-manufacturing in financial advice, where advisers and portfolio managers team up to design customised investment solutions. Sounds great, but is it really delivering value, or just adding an extra layer of fees? 🧐 While co-manufacturing promises tailored portfolios, the added fees and often complex structures make it essential for clients to ask, “What am I really paying for?” Discover the facts to make informed choices about your financial future. 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 Human Capital Development: Society’s Best Investment? 🚀

It sounds simple—get two million people off benefits, and suddenly, no more tax hikes or budget gaps. Just add a dash of mindset, resilience, and skills, and watch the economy thrive! 💪 But here’s the real thought—what if investing in people isn’t just wishful thinking? Imagine a society where we prioritise skills, health, and lifelong learning. It turns out, our greatest asset might just be each other. 🤔 Discover how human capital development could be the ultimate game-changer in our latest article! 👉 Read more. 😅 

💰 Feeling the Squeeze, Middle Britain? Let’s Rethink Financial Resilience! 💰

The financial industry’s big “solution” for tight budgets? Just hand over even more of your hard-earned cash! 🤔 Facing tough times? The advice to save for tomorrow by cutting back today can feel, well… a bit out of touch. But here’s a refreshing idea: building financial resilience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your comfort now. 🤷‍♂️ Let’s explore short-term savings, human capital growth, and meaningful work that supports both financial security and well-being. 🧘‍♀️💼 Discover ways to secure your future without compromising your present!

👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌅💼 The “Golden Years” Dream… or Something Better? 💼🌅

Another pension crisis alert! 😱 And the solution? Just invest even more in funds, with a nice fee attached, of course. 💸💸 But what if retirement wasn’t just about scraping by? Imagine those years filled with flexible, meaningful work that keeps us active, fulfilled, and financially secure—without draining our already-tight budgets. 💡🌿 In our latest article, we explore a new vision for retirement that prioritises purpose, well-being, and financial resilience. Discover how the “golden years” can truly shine! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🎨✨ Retirement: Not the End, Just a Plot Twist! 🎨✨

Ah, retirement—the promised land of golf courses and endless sunshine! 🎣☕️ But what they don’t tell you? Sometimes that “freedom” can bring a surprising dose of boredom. Retirement should feel like the next exciting chapter, not the closing credits! In our latest article, we explore how to keep life engaging—whether through an “encore career,” volunteering, or simply finding something that gets you excited each morning. 💼🎭 Because let’s be honest, none of us want to go from “who’s who” to “who’s he?” Discover your next chapter today! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼 Funding Your Future with… Tokenisation? 💼

Forget traditional student loans with endless interest—how about selling a small slice of your future income instead? 🎩 Human capital tokenisation offers a new way to fund your education, launch a startup, or even put down a house deposit. Just pledge a portion of your future earnings and get the cash you need now, with payback tied to future success. 💸 But before you dive in, consider the details: flexible repayments, no mounting debt... yet your future income is in play. Could this be the end of student loans, or just another “pay it forward” twist? Click below to learn more! 📲 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🧓💸 "Retiring in Your Sixties? That’s So Last Century!"

With longer lives, many of us might find ourselves working well past our sixties—but who wants to spend those extra years stuck in the same old grind? 😬 Enter Holistic Wealth Planning! 💼✨ It’s not just about building a cash pile; it’s about investing in your human capital (think skills, connections, and a life you truly enjoy). If “working forever” doesn’t sound appealing, maybe it’s time to rethink what “wealth” really means. Discover how a new approach to wealth can add more fulfilment to your future! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼🔎 Lost Pensions: The £31 Billion Treasure Hunt You Didn’t Know About! 🔍💸

Last Sunday was National Pension Tracing Day—a reminder that £31 billion in pensions are just waiting to be reclaimed! 🤔💭 If you’ve ever switched jobs and lost track of a pension, you’re not alone; over 3 million “lost” pots are out there. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a pricey consolidator to “rescue” your savings! 🚫💰 Find out how to track down your lost pension pots and bring them back into focus for free. Your treasure hunt awaits! 👉 Read more. 😅

🌟 Embracing Your Hero’s Journey: Transformation Within Reach 🌟

Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey resonates because it mirrors our own paths. We all encounter challenges, sometimes hesitate, and often lean on mentors and allies to find our way. By facing life’s ordeals and rising above them, we gain strength, wisdom, and a renewed sense of purpose. Hollywood and Disney use this framework to help us connect deeply with characters, inspiring us to see the potential within our own stories. Embracing this timeless journey reminds us that transformation is always within our reach—our next chapter is just waiting to unfold. ✨ 👉 Read more. 📈😅

💰 The Great Pension Heist: Your Savings, Their Payday 💰

Ever feel like your pension pot is open season for every new tax grab? 🤔 The latest Inheritance Tax hit has arrived, and it’s not just the winter fuel allowance at stake—your entire retirement plan could be in the crosshairs. 💸 In our latest article, we trace Labour’s history of pension tax grabs, from Blair and Brown’s billion-pound cuts to Rachel Reeves’s latest inheritance tax double whammy. If you thought your pension was safe, think again! 🙄 Ready to rethink retirement or spend down to beat the taxman? Either way, have a read before they take another slice of your savings pie! 🍰👉 Read more. 📈😅

🕴️💼 The Revolving Doors of Financial Advice: Familiar Tales, New Price Tags 💼

Ah, the revolving door of financial advice... where memories fade, but those commissions stay sharp. From the home service collapse to the bancassurance bust, it’s been a cycle of poor-value products sold to the masses, leaving just a “lucky” few with costly advice today. 💸 So, what’s changed? Not much—except now, access to advice is reserved for those who can afford the hefty fees. It’s time to question the value of financial advice and explore options that serve everyone, not just the wealthy. 👉 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!

📥 Empower Your Financial Journey with Our New Downloads 💼✨

We’re thrilled to share three powerful resources to support your financial planning journey! Start with the GAME Plan, your guide to holistic financial wellbeing. Then, explore Your Future, a brochure crafted to help you build your business with our Elite Planner Accelerator Programme. And don’t miss Planning for 60 Life’s Transitions – Judith’s Guide to Staying Prepared, designed to help you avoid impulsive decisions and build flexibility for all of life’s stages.

🌟 Download these tools today and take your next step toward a secure, fulfilling future! 📚🌟

Member Live Events:

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

In The Contingency Planner, we tackle the essential role of preparing clients for life’s surprises! This session equips Holistic Wealth Planners with strategies to model a range of ‘what-if’ scenarios—because life rarely sticks to the script. 😅 From best-case to worst-case, you’ll learn to navigate different longevity and health assumptions, crafting flexible, resilient plans that evolve alongside your clients’ lives. 🌍📊 Couldn’t attend live? No problem! This insightful session is now available on-demand for members. 🎥 View Here. 

2. 🎉 Your New Professional Development Pathway: Partner Parade with CISI! 🌐

We’re delighted to welcome the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) to our Partner Parade! CISI offers an exciting pathway for financial planners—not product advisers—focused on building professional recognition, accreditation, and registration. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain the credibility and titles you deserve as a dedicated professional in the field. Join us as we dive into how CISI supports your journey towards becoming a fully accredited financial planner. 💼🌟 Missed the live session? Don’t worry—it’s now available on-demand for members! 🎥 View Here.

3. 📅 The Game Plan Evolution: CPD Masterclass Series S1: E12: The Marketeer: Go-to-Market Strategies for Success! 📈

In The Marketeer session, Game Plan Coaches will dive into essential strategies to help clients take their projects to market with confidence and impact. This session covers key areas like building a value ladder, managing product life cycles, and refining sales funnels—all designed to empower clients to successfully launch their Ikigai projects. These are ventures that not only align with their talents and passions but also meet real-world needs and deliver financial rewards. Coaches will gain the tools to guide clients through market dynamics, ensuring their offerings resonate with the right audience for lasting success. Ready to help clients turn aspirations into thriving realities? Join us and make an impact!

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

🕒 When & Where: 🗓️ Tues 19 Nov, 2024
⏰ 06:00 PM London Time
📍 Zoom (Because in-person is so 2019)

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

🍷🚪 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 👉November 8th, 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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