🧇 The Weekly Waffle – Academy Town Hall Highlights November 15th, 2024 📅

Story of the Week

Financial Planning That Misses the Mark?

Give a guide on financial planning to financial advisers, and what do you get? More of the same: tips on saving the money you’ve already made—purely financial capital strategies. 🙄 But what about building your human capital—the skills, values, and personal growth that truly drive your future success? It’s like handing you a hammer and saying it’s the only tool you’ll ever need. Spoiler: It’s not. 💡 Dive into our article to explore a fresh, holistic approach that puts you at the centre, not just your bank account. 🚀👉 Read more. 😅

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

Good Morning, Financial Pioneers! 🌅🌍

Let’s dive into another exciting week! We’ll be unpacking the ongoing boardroom disputes at PFS and what this means for members like you, unveiling our brand-new Academy brochure packed with resources to support your journey, and taking a fresh look at holistic wealth planning perspectives. It’s time to shake up the status quo and lead the way in reinventing financial planning. Ready to get started? Let’s go! 🚀💬 [Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

The CII & PFS Tug-of-War: Where Do Financial Planners Stand? 🤷‍♂️

Feeling frustrated by the ongoing chaos between the CII and PFS? You’re not alone! It’s as if they’ve created an “exclusive club” that no one actually wants to join. While leadership tussles in the boardroom, members are left out in the cold, wondering where they stand. If you’ve ever doubted your place as a Chartered Financial Planner, rest assured—you’re not alone. This is why it’s more important than ever to seek a supportive community that values your skills, prioritises transparency, and helps you thrive without the drama. 💬✨ 🌟 Read more. 😅

Ready to Step Up as a Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP®)? 🌱🌟

Feeling daunted by the shift from Financial Services to a more holistic approach? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Our new brochure is your go-to guide for making this transition smoothly, packed with everything you need to succeed. Discover step-by-step support, tailored advice, and top-notch tools to help you align your career with your values and aspirations. It’s time to unlock your potential and achieve mastery as an HWP®. Ready to start your journey? Let’s make it happen! 🛤️✨💬 🌟 Read more. 😅

The Retirement Crisis: It’s Time to Rethink the Rules 🚨💬

We’re often told to “just save more” for retirement, but is that really the best way forward? Instead of counting every penny, why not choose to work a little longer—on your own terms? 💪💼 The pension industry loves pushing products, but when you look past the sales pitch, it’s clear that human capital is the real game-changer. Who says retirement has to mean stopping work entirely? Let’s redefine it together: flexibility, purpose, and a bit of extra income to keep you thriving. 💵✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

Youth Unemployment: Time for a Real Game Plan 🛑💡

With 1.2 million young people out of work or study, the government's “fix” seems to be more paperwork and empty promises. 🙄 But we’re not waiting for change—we’re creating it. Our Game Plan offers a practical, no-nonsense solution, focused on what truly matters: personal values, clear goals, and real skills development. It’s not a quick fix; it’s a framework designed to help young people build a sustainable future. No gimmicks, just a clear path forward. Let’s empower the next generation with a plan that actually works. 🚀🧩👉 Read more. 📈😅

Are Financial Advisers Falling Into a Familiar Trap? 💬⚠️

Could financial advisers be heading down the same slippery slope as the opioid crisis? In both cases, profit-driven decisions can overshadow real client needs. When advisers focus solely on gathering assets instead of providing holistic guidance, it risks leaving clients’ deeper goals unmet. Just like the overprescription of painkillers, placing too much emphasis on financial capital alone can lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences. It’s time to prioritise people over profit and embrace a more balanced, whole-person approach to financial planning. 🤝🌱👉 Read more. 📈😅

Will Technology Help Advisers Focus More on Clients—or Just More Sales? 🤔💻

With technology transforming the financial advice landscape, we’re left wondering: Will it actually free up time for advisers to connect deeply with their clients, or just push them further into product sales? As the industry evolves, the focus is shifting from selling products to providing real, value-driven planning. The future of advice should be about building relationships, understanding client goals, and offering personalised guidance—not just managing transactions. Let’s embrace the tech that helps us prioritise what truly matters: meaningful client connections. 🤝🌱✨👉 Read More. 😅

Banks Are Back in Advice—But Is It Really Different This Time? 🚨🏦

Banks have re-entered the financial advice market after a 12-year break, targeting the mass-affluent crowd. But let’s be honest—has anything truly changed? While AI may streamline services and compliance has tightened, the core issue persists: commoditised products dressed up as “advice.” Genuine financial planning is about understanding client needs and providing tailored guidance, not just pushing the next product. It’s time for a shift towards real, client-focused advice that puts people first. 🤝🌱💬👉 Read more. 📈😅

Navigating the New Workplace Culture: Feeling Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone 🌍💬

In recent years, the workplace culture has evolved rapidly, leaving many seasoned professionals feeling burnt out, frustrated, and a bit lost. It’s not just the workload—it’s the new, unwritten rules that require a kind of mental gymnastics to keep up. Terms like “woke culture,” “diversity,” and “DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) are intended to foster fairness and inclusivity. But let’s be honest: the way these values are often rolled out can add layers of complexity and confusion. It’s time to embrace these principles in a way that truly supports everyone and creates a balanced, welcoming environment. 🤝🌱👉 Read more. 📈😅

Latte Today, Financial Freedom Tomorrow? ☕💸

We all love our daily coffee fix—it’s that little boost to start the day with a smile. But have you ever thought about what your daily latte is really costing you? 🤔 For less than what you spend on your weekly flat white, you could be investing in something more meaningful—a solid financial plan that offers lasting comfort, not just a caffeine buzz. So, what’s your choice? The fleeting joy of a caramel drizzle or the peace of a growing savings cushion? Let’s brew up a plan that puts your money to better use. ☕💰💬👉 Read more. 📈😅

Unlock the Secrets of the Akashic Records: Your Spiritual Library 📚✨

Imagine a universal library that holds the story of your soul—every thought, emotion, and experience across all your lifetimes. That’s the essence of the Akashic Records, a timeless spiritual database filled with insights just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your life path, trying to break free from old patterns, or looking to heal deep-seated wounds, exploring the Akashic Records can offer profound clarity and transformation. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing—your personal guide to understanding the journey of your soul. 🌱💫👉 Read more. 📈😅

Taxing the Bereaved: Is Inheritance Tax on Death Benefits Really Fair? 💀💸

Just when you thought taxes couldn’t get any worse, the Treasury is eyeing your death benefits too. Starting in 2027, inheritance tax could hit your family’s death in service payments—because apparently, it’s not enough to tax you in life. Imagine your loved ones facing a 40% tax bill on the very support they need most. It feels unfair, doesn’t it? If you’re wondering how to protect your family from this financial blow, you’re not alone. Now’s the time to plan ahead and safeguard your legacy. Let’s make sure the tax man doesn’t take a slice of your loved ones’ lifeline. ⚖️🛡️💬👉 Read more. 📈😅

The End of Family Businesses? Protect Your Legacy from Inheritance Tax 🚜💀

The Chancellor’s latest budget changes have sent shockwaves through family farms and small businesses. After generations of hard work, the risk of losing your legacy to inheritance tax is real. Instead of passing down the keys to your children, you could end up handing them over to the taxman. 💼💣 It’s like nationalisation by stealth, where years of effort vanish in just a few inheritance cycles. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s plan ahead and protect your family’s future, ensuring your legacy stays where it belongs. 🏠💪💬👉 Read more. 📈

Why Does Financial Education Skip the Most Important Lesson? 💰🧐

Have you noticed something missing from financial education in schools? We teach kids how to save and budget, but when it comes to actually earning money, it’s conveniently left out. 🤔 Instead of showing them how to “bake the cake,” we’re just handing out crumbs. When the financial industry shapes the curriculum, it’s no wonder we end up with lessons that feel like ads for savings accounts and ISAs. It’s time to flip the script—let’s focus on planning the person first, not just the money. We need to teach the next generation to thrive, not just scrape by. 💪🌱💫👉 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!

Enhance Your Financial Journey with Our New Free Resources 📥💼✨

We’re thrilled to share three new resources to help you on your financial planning journey! Start with the GAME Plan, a guide to boosting your holistic financial well-being. Dive into Your Future, our brochure for the Elite Planner Accelerator Programme, designed to help you elevate your business. Finally, discover our comprehensive Academy of Life Planning Guide, your pathway to becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner. 🌟 Ready to take the next step toward a secure, fulfilling future? Download these valuable tools today and start your journey with confidence! 📚🚀💬

Member Live Events:

1. 🎉 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.

2. 📅 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 22nd, 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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