🧇 The Weekly Waffle – Academy Town Hall Highlights November 29th, 2024 📅

Story of the Week

🌟 Transform Your Career with the Academy of Life Planning 🌟

Ready to step away from product-focused advice and embrace a client-centred approach that aligns with your values? At the Academy of Life Planning, we’re here to help you create a fulfilling, purpose-driven financial planning practice. With resources, mentorship, and support, we’ll guide you to:
✅ Access exclusive tools and resources tailored to your growth.
✅ Work one-to-one with me, Steve Conley, for personalised guidance.
✅ Connect with a global network of like-minded professionals.
✅ Achieve GAME Plan accreditation for holistic financial planning.
✅ Build and grow your business sustainably, on your terms.

This is more than a programme—it’s a movement redefining financial planning as a positive force for change. Let’s create a practice that empowers your clients and enriches your life. And, the clear message is, now is the right time for change!✨👉 Read more.  🌍

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

🔍 Insights, Empowerment, and a Dash of Wit! 🚀

In a week where in our LinkedIn Poll, almost 3 in 4 said now is the right time create a professional body just for financial planners who aren’t FCA-regulated advisers; focused purely on planning! Welcome to this week’s edition of the Academy newsletter, where we dive into the FCA’s latest controversies, explore the GAME Plan for the sick and the young, and even draw lessons from Gareth Southgate’s career strategy. Expect sharp insights with a sprinkle of humour, making financial planning engaging, accessible, and all about you. Let’s uncover how these topics can inspire fresh thinking and empower your journey! 💬 [Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

🔎 "Incompetent, Dishonest": FCA Under Fire: What It Means for You 💡

A new report from the APPG on investment fraud and fairer financial services has called out the FCA, labelling the UK’s financial watchdog as “incompetent at best, dishonest at worst.” After a three-year investigation with input from fraud victims, whistleblowers, and former FCA staff, the findings highlight serious concerns about consumer protection and market fairness. As financial planners and consumers, it’s crucial to stay informed and advocate for transparency and integrity in the financial world. Together, we can demand better and ensure trust in the system. 🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🚨 FCA’s Response: A Call for Change 🚨

The FCA’s reaction to the APPG’s critical report highlights a worrying gap between the regulator and its stakeholders. Defensive and lacking humility, it echoes past institutional failings and raises serious questions about its commitment to public trust. By dismissing the emotional impact on victims and favouring insider feedback, the FCA seems more aligned with government and City interests than with protecting consumers. This is a clear reminder of why transparency and accountability in financial regulation are essential. Together, we can push for the reforms needed to rebuild trust and fairness. 💡✨ Read more. 😅

🌟 Take Control of Your Journey Today! 🌟

Have you ever felt stuck, waiting for the “right moment” or someone to guide you forward? The truth is, life isn’t about waiting—it’s about taking charge and building a life that reflects your true potential. Life Planners are here to support and inspire you, helping you uncover your strengths and navigate challenges. It’s not about fixing you—it’s about empowering you to rediscover your power and purpose. With clarity, hope, and practical guidance, Life Planners help you create a life filled with connection, meaning, and fulfilment. 🌈✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Redefining Job Centres with the GAME Plan 🌟

Imagine job centres as spaces of hope and opportunity, where young people are empowered to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges, and find their way back to fulfilling work. That’s the vision behind our latest article, exploring how the GAME Plan approach can transform proposed job centre reforms. Instead of relying on sanctions and conditions, the GAME Plan focuses on empowerment, making work a meaningful part of your journey—not just an obligation. Let’s reimagine the future, together. 🌈✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌍💡 Auto-Enrolment: Helping or Hurting the Most Vulnerable? 💷

As auto-enrolment changes dominate the financial headlines, we’re asking the big question: are these reforms really in the best interests of young people and low earners facing a cost-of-living crisis? 🤔 In our latest article, we explore: 👉 Why 80% of financial advisers back expanded auto-enrolment. 👉 The risks for vulnerable groups who may struggle to save in the short term. 👉 Smarter alternatives: flexible contributions, financial education, and investing in human capital like skills and connections. 💬 Let’s focus on building true wealth—not just savings—so everyone can thrive today and tomorrow. 💡✨.👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Building Clarity and Trust in Financial Services 🌟

Transparency and fairness in financial markets start with clear role definitions. When professionals stick to their strengths—offering unbiased advice or providing access to financial products—it eliminates conflicts of interest and empowers investors to make confident decisions. In our latest article, we highlight how India’s regulatory progress shows the power of role clarity to enhance trust and improve outcomes for everyone involved. 💡 Let’s explore how these principles can create a more transparent and trustworthy financial environment, ensuring fairness and confidence for all stakeholders. 🌈✨👉 Read More. 😅

🌟 Bridging the Gap: Young People and Financial Advice 🌟

💡 More young adults are seeking financial advice following the latest Budget, but many advisers are stepping back from smaller clients—leaving a significant gap in accessible guidance for younger generations. In this article, we explore: ➡ Why younger people are turning to advice now. ➡ The reasons advisers are offboarding smaller clients. ➡ Practical solutions to ensure financial advice is inclusive and empowering for everyone. 💬 Together, let’s make financial advice a resource for all, building a future where everyone has the tools to thrive. 🚀✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Empowering Young People: Turning Dreams into Action 🌟

Are we equipping young people to lead purposeful lives, or are we asking them to settle for stress and struggle? At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe the future can be brighter. With the GAME Plan, we’re helping young people transform their dreams into achievable goals by connecting ambition with meaningful action. This isn’t about skipping the hard work; it’s about ensuring that work feels meaningful. Let’s inspire the next generation to pursue careers they’re passionate about and create futures they’re proud of. 🌈✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚦 Feeling Stuck? Let’s Turn “What Now?” into “What’s Next!” 🚀

We’ve all been there—wondering what’s next, feeling a bit unsure of the path ahead. Even Gareth Southgate is taking a step back, swapping the dugout for some soul-searching. Turns out leading England’s football dreams was just his warm-up! 🎯⚽ If you’re at a crossroads too, don’t worry—we’ve got the GAME Plan to help you turn those “what now?” moments into exciting “what’s next!” opportunities. Whether you’re stuck figuring out your next move or just curious about how Gareth’s navigating his, this article has the insights to inspire your journey. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Britain Isn’t Working—Let’s Focus on What Does! 🤖💼

While the government suggests AI CV tips and job searches as solutions to systemic issues, the GAME Plan takes a more meaningful approach—helping you create a future centred on your goals, values, and purpose. It’s not about fitting into a broken system; it’s about overcoming challenges, building a livelihood that matters, and waking up each day with a sense of purpose—even in the face of cutbacks. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Wake Up and Take Charge! 🌟

No one is coming to save you, and there’s no perfect plan waiting in the wings—this is YOUR journey, and it’s up to YOU to rise. Waiting for the “right moment” or a sign from the universe only delays the inevitable: your power to create change. The good news? Taking ownership of your life isn’t a burden; it’s the ultimate empowerment. You’re not a victim of your circumstances—you’re the creator of your destiny, and the time to start is now. 💪✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🤔 Rethinking Retirement: It’s Time for a New Plan 🌴💼

The “golden years” might look less like endless beach lounging and more like second and third careers. With longer lifespans and pensions often falling short, a resilient retirement now means staying engaged and earning. Financial planners, it’s time to think beyond the numbers. A Human Capital Development Strategy helps clients build purpose and resilience in later life—because supporting them to thrive beats watching their savings run dry. Let’s make retirement about fulfilment, not fear. 🎉✨💡👉 Read more. 📈

💡 Retirement Planning: More Than Just Pensions 💡

Many retirees feel anxious when their pension doesn’t stretch far enough—but it’s not just about savings. At the Academy of Life Planning, we see retirement as a chance to embrace purpose and possibility. By leveraging your skills, passions, and knowledge, we help you create a secure and fulfilling future that goes beyond financial capital. It’s never too late to take control—let’s design a retirement that truly works for you. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 A Career Without Sales Targets? Yes, It’s Possible! 🌟

If you’re passionate about helping others and want a career built on integrity and real impact, there’s an exciting path beyond sales-driven financial roles. By becoming a financial planner, you can create personalised plans that truly change lives—without the pressure of product sales or targets. With qualifications like the CFP and support from CISI and the Academy of Life Planning, you can build a profession that aligns with your values and focuses on making a difference. Say goodbye to sales stress and hello to meaningful, rewarding work! 🌈✨

👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 Mum Financial Planner: Build a Career That Fits Your Life 🌟

Imagine a career that gives you the freedom to work from anywhere, balance family commitments, and scale your income—all while making a meaningful impact. Holistic wealth planning offers just that, with flexibility and scalability to create a business aligned with your goals and values. Say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind and hello to a fulfilling career that works around your life. 💡✨💬 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🤑 Consumer Empowerment or Profiteering? Let’s Talk! 🙃

Selling high-risk financial products that were long abandoned by the markets is now being framed by the FCA as “consumer empowerment.” Whether they call it “advice” (with a chat) or “guidance” (without one), the reality feels far from protective. As banks and insurers dust off old sales tactics, it’s worth questioning who truly benefits. Is this progress or just profiteering? Let’s hear your thoughts—what does real consumer empowerment look like to you? 💬✨

👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼📢 The "Adviser Gap": A Gap in Logic, Not Talent! 📉💸

We’re told there’s a massive demand for financial advisers, but is that the reality? 🤔 The truth is, the traditional industry clings to outdated practices, chasing commissions and high fees in a world where Google, robo-advisers, and comparison sites have changed the game. 🚫🤖 The real gap isn’t in advisers—it’s in consumers willing or able to pay for advice they no longer trust. Instead of selling a broken model to young people as some amazing career pathway, it’s time to rethink what financial planning should truly be. 🎓✨👉 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 Free Resources! 💼✨

We’re excited to introduce three powerful tools to support your financial planning journey! 🌟 Dive into the GAME Plan, your guide to holistic financial well-being. Check out the latest HapNav Tech Spec, updated with market and actuarial insights ahead of next week’s version 2.0 launch. And don’t miss the Academy of Life Planning Guide, your pathway to becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner.

These resources are designed to empower you to take control of your financial future. Download them today and start your journey with confidence! 📚🚀

Member Live Events:

1. 📅 The Game Plan Evolution: CPD Masterclass Series S1: E13: The Holistic Financial Planner: Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of YOUR LIFE! 

🌟 Join the Final Session of 2024: The Holistic Financial Planner 🌟

📅 When: Wednesday, 11th December 2024, 2:00 PM (London Time)
📍 Where: Online via Zoom
🔗 Register in advance here

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join.

What’s This Session About?
In this final masterclass of 2024, we’ll explore how Game Plan Practitioners can help clients create wealth in all areas of life, inspired by the Kokoro concept. Using the natural cycle of the seasons, rooted in Shinto philosophy, we’ll focus on harmonising mind, body, heart, and spirit with financial well-being.

Learn how to:
🌱 Apply a seasonal approach to life planning—balancing inward self-focus with outward care for others.
🌟 Honour natural rhythms and opposites, creating space for clients to manifest their goals without overwhelm.
💡 Adjust plans to match life’s evolving stages, ensuring a journey as seamless as the changing seasons.

Let’s finish the year strong, equipping you with tools to guide your clients towards harmony and purpose in 2025. Register now! 🚀💬

🍷🚪 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 👉December 6th, 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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