🧇 The Weekly Waffle – Academy Town Hall Highlights December 6th, 2024 📅

Story of the Week

🌟 Discover a Career That Aligns with Your Purpose! 🌟

Feeling stuck in the routine of financial services? Imagine a career where your values, talents, and purpose truly align! 🌱 Our latest article, "Empowering Financial Professionals: Navigating Personal Growth and Purpose Through the Ego-Soul Journey", is here to inspire you. It’s packed with insights to help you break free from outdated norms, deepen client connections, and find fulfilment in your work. 💡 Ready to transform your career and empower both yourself and your clients? Let’s make it happen! ✨

👉 Read more.  🌍

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

🚀 Empower Your Journey with Fresh Insights and a Smile! 🔍

This week, we’re peeling back the curtain on the old-school financial industry while showcasing the rise of holistic wealth planning. 🌱 Discover how to spot the hidden traps, stay ahead of the game, and put an end to fraud shaming once and for all. With sharp insights and a touch of humour, we’ll make financial planning engaging, accessible, and all about you. Let’s inspire fresh thinking and take another step towards a brighter, more empowered future together! 💡✨ 💬 [Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

🚀 Exciting Update: HapNav v2.0 is Here! 🎉

Big news for your financial planning journey! HapNav v2.0 is rolling out this weekend with brand-new features, smoother navigation, and even more powerful tools to help you take charge of your financial future. 🌟🔍 Plan smarter. 🔒 Stay secure. 💡 Achieve your goals with confidence. For just £6.99/month (with free 30-day trial), HapNav is your ultimate companion in creating a future that works for you. Ready to explore what’s new? Let’s get started! 💰✨  🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🌟 Unveil the Real You and Embrace Your True Purpose! 🌟

Life can feel like a tug-of-war between what we think we need and what our soul truly craves. ✨ In my latest article, I explore the powerful journey of lifting two veils to uncover your authentic self: 🌀 the first unveils your soul’s true desires, moving beyond ego-driven goals, and 🌈 the second reveals your core values and purpose, guiding you to live with clarity and confidence. This isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about discovering the incredible, authentic you that’s been there all along. 💖 Let’s uncover your truth together! 🌟 Read more. 💬✨

✨ Financial Planning That Puts You at the Centre ✨

What if financial planning wasn’t just about numbers, but about living a life that truly matters? 💡 Holistic wealth planning goes beyond the traditional approach, starting with who you are, what you value, and your unique purpose. 🌱 It’s about aligning your wealth—skills, relationships, and opportunities—with your vision for a meaningful and fulfilling life. In my blog, I explore how this transformative approach helps you design not just a plan, but a legacy that reflects you. Let’s redefine what financial planning can be! 💖✨ Read more. 😅

🌟 Embrace Purpose and Fulfilment with Arthur C. Brooks 🌟

Are you ready to discover what true happiness and purpose look like at every stage of life? 🎯 Arthur C. Brooks’ profound teachings align perfectly with the values we champion at the Academy of Life Planning. From redefining success to nurturing meaningful connections, his insights offer inspiration for us as practitioners and tools to help our clients thrive. 🌱💡 In our article, we dive into these transformative ideas—because living a life of purpose isn’t just a dream; it’s a plan worth creating. ✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Empower Your Future with Planning My Life! 🌟

Ready to take control of your finances, life, and dreams? 💭💸 Planning My Life makes financial planning simple, accessible, and focused entirely on YOU! 💪✨ For just £19/month, you’ll gain: ✅ Clarity and direction for your finances and life. ✅ Access to our advanced AI Life Planner to craft your personalised plan. 🤖📝 ✅ Confidence to take ownership of your future. 🌈💡 Plus, enjoy a treasure trove of tools, videos, and resources, join a supportive community, and get unlimited Q&A with experts—including insights from, hey me! 🌟 No gimmicks, just real empowerment to help you shape the future you deserve. 🛤️❤️ Start today! 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Time for Change: Britain’s Financial Services Need Reform 🌟

Trust in the UK’s financial sector is at an all-time low, with only 1 in 3 citizens feeling treated honestly and transparently by financial firms. 😔 Years of scandals, regulatory failures, and cover-ups have left many feeling vulnerable and unheard. But there’s hope! 💡 A new APPG report on Investment Fraud and Fairer Financial Services shines a light on the issues with the FCA and provides constructive steps towards a better, fairer system. 🌱 This is our chance to rebuild trust, create a financial system that works for everyone, and drive economic growth that benefits all. 💷 Let’s make it happen! 💼✨👉 Read More. 😅

🔊 Let’s Make Consumer Voices Heard in Financial Regulation!

When it comes to financial regulation, whose interests truly come first? With 99% of lobbying power coming from big institutions and just 1% from consumer advocates, the system feels anything but balanced. 😔 Our latest article highlights this critical issue and explores why a fiduciary duty to prioritise consumers' best interests is urgently needed. 🌱 It’s time to ensure regulation serves everyone—not just the powerful. Together, we can amplify consumer voices and push for a fairer, more equitable financial system. 💬✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🛡️ Drain the Swamp: Join the Fight for Financial Justice! 🛡️

Shining a light on financial crime is a game-changer, and it’s fantastic to see growing efforts to demand accountability and fairness. 🌟 By securely sharing evidence with trusted outlets like The Guardian, you’re helping to expose systemic failings and push for real change. Every voice matters, and your story could drive transparency and inspire wider reforms. 💬 If you’ve been affected, reach out—whether it’s to your MP or reliable media channels. Together, we can amplify this movement, support those in need, and pave the way for a fairer financial system. Let’s keep making noise and driving change! 💪✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

💸 Unmasking the Modern-Day Financial Robbers! 💸

Ever feel like the financial system is stacked against you? You’re not imagining it. 😏 For years, shady practices and regulatory failures have left everyday people vulnerable, while those in power look the other way. But here’s the good news: we can fight back. 💪 If you’ve been financially wronged or have evidence of misconduct that regulators ignored, now’s the time to speak up. ☕ Trusted outlets like The Guardian are ready to hear your story—confidentially and securely. Together, we can expose the fraudsters, hold enablers accountable, and demand justice. Let’s make a difference! 🚨✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🔒 Stay Ahead of Fraud in 2025! 💻💳

Fraud is on the rise, but you can protect yourself and your loved ones. 🌟 Our latest article covers everything you need to know, including the latest fraud trends, practical tips to stay safe, and where to report fraud or get support if you’ve been targeted. ✅💡 Knowledge is your best defence, and together we can stay vigilant and in control. Let’s take the steps to keep your finances secure and your mind at ease. 💪🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Let’s End Fraud Shaming Together! 🌟

Fraud is the most common crime in the UK, affecting millions every year—yet so many victims suffer in silence, feeling ashamed. 😔💔 But here’s the truth: fraud is never your fault. 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♂️ It’s a calculated crime designed to exploit trust, and it can happen to anyone. 💡 In our latest article, we explore how fraud impacts victims beyond financial loss, why it’s time to end the stigma, and practical steps to protect yourself and rebuild trust. 🤝 Let’s replace blame with understanding and support. Together, we can create a stronger, more informed community. ✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 A Big Step Forward in Financial Services! 🌟

Great news! The CFA Society UK has joined the Chartered Body Alliance, reinforcing the importance of professionalism, ethics, and a life-centred approach to financial planning. 🌱 This partnership signals a shift towards valuing total wealth—not just what we earn, but the skills, purpose, and well-being that make life truly fulfilling. At the Academy of Life Planning, we’re excited to see this holistic perspective gain traction. Discover how this development could transform financial planning and why investing in human capital is the key to designing a brighter future. ✨💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼 Whose Savings Are They Really Protecting? 🐷💰

Once again, politicians, regulators, and the investment industry are urging us to move our savings into risky investments. 🚨 But let’s pause—who’s really benefiting here? 🤔 They’ll promise you early retirement (by a whole 2.5 years!), but the reality of risk might mean working even longer to recover losses. 🕰️ The truth is, many of us prefer to work longer anyway—doing what we love, with purpose, meaning, and stability. 🧘‍♂️✨ It’s not just about financial capital anymore. 💡 The human capital you build—your skills, passions, and fulfilling work—can take you further than any volatile portfolio. So next time someone says, "put your money to work," ask yourself who’s really profiting. 🧐👉 Read more. 📈😅

🏢 Another St. James’s Place Scandal: Locked Funds, Soaring Fees 💰

Imagine this: your money is stuck in a fund you can’t access, but the company managing it is still charging you fees every single day. 🤯 Welcome to the world of the SJP Property Fund—where thousands of customers are locked out of their investments, while SJP rakes in £100,000 a day from frozen funds. That’s £47 million in fees since last year! 💵 Meanwhile, the value of those investments keeps shrinking faster than ice on a hot day. 🥶➡️💧 It’s a financial pantomime 🎭 where investors are left feeling like the fools. But enough is enough. Check out this article to see why people are furious—and demanding justice. ✊📢

👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 FCA: Watchdog or Lapdog? 🐶💤

While fraudsters run wild and victims are left stranded, the FCA seems more concerned with polishing its image than protecting the public. 🤔 Despite promises of “transformation,” scams continue to flourish, and accountability remains little more than a buzzword. 📉 With immunity from prosecution and cosy ties to the financial elite, it’s hard to ignore the feeling that their priority is the system—not the people. 🤝💼 Want the full story? 🔎 Dive into our latest article to uncover the truth and decide if public trust is being safeguarded or slipping away. 📖👉 Let’s hold them to account! 💪✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🔎 Is the FCA Missing the Mark on Public Trust?

Instead of tackling the root causes of public distrust—like scams, mis-sold products, and bad actors—the FCA seems to think the solution lies in shifting the blame to consumers. At a recent conference, their message was clear: the UK needs a “stronger investment culture,” encouraging people to embrace financial products despite a history of scandals. But trust isn’t built by asking consumers to take more risks—it’s earned through transparency, fairness, and genuine accountability. Let’s focus on what really matters: protecting people, not just the industry. 💬✨👉 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!

Downloads

📥 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! 📚🚀

Scoreapps

⏱️ Discover Your Potential with Our Free 5-Minute Quizzes!

Take a moment to explore where you stand and how to grow with our quick and insightful quizzes:

Financial Activation Scorecard: Measure your Financial Activation Measure (FAM) and discover how financially prepared you are to manage your own finances. Track your progress over time with our tailored empowerment support. 💡

Kokoro Scorecard: Find your balance across mind, body, heart, and spirit, and get actionable steps to enhance it. 🌱

Holistic Wealth Planner/ Business Readiness Quiz: See how prepared you are to thrive as an independent holistic wealth planner, and identify where the Academy can help you succeed in 2025.

🚀 Each quiz is free, quick, and designed to set you on the path to growth and success. Try them today! ✨

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 13th, 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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