🧇 The Weekly Waffle – Academy Town Hall Highlights December 13th, 2024 📅

Story of the Week

🌟 The Holistic Wealth Planning Community: Thriving Outside the FCA Perimeter 🌟

Operating outside the FCA perimeter offers exciting opportunities, but it comes with its own challenges. That’s where being part of a professional, like-minded community makes all the difference.

✅ Stay aligned with best practices through clear frameworks and guidance.

✅ Build credibility by showcasing your professionalism and ethical commitment.

✅ Grow with access to training, mentorship, and peer support.

✅ Reduce risk with tools to navigate the FCA’s Perimeter Report concerns.

✅ Innovate through collaboration and shared insights.

Together, we can elevate holistic financial planning, creating real impact for your clients and your practice. Let’s set the gold standard—together! 🚀 No planner is as knowledgeable as planners working together.👉 Read more.  🌍

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

🚀 Fresh Thinking for a Brighter Future! 💡✨

This week, we dive into some big topics: the government’s growth objectives, the need for clear boundaries between the City and regulator, adviser and distributor, and the impact of boom-and-bust regulations. We’ll also explore perimeter updates, fair value assessments, and the importance of putting clients’ lives before their money. Plus, enjoy our usual dose of insights and a cheeky take on the week’s events. Let’s spark new ideas, inspire action, and take another step forward—together! 🌟 [Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

🔍 Building Trust: Why Regulators Need Independence 🤝

Trust is the foundation of a strong financial system, but when the lines between regulators and the financial sector blur, consumer confidence takes a hit. In my latest article, I highlight why regulatory independence is key to ensuring transparency, protecting consumers, and fostering a fair system that prioritises people over profits. Integrity must take the lead if we’re to create a financial ecosystem that truly works for everyone. What’s your take on striking the right balance between regulation and growth? Let’s discuss! 💬✨🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🌟 Separating Advice from Sales: A Win for Consumers 🌟

The financial services industry must evolve to truly put people first. When advice and product sales are bundled together, conflicts of interest arise, often prioritising profits over clients. Our latest article dives into why creating a clear divide between these roles is crucial for restoring trust, transparency, and integrity in financial planning. ✅ Understand why the "advice boundary" is misleading. ✅ Discover how non-sales advice empowers individuals. ✅ See how reforms benefit clients and the wider economy. It’s time to reimagine financial planning as a service centred on your best interests—not the sale. Let’s push for change together! 💡✨🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🌟 Putting People Before Products in Financial Planning 🌟

Is financial planning missing the mark by prioritising products over people? In my latest article, I unpack the risks of focusing on financial capital while neglecting the importance of human capital development. Pushing financial products onto those with limited disposable income through "targeted support" can create immediate hardship and weaken long-term resilience. 📢 It’s time for a change! Let’s prioritise education, transparency, and personalised tools that empower individuals to achieve their unique goals—not outdated, one-size-fits-all "people like you" solutions. Together, we can transform financial planning into a service that truly serves you. 💡✨✨ Read more. 😅

🌍 Regulation: Protecting Consumers or Fueling Growth? 🤔

In our latest article, we delve into the FCA’s effectiveness and the APPG’s critical report. Balancing consumer protection, competition, and economic growth is no small task—but we must keep consumer voices at the heart of financial regulation. Transparency, accountability, and trust are the foundations of a fair system. Now is the time for meaningful reform to rebuild confidence and prioritise what truly matters—you, the consumer. Let’s work towards a financial future where fairness and protection take centre stage. 💡✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Boom-and-Bust Regulation: Why You Need a Trusted Partner 🌟

Regulatory changes in financial services can feel like shifting tides—bringing waves of uncertainty as rules relax and savings are channelled into political projects. Now, more than ever, having a trusted ally by your side is crucial. Holistic wealth planners stand apart, free from product sales or industry agendas. We focus on you—empowering you with clarity, aligning your decisions with your values, and guiding you towards your goals. Let’s navigate these changes together, ensuring your financial future is secure and truly your own. 💡When regulators are conflicted, you need your own personal compliance officer.✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

💬 Is UK Financial Regulation Leaving Consumers Behind?

Our latest article explores the tension between the FCA’s duty to protect consumers and its new secondary objective to boost financial sector growth. This shift raises important questions about the FCA’s priorities, accountability, and independence. Is the regulator at risk of aligning too closely with City institutions, leaving the public it’s meant to protect behind? Let’s unpack this debate and consider how we can ensure consumer interests remain at the heart of financial regulation. 💡✨👉 Read More. 😅

💡 Conduct Risk: Inside and Outside the FCA's Perimeter 🌟

Did you know that planners selling products operate within the FCA’s regulatory perimeter, while independent planners focusing on generic advice fall outside it? This distinction highlights the lower conduct risk of unbiased, product-free guidance. In our article, we delve into how the FCA’s framework protects consumers and the vital role independent financial planners play in empowering clients with education, transparency, and truly impartial support. Let’s explore how this approach puts your interests first. 💬✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Fair Value: What It Means for Holistic Wealth Planners 🌟

📊 Are your financial planning services fair, transparent, and truly valuable? Whether you’re a planner or just curious about how fees are calculated, this is for you! 💡 Discover how we: ✔️ Base fees on time, tools, and personalisation. ✔️ Tailor services to match every life stage and need. ✔️ Deliver real value through savings, education, and empowerment. Let’s make financial planning accessible, transparent, and meaningful for everyone. Together, we can set a new standard for fairness and impact. ✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Financial Planning II: A New Era of Empowerment 🌟

The world of financial planning is changing. Today’s clients want more than product recommendations—they’re looking for education, empowerment, and solutions that reflect their values and aspirations. 💡✨ In my latest article, we explore how the traditional model of intermediation is evolving into a holistic approach focused on life planning and human capital development. These are the real tools for solving life’s challenges and building sustainable, meaningful livelihoods. Ready to embrace this shift? Let’s create a future where financial planning transforms lives—not just portfolios. 🌟🙌👉 Read more. 📈😅

💸🌟 Ignite Your Inner Spark and Fuel Your Potential! 🌟

Did you know that inspiration is the spark that can unlock your true potential and help you achieve your goals? 💡✨ In my article, we explore how setting meaningful, inspiring goals can tackle one of the UK’s biggest challenges: the nine million economically inactive individuals, including 2.8 million facing long-term illness. 🛤️💪 By igniting the flame of inspiration, we fuel action, hope, and resilience—key ingredients for building brighter futures for ourselves and our communities. Let’s take that first step together! 🌈🙌👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚀 Rethink Your Career in Financial Planning 🌟

Are you ready to escape sales targets and the weight of regulatory red tape? At the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), we offer a forward-thinking path for financial professionals seeking independence, purpose, and meaningful impact. Imagine owning your business, building trust with clients, and shaping a career that aligns with your values—all while empowering others to take charge of their financial futures. No sales quotas, no red tape—just fulfilling work, lasting relationships, and limitless growth opportunities. Let’s create a future you’re proud to live. 🌟💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Financial Planning at a Crossroads: A New Era Ahead 🌟

For years, the traditional model of financial planning—where professionals juggled strategic advice and product sales, often charging fees based on assets under management (AUM)—dominated the industry. But times are changing, and cracks are forming in this outdated approach. Exciting new trends are emerging, paving the way for a more transformative, client-focused approach to financial services. This is your chance to be part of the shift—embracing a model that prioritises empowerment, transparency, and true value for clients. 💡✨ Let’s build the future of financial planning together! 🚀👉Read more. 📈😅

📢 Big Changes for Pension Savers Ahead! 🏦💡

Important updates to pensions and inheritance tax (IHT) are coming in April 2027, and they could have a major impact on your financial plans and loved ones. 💼❤️ Our article breaks down the new IHT rules, what they mean for pension savers, and the steps you can take to safeguard your wealth. From tax-efficient gifting 🎁 to reviewing your beneficiary nominations 📜, we’re here to help you stay informed and prepared. Don’t leave your future to chance—take action today! 💡✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Are Housing Costs Threatening Your Retirement Dreams? 🏡💭

Retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, but rising housing costs are making this a challenge for many. With more people renting or carrying mortgages into later life, planning ahead has never been more important. 💼📊 In our article, we explore why housing costs are a growing concern, how financial planning can provide the security you need, and practical steps to ensure your housing expenses don’t overshadow your retirement dreams. Let’s work together to create a future where your retirement is as carefree as you deserve. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌍💼 Ethical Investing: Balancing Values and Security 🌟

Can we invest in line with our values while supporting industries vital to national and global security? It’s a challenging but essential question. Many shy away from defence sectors due to ESG concerns, yet security is often the foundation of a sustainable and ethical society. In my article, we explore this complex debate, considering how ethical investing can adapt to balance principles with real-world needs. Transparency, informed choices, and collaboration are key to shaping a secure future that aligns with our values. Let’s rethink what it means to invest ethically. 💡✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Holistic Wealth Planning: Life Before Money 🌟

💭 Do you ever feel like you’re chasing security but never finding true peace? What if the secret to financial success starts with understanding your life journey? 🛤️✨ At the Academy of Life Planning, we focus on creating balance—helping you plan your life first, so your money works for you. 💡💷 In our article, we explore personal growth stages (yes, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs makes an appearance 😉) and why true wealth is about more than numbers—it’s about meaning, connection, and contribution. 💕🌍 Whether you’re starting out or seeking deeper purpose, discover how to move beyond fear and striving into a life of purpose and empowerment. 🙌💖👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 FCA Admits: “We Can’t Stop Every Scam” 🚨

In a rare moment of transparency, the FCA’s latest Perimeter Report reveals some hard truths: they can’t stop every scammer, crypto cowboy, or dodgy “finfluencer” out there. 😳💸 While their powers have limits, we applaud this honest acknowledgment. 👏 Key insights: ⚖️ The FCA faces tough trade-offs—focusing on crypto schemes or tackling social media chaos? 🚨 Scams are rising, with 14,504 reports this year alone. 🛑 Regulation gaps mean the financial wild west is far from tamed. This feels like a shift—a call for collaboration, a nod to critics, and perhaps a step forward after last week’s APPG meeting. Let’s seize this moment to advocate for stronger protections and smarter choices. 🌿💡👉 Read more. 😅

🛡️ When the System Protects Itself, Not the People

City Minister Tulip Siddiq has called on the FCA to ease up on plans to name companies under investigation. Why? Because it’s making bankers uncomfortable. Meanwhile, victims of financial scandals—from mis-sold mortgages to Libor rigging—are left asking when their voices will matter more than the City’s reputation. Should MPs prioritise protecting the public or preserving the system? The answer should be obvious. But right now, it feels like the balance is tipping towards the big players, leaving everyday people out in the cold. Let’s push for a system that puts fairness first. 🌟💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 FCA’s Plot Twist: Hypocrisy or Strategy? 🤔💰

The FCA has been championing fairness under Consumer Duty, cracking down on percentage-based ad valorem fees for advisers. 👏 Fixed fees for services? Fairer and more transparent—a step in the right direction. 🌟 But here’s the twist: now, the FCA is proposing to abandon its own fixed fees for Appointed Representatives (ARs) in favour of... you guessed it, a variable ad valorem fee model! 😱💼 The same model they’ve been steering the industry away from. 🤦‍♂️ It’s hard not to see the irony in a “do as I say, not as I do” approach. What does this mean for advisers, clients, and the future of fair fees? Let’s unpack the drama and explore the impact together. 💬✨ 👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Let’s Stop the “Guidance” Sales Tactics! 🚨

Once again, the financial services industry is pushing “guidance” as the answer to the so-called advice gap. But let’s be honest: it’s just sales in disguise. 💰➡️😡 What people really need isn’t watered-down, sales-driven advice—it’s education 📚, empowerment ✊, and practical tools to make informed decisions on their own terms. Our latest article dives into how City lobbyists and the government are working to relax regulations, prioritising industry profits over consumer protection. If you’re tired of the spin and ready for real change, join the conversation. Together, we can demand better! 💬✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

💸 Financial Advice or Polished Sales Pitch? 🤔

SJP’s latest Real-Life Advice Report is out, and it’s full of claims about clients being “better off.” But let’s look closer—many don’t know what they’re paying for or why fees keep stacking up. 💼💰 Is this the future of financial advice, or just the same old sales tactics dressed in a smarter suit? 🧐 In my sardonic article, I break down the spin, reveal the reality, and add a touch of irony to highlight what’s really going on. Let’s demand financial advice that’s transparent, empowering, and works for you. 💡✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Time to Rethink Financial Advice for a New Generation 🚨

SJP’s new report suggests young people don’t understand the value of financial advice, but the truth is, they do—and that’s the problem. With only 18% of 18–34-year-olds seeing advice as potentially useful and many finding their finances too simple for it, the issue isn’t “misplaced perceptions.” Younger generations are savvy, empowered, and value efficiency, so why pay for outdated, fee-heavy advice when technology can deliver solutions in minutes? The real challenge for the industry isn’t shouting louder—it’s evolving to meet the needs of a new era. 💡✨👉 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:

🎥 Now Available on VOD: The Game Plan Evolution CPD Masterclass S1 E13 🎥

Missed the live session? You can now catch The Holistic Financial Planner: Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of YOUR LIFE! on our VOD channel! 🌟

In this final masterclass of 2024, we explored how Game Plan Practitioners can help clients build wealth in all areas of life, inspired by the Kokoro concept and the natural cycle of the seasons from Shinto philosophy.

Learn how to:
🌱 Apply a seasonal approach to life planning, balancing self-focus and care for others.
🌟 Honour natural rhythms to help clients achieve their goals without overwhelm.
💡 Adapt plans to life’s changing stages, creating harmony and purpose.

Equip yourself with the insights to guide your clients towards a fulfilling 2025. Watch now and finish the year strong! 🚀💡

VIDEO DOWNLOAD HERE. 

WORKBOOK DOWNLOAD HERE.

🚀 Exciting News: HapNav v2.0 is Here! 🌟

Discover how HapNav, your trusted Happiness Navigator, has just become even better! Last weekend, HapNav v2.0 launched with powerful upgrades designed to help you take full control of your financial future.

What Makes HapNav Special?

For just £6.99 a month (with a free 30-day trial), HapNav transforms financial planning with:
✅ Lifetime cash flow forecasting to spot shortfalls and achieve your goals.
✅ ‘What-if’ scenario modelling to explore all your options.
✅ Legacy and retirement planning for peace of mind.
✅ Real-time updates via Open Banking, ensuring your data is always up-to-date.

HapNav isn’t just an app – it’s your personal partner in achieving financial independence. It empowers you to navigate your finances confidently and live your best life. Read More.

What’s New in v2.0?

🎉 Enhanced visuals: Easier navigation and clearer displays.
🎉 Faster, safer Open Banking: Manage your finances seamlessly.
🎉 Bug fixes: A smoother, more reliable experience.

Support When You Need It

Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to HapNav, help is always on hand:
🌟 Free training for Academy members through HapNav Mastery Live sessions.
🌟 Step-by-step guidance to get the most from your app.

Why Wait? Take the First Step Today

Your financial future starts here. Sign up at www.hapnav.com, try HapNav free for 30 days, and discover how simple and stress-free financial planning can be.

HapNav: Your Future, in Your Hands.
Empower yourself today – because you deserve financial security, clarity, and confidence. 🚀

🍷🚪 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 last session of 2024 on 👉December 20th, 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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