🧇 The Weekly Waffle – Academy Town Hall Highlights December 20th, 2024 📅

Story of the Week

🔍 Can We Trust the FCA on SJP?

Are consumer interests taking a backseat to corporate power? This week, we dive into the growing concerns around St. James’s Place (SJP) and the FCA’s role in safeguarding transparency and fairness. From questions about fees without service to the impact of the FCA’s growth objectives, it’s a call to ensure justice and trust remain at the heart of financial regulation. Let’s stand together for accountability and a fairer financial future. 🌟 👉 Read more.  🌍

Steve Conley: Editor, The Weekly Waffle

✨ Wrapping Up 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025! 🚀

In our final newsletter of 2024, we’re diving into the values that shape us, our communities, and the systems we navigate. From challenging questionable priorities in financial power structures to helping you steer clear of the latest FOMO traps, we’re here to spark ideas, inspire action, and protect what matters most. Let’s close the year strong and step into 2025 with clarity, purpose, and a shared commitment to positive change! 🌟 [Steve is the author of 👉 Your Money or Your Life]

Top Stories

🌟 Matrix Unplugged: Step Into Your True Self 🌟

Ready to break free from the illusions holding you back? Our latest article draws on The Matrix metaphor to explore the journey from ego-driven comfort to soul-centred freedom. Discover how aligning your financial goals with your personal growth can unlock a life of true purpose and fulfilment. Let’s embrace courage, transformation, and the power to live authentically—together. 🚀✨🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🌟 Align Your Values, Transform Your Career 🚀

Is your work environment truly aligned with your values? For financial planners, this alignment isn’t just important—it’s life-changing. 🌱 In our latest piece, we share practical ways to identify misalignment, overcome its challenges, and create a purpose-driven practice that reflects your aspirations. Discover how living and working in harmony with your values can deepen client relationships, bring career fulfilment, and amplify your impact. Let’s make meaningful change together! ✅✨🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🌟 From Ego to Soul in Financial Planning 🌟

Ready to transform the way you connect with clients? By embracing “presencing,” financial planners can shift from ego-driven strategies to a soul-centred approach that places the client’s true self at the core of the process. This means deeper connections, holistic understanding, and collaboration that go beyond numbers—creating strategies that deliver genuine fulfilment and lasting impact. Let’s make financial planning truly meaningful. 🌱✨

🌟 Read more. 💬✨

🚀 Thinking of Becoming a Financial Adviser? 🚀

Before you jump in, let’s separate the myths from reality. While glossy recruitment campaigns may promise the world, the real story is often more nuanced. Our latest article reveals what aspiring advisers need to know about: ✅ The truth behind "holistic planning" ✅ Why people skills often outweigh maths ✅ Navigating the challenges of sales-driven environments. Make an informed decision with a clear understanding of the role. Not all firms are the same—values-driven opportunities that put clients first are out there waiting for you. 🌟✨ Read more. 😅

🌍 Justice in Financial Services Starts with Us 💬

The UK financial system often puts growth ahead of fairness, leaving consumers at risk—but change is happening. Independent financial planners working outside the FCA perimeter are stepping up, championing transparency, integrity, and truly client-focused advice. In my latest article, I explore how these professionals are bridging the gap, advocating for justice, and paving the way for a financial system that serves everyone—not just the powerful few. Together, we can create a fairer future. 🌟👉 Read more. 📈😅

💡 Empowerment or Nudges? Let’s Ask the Bigger Question

The FCA’s targeted support proposals aim to bridge the advice gap, but is nudging enough? Quick suggestions from product providers might seem helpful, but real empowerment goes deeper. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in equipping individuals with the education, tools, and support they need to take control and become their own financial planners. True transformation starts with knowledge and independence. 🌟👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 FOMO Alert: Beware the Next Shiny Thing 🚨

Caught up in the buzz around the latest "Fear Of Missing Out" investment craze—be it crypto, zero-fee pensions, or the next “big thing”? Here’s a truth worth remembering: the most successful investment strategies are often the least exciting. At the Academy, we’re here to help you cut through the noise, focus on what truly matters, and build a financial plan that stands the test of time. 🌱✨👉 Read More. 😅

🚀 Should Cryptoassets Feature in Your Wealth Plan?

Thinking about adding cryptocurrencies to your financial strategy? Our latest article breaks down the essentials—from the risks and volatility to the evolving regulatory landscape. We also explore the role of social media hype and how it can cloud judgement. Get the insights you need to navigate this high-risk market and make informed decisions that align with your goals. 🌟📈👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Time for the FCA to Prioritise People Over Profits

Keir Starmer’s focus on raising living standards over relentless growth is a welcome shift—but financial services must follow suit. It’s time for the FCA to replace its secondary growth objective with a mission to improve living standards. By empowering the 92% underserved in the advice gap, we can move beyond product-pushing to creating fairer, more inclusive financial services. Raising living standards isn’t just ethical—it’s an investment in human potential and a stronger, more equitable future. 🌍✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

📢 Pensions: A Better Way Forward 🌟

Pausing the expansion of auto-enrolment is an opportunity to rethink our approach. Instead of adding financial pressure, let’s empower people by eliminating workplace age discrimination, investing in lifelong learning, and creating energising opportunities for all. By fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable wealth-building, we can close the pension gap while strengthening the economy. It’s time to prioritise human capital and build a future where everyone thrives. Let’s grow together! 🌱✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Targeted Pension Support: Progress or Pitfall? 🌟

The FCA’s proposals to bridge the gap between generic guidance and tailored advice for pension savers are a step towards empowering millions. But with potential conflicts of interest in the mix, it’s worth asking: who truly benefits? Let’s ensure that any changes put people first, delivering support that’s transparent, fair, and free from bias. Together, we can champion a system that serves everyone. 🌱✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🔍 Debunking Myths About the Advice Gap

The “advice gap” is often used to highlight the lack of accessible financial advice for many. But are we addressing the real issues? Two persistent myths about this so-called gap need to be challenged to ensure solutions genuinely serve those in need. Let’s cut through the jargon and focus on creating a financial system that truly empowers everyone. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Who’s Planning Your Life: You or TikTok? 💡

Are you making life-changing decisions in minutes or letting FOMO dictate your financial future? It’s time to take back control! 🚀 Our latest article explores why YOU are the best person to plan your life—not fleeting social media trends. Say goodbye to impulsive investments and hello to a future that truly aligns with your goals. Let’s build something lasting, together. 🌱✨👉Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Wealth and Well-Being: Planning for the Collective 🌍✨

What if your personal goals could fuel your community’s success too? At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe true wealth is about more than individual gain—it’s about fostering connections, shared purpose, and collective uplift. By aligning your life plan with personal and community values, you can create meaningful change that helps everyone thrive. Let’s build a future where success is shared, and prosperity is for all. 🌱💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 DC Pension Savers: There Is a Solution! 🚨

The FCA’s latest report highlights the struggles many Defined Contribution (DC) pension savers face—uncertainty, a lack of planning, and fears about outliving their savings. While the report claims there’s no solution, we know that’s not true. Meet HapNav: the world’s first end-user cashflow planning app with open banking integration. It’s been empowering people for years, helping them take control of their financial future with clarity and confidence. Let’s rewrite the narrative and put the power back in your hands. 🌟💡👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 DC Pension Scheme Members Need Proactive Support 🚨

The FCA’s latest research highlights a critical need: employees transitioning from work to retirement require better support to make informed decisions and secure their financial future. Starting proactive planning from age 45 can help set realistic expectations, manage risks like longevity and tax, and reduce financial stress. By empowering employees with these tools, employers can foster a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce. Let’s take action now for brighter retirements! 🌟💼✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌟 Take Charge of Your Retirement Planning Today 🌟

Did you know that reviewing your retirement plans regularly can boost your confidence in your financial future? The best part? You don’t need a financial adviser or complex jargon to start. With tools like HapNav, you can easily check your pension, assess your income needs, and plan ahead—all from home. It’s simple, affordable, and puts YOU in control. Take action today, gain clarity, and step confidently into your future. 🌱✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🌍💼 Can We Still Trust the FCA? 💼🌍

Last week, the FCA revealed that its public messaging will now align with its new secondary growth objective—which seems to prioritise not upsetting the big players. 🤑 But what about protecting consumers? From fees-for-no-service scandals 💸 to ignoring victims of mis-selling, it’s fair to ask: has the watchdog lost its bark, or worse, sold it? Let’s push for a regulatory system that truly puts people first. Together, we can demand accountability and fairness. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 😅

🎭 Time for the FCA to Read the Room

Keir Starmer has shifted the focus from “growth at all costs” to raising living standards—a refreshing agenda that prioritises people over City profits. 📈 Yet, the FCA is still holding onto its outdated secondary growth objective, stuck in the past. 🚦 It’s time for the FCA to follow suit: regulate the City, champion consumers, and address the advice gap affecting 92% of people. Let’s refocus on creating a fairer financial system that works for everyone—not just the big players. 🌍✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Waspi Concerns: Who Watches the Watchdog? 🐾

The Government’s rejection of its own independent Ombudsman’s findings on compensation for Waspi women raises serious concerns. 🤯 This isn’t just about pensions—it’s about trust, accountability, and whether governments can now pick and choose which rulings to follow. 🏛️⚖️ If independent watchdogs can be ignored, what does that mean for fairness and justice? It’s time to demand answers and protect the integrity of our systems. 🌍✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

🚨 Labour’s Risky Move: Deregulating the City 🏦🐱

Rachel Reeves’ plans to deregulate the City of London might boost bankers’ bonuses, but at what cost? 🚫🏦 Economists, including a Nobel Prize winner 🏆, are warning against this risky move, which feels like a step back towards financial instability. Meanwhile, workers struggling to make ends meet are left unheard. It’s time to prioritise policies that protect people over profits and ensure a fairer, more resilient economy for all. 🌟✨👉 Read more. 📈😅

💼✨ The 'Advice Gap' Myth: Are We Just Paying for Stating the Obvious?

Do we really need so-called “experts” to hoover up our assets while telling us what we already know? 🤔 The glorified role of financial advisers in pushing commoditised investments with questionable fees deserves a closer look. 💸 If the advice boils down to “spend less, save more,” why are we paying a premium for it? Perhaps it’s time to rethink whether the “advice gap” is a genuine problem—or just a clever sales pitch. 🤷‍♂️👉 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 first session of 2025 on 👉 Friday, January 10th, 12:00 noon UK 🎟️🕛 🌟 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 a Wrap for Today’s Broadcast 🎙️

Thanks for tuning in! Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, connection, and plenty of cheer. 🎄✨ Until next time, keep those waffles waving and your spirits high! 🧇🌟

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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