What exactly is the purpose of Financial Planning? How do we represent it to the public? Why should they feel compelled to engage and pay fees for it? What is the value? I’m not going to go deeply philosophical on you – don’t worry! But what is it that we do? What purpose – economic, social, or other – do we serve? If we aren’t clear in our own minds how can we help clients to realise the importance of what we do.

After 24 years in business at one location, we recently made the decision to open a second office in a different town. This expansion was several years in the making, with the timing now right by virtue of a number of factors.

After celebrating 23 years in Financial Planning this year, I realise there are some clients who you just get along with, you hit it off on day one and as far as you’re concerned, life is good. However, I am sure there are others who you struggle to really get to know? You just don’t have that same connection with! You could be speaking in different languages. Maybe you are?


Last week I attended the CISI Financial Planning Annual Conference and this week, as part of my duties as branch president of our local CISI branch, I was delighted to help in the hosting of a round-table discussion.

I have just been giving a presentation on intergenerational planning in using SIPPs and SSAS and as ever I am in awe of what can be achieved using a pension these days.

You would think that after 6 years the Paraplanners Powwow format would be getting tired. You would be wrong.

Following on from my last article, it appears, that the Treasury select committee may not (and I can’t understand why they wouldn’t) have read my latest article – a simple request to stop messing with pensions and long term savings. Following the publication of the household finances report at the end of July, are we set for another raft of changes?

In January 2017 I set myself a target that I would only be working a four day week and that I would be having the school holidays off. We work so hard to help our clients achieve their goals – this was one for me, time for myself every week and time with my girls during the holidays.

This last month, I’ve been reminded how great a community we have in Financial Planning.

At first glance, how the Financial Conduct Authority intends to improve retirement outcomes for non-advised consumers may appear of little relevance to advisers.