This week we’ve published our latest issue of Financial Planning Today magazine and it includes a unique and fascinating review of a new generation of YouTubing Financial Planners bringing Financial Planning to the masses.

And when I say masses I mean millions.

YouTube Financial Planning ‘godfather’ Peter Matthew alone has had over 10m views for his financial tips videos, covering everything from investment basics to pension pitfalls.

We’ve also spoken to several other YouTube Planners, many of them Chartered and Certified Financial Planners, busy building a presence with their YouTube channels - many of them also reaching millions of viewers.

In many ways they are helping to change the image of YouTube as a place for prank or cat videos or, occasionally, for rogues pushing high risk investments. The are the antidote to the scammers.

When researching the article, what came over to me was the care and effort planners like Peter Matthew, Chris Bourne, George Agan and Andrew Haley (thanks to all those for helping with the article) and many other YouTube 'names', such as James Shack, put into their videos. They are taking it seriously, very seriously.

Peter Matthew has spent, I believe, over £6,000 on video and sound equipment - enough to put some small film studios to shame I suspect.

Content is king and entertainment is, of course, very important on YouTube. Fail to entertain and you will likely be looking at low view numbers. To stand out, or even to attract an audience of any size, you need snappy intros, good graphics, a topical angle and a punchy approach. Timespans on YouTube are limited but you can squeeze a lot into a pacy 20 minute video. 

One other positive aspect of Financial Planning on YouTube is just how many planners are helping each other, whether it be on technical tips on filming or advice on building an audience, sharing and helping is very much the mantra on YouTube among Financial Planners. This collegiate approach is often seen in Financial Planning but YouTube is a visible example of this working in practice.

The other key benefit is the huge amount of personal finance guidance and information it offers to often perplexed consumers. The question is often asked: if you want to sort out your personal finances where do you start? Many consumers say they never know where to go to get started.

The answer may well be YouTube, a platform once treated with disdain but now seen as offering potentially huge benefits for consumer education. The YouTube Financial Planners are just getting started and British consumers are benefitting as a result.

Financial Planners have a huge amount of knowledge and experience but how to share that with the masses? - YouTube may well be the solution.

• You can view this special issue of Financial Planning Today magazine by registering or subscribing to this website. You will then be sent links and options to subscribe to a range of packages, including the magazine, within a few days. Only registered readers and subscribers are sent regular links to view the digital edition of the magazine. Subscribe to receive every issue and you can also upgrade to receive the glossy print edition. Our YouTube Cover Feature looks outstanding in print.

Kevin O’Donnell is editor of Financial Planning Today and a journalist with 40 years of experience. This topical comment on the Financial Planning news appears most weeks, usually on Fridays but occasionally other days.  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @FPT_Kevin 

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