Financial Planning firms will be offering free surgeries to consumers in a bid to boost understanding of the profession in May.

Financial Planning Week, run by the CISI, will take place from 8 to 12 May.

It is a continuation of the initiative started by the Institute of Financial Planning, before it merged with the CISI.

This year’s Financial Planning Week will be spearheaded by CISI leading Accredited Financial Planning Firms. They and others will be offering a mix of:

•Free consultation surgeries, either in person, via Skype or over the phone.
•Answering consumer questions on our ‘Ask a Planner’ online via the Wayfinder website.
•Talks to schools across the country about the merits of the financial planning profession.

Consumers will be able to book their free sessions online, review tips and tools and learn more about how true financial planning can be a life changing experience. The CISI will create a dedicated webpage which will have the contact details and logos of all the firms involved which will then lead through to the Wayfinder website.

In 2016 the CISI took part in BBC Radio and Share Radio interviews, and one million listeners tuned into a FTMoney webcast that it participated in. Some 500 phone calls were received from consumers seeking help and guidance and the CISI published real client case studies demonstrating how planners have helped their clients. All of this was supported by over 50 firms.

Jacqueline Lockie CFP^TM Chartered FCSI, CISI deputy head of Financial Planning, said: “This year I hope we can make Financial Planning Week 2017, which commences 8 May, just as exciting and effective as ever.

“Financial Planning Week represents a national initiative to bring financial planning to the consumer forefront. The drive will unify CFP^TM professionals, schools and industry media in a bid to improve the financial fitness of the British public.

“Our aim is to help the UK public draw up their own, personal, financial master plan, incorporating all of life’s milestones, whether that be preparing for retirement, buying a home, or starting a business. This is something everyone can benefit from.

“I’m excited that we have lots planned and would love for everyone to get behind us and make it a success for the benefit of the public. Let’s put something back, do the right thing, and help people understand how to take control of their finances, whatever state they may be in.”

For more details see the CISI website.