Welcome to The Financial Planner Life Podcast. We cover an intimate and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the financial planning profession. Our guests share their stories of success, failures, and learnings, as well as what to expect from a career in the financial planning profession! We host guests at various stages in their careers, as well as multiple roles, to ensure that our audience has a variety each week. Financial planners, business owners, paraplanners, and back-o ...
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Paraplanning Podcasts
All LIBF podcasts are now on our main channel https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libf. For future programmes please subscribe to The LIBF Podcast.
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Insights, ideas and inspiration from entrepreneurs and superstars in the world of financial planning. Every fortnight, we chat with a guest from the financial planning profession, hearing their stories and getting under the lid of how they do things. Find out more about our Community by searching 'NextGen Planners' on Google.
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Working 3 Days a Week as a Financial Planner and Thriving!
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27:47In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Hannah Witty, Chartered Financial Planner at Foster Denovo, to explore her inspiring journey into financial planning. From working on superyachts to becoming one of the earliest Chartered female planners in the UK, Hannah shares the personal and professional hurdles she…
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Career Tips From Successful Financial Planners Part 1 - Golf Day
1:06:52
1:06:52
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1:06:52🎥 Financial Planner Life Golf Day | Game 1: Vikash Kanani vs Paul Taylor Real Golf. Real Financial Planners, Real Finanical Planning Career advice. Watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify - here Welcome to the first ever Financial Planner Life Golf Day, where the fairway becomes a forum for honest, unfiltered career advice in financial planning. 🏌…
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Career Tips From Successful Financial Planners Part 2 - Golf Day
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47:04Welcome to Day 2 of the Financial Planner Life Golf Day – where birdies, bogeys, and brilliant business insights go hand in hand. You can watch this episode on youtube or spotify! here This round sees Michael Yuille CFP™ (aka Mr #ChickenTuesday) and Sam Oakes take on Carla Brown (President of the PFS) and Guy Skinner (Citygate Financial Planning) i…
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How to pass the CII R01-RO6 exams (DipPFS) in 6 months. 2025 update!
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29:57How do you pass the CII RO exams and achieve the DipPFS? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes speaks with Gary Paul (Academy Relationship Manager, St. James’s Place Academy), John Smith (Qualifications/Technical Trainer, Redmill Advance) and Rebecca Bidwell, who passed the DipPFS in just 5 months. We answer the top questions as…
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85 First Client Meetings in 2 Months, Why I Love Prospecting!
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53:03
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53:03How do you get clients as a financial planner without buying leads or relying on referrals? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes interviews Jak Ali, Managing Director of J.A. Financial Planning Ltd, a Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Jak shares exactly how he generates clients as a financial adviser using cre…
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Mortgage Adviser Explains Why She Went Self-Employed - And Will Never Go Back!
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35:00Mortgage Adviser Explains Why She Went Self-Employed, and Will Never Go Back! 👉 “I left my job after 16 years, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.” That’s what Carly Naylor, Mortgage and Protection Adviser at Foster Denovo, told me when we sat down to record this episode of Financial Planner Life. Carly’s been in financial servic…
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So, you want to be a self-employed IFA? Watch this first!
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41:15If you’re a newly Level 4 Diploma qualified financial adviser with or without CAS status, an experienced financial planner wanting to run your own practice, or a mortgage broker looking to expand into financial planning, this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast is a must-listen. This week, host Sam Oakes speaks with Mark Hobbs, founder of…
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AI Is a Fuel, Not a Tool: Redefining Financial Advice with Saturn - Rohit Vaisha
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54:33
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54:33What if your advisers could serve 20–30 more clients, save 45 minutes per meeting, and reduce suitability report time from 3 hours to 10 minutes - all without hiring more support staff? That’s what Saturn AI is already delivering for over 600 financial planning firms ( 1600 Advisers ), and in this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam …
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I never thought someone like me could be a financial planner!
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51:04Thinking about a career in financial planning? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Miriam Murphy joins Sam Oakes to share her powerful career switch story, from Executive Assistant to qualified financial planner, with support from the St. James’s Place Academy. Miriam opens up about her early money mindset, paying off debt, buying a home, an…
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Restricted or IFA? What is best for my Financial Planning Career - with Wayne Griffiths from One Financial Solutions.
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52:34Wayne Griffiths | One Financial Solutions | Financial Planner Careers In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes sit down with Wayne Griffiths, Managing Partner at One Financial Solutions, to explore how he’s creating meaningful, supportive career paths for self-employed financial planners. We also dive into the ongoing debate…
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Self-Employed Chartered Financial Planner with £10M AUM, By 26 - Lawrence Bearman from Westminster Wealth Management
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48:05From Admin to Self-Employed Financial Planner with £10M AUM by 26! In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Lawrence Bearman, a 26-year-old Chartered Financial Planner at Westminster Wealth Management who's gone from admin assistant to managing £10 million in assets, all within his first year of self-employmen…
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“Built a £60 million AUM Financial Planning Business After Surviving Cancer” A Foster Denovo Special
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44:25
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44:25From Critical Illness to £60M Practice: Russell Cook’s Story of Resilience, Mindset and Career Growth at Foster Denovo In this special partnership episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast with Foster Denovo, we speak with Russell Cook — a senior partner, self-employed financial planner, and two-time survivor of life-threatening illness. Russel…
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From Council Estate to Financial Planning TV & Social Media Influencer!
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51:18In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, host Sam Oakes reconnects with Emmanuel Asuquo, a leading financial planner, TV personality, and social media educator. Emmanuel was Sam’s second-ever guest when the podcast launched, making this a special full-circle conversation. They dive deep into Emmanuel’s journey from growing up on a cou…
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She left the Army and became a Financial Planner Mum, With St James's Place Academy | Katie Volker
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50:56In this episode of the financial planner life podcast, Sam Oakes sits down with Katie, a former Army officer who transitioned into a successful financial planning career with the St. James’s Place Academy. Katie’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and building a business that fits around life’s big moments, including becoming a mum mid-way …
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Your Myths on ESG Portfolios Debunked with Max Tennant
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35:40In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we chatted with Max Tennant. Here we discussed; the power of thoughtful client questions, misconceptions about ESG investments and shifting the advice profession’s mindset from “Do Nothing” to “Do Something”. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk…
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Let Go or Burn Out: Jeri Williams’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Time
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28:34Jeri Williams on Scaling a Business, Letting Go of Control, and Building a Life with More Freedom In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Jeri Williams, the powerhouse behind Smooth Accounting in the UK and now Smooth Dubai. Jeri shares how she built a business that runs without her, the mindset shift that allowed her to…
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He Built £12M AUM With Just LinkedIn and a Laptop - Financial Planner Success! | Aleem Nijabat
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44:06In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Aleem Nijabat, a self-employed financial planner who built £12 million in AUM without a client bank, without leads, and without a background in finance. Aleem started during lockdown, working alone from his bedroom. He had just qualified, had no clients, and relied entirel…
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In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we are joined by the brilliant Iona Bain. We discuss misconceptions about Millennials and Gen Z's financial habits, barriers to wealth building, and the impact of social media on young people's financial knowledge. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk…
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Why You Feel Anxious About Money (And Don’t Even Know It) - with Dennis Harhalakis
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48:29
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48:29In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by certified money coach Dennis Harhalakis to explore the powerful emotional side of money - and why financial planners can't afford to ignore it. Dennis shares how our earliest money experiences shape the way we think, feel, and act around money as adults. Whether it’s shame, fear, sca…
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TikTok’s Surprising Wealth Demographic with Ian Dempsey
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41:56
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41:56In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we talk to Ian Dempsey. Here we discuss; harnessing social media, building trust with clients online and the power of personal branding. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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From ChatGPT to Chat SJP: The AI Revolution at St. James’s Place | John O'Driscoll & Wenyu Bai (SJP)
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47:19In this episode, Sam Oakes is joined by John O’Driscoll and Wenyu Bai from St. James’s Place to explore how AI and technology are being developed to support the future of financial planning. Discover how SJP’s 2030 vision is being built around: Advice Assistant: An AI-enabled tool already in production that reduces the time to produce advice packs …
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20 Years, 450+ People: The Foster Denovo Growth Journey with Roger Brosch
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26:52
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26:52Roger Brosch | 20 Years of Foster Denovo, 47% Growth, and the Launch of Foster Denovo Talks In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Roger Brosch, CEO of Foster Denovo, to reflect on a standout year for the business. 47% revenue growth 200+ new hires 7 acquisitions A thriving culture that’s stronger than ever Roger shares what’s d…
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From Rejection to Chartered Financial Planner: Jay Dhaliwal's Journey
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46:03In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Jay Dhaliwal, Chartered Financial Planner at Chase de Vere, to talk about her inspiring career journey. Jay shares how facing rejection twice for financial planner roles early in her career didn’t stop her - it fueled her. Already working as a paraplanner, she used…
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Business Benefits of Inclusion with Charlotte Phillips-Lynn
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32:32In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we sit down with Charlotte Phillips-Lynn. We chat about; the importance and impact of diversity, inclusion, and equity in financial services, practical steps firms can take to become more inclusive and why creating genuinely welcoming workplaces benefits both individuals and businesses. Join our comm…
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From Recruiter to £266M Financial Planner | A Career Change That Paid Off - with Vikash Kanani
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44:04How a Former Recruiter Built a £266M Financial Planning Business - Vikash’s Journey from BD to Chartered Adviser In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes is joined by Chartered Financial Planner Vikash, who shares how he made the bold move from a successful recruitment career into the world of financial advice. Vikash’s stor…
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How Financial Planners Can Win with Marketing in 2025 | Samantha Russell
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41:09This week on the Financial Planner Life podcast, I sat down with Samantha Russell, one of the most respected voices in financial adviser marketing in the US. She shared insight after insight. Here’s one that really stuck with me: “Even if someone is referred to you, they’re still going to Google you. What they find next decides whether they pick up…
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State of the Adviser Nation with Steve Nelson
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48:43In this episode we chat with Steve Nelson, Insight Director at The Langcat. We discuss the data in the latest Langcat report, what trends are emerging now and what the future for the profession might look like. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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Paul Jackson from Invesco on Investment Strategy & Career Lessons
1:10:22
1:10:22
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1:10:22In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Chris Ball sits down with Paul Jackson, Global Head of Asset Allocation Research at Invesco, to explore the career pivots, market cycles, and investment principles that shaped his journey from working-class beginnings to global leadership. Paul shares his honest reflections on a non-linear care…
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The 'Secret' about Manifesting with Jon Dunckley
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39:43In this episode of That NextGen Planners Podcast we talk to the brilliant Jon Dunckley. We chat about; the importance of curiosity in financial planning, psychology's role in enhancing client relationships and explore the role of neuroscience in manifesting and stress management. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk…
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Can You Be a Financial Planner with ADHD & Dyslexia?
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1:00:25This week on The Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week with an inspiring conversation featuring Dan Buckland, a financial planner who has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. Dan’s story is one of self-doubt, resilience, and transformation. Growing up, he was told by teachers he’d “never amount to anything.” …
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Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries: How Guy Skinner Built a £1M Financial Planning Firm
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50:37Hiring Missionaries, Not Mercenaries with Guy Skinner In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we welcome back Guy Skinner, founder of Citygate Financial Planning, to discuss what it really takes to build a sustainable, mission-driven financial planning firm. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Why ‘Missionaries, Not Mercenaries’ Is the Hiring Philosophy That Works…
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Why 50% of Women Aren't Investing in Their Future with Elisabeth Prager
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58:30In this episode we are joined by co-founder of Aila Money, Elisabeth Prager. We discussed the gender wealth gap, how education can empower women financially and the role of fintech in supporting traditional financial advice. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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Want to Be a Financial Planner? Here’s What You Need to Know! - with Carla Brown
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34:51
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34:51🚀 How Do We Attract and Develop the Next Generation of Financial Planners? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, I sit down with Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) and Founder & CEO of Oakmere Wealth Management, to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities in financial planning today. 🎯 We cover: ✅ The PFS Prof…
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Chris Ball: Hoxton Wealth’s Big Plans for 2025
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58:29
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58:29Chris Ball is back on the Financial Planner Life Podcast, and this time, we’re diving deep into Hoxton Wealth’s explosive growth in 2024 and what’s coming in 2025. From smashing revenue and AUM targets to a complete brand transformation, Hoxton Wealth has gone from industry underdog to one of the most disruptive firms in financial planning. But not…
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Two-Thirds of Advisers Are Unhappy With Their Providers with Ash Weston
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37:48In this episode of the NextGen Planners Podcast we chat to Ash Weston, Head of Managed Portfolio Services at 8am Global. Here we chat about the relationship between financial advisers and DFMs, the challenges of data transparency and reporting in the DFM industry and the age old question of whether a monkey or kangaroo would win in a fight. Join ou…
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Performance Coaching for Financial Planners: Unlock Your Full Potential - with Tony Fields
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45:32
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45:32🔥 From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Performance Coaching Transforms Careers 🔥 In this episode of The Financial Planner Life Podcast, I sit down with Tony Fields, a former chartered financial planner turned performance coach, to discuss how high achievers in financial planning—and beyond—can break free from burnout, find clarity, and reach their ful…
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Crypto, ETFs & Big Money—Why Institutions Are Moving Into Bitcoin. - With Lisa Tyshchenko
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31:30Bitcoin just smashed past $100K—but is it just another speculative bubble, or is it cementing its place as the digital gold of the future? To get real answers, I sat down with Lisa Tyshchenko, Alternative Investment Specialist, while she was in Dubai. Lisa is a globally connected expert in digital assets, regularly working with family offices, priv…
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95% of advisers are making this pricing mistake with Karl Dines
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46:05In this episode we are joined by Karl Dines. Karl works with UK Financial Services Firms on a consultancy basis with his firm Open Door Policy Building Propositions. In this episode we explore the importance of understanding and documenting the true cost of financial advice, how firms often underestimate their costs of service delivery and the chal…
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Want to Grow as a Financial Planner? Build the Right Team Around You - with Joanna Butler
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31:25In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we sit down with Joanna Butler, Director of Client Operations at Foster Denovo. Joanna’s 18-year career within the company is a testament to the firm’s culture of innovation, career development, and commitment to diversity. We explore Joanna’s journey from marketing to operations, how Foster De…
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Father & Son in Finance: How St. James’s Place Academy Shapes Careers & Succession
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47:09
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47:09Would you trust a financial planner under 30? There’s a big debate in financial planning: Does age matter? Some say younger advisors lack life experience—that they can’t guide clients through retirement, divorce, or legacy planning. Others argue that young planners bring fresh perspectives, long-term commitment, and up-to-date knowledge. After sitt…
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Behind the Headlines: Neil Woodford Reflects on His Career
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1:29:23This week on the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Chris Ball hosts a long-form, unedited conversation with Neil Woodford—one of the most talked-about figures in UK financial services. Neil’s career has been one of immense ambition, remarkable success, and intense scrutiny. From humble beginnings sleeping on his brother’s floor to managing billions o…
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Why Taylor Outsources Paraplanning with Hannah Wynick
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37:32In this episode we have Founder and Managing Director of Core Financial Paraplanning Limited, Hannah Wynick. We discuss, the huge benefits of outsourced Paraplanning, Taylor's personal experience building it into his offering and the place of Paraplanning in the industry. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk…
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Go All In on Your Niche When Building a Financial Planning Business from Scratch - Rohit Rohela
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51:57
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51:57In this inspiring episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, host Sam Oakes sits down with Chartered Financial Planner Rohit Rohela, affectionately known as The Tax Terminator and Architect of Financial Freedom. Rohit shares the incredible journey of building his financial planning business, Finsbridge, and the pivotal role that niching down ha…
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Switching From Mortgage Adviser to Chartered Financial Planner With Charlotte Walters
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57:06In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we are joined by Charlotte Walter, an award-winning chartered financial planner and founder of Avail Financial Planning a partner practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management based in Woburn near Milton Keynes. Charlotte shares her inspiring journey from mortgage advising to running her succ…
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In the first podcast of 2025 the hosts tackle the topic of burnout and attempt to help you avoid it this year. They discuss; what is burnout, how burnout can happen, and tips for avoiding it. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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Starting a Financial Planning Career at 50 & Writing £400k in Year 1 at Foster Denovo
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57:26In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re joined by Marnel Stafford, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares her remarkable story of pivoting into the profession at 50 and making waves in her first year. 💬 "Starting at 50 might seem late to some, but for me, it was the perfect time. My life experience became my greatest …
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It's the Christmas Special of That NextGen Planners Podcast. In the episode the hosts reflect on 2024, look forward to Christmas and are joined virtually by some top notch guests sharing some words of wisdom. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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From Classroom to Client Meetings: Laura North's Journey from Teacher to Financial Planner
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1:04:52Laura North, a former college lecturer with 16 years of experience, shares her incredible journey of moving from the classroom to becoming a successful financial planner. Discover how she navigated this life-altering transition, leveraging her teaching skills in a whole new way. Laura's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone contemplating a ca…
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From Kyrgyzstan to UK Financial Planner: Cholpon Djanuzakova - Why Mindset And Hardwork, Always Wins!
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45:34"Imagine starting over in a new country, grappling with a new language, and breaking into a competitive industry. This is Cholpan Djanuzakova's reality. Her journey from Kyrgyzstan to becoming a top financial adviser and business owner in the UK is a testament to the incredible things you can achieve when you turn your challenges into stepping ston…
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Strategy and Substance with Nicola Crosbie
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48:55In this episode the gang sit down with financial planner Nicola Crosbie. They chat about; the process of getting into advice, bringing on a business strategist and focusing on what matters. Join our community: www.nextgenplanners.co.uk
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