In this week&#39;s episode we talk to Angela McAfee CFP™, about her journey to become a CFP professional. Angela shares her journey from studying a degree in architecture to CFP professional and how she, like many, seem to fall into the financial planning profession. During the interview we talked about: * How her next-door neighbour helped her switch into financial advice * Why she studied with CISI instead of CII * The jump between level 4 minimum advice requirements and the CFP * The vital tips and advice for those thinking of embarking on their own journey to become a CFP professional Listen now by searching #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts. #CFP #FinancialPlanning #CISI Angela McAfee Bio: Angela&#39;s career in financial services has spanned circa 17 years, during which she has amassed a wealth of experience across a range of roles with local firms in Northern Ireland, in an outsourced capacity and with National firms. Self-driven, she sought CISI&#39;s Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning as a Paraplanner as she was keen to be on a similar knowledge level as the Advisers she was working with. Outside of work, she leads a busy family life with 3 children and 2 dogs. They are embarking on their second self-build campervan to continue their off-grid travel aspirations. 

Your Financial Planning Maestro

S9:E3 - Architecture + admin + paraplanning + financial planning = CFP professional

In this week’s episode we talk to Graeme Smith CFP™, Financial Planner at Miln Craig, about his journey to becoming a CFP professional. He talks about his journey from mortgage adviser to wealth manager to embarking on the CFP and then finding out what financial planning was all about! Some of the key things that were important for Graeme during CISI L7 case study assessment were: Approach to the case study – it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, so having a plan on how to tackle it is vital. Don’t go it alone – get help. It will save you time, money and stress! Plan extra time at the start of the process to really get to know your clients. Your excel skills will be taken to the next level – that’s nothing to be afraid of as it will help you to better understand the software you use at work. Your client meeting skills will improve no end. It’s not an easy thing to achieve, but it is worth it! Listen now by searching #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts. #CFP #FinancialPlanning #CISI Graeme Smith bio:  I have worked in financial services since 2006. I currently offer Independent Financial Planning advice to both personal and corporate clients. I have experience as a senior adviser in large firms including as a wealth manager for high-net-worth individuals within a large Private Bank. I hold advanced qualifications in Financial Planning, Wealth Management and Pension Advice.  I am an Associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and hold the title of Chartered Financial Planner (RQF level 6) with them. I have also recently completed the RQF level 7 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification through the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). The CFP certification is recognised globally as the gold standard for financial planning professionals. 

S9:E2 - How to tackle your CFP Financial Plan assessment

How to decide what you want from an employer. In the first interview of the new series we talk to Hetty Hyde-Durrant CFP™, financial planner at Broadway Financial Planning.Hetty shares her remarkable journey from back-office investment admin to CFP professional in just two years. We talk about the wider network of friends and family that support us in our studies, her individual ups and downs during her journey to become a CFP professional. Hetty also shares lots of tips and insights for those thinking about embarking on the CISI level 6 exam or the level 7 case study assessment soon. Hetty Hyde-Durrant bio:  Hetty began her role as a Financial Planner in October 2022.  She has an MSc in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Bristol and has since completed the qualification to become a Certified Financial Planner™.  Outside of work she loves to travel with her fiancé, going to music festivals with friends and exploring local pubs to find the best Sunday roast! She also attends CrossFit classes most days which she says keeps her mentally and physically fit and healthy.     

S9:E1 - How to decide what you want from an employer.

In this new mini-series of podcast Lockie Consultants Director, Jacqueline Lockie CFP™and training instructor, Chris Wicks CFP™ talk through the important aspects of various stages of the assessment. They also talk in detail about the most important things that, in their 35 years combined experience of assessing financial plans for Institute of Financial Planning and CISI, are your non-negotiables! This mini series of podcasts is packed full of help, advice and tips to ensure you are on the road to successfully passing the CISI L7 assessment and becoming a CFP professional in the UK. Chris Wicks bio: Chris is a specialist adviser with 38 years’ experience for those undergoing major life changes- bereavement, retirement, redundancy, business exit and expatriates leaving and returning to the UK. He also was a CFP case study assessor for Institute of Financial Planning case study assessment and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) level 7 case study financial plan assessment for over 15 years. Additionally, in January 2024 Chris also became a course instructor for Lockie Consultants and supports those embarking on the CISI L7 case study financial plan assessment courses. 

S8:E4 - What to do if you are unsuccessful with your CISI L7 submission

S8:E3 - CISI L7 case study: Making recommendations and writing up your plan

In this new mini-series of podcast Lockie Consultants Director, Jacqueline Lockie CFP™and training instructor, Chris Wicks CFP™ talk through the important aspects of various stages of the assessment. They also talk in detail about the most important things that, in their experience with more than 35 year combined assessment knowledge, are you non-negotiables! This mini series of podcasts is packed full of help, advice and tips to ensure you are on the road to successfully passing the CISI L7 assessment and becoming a CFP professional in the UK. Chris Wicks bio: Chris is a specialist adviser with 38 years’ experience for those undergoing major life changes- bereavement, retirement, redundancy, business exit and expatriates leaving and returning to the UK. He also was a CFP case study assessor for Institute of Financial Planning case study assessment and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) level 7 case study financial plan assessment for over 15 years. Additionally, in January 2024 Chris also became a course instructor for Lockie Consultants and supports those embarking on the CISI L7 case study financial plan assessment courses. 

S8:E2 CISI L7 case study - Approach and Calculations

In this new mini-series of podcast Lockie Consultants Director, Jacqueline Lockie CFP™and training instructor, Chris Wicks CFP™ talk through the important aspects of various stages of the assessment. They also talk in detail about the most important things that, in their experience with more than 35 year combined assessment knowledge, are you non-negotiables! This mini series of podcasts is packed full of help, advice and tips to ensure you are on the road to successfully passing the CISI L7 assessment and becoming a CFP professional in the UK. Chris Wicks bio:  Chris is a specialist adviser with 38 years’ experience for those undergoing major life changes- bereavement, retirement, redundancy, business exit and expatriates leaving and returning to the UK.    He also was a CFP case study assessor for Institute of Financial Planning case study assessment and Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) level 7 case study financial plan assessment for over 15 years.    Additionally, in January 2024 Chris also became a course instructor for Lockie Consultants and supports those embarking on the CISI L7 case study financial plan assessment courses. 

S8:E1 CISI L7 case study assessment - Preparation and Approach

Professionally lonely! That’s how the late Paul Etheridge used to describe financial planning sole practitioners. He went on to explain that not having anyone to work with on a regular basis can make us feel a little isolated but also, as financial planners, we need to be able to challenge ourselves and others in order to do better and be better financial planners. In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro podcast we talk to Greg Cooke, a sole practitioner at Polaris Wealth, about his journey to become a CFP professional, how it challenged him and how he is changing the way he works because of it. This episode is particularly relevant for those starting out in business on their own or who are planning on doing so in the future.   #CFP #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast    Greg Cooke bio:  I am a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner running my own firm, Polaris Wealth Management Ltd. I have been advising clients for just over ten years now and started my own firm in 2015. I started off in the industry advising clients on their mortgage and protection needs, but now provide advice on all areas of personal finance. Whilst I still provide mortgage advice, my practice is now very much focused on providing long term financial planning to our clients and their families.      I am passionate about continuous development and always looking to learn and improve my skills as a planner. Last year I completed the CFP and I have since enrolled on a coaching course led by a highly respected financial planner. Aside from the CII & CISI qualifications mentioned, I have a degree in financial services and hold the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society.      Outside of work my main hobby is walking. I live on the edge of the Peak District with my long-term partner Cathy. We try to walk most days, but life sometimes gets in the way.   

S7:E8 - Becoming a CFP pro helps sole practitioners

In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanning Maestro podcast we talk to Oz Shtrosberg CFP™ from MAG Financial Services about his journey to become a CFP professional.   This is a fascinating conversation about how financial advisers need to shift their mindset to become CFP professionals.  Oz talks through the various aspects of the process to complete his financial plan for the CISI L7 assessment, where he was challenged and how it made him reconsider his approach to the assessment.   We also discuss what aspects of the business he went off and changed straight away!   #CFP #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast Oz Shtrosberg bio: Oz Shtrosberg CFP™ is a Financial Planner at MAG Financial Services Ltd.    He studied Economics at Manchester University and went on to complete a MSc in Management. Following a career as the Marketing Director of a successful hair care distributor, Oz came back to his roots and passion for financial planning, joining MAG Financial Services in early 2015.    Oz provides his clients with Lifestyle Financial Planning, initially spending time getting to know his clients, their goals, and aspirations, before working together to build a suitable plan to reach those objectives. He has a keen interest in behavioural finance and believes this enhances the value he can give clients. He will often be heard stating that managing people&#39;s emotions surrounding finances is as important, if not more so, than managing their finances.  

S7:E7 - Shifting your mindset to become a CFP professional

In this week’s #YourFinanciaPlanningMaestro podcast we talk to Natalie Norman Certified and Chartered Financial Planner at Blake Brooke Financial Advice Ltd.    Natalie shares her eventful journey to becoming a CFP professional.  Everyone’s path is different but commonly it is a bit of a rollercoaster! Natalie shares her feelings of being overwhelmed initially along with how she overcame them to be successful.    Natalie embarked on the CISI level 7 case study, the final part of the CISI CFP pathway, without support initially.  But after being unsuccessful, she found the support she needed to rectify her financial plan and pass.      We also talk about what difference the whole process has made to her business as well as the aspects that have helped her improver her approach to client meetings and the advice that flows from them.    Natalie Norman’s bio:   I’m a Certified and Chartered Financial Planner at Blake Brooke Financial Advice Ltd, based in East Leake, near Loughborough.     I work with clients around the country to allow them to live their best life now and in retirement. Prioritising their needs, we work together to create a financial planning roadmap to ensure they remain on track to achieve their goals and objectives. I offer face to face advice in all areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, tax planning, inheritance tax planning, life and critical illness cover and savings and investments.     When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children and our wider family. I also enjoy exercising at the gym and running a couple of times a week to maintain my fitness. 

S7:E6 From adversity comes huge learning and benefits - my journey to CFP certification

In this week&#39;s podcast we talk to Dan Boden CFP™, Managing Director of Abode Financial Planning, about his interesting journey to become a CFP professional. We discuss his approach, his struggles and what he did to overcome them. We also discuss the important and often unreported positive impact that gaining CFP can have on a business and the client experience proposition. Daniel Boden bio: Daniel is dedicated to helping clients and their families secure healthy financial futures.  He has a calm approach and takes time to demystify financial matters. Providing peace of mind is always at the forefront for Daniel as he works with you to plan the future you envision.  He has over 10 years’ experience working hand in hand with clients as a trusted adviser as they design and secure their financial goals. He has advanced qualifications in tax and pensions advice and holds the highest designation with two governing bodies; the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).  Daniel is an ex-rugby league player, but these days it’s his three young daughters keep him active. Family time is precious to Daniel and he enjoys all the new experiences that fatherhood brings. 

S7:E5 - Rocky but worthwhile road to CFP certification

In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro we talk to Dani Nicholls CFP™ Senior Paraplanner at Cooper Parry Wealth, about her journey to becoming a Certified Financial Planner.   We talk about how working in a positive supporting environment that supports their team through to gain their CFP certification was a big help in setting high expectations.  Her employers have also built a strong support network and walk the talk, all of which made life a little less stressful for her.   In this episode we talk about her approach to the CISI Level 7 case study financial plan assessment, how it challenged her thinking as wellas the impact on her work going forward.   This episode is a must for employers who want to support their teams better.  Gains like these can encourage team members to come forward with ideas of improvement in the business and create a more supportive and forward-thinking culture.   Dani also offers lots of tips to those about to embark on their own journeys to become CFP professionals.   #CFP #Employers #Tips Dani Nicholls bio: Dani started working in financial services in 2012, mainly in a paraplanning role. Having achieved Chartered and Fellowship status with the CII, she decided to undertake the CFP to challenge herself further. Although coursework isn’t something that comes naturally, Dani persevered and was successful completing the qualification in 2023. Now she hopes to help guide others through the process by sharing her own experience.    

S7:E4 - The long term benefits to businesses who support their teams to become CFP pros

In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro podcast we talk to Anick Sharma CFP™, Financial Planner at Mercury Wealth Management. He shares his journey to becoming a CFP professional in just four years from entering the profession.We talk through his structured approach to studying and the sacrifices he made along the way. He offers important insights to the financial planning business owners of today and tomorrow and discusses the importance of supporting your teams and working in the right environment where all roads lead to comprehensive financial planning. Whether you are embarking on a career in financial planning, starting your journey to become a CFP professional, own a financial planning firm, or aspire to own one in the future, this episode is packed with lots of helpful tips and advice. #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast #CFP Anick Sharma bio:  Having completed his MSc and published a postgraduate research white paper, Anick gained experience at another Financial Planning firm before moving to Mercury Wealth in May 2023. He is a Fellow with the Chartered Insurance Institute (Personal Finance Society) and a Certified Financial Planner, having achieved both in around four years. These qualifications are considered the gold standard across two professional bodies and were attained at an early stage of Anick&#39;s career, highlighting his exceptional dedication and aptitude.  Anick is passionate about connecting with clients and embarking on a collaborative journey to understand what they really want out of life. By understanding this, Anick ensures that their Financial Plan is tailored to their unique goals.  In his spare time, Anick enjoys being outside and active. He also loves to travel abroad as often as possible. 

S7:E3 How financial planning businesses can best support future leaders to gain CFP certification

In this week’s episode we talk to David Henry CFP™, Financial Planner at Sylva Financial Planning, about his journey from wealth manager to financial planner.   It is a fascinating discussion about the differences between investment management and financial planning and what drives people to change.   David passed his CISI Level 7 case study financial plan assessment on his very first submission – you get up to three.  That demonstrates that there is quite a lot of overlap between investment management and financial planning, but what he hadn’t fully appreciated was that embarking on the CFP certification would help him realise what parts of the advice process he enjoyed the most and ultimately that changed the direction of his career.   Being a wealth manger by the US definition is financial planning PLUS discretionary investment management.  This podcast episode shows clearly how those to complement each other. David Henry bio: Following successful completion of the CISI Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning, David Henry CFP™ has recently taken the step to move into financial planning by joining Sylva Financial Planning as a financial planner.  This follows a twelve-year career in discretionary investment management with Vestra Wealth and latterly, Quilter Cheviot.     Along the way he has helped hundreds of households to manage their affairs and has developed a passion for helping clients to make the most of their money.  He is passionate about improving financial literacy, and particularly enjoys writing about investing and personal finance.  You can find his blog at themoneyden.substack.com  

S7:E2 - Combining financial planning and discretionary management to help me become a CFP professional

In the first episode of the seventh series of Your Financial Planning Maestro podcast we talk to Fiona Bolt CFP™, owner of Cameron Jones Financial Management.   Fiona shares her journey to become a CFP professional – and it was quite a journey!   Along the way she encountered the dreaded excel spreadsheets but overcame those and now reflects on an overall positive experience but also one that has made her a better financial planner too.   This is an honest and humorous conversation, packed with lots of help and tips for those wanting to become CFP professionals in 2024. Fiona Bolt bio:  I have worked as a Financial Planner for 18 years in Devon following a career in Marketing with BT based in Aberdeen and London. Previously working as an IFA in Exeter, I was delighted to be invited to join St. James&#39;s Place in November 2017 and opened offices on Exmouth Marina in February 2018. As a goals based Financial Planner, I help clients to develop their plans to meet their aspirations and goals. Using Cashflow modelling helps them to visualise their futures at different life stages.  I work with other Professionals, Business owners and Private clients, focussing on Pension and Retirement planning, Pensions on Divorce, Investment and Tax planning and how to ensure wealth is passed on down through future generations..  Having attained the SOLLA accreditation as a specialist Later Life Adviser, I help families and clients, who can be at a vulnerable time in their lives. This ranges from giving guidance about steps to take when looking into Care costs and allowances available, to helping construct plans to ensure monies are going to be available to cover the future costs of care, whether at home or in registered care homes.  Delivering seminars for women in business and highlighting the importance of Pensions and building Investment knowledge is important to me. As is helping children to learn the importance of learning about money.   As a business, I like to ensure we give back to the local community through a range of sponsorships and Charitable donations. Currently we are proud sponsors of the Withycombe Ladies Rugby team, East Devon Golf Club Juniors and Budleigh Salterton Bowls Club.  I remarried in 2020 and enjoy playing golf at East Devon Golf Course with my husband, Nigel. We also enjoy sailing and making passages to all the beautiful towns along the South Devon and Cornish coasts. We have adult children between us, some still at Uni, and like to visit and support them.      

S7:E1 Becoming a CFP profession whilst overcoming the deaded spreadsheet fears!

This series of podcasts is aimed at professional financial planners, advisers and paraplanners in the UK. We talk all things Certified Financial Planner in the UK and globally. We talk to CFP professionals and get tips and inspiration on how and why becoming a CFP professional has been the best thing they've every done! We also talk to those new to the profession and follow their journeys at different points in their professional lives.

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Your Financial Planning Maestro

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