Shows
Paraplanners' AssemblyHow can paraplanners help clients get retirement risk zone ready?The choices clients make during the 5-10 years either side of retirement can decide how comfortable they’ll be once they stop working.In fact, it’s such a distinctive stage in our financial lives that, among a growing number of advice professionals, it’s known as the ‘retirement risk zone’.The data says – and you’ll know this yourself – that clients tend to become more risk-averse on their approach to retirement. Yet the likelihood of longer lifespans – and the costs associated with it – mean that ‘playing it safe’ could actually prove to be risky.What’s more, persis...2025-07-2459 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyTrusts and offshore bonds: options for IHT planningWith recent changes to capital gains tax rates reaching up to 24% and the CGT annual exemption frozen at just £3,000, many clients are looking for tax-efficient ways to structure their investments.In his latest 'Technically speaking' session for the Paraplanners' Assembly, Utmost's Steve Sayer explores how offshore bonds and trust structures work together – offering inheritance tax planning options that provide flexibility for clients who want to be prepared for the 'what ifs' of life.Packed with helpful examples and case studiesSteve brings the options to life with a series of...2025-07-171h 00
Paraplanners' AssemblyBreaking into paraplanning: 'Where do I even start?'What knowledge, experience and skills will help you get hired? And, once you are hired, how will you know you’ve actually made the right choice?Whether you want to get into paraplanning, are just starting out, or know someone who would love to get their break, this online Assembly – recorded on 9 July 2025 – is jam-packed with insights on making your move into paraplanning.Hear for yourself how our guests took their unique paths into paraplanningHost Caroline Stuart is joined by paraplanning guests Chris Wormwell, Ceetal Katechia and Kez Condy...2025-07-101h 29
Paraplanners' AssemblyHow paraplanners can transform women’s financial fortunesAs paraplanners, we have the power to directly influence financial outcomes that are better for women – whether we’re reviewing fact finds, drafting recommendations, or creating financial plans.But are we truly creating plans for the individuals in front of us? Or are we unwittingly relying on conventional thinking and assumptions which are actually more likely to be rooted in men’s experiences rather than women’s?It matters because, more often than not, women’s financial lives are very different to men’s. So to deliver genuinely effective financial planning, it’s important to u...2025-06-2658 min
IFA TalkPodcast #124: Paraplanners in the spotlight! Results from The Lang Cat’s 'State of The Advice Nation' report with Steve NelsonIn the latest episode of IFA Talk, we’re diving into the findings of The Lang Cat’s State of The Advice Nation report with Steve Nelson, Insights Director at The Lang Cat. Co-hosting with our Editor, Sue Whitbread is our very own Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, who brings a unique perspective as a part-time Chartered Paraplanner herself.
The report reveals that more paraplanners than ever are choosing to remain in their roles rather than transitioning into advisory positions. But it’s not all smooth sailing – ongoing frustrations around remuneration and the lack of a dedicated Chartere...2025-05-2822 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyA guide to annuity essentials for paraplanners: part twoRemember our Assembly on annuity essentials back in March?Over the course of one lunch-hour, Andy Powell from Standard Life walked us through the basics of annuities – how they work, the differences between pension and purchased life annuities, and the kinds of options available like inflation protection and guarantee periods.Now annuity expert Andy is back and he’s taking things a little bit further.In the second of his two-part guide to annuities essentials for paraplanners he talks to host, Richard Allum, about how annuities can feature as part of y...2025-05-1555 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyHow to stay ahead in paraplanning (despite the relentless change)When it comes to the idea of innovation are you more likely to radiate Ted Lasso energy rather than Roy Kent? More Bandit than Bluey? Or put another way (that doesn’t rely on eclectic TV viewing habits): does the prospect of change make you feel more ‘Yeah!’ than ‘Meh!’? The reason we ask is that we were inspired by paraplanner Zara Okoro’s recent thought-provoking article in Professional Paraplanner all about innovation. So we invited Zara from Abacus Associates, who’s also a PFS Paraplanner Panel member, to share her thoughts on how paraplanners can adapt rather th...2025-05-0159 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyA guide to investment bond essentials for paraplannersHow often do you recommend investment bonds compared to ISAs or GIAs for non-pension money these days?If it’s rarely or not at all, that’s not so surprising.Because bonds seem to have become a bit neglected planning option in recent years haven’t they?It’s a trend which means that paraplanners can be forgiven for being a bit rusty when it comes to the latest investment bond knowledge.Yet they’re an option which offers plenty of planning potential. So we thought it was about time we hosted an...2025-04-171h 08
Paraplanners' AssemblyA guide to business protection essentials for paraplannersFollowing his popular Assembly debut in February, Jon Hall returns to finish his exploration of protection essentials.And this time it’s the essentials of business protection that the Scottish Widows’ protection expert will be focusing on.The chances are you’ll have business owners among your clients. And plenty of you run your own businesses as outsourced and freelance paraplanners.So what happens when someone running a business becomes critically ill or dies? What steps can you take to address the risk? How do you start a conversation about business protection?Tune...2025-04-031h 00
Paraplanners' AssemblyA guide to annuity essentials for paraplannersIf you don’t feel all that confident about annuities, you’re not alone.Once the default choice of guaranteed income in retirement for generations of UK pension savers, for a whole bunch of reasons, annuities had been falling out of favour for year and years.Why annuities matter againHigher interest rates and inflation have led to a revival of interest in securing certainty of income in retirement. The trouble is that an emerging generation of paraplanners – and a sizeable chunk of the more established paraplanning population – had barel...2025-03-2058 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyLes Cameron on pensions, death and taxesThe way pensions are treated for inheritance tax (IHT) is set for a big shake up in April 2027 when unused pension funds will count as part of a client’s estate and become liable to IHT.In preparation for the change, the government announced a consultation on the liability, reporting and payment of IHT at last October’s Budget.That consultation ended in January 2025. But what are its conclusions likely to be? And what do paraplanners need to know now so you, your firm and its clients are ready when the reforms go liveW...2025-02-201h 09
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat do new residency rules mean for your IHT planning?From April 2025, the rules determining who pays UK inheritance tax are changing. Instead of the complex domicile rules, a new ‘long-term residency’ test will decide whether someone’s worldwide assets fall into the IHT net.Discover what’s changingIn this episode, Utmost’s international technical sales manager, Steve Sayer, explores how the new rules could affect clients in a range of scenarios – whether they’re UK residents planning to retire abroad or people returning home after years overseas.Using worked examples, Steve demonstrates how changes affect trust planning, and explains when trusts mig...2025-02-131h 05
Paraplanners' AssemblyA guide to protection essentials for paraplannersDo you find that, even though you spend each and every day working on financial plans for clients, you hardly ever get mixed up in protection? Well you’re not alone. Because despite being a foundational long-term financial security, for paraplanners, the topic of protection often takes a back seat compared to consideration of investment and retirement strategies.Which invites the question: what happens to that carefully crafted financial plan if a client’s income falls or they’re faced with the financial consequences of a bout of serious illness or worse? To...2025-02-0659 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyLifetime allowance abolition: are we there yet?For our very first online Assembly of 2025, we asked whether we'd absolutely definitely seen the back of all the corrective legislation, clear-as-mud HMRC guidance, and lifetime allowance (LTA) limbo that paraplanners, advisers and clients endured for long periods over the previous two years.So for those who wanted to be certain where things stood, and confirm for themselves that the LTA saga was absolutely definitely over, James Jones-Tinsley from Barnett Waddingham and Transact's Brian Radbone joined us to put us all straight – once and for all.Over the course of one lunch hour, Ja...2025-01-3057 min
Hoxton LifePromoted to Head of UK Paraplanning within 6 months at Hoxton Wealth - David WhitehouseIn this episode of Hoxton Life, Sam Oakes sits down with David Whitehouse, the Paraplanning Manager for Hoxton Wealth’s UK team, who now lives and works in Dubai. David shares his remarkable journey of joining Hoxton as a UK-based paraplanner and earning a rapid promotion to Head of Paraplanning. The conversation highlights his professional growth, the unique aspects of paraplanning in an international setting, and how Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle and multicultural community have positively impacted his career and family life.Whether you're a paraplanner looking to advance your career or someone considering an international move, Davi...2025-01-2329 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyA paraplanner's guide to givingEach of us shares an ever more complex and connected planet. One where we’re all facing the consequences of a human-made climate emergency and conflicts. A world of profound inequalities in health, economic and social outcomes between – and within – populations. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that more and more clients are looking for returns that aren’t measured financially, but by effecting positive economic, social and environmental change.But how many of your clients think this way? And if you did know how many, how confident are you that you can help cl...2024-12-1258 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyBecoming a leader in paraplanning: your questions answeredAegon UK’s Sarah Purves and Succession Wealth’s Ellie Welling return for a follow-up to last month’s ‘What kind of paraplanning leader will I be?’ Assembly.Picking up where they left off in November, Sarah, Ellie and host, Richard Allum, explore a topic that every aspiring and existing leader will experience during their career: difficult conversations. Sarah shares ideas and techniques that can help paraplanning leaders successfully prepare for and navigate discussions that you might otherwise dread.During the second half of this episode, our guests focused on questions, ideas and topics rais...2024-12-0558 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyThe five tech security tips paraplanners shouldn’t do withoutThink you know how to stay safe online? No matter how savvy you think you are, even people who have never known a world without the web can fall victim to sophisticated scams (listen out for the case of a 20 year old digital native who nearly lost £000s in a fake HMRC email scam). Which is why you should tune in to this eye-opening conversation with Sarah Coles, Parmenion’s head of cyber and resilience. As a seasoned cybersecurity expert, whose blog posts have acquired almost cult status among readers of the Assembly's monthly newsletter, Sarah...2024-11-2825 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat kind of paraplanning leader could I be?This online Assembly focusing on professional development would not be possible without the generous support of Aegon UK. Thanks to the team at Aegon for supporting this week’s event – and for supporting the development of paraplanners and paraplanning in the UK through their support of the Paraplanners’ Assembly.---Perhaps you’ve been thinking about stepping into a leadership role in paraplanning. Or you’re already managing others and want to build your skills. Either way, this specially extended Assembly is for you.Why?Over 90 minutes, Aegon UK’s learni...2024-11-141h 26
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat did Les Cameron learn from Labour’s Budget?Perennial Assembly favourite, Les Cameron of M&G Wealth, joined us to share his thoughts on Labour’s Budget on 30 October.As well as the fact that Rachel Reeves made history by becoming the first woman to deliver a budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer, were there measures that are sure to feature when Budget history is written?Or were the widespread jitters among savers and investors ill-founded as Labour delivered its first Budget since Alistair Darling’s on 20 April 2010 – no fewer than 5,334 days earlier.What actually happened?Were the headlines scream...2024-11-071h 08
Paraplanners' AssemblyFrom Parliament to paraplanner: How do Budget measures become law?Rachel Reeves will become the first woman in UK history to deliver a Budget statement on Wednesday 30 October. But how exactly will the measures that she has announced become law – and how quickly?That’s the question that host Leanne Pickering of Pivotal Paraplanning and James Jones-Tinsley of Barnett Waddingham tackle in this Assembly. Together, Leanne and James explore how Budget changes contained in the Finance Bill are transformed into client advice - from Parliament, through providers, paraplanners, and other advice professionals - ensuring compliance with the latest laws and regulations.Along the way...2024-10-2953 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyHow to level up your retirement income planning (in one lunch hour)What steps can you take to make sure your client’s plan will deliver a reliable income in retirement nowadays?After all, it’s an area of advice that is coming under some significant regulatory attention. Because not only is it the subject of a thematic review but the arrival of The Consumer Duty has also turned the spotlight on the suitability of advice too. Retirement income advice: why all the fuss?The last few years witnessed big challenges for paraplanners seeking secure incomes in retirement for clients thanks to significant econo...2024-10-2451 min
Financial Planner Life PodcastParaplanning Disruptor - How 'Parapool' is creating a gig economy for Paraplanners! With Rebecca LiveseyIn this episode of Financial Planner Life, Rebecca Livesey introduces Parapool, a gig-based, online marketplace that is revolutionising the paraplanning profession. By offering a flexible and scalable marketplace for paraplanners and financial advisers, Parapool addresses the current issues of rising paraplanning costs and talent shortages. Becky explains how advisers can save up to 40% on paraplanning costs while paraplanners gain control over their workload and pricing, creating a more efficient and adaptable financial planning ecosystem.Becky also discusses the future model of Parapool, one that fosters collaboration rather than competition, offering paraplanners not only jobs on th...2024-10-2354 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyAn offshore Case Study Investigation: time apportionment relief, personal portfolio bonds and deficiency reliefYou can’t beat a good case study or two for discovering and consolidating technical knowledge, insights and practical ideas. So you’re going to love this special episode in which Steve Sayer of Utmost International explores not one, not two, but three case studies that – together – spotlight essential planning considerations for clients who have spent time overseas, and have invested abroad or hold offshore bonds.Because in this hour-long case study investigation special, Steve steers us through time apportionment relief, personal portfolio bonds and deficiency relief.Time appo...2024-10-101h 02
Paraplanners' AssemblyRevealed: What do paraplanners REALLY think about paraplanning?How are other paraplanners feeling at the moment? About regulatory change? About day-to-day pressures and workload? About emerging technology and its influence on advice? About perception of paraplanning as a profession and career? Upbeat? Pretty neutral? A bit meh?Well wonder no more as Craig Spittal of Scottish Widows reveals the findings of Scottish Widows’ latest annual survey of paraplanners in the UK.Craig and host, Richard Allum, are joined by paraplanners Ceetal Katechia of PSA Financial Services and Sarah Lees of Forvis Mazars to discuss findings that fresh off the press. In thi...2024-09-2657 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyCracking the inheritance tax code: a case study in calculating IHTThere's nothing paraplanners love more than a case study to help bring a technical topic to life.And that’s especially true when it comes to getting to grips with the complexities of inheritance tax (IHT) calculations.Which is why you’re going to love our latest podcast episode: a case-study led online Assembly that’s all about calculating IHT.Recorded on 20 September, host Richard Allum is joined by Graeme Robb from M&G Wealth as he guides us through a case study in which he will break down each stage and address common...2024-09-2354 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyThe Consumer Duty: what can paraplanners learn one year on?It's been just over a year since the arrival of The Consumer Duty.So, whether you've been neck-deep in its implementation or still feel like you're getting to grips with it, this lunch-hour Assembly asks how we’re all getting on with it.To explore the topic, we were joined by founder of Compliance and Training Solutions (CATS), Mel Holman, and Tom Lloyd-Read, technical planning manager at Stonehage Fleming.Mel has been providing advice and implementation support to a range of organisations while Tom has been deeply involved in implementation of the Duty wi...2024-08-1557 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyCase study investigation: Reversionary interest trusts and the NRBWhen it comes to gaining and maintaining inheritance tax (IHT) planning know-how and expertise, nothing beats a good case study.So this special case study investigation, which features not one but two client examples, is bound to be right up your street.Because in this 50-minute episode, Utmost International’s Steve Sayer joins host, Richard Allum, to explore why reversionary interest trusts (RITs) combined with the available nil rate band (NRB) threshold, can become a powerful and flexible feature of a client’s IHT strategy.In a conversation that’s packed with practical insigh...2024-07-2553 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyDeath. Trusts. And paraplanners.Working out what to do with your client’s wealth after their death is all part of a paraplanner's life.But settling on the best strategy can be complex – especially when missing a vital detail can have costly consequences.So what can you do about it?Stay up to date with the latest thinking, that’s what.Which is why Neil Macleod, senior technical manager at M&G Wealth, joined us to explore death and trusts and paraplanning.During this lunch-hour Assembly, Neil covered:the types of trusts that c...2024-07-1858 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyA bite-sized Assembly on investing for US expatsTo mark Independence Day in the United States, we thought we'd treat you to a bonus episode: a bite-sized Assembly that's all about investing for US expats living in the UK.Because despite being citizens of the 'land of the free', once they leave the USA's shores, expat savers and investors often face complex challenges to stay on the right side of the US equivalent of HMRC: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).So what do paraplanners in the UK need to know to support US expat clients? Who better to ask for expert knowledge and...2024-07-0410 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyPost-LTA essentials for paraplannersBrian Radbone, Technical Counsel at Transact, joins Richard to unpack the post-lifetime allowance (LTA) world and its consequences for paraplanners.In a bite-sized Assembly lasting less than eight minutes, Brian explores transition certificates, new lump sum allowances, and why timing is everything when it comes to crystallising benefits. Plus he discusses the importance of understanding provider restrictions.If you’re in the market for a post-LTA primer but are pushed for time, this Assembly is ideal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-2707 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyIs there a recipe for successful retirement income advice?Believe it or not, it's already been nine years since the introduction of pension freedoms. And while it's fair to say that the arrival of drawdown has transformed the way that clients can plan income in retirement, when the new measures were announced back in 2015, they were made against the backdrop of a generally benign economic climate.What had changed and what could paraplanners do?Today, high interest rates and stubborn inflationary pressure, coupled with greater regulatory scrutiny courtesy of The Consumer Duty and the FCA's retirement income review, make for altogether more changeable weather.2024-06-201h 00
Paraplanners' AssemblyA bite-sized Assembly on fixed interest investmentsCanaccord Genuity’s chief investment officer, Tom Becket, joins Richard Allum for a primer on fixed interest investments that is ideal for paraplanners wherever you are in your career.During a 20-minute conversation, Tom explains the basics of bonds and gilts, how interest rates affect their values, and how the recent spikes in interest rates have affected returns and revived annuities – putting an end to years of fixed interest investments’ appearing to be ‘uninvestable’.The likelihood of lower inflation combined with potential interest rate cuts is positive for fixed interest markets.But Tom is keen to...2024-06-1321 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhen should AIM be in the frame for IHT planning?Once upon a time, we were scouring our library of previous online Assemblies and realised something: we had never covered the topic of inheritance tax (IHT) planning using the alternative investment market (AIM)!So we thought it was high time to fix that with a whistle-stop tour to discover why investing in AIM is right up there as a strategy for IHT planning.Whether you’re new to paraplanning and in search of a primer, or you’ve been paraplanning for absolutely ages and want to make sure you really know what you’re talking about, tuning...2024-05-3056 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat does it take to get a reliable cashflow forecast around here?Parmenion's head of strategic partnerships, Patrick Ingram, joined host Richard Allum for a lunch-hour Assembly to explore how paraplanners can approach the art of cashflow forecasting these days.Why? Because two years ago, the Bank of England had raised interest rates to break a 1% ceiling that had been in place since February 2009.Ten more rate rises followed. Inflation peaked at 11.1% in October 2022. The result for many investors, savers, borrowers, and anyone who bought anything, quite frankly, was a cost of living shock.Moreover, the already unfamiliar effect of rising living and housing costs...2024-05-231h 00
Paraplanners' AssemblyCSI: getting to the bottom of top slicing reliefIt’s no secret that top slicing relief offers a powerful method of reducing tax liability by spreading bond gains across each year of the lifetime of the bond. But no matter how experienced a paraplanner you may be, working out the best way to make use of the relief, and getting the top slicing calculations right, can be tricky.That’s why we think this case study investigation (CSI) on top slicing will be right up your street.In this 45-minute special on top slicing, Utmost International’s technical sales manager, Steve Sayer...2024-05-0247 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyLes Cameron’s guide to the new allowances landscapeIn a world where even HMRC doesn’t seem too sure what the score is, how can paraplanners get to grips with the new allowances landscape so clients know what they need to know right now?Well you could tune into this recording of our Assembly with Les Cameron on 24 April 2024 for starters.Because M&G Wealth’s head of technical took us on a guided tour of the new allowances regime following the abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA).During this lunch-hour event, hosted by Richard Allum of The Para...2024-04-251h 02
Paraplanners' AssemblyParaplanning in the Age of AIHow will AI affect paraplanners' day-to-day role?Jonny Stubbs of LIFT Financial and Benjamin Fabi from Principled Paraplanning joined host, Richard Allum, for an online Assembly exploring how paraplanners are adapting to - and adopting - AI tools.As well as learning about real-life examples of the role AI is already playing in paraplanning, this Assembly offered participants a chance to share their hopes, fears and experiences of the technology. By gathering together, we wanted to discover what paraplanners' are thinking and feeling about AI, and begin to understand how it could affect our day-to-day...2024-04-1159 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat do paraplanners need to know following the Budget?With the dust settling on the Chancellor’s Budget, Assembly favourite, Les Cameron from M&G Wealth, joined us to cast his expert gaze over the measures announced and what they mean for advice firms and their clients.Over the course of one lunch-hour, Les explored what Jeremy Hunt’s Budget statement meant for things like inheritance tax, non-dom status, national insurance, lifetime allowance, annual allowance and pretty much any other allowance you can think of.How many of the Budget measures trailed in the media in advance of the Chancellor’s speech actually materialised or tur...2024-03-2853 minParaplanners' AssemblyThe state of the paraplanning nationHow are other paraplanners feeling about the state of advice in the UK these days? What do they really think about working with advisers? The adoption of technology? How about regulation and The Consumer Duty?The Lang Cat’s Steve Nelson joined us to reveal insights gathered from paraplanners who responded to the research and communications consultancy’s annual State of the Advice Nation survey of advice professionals.Despite being in its sixth year, this is the first time that The Lang Cat has cut the survey’s data to reveal paraplanners’ perspectives.And to e...2024-02-2957 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastParaplanners – The Engine Behind a Truly Successful Financial Planning FirmBack in the world of high-performance Financial Planning pros on the FPL Podcast as this week we’re joined by Sam Patterson, Managing Director of The Patterson Group! Sam’s experience in Financial Planning puts him a cut above the rest when it comes to navigating a career as a Paraplanner. After taking on the role himself, Sam moved into managing a team of successful Paraplanners, and has seen some of his colleagues make serious waves in the world of Paraplanning as a career choice since then. We establish the value of strong back-office support when i...2023-12-141h 25Paraplanners' AssemblyA bite-sized Assembly on rebalancing (from a platform's point of view)Rebalancing portfolios is a familiar task for paraplanners. Periodically – often after a client’s annual review – we make sure that fund allocations are tweaked so they’re true to original investment goals.But how does rebalancing work from a platform’s point of view?In the second episode of a three-part series on life behind the scenes at platforms, Transact’s national sales manager, Stuart Fleat, walks you through the rebalancing process.In just four minutes, Stuart explains how a platform calculates and processes sells and buys, how long it takes and how to check tax...2023-11-3004 min
The WealthTech InsiderParaplanner Deep Dive: Unveiling Key Survey Findings from the Paraplanner Survey 2023Welcome to The Wealth Tech Insider, where we delve into the latest trends and insights from the world of wealth technology. In this episode, join our host Danni Le Grande as she welcomes Mel Drago from Tanngo, a leader in connecting Australian financial planners with top-notch freelance support. We take an exclusive look at the compelling findings from the recent Paraplanner Survey 2023, a treasure trove of data that reveals the heartbeat of the paraplanning community.
In our deep dive, we'll dissect key aspects of the survey, from the impact of the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) to the intricacies of...2023-11-2937 minParaplanners' AssemblyA bite-sized Assembly on sequencing riskIn the third episode of his series of bite-sized Assembly on investing, Timeline’s Laurentius van den Worm takes on the topic of sequencing risk.In just 15 minutes he offers a working definition of sequencing risk he brings the topic to life with an example of two fictional sisters who – despite enjoying identical returns over their 30-year retirement journey – experience starkly different levels of income during…all because of the consequences of sequencing risk.What’s more, Laurentius explores pound cost averaging and ravaging as well as the ‘4% rule’. For paraplanners ke...2023-11-0214 minParaplanners' AssemblyA plain English guide to old pensions jargon: part threeWhat can you do to treat a case of fluctuating emoluments?Join Barnett Waddingham’s James Jones-Tinsley as he takes us on a third exploration of old pensions jargon for paraplanners – that’s what.James joins host Richard Allum to shed light on acronyms and concepts that paraplanners may encounter in the wild including FURBS, UURBS, cash balance schemes, the difference between final salary and career average, CARE, fluctuating emoluments and straddling PIPs.Didn’t catch the previous two episodes in James’s popular plain English trilogy? Visit the post about this episode at our websi...2023-10-2629 minParaplanners' AssemblyThe life and times of the lifetime allowanceEver-popular Assembly regular, Les Cameron of M&G Wealth, joined us to answer the question ‘What’s going on with the lifetime allowance?’Why? Because in his Budget statement to the House of Commons earlier this year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, announced the removal of the amount you could hold in pension savings before becoming liable for tax.And that’s quite the change. Because it’s not all that long since Hunt’s predecessors stood accused of levying ‘stealth taxes’ by freezing the LTA at to £1,073,100 – potentially exposing an influx of pension savers to tax...2023-10-1959 minParaplanners' AssemblyA bite-sized Assembly on modern portfolio theoryTimeline's investment strategist, Laurentius van den Worm, serves up a fast-paced fact-filled bite-sized Assembly exploring the elements of modern portfolio theory.After a whistle-stop summary of the origins of modern portfolio theory, Laurentius introduces the five key principles driving the approach: risk and return trade-off, diversification, risk assessment and the correlation of assets.And if you're wondering 'But that's just four principles!?', you'd be right. That's because Laurentius goes pretty deep into the fifth principle: the idea of the 'efficient frontier'.First he looks at the efficient frontier in...2023-10-0517 minParaplanners' AssemblyAssessing capacity for loss (and why it’s so important)Patrick Ingram from Parmenion joins host, Richard Allum, for a lunch-hour Assembly exploring the issue of capacity for loss.Even though the combination of a client’s capacity for loss and their attitude to risk are significant factors when you’re working on a case, Patrick shows why both ideas are so different – and what that means for clients.He digs into ideas like ‘client balance sheet’ and ‘wealth ratios’ and explore how they offer both strategic and practical ways to settle on an investment approach that fits their financial position.And then he ex...2023-09-2857 minParaplanners' AssemblyWhat role can discounted gift trusts play in inheritance tax planning?We recently teamed up with friend of the Assembly, Steve Sayer of Utmost International, to record a three-part series of special Assemblies. Each one-hour session explores the issues affecting tax and tax planning, and offers practical ideas that paraplanners can consider for their firms' clients.In the first part of the series, Steve looked back at the last two budgets - the 'mini-budget' in September 2022 and April 2023 - to demonstrate the cumulative effect of 'stealth' tax rises and explore strategies to alleviate their effects.In the second episode, he explored the flexibility of lo...2023-07-131h 01Paraplanners' AssemblyThe stealthy Budget: how personal tax changed in April and what to do about itWe recently teamed up with friend of the Assembly, Steve Sayer of Utmost Wealth International, to record a three-part series of special Assemblies. Each one-hour session explores the issues affecting tax and tax planning, and offers practical ideas that paraplanners can consider for their firms’ clients.In the first part of the series, Steve takes a look back at the last two budgets - the 'mini-budget' in September 2022 and spring Budget in March 2023 - to demonstrate the cumulative effect of 'stealth' tax rises and explore strategies to alleviate their effects.During the hour-long ta...2023-06-291h 00Paraplanners' AssemblyDo tax wrappers go to heaven?Paraplanners' Assembly host, Richard Allum, is joined guest expert, Barrie Dawson from M&G Wealth, to ask: 'What happens to tax wrappers when a client dies?'It’s a big deal because, for surviving family and friends, knowing there's a posthumous financial plan of action can help avoid a wealth of distress, doubt and anxiety.What’s more, getting it right has the potential to be one of those 'moments of truth' for clients – the kind of support they never forget and are grateful for years later.2023-06-1557 min
The Rise of the ParaplannerA.I. For Paraplanners: 101 Welcome to AI for Paraplanners: 101. My two guests this week help me wrap my brain around AI and automation, and its predicted impact on the Paraplanning profession. I am joined by Alex Gassner and Katie Cirjak from Scale Up Paraplanning. Alex is the General Manager and Katie is the Practice Development Consultant. In this episode, we try to dispel the negativity surrounding the subject of AI and talk about how we can use AI to optimise and improve our work. This is a must listen for anyone interested in the ever-changing subject of AI. Enjoy! The...2023-06-1445 minThe Rise of the ParaplannerA.I. For Paraplanners: 101 Welcome to AI for Paraplanners: 101. My two guests this week help me wrap my brain around AI and automation, and its predicted impact on the Paraplanning profession. I am joined by Alex Gassner and Katie Cirjak from Scale Up Paraplanning. Alex is the General Manager and Katie is the Practice Development Consultant. In this episode, we try to dispel the negativity surrounding the subject of AI and talk about how we can use AI to optimise and improve our work. This is a must listen for anyone interested in the ever-changing subject of AI. Enjoy! The...2023-06-1445 minParaplanners' AssemblyGetting real: the new practicalities of retirement income planningThis is the second in our series of It’s all kicking off in the world of retirement income planning Assemblies exploring the new practicalities of retirement income planning – a series made possible with the support of our friends at Just.In our first Assembly, we asked why it’s all kicking off in the world of retirement income and considered events that have prompted paraplanners to consider an expanding range of strategies to help clients achieve their retirement income goals.In this Assembly we’ll be getting real by digging into the paraplannin...2023-06-0153 min
The Rise of the ParaplannerTech and the Future of Paraplanning With advancements in tech happening at a rate of knots, what will the future of Financial Advice and Paraplanning look like? In this episode I’m joined by Peter Worn. Peter is the Joint-Managing Director at Finura Group, a company that delivers technology solutions to support better advice. Peter and his team give advice to Financial Advisors about how to make their tech successfully work for them. In this episode he talks about the process that Advisors and Paraplanners can go through to identify the types of tech that they need, what the future of Paraplanning looks li...2023-06-0142 minThe Rise of the ParaplannerTech and the Future of Paraplanning With advancements in tech happening at a rate of knots, what will the future of Financial Advice and Paraplanning look like? In this episode I’m joined by Peter Worn. Peter is the Joint-Managing Director at Finura Group, a company that delivers technology solutions to support better advice. Peter and his team give advice to Financial Advisors about how to make their tech successfully work for them. In this episode he talks about the process that Advisors and Paraplanners can go through to identify the types of tech that they need, what the future of Paraplanning looks li...2023-06-0142 minParaplanners' AssemblyWhy is it all kicking off in the world of retirement income planning?Years of stability in the retirement income planning world changed abruptly on 23 September 2022 when former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, presented his ‘mini budget’.Ever since, uncertainty about rising interest rates, anxieties about inflation, and even worries over the stability of pension funds themselves, have led paraplanners to rethink how clients can achieve the outcome they want from their financial plan.One consequence of all this? Secure lifetime income has become a thing. And annuities are back in fashion.In the first of a three-part series, Richard was joined by K...2023-05-2557 min
LIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 44: The countdown to the consumer duty (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you another episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Rob Kingsbury and Reece Edwards.
In this episode our guest speakers look towards the countdown to the consumer duty and what should paraplanners be doing as part of their final preparation for consumer duty on 31st July.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and Linke...2023-05-2347 min
The Rise of the ParaplannerThe Power of an Online Presence Do contract Paraplanners need an online presence? In this episode of The Rise Of The Paraplanner, I’m joined by Michael Khouri. He's a senior Financial Advisor at Better Financial Planning and the host of Sharing More Than The Sheets podcast. Michael and I talk about the power of an online presence and why it's so important for contract paraplanners to get their name out there online. An online presence can be an important tool to grow your contract Paraplanning business. This episode is the tip to get yourself out there online. Enjoy! FI...2023-05-0345 minThe Rise of the ParaplannerThe Power of an Online Presence Do contract Paraplanners need an online presence? In this episode of The Rise Of The Paraplanner, I’m joined by Michael Khouri. He's a senior Financial Advisor at Better Financial Planning and the host of Sharing More Than The Sheets podcast. Michael and I talk about the power of an online presence and why it's so important for contract paraplanners to get their name out there online. An online presence can be an important tool to grow your contract Paraplanning business. This episode is the tip to get yourself out there online. Enjoy! FI...2023-05-0345 minParaplanners' AssemblyWhat difference will the consumer duty make to client communications?New consumer duty rules come into force on 31 July (for new products and services, that is).Yet as recently as last month, Citywire reported that 59% of advisers have not started preparing for the July deadline – that’s according to a survey of 1,000 advice firms commissioned by Aviva.It got us wondering: what’s going on in advice practices across the UK?Are firms comfortable with the deadline because they’re confident they’ve got all the consumer duty bases covered? Or could they be underestimating the effect the consumer...2023-04-261h 00Paraplanners' AssemblyWhat did the Budget mean for lifetime and annual allowances?Les Cameron of M&G Wealth joined us to explore what the Budget in March 2023 meant for paraplanners, financial planners and clients.Over the course of a lunch hour, as well as fielding questions from paraplanners in the chat, Les talked through the key financial planning questions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement.In particular, Les tackled the changes to lifetime and and annual allowances and their consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-04-1959 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 43: The spring budget, the autumn statement and pensions (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you another episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury and Reece Edwards.
In this episode our guest speakers cover the spring budget and the last autumn statement changes that come in in the new tax year, along with what this means for pensions and retirement planning.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on ...2023-03-2845 minParaplanners' AssemblyTop tips for tax year endAs paraplanners enter their busiest time of year, we invited Transact's head of technical services, Brian Radbone, to share his top tips as we hurtle towards the 5 April tax year end deadline. In just 13 minutes podcast host, Richard Allum, and Brian cram in top tips that cover pensions, income tax, ISAs, CGT, bonds and IHT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-03-0613 min
The LIFT Mindset4. Meet our ParaplannersDelve into the day-to-day lives of our Paraplanners. In our recent podcast, we spoke to Caroline, Lisa and Rebecca about their roles and the many benefits on offer to any Paraplanners looking to start a career at LIFT. Find out more here: https://www.lift-financial.com/paraplanning.php2023-03-0213 minParaplanners' AssemblyA timely dip into exam techniques and revision tipsWith examination season looming, we took a timely tour of the tips and techniques that could give you the edge in your exams.Host, Richard Allum, was joined by two guests:Natalie Dawes is an Academy Support Adviser with Bespoke Training Solutions (or BTS). Natalie provides ‘side-by-side’ learning support that can be adapted to meet the different needs of candidates who are preparing for professional exams.Not only is Alan Gow one of the UK’s most experienced outsourced paraplanners but, as a Chartered Financial Planner, Fellow of the Personal Finance Soc...2023-03-0157 min
Paraplanners' AssemblyA plain English guide to old pensions jargon: Part twoBONUS EPISODE: Recorded in January 2023, James Jones-Tinsley of Barnett Waddingham joins host, Richard Allum, for a second outing where James translates old pensions jargon into something more understandable for today's paraplanners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-02-2817 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 41: Hints and tips to make life easy in the paraplanning world (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you another episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Michelle Wilson-Stimson, Rob Kingsbury and special guest Reece Edwards.
In this episode our guests share some tips on how to make the life of a paraplanner easier.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.2023-02-2839 min
The Rise of the ParaplannerAdviser to Paraplanner: Living the dream In this episode I talk with one of the best contact Paraplanners going around, Clinton Weekes! Being one of the best contractors I’ve ever worked with, Clint has some amazing advice and tips for all Paraplanners out there. We discussed productivity and efficiency as a contractor, how to bring value to your relationship with your adviser, and creating space in your workload to get the most out of you and your contracting work. This is an opportunity for all contract Paraplanners listening to learn from the best. I hope you enjoy it! 2023-02-201h 02The Rise of the ParaplannerAdviser to Paraplanner: Living the dream In this episode I talk with one of the best contact Paraplanners going around, Clinton Weekes! Being one of the best contractors I’ve ever worked with, Clint has some amazing advice and tips for all Paraplanners out there. We discussed productivity and efficiency as a contractor, how to bring value to your relationship with your adviser, and creating space in your workload to get the most out of you and your contracting work. This is an opportunity for all contract Paraplanners listening to learn from the best. I hope you enjoy it! 2023-02-201h 02
The Rise of the ParaplannerWhat the Quality of Advice Review means for paraplannersIn this episode, I sit with Ben Marshan and Phil Anderson to explore the Quality of Advice Review and what Paraplanning looks like in the future. Ben and Phil discuss the future of written documentation, like the SOA, and how these changes will affect Paraplanners’ place in the financial advice industry. This episode uncovers and cements the true value of the Paraplanner and, hopefully, quells any fears you have around the elimination of SOA documentation and the future of financial planning. Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-marshan-6617191/ Connect with Phil: https://www.linkedin.co...2023-01-3142 minThe Rise of the ParaplannerWhat the Quality of Advice Review means for paraplannersIn this episode, I sit with Ben Marshan and Phil Anderson to explore the Quality of Advice Review and what Paraplanning looks like in the future. Ben and Phil discuss the future of written documentation, like the SOA, and how these changes will affect Paraplanners’ place in the financial advice industry. This episode uncovers and cements the true value of the Paraplanner and, hopefully, quells any fears you have around the elimination of SOA documentation and the future of financial planning. Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-marshan-6617191/ Connect with Phil: https://www.linkedin.co...2023-01-3142 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 40: The end of tax year planning podcast (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you another episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Michelle Wilson-Stimson and Rob Kingsbury.
In this episode our guest speakers discuss the the key considerations for end of tax year planning and discuss how paraplanners can avoid the last-minute planning and the stress it can cause.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us...2023-01-1644 min
New Planner PodcastEp #111: From CFP Program to Paraplanner Role with Rose Porter and Jennifer AndersonJennifer Anderson is the co-owner at McClarren Financial Advisors based out of State College, PA, and she joins the show today with paraplanner Rose Porter to discuss the ins and outs of hiring new paraplanners right out of school. If you are joining a small RIA firm directly after graduating from a CFP program, this is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss! Listen in as Jennifer shares the “why” behind her firm seeking to hire new paraplanners out of school, how they executed a successful search strategy by reaching out to local CFP programs, and wh...2022-12-0945 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 39: How to develop and retain paraplanners (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you another episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Michelle Wilson-Stimson, Rob Kingsbury and special guest Lewis Bryford.
This episode looks at how to develop your role as a paraplanner, and how to best retain paraplanners.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.2022-12-0950 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 37: The changing face of paraplanning (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the eleventh episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Michelle Wilson-Stimson and special guest Lewis Bryford.
This episode looks at the changing face of paraplanning, and what employers are currently looking for when recruiting paraplanners.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.2022-10-1741 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 35: Why clear objectives are essential for building excellent client reports (Part 2 The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the tenth episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury, Sarah Lees, Spencer Hopp, and special guests Kirstie White and Marian Shepherd from VoiceNotes.
This is part two of a two-part special podcast on clear objectives and client reports.
This episode focuses on how to get clearer objectives from clients and advisers, and how best to structure and communicate objectives back to clients.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out...2022-08-3134 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 33: Why clear objectives are essential for building excellent client reports (Part 1 The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the ninth episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury, Sarah Lees, Spencer Hopp, and special guests Kirstie White and Marian Shepherd from VoiceNotes.
This is part one of a two-part special podcast on clear objectives and client reports.
This episode focuses on why client objectives are important in the advice and communication process, and what makes a clear objective.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.2022-07-2531 min
BTS Career Pathways - Getting into Financial ServicesQualifications for ParaplannersJoin us as we chat to special guests Lisa Tipton and Kimberley Malin about their journey to qualified paraplanner and beyond!Find out about the options for qualifications for paraplanners including level 4, level 6 and the route to Chartered.About our special guests:Lisa Tipton is the Director of Financial Planning at New World. Lisa started her career in life offices (many years ago) before moving over to financial planning and paraplanning in 2014 and then co-founding a financial planning firm in 2021. Lisa followed the CII route for exams, starting with the Financial...2022-06-1035 min
LIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 31: The devil is in the detail-how to get additional technical support (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the eighth episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury, Michelle Wilson-Stimson, and Sarah Lees.
This episode focuses around how and where Paraplanners access and get additional technical support when needed.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.2022-05-2439 minFinancial Planner Life PodcastGood mentorship is how you make someone feel – Danielle ArnoldThis week Sam is joined by Danielle Arnold, head of Paraplanning for Bespoke Wealth Limited. Danielle disproves the myth that Paraplanners are introverts. She is most certainly not an introvert, in fact, before she started her career in financial planning, she was training to be a helicopter pilot! Danielle shares with us why it’s important for a Paraplanner to work alongside a good financial adviser who can offer mentorship and include them in client facing activities. Danielle explains how the Paraplanner can be the eyes and ears for the adviser and ultimately help deliver the best experience for th...2022-05-051h 07LIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 30: How to have challenging conversations with advisers (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the seventh episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury, Michelle Wilson-Stimson, and Sara Hickman and Rhiannon Baxter from We are Brave.
This episode focuses on how paraplanners have challenging conversations with advisers and what skills and techniques they can use.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and...2022-04-2655 minLIBF Financial Adviser PodcastEpisode 28: Why income protection? (The paraplanner series)We are pleased to bring you the sixth episode of our paraplanner series, hosted by Richard Cooper and with guest speakers from the world of paraplanning, Sian Davies-Cole, Rob Kingsbury and Andrew Wibberley.
This episode focuses on how paraplanners can support advisers with income protection, what paraplanners should consider, and the issues faced.
This is a series by paraplanners for paraplanners. Look out for episodes monthly.
Find out more about our Diploma in Paraplanning on the LIBF website.
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.2022-03-2252 min
The WealthTech InsiderMel Drago - Founder of Paraplanning Marketplace, TanngoMel is the founder of the world's first online paraplanning marketplace. Connecting freelance paraplanners with their financial adviser clients. She is an entrepreneur with a clear vision of how to improve the delivery of services to the marketplace. We go into lots of detail about her journey and the missed opportunity in technology for paraplanners.2022-03-0238 min