The Story of a Transformative Email Chain: Revolutionising Financial Planning

In a recent exchange between Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), and Julia Hodgson of Hodgson Howell (name changed for privacy), a compelling narrative unfolded. This conversation delved into the future of financial planning, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and the non-intermediating model advocated by Steve.

Introduction: A Shared Vision for Change

The dialogue begins with a message from Julia, expressing her gratitude for Steve’s referrals and resources. Julia’s passion for pioneering change in Canada’s financial planning landscape is evident. She shares her goal of becoming the best non-adviser financial planner in Canada, striving to move away from the industry’s sales-driven approach.

Julia’s enthusiasm is palpable, but so is her sense of being overwhelmed by the magnitude of change required. This is a sentiment many innovators in the financial planning sector can relate to, as they seek to balance their vision with the practicalities of business operations.

Steve’s Response: Guidance and Community

Steve’s reply is both encouraging and practical. He acknowledges the challenge of feeling isolated in the pursuit of transformative goals and underscores the value of being part of a community of like-minded individuals.

He shares valuable resources, including connections to Canadian experts Susan Latremoille and Marianne Oehser of Next Chapter Financial Lifestyle Advisors , and author Mike Drak . These connections are intended to help Julia build her network and gain support from others on a similar journey.

Steve’s emphasis on collaboration is encapsulated in his statement, “No planner is as knowledgeable as planners working together.” He invites Julia to explore the broader international community within the AoLP membership, reinforcing the idea that collective wisdom is key to success.

Clarifying the AoLP’s Unique Offering

In a detailed follow-up, Steve elaborates on the distinctiveness of his model. Unlike traditional financial advisers who often sell products, Steve positions himself as a personal one-to-one mentor for holistic financial planners. His focus is on supporting planners who want to avoid the intermediary role of product selling.

Steve highlights the gap he identified in the market after completing a training course at the Kinder Institute . He recognised a need for guidance on running a business as a non-intermediating financial planner, a need he now fulfills through AoLP.

Addressing Overlap and Membership Management

Julia’s subsequent email raises a practical concern about managing multiple memberships and resources. She questions whether Susan’s offerings overlap with AoLP’s and seeks advice on optimising her memberships.

Steve’s response is clear and tailored to Julia’s needs. He distinguishes between the services provided by various resources:

• Next Chapter Financial Lifestyle Advisors : Ideal for those wanting to be retirement coaches, offering comprehensive training courses.
• Retirement Coaches Association : Focuses on training groups of people.
• Human Side of Advice and OCBO : News and resources services promoting a human-centric approach in financial advice.
• ROL : Similar to the others but includes group training.

Steve advises Julia to consider her future business model and objectives before deciding on relevant memberships. He reiterates that while these resources are valuable, they are not essential for the day-to-day operations of a non-intermediating financial planning firm.

Conclusion: A Shared Journey Towards Real Change

This email chain is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of Steve and Julia. It highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and a client-focused approach in revolutionising the financial planning industry.

Through AoLP, Steve provides the missing piece to the jigsaw for planners who aspire to deliver holistic financial planning without selling products. His guidance and resources are invaluable for those looking to navigate the complexities of this transformative journey.

By sharing this story, we hope to inspire other financial planners to join the movement towards a more transparent, client-centric, and sustainable approach to financial planning.

To find out more information please visit www.AcademyofLifePlanning.com .

Q&A: Enhancing Global Connectivity in Financial Planning

Q1: What inspired Steve Conley to start the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP)?

A1: Steve Conley was inspired to start the Academy of Life Planning in 2012 after recognising a significant gap in the market during his training at the Kinder Institute. He realised there was a need for a support system for holistic financial planners who aim to provide comprehensive financial planning without selling products. This realisation led him to create AoLP, offering mentorship and resources to help planners run their businesses effectively.

Q2: How does the AoLP model differ from traditional financial advisory services?

A2: The AoLP model differs from traditional financial advisory services by focusing on holistic financial planning without the intermediary role of selling financial products. Instead of earning commissions from product sales, AoLP emphasises a fixed-fee structure, ensuring transparency and integrity. This approach caters to planners who want to prioritise their clients’ best interests without the conflict of interest associated with product sales.

Q3: Why is community important for financial planners, according to Steve Conley?

A3: Steve Conley believes that community is crucial for financial planners because it provides a support system, shared knowledge, and collective wisdom. Being part of a community of like-minded professionals helps planners overcome the feeling of isolation and enables them to learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative approach enhances their ability to provide better services to their clients.

Q4: What are some of the key resources and connections mentioned in the email exchange?

A4: Some key resources and connections mentioned in the email exchange include:

• Next Chapter Financial Lifestyle Advisors: Offers comprehensive training for those wanting to become retirement coaches.
• Retirement Coaches Association: Provides group training.
• Human Side of Advice and OCBO: News and resource services promoting a human-centric approach in financial advice.
• ROL: Similar to the others but includes group training.
• Canadian experts: Susan Latremoille and Marianne Oehser, and Mike Drak.

Q5: How can financial planners decide on relevant memberships and resources?

A5: Financial planners should consider their future business model and objectives when deciding on relevant memberships and resources. It’s important to identify whether they want to focus on retirement coaching, group training, or holistic financial planning without product sales. Based on their goals, they can choose memberships that provide the most value and support for their specific needs.

Q6: What advice does Steve Conley offer to financial planners feeling overwhelmed by change?

A6: Steve Conley advises financial planners to connect with a community of like-minded professionals to share the journey and reduce the sense of isolation. He emphasises the importance of mentorship and using available resources to stay organised and focused on their goals. By leveraging the collective knowledge and support of a community, planners can navigate the challenges of change more effectively.

These Q&As provide additional depth and understanding to the themes discussed in the article, helping readers appreciate the significance of the AoLP’s approach and the importance of global connectivity in financial planning.