In this episode of Financial Planner Life, host Sam Oakes sits down with Andrew Spence, Co-Founder of Aspen, to challenge the industry’s most controversial questions - what we call the Marmite topics of financial planning.

Aspen was born out of something deeper than disruption. After a personal health crisis led Andrew to reflect on the impact of his work, he decided to build a model portfolio service that put purpose, clarity & client outcomes first.

Now, he’s leading the charge on topics that divide financial services professionals daily.

🚨 Here’s what we cover:

• Is evidence-based investing just clever branding - or genuinely better for clients?
• Why most risk profiling tools are broken & unhelpful
• Should financial planners choose sides in the active vs passive debate?
• The rise of Bitcoin, the return of gold, & the role of private equity in portfolios
• How Aspen uses tech that actually works for financial planners & their clients
• Why first-principles thinking beats copy-paste product design

Andrew shares why financial planners need to stop overcomplicating things & start designing investment experiences that genuinely serve the people behind the portfolios.

This is a must-watch for:
✔️ Financial planners seeking clarity in the chaos
✔️ Firms looking to improve their MPS offering
✔️ Advisers questioning the one-size-fits-all model
✔️ Anyone ready to rethink what investment management should look like

📩 Learn more about Aspen or book a discovery session. 
🔗 Follow Sam Oakes & Financial Planner Life on LinkedIn

00:00 - Intro: From engineering to investment management  

00:34 - Andrew's early career & first role in wealth management  

02:45 - A personal health crisis & the search for purpose  

04:44 - Is finance a noble profession?  

05:39 - Why start an MPS business in a saturated market?  

08:06 - How engineering logic shaped Aspen's investment approach  

09:33 - Building intuitive tech for financial planners  

11:05 - Starting from scratch: Aspen’s early days & growth  

13:28 - Early supporters & the power of trust in MPS  

14:41 - Social proof & buying decisions in financial planning  

16:17 - Could AI avatars replace financial advisers?  

18:21 - Active vs Passive - is the debate pointless?  

22:34 - Is evidence-based investing just marketing?  

25:16 - Why risk profiling is broken  

29:01 - Should Bitcoin or gold be in portfolios?  

32:44 - Is private equity too complex for clients?  

34:43 - Andrew’s approach to LinkedIn & thought leadership  

37:04 - Sam’s take: Building trust & visibility on LinkedIn  

41:04 - Why YouTube is a goldmine for financial planners  

42:37 - Sam’s full breakdown of a video-first marketing setup  

45:19 - Turning content into conversations & conversions  

46:32 - Engagement matters: Don’t post & ghost  

48:24 - What’s next for wealth management & MPS?  

50:01 - Final reflections & how to connect with Aspen  

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Karen Berisford, Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the PFS, left a prestigious investment role at JP Morgan to build a client-first advice practice with St. James’s Place. She prioritised trust, time control, and service over scale-at-all-costs.

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Karen shares how she grew to £150M AUM without relying on social media or paid marketing. Instead, she focused on referrals and long-term, values-led growth.

You’ll learn:

• How to transition from investments to advice
• The fear and reward of becoming client-facing
• Turning one ex-colleague’s “yes” into a thriving network
• Why trust, consistency, and integrity beat any sales pitch
• The realities of flexible working when you run your own practice
• How the Women Returners Network helped her hire two standout advisers
• The compounding effect of delegation, leadership, and support
• The key benefits of the SJP partnership model
• Why building optionality starts long before a sale

If you’re serious about building a meaningful career in financial planning, this is your blueprint.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and share the one insight you’ll put into action this week.

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

Is This the Best IFA Network? 

Sam Oakes Meets Sam Wallis – New Leaf Distribution Visit: 

reach out to new leaf - click here 

Welcome back to the Financial Planner Life Podcast, where we explore what it really takes to build a meaningful and rewarding career in financial planning.

This week, host Sam Oakes speaks with Sam Wallis, Managing Director of New Leaf Distribution, to unpack how this IFA network is giving self-employed advisers true branding freedom, community support, and the tools they need to thrive.

If you’re wondering “Is this the best IFA network?” — this episode might help you decide.

New Leaf currently supports around 350 advisers across mortgages, protection, and financial advice. Whether you're a newly qualified adviser, a mortgage professional looking to futureproof your business, or a registered individual stuck in an outdated setup, this could be your next move.

👉 Interested in joining New Leaf Distribution?
Visit: https://newleafdistribution.co.uk

🔑 What we cover in this episode:

Building your brand as a self-employed IFA

What it's like being an appointed representative under New Leaf

The importance of community, mentorship and real development

Why some advisers are leaving other networks for New Leaf Distribution

AI tools, paraplanning support and pre-approval compliance

Attracting new talent into the profession

The rise of mortgage advisers transitioning into financial planning

What makes a truly supportive IFA network in 2025

👤 About Sam Wallis

Sam Wallis is the Managing Director at New Leaf Distribution, a progressive IFA network focused on empowering advisers to build their own businesses and brands, with the right infrastructure and support behind them. His vision is to combine branding freedom with a strong compliance framework, mentoring and community.

🔗 Learn more at: https://newleafdistribution.co.uk

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

In 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 faced as a woman, a mother, and a leader in a male-dominated industry.

We talk about her career beginnings, the impact of becoming a mother, navigating flexibility as an employed adviser, and the emotional realities of returning to work. Hannah also offers insight into what it's like working at Foster Denovo post-acquisition, as well as the importance of workplace culture, flexibility, and recognition.

Her story is a powerful reminder that you can excel as both a parent and a financial professional. She’s living proof that success isn’t just about titles, it’s about happiness, purpose, and support.

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Women considering a career in financial planning
• Working parents seeking flexibility
• Firms striving to build inclusive and supportive cultures
• Anyone who believes in the power of mentorship and representation

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

Welcome 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) in a best-of-seven match play showdown — with caddies, clubs, and competitive spirit fully loaded.

What starts as a light-hearted game quickly turns into a meaningful conversation about building a career in financial planning, winning business, and doing the right thing — both on and off the course.

🏌️‍♂️ Today’s Golfers & Caddies:

• Michael Yuille CFP™ – France-based Certified Financial Planner™, U.K. pension specialist, and U.S. investment adviser helping UK/US expats retire in France. Known for viral LinkedIn content under #ChickenTuesday.
• Sam Oakes – Host of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, producer of content for the financial services, and founder and seller of a 7-figure turnover financial planning recruitment company. Expert in video-first marketing and passionate about attracting fresh talent to the profession.
• Carla Brown – President & Chair of the Personal Finance Society and MD of Oakmere Wealth Management. Champion of inclusivity and a major voice for women in financial planning.
• Guy Skinner – Director at Citygate Financial Planning and patron of Stand By Me, a bereavement counselling charity. Specialises in protection-led planning and advising legal professionals.

🎤 You’ll also hear from:

• Paul Bradley – Founder of Chiltern Hills Financial Planning, passionate about values-based, lifestyle-led advice.
• Jay Dhaliwal – Chartered Financial Planner and Young Achiever of the Year 2023, representing the next generation of high-impact advisers.
• Paul Taylor FPFS – Chartered Planner, Certified Coach and Wealth Management Coach, helping planners grow personally and professionally.
• Vikash Kanani – Managing Director of Chatsworth Wealth Management Ltd, building a people-first advice business with empathy and integrity.

🎯 In this episode, we explore:

• Why referrals are still the #1 business development tool
• How protection advice opens the door to long-term client relationships
• The key to building a client bank under 45
• Carla’s mission to attract more women into financial planning
• How to get comfortable with asking for referrals (without sounding salesy)
• Why personality matters just as much as qualifications
• Building your brand on LinkedIn through authenticity and humour
• Succession, hiring the right people, and getting your culture right

❤️ Charity Spotlight:
This episode also highlights Stand By Me, a bereavement support charity for children and young people, with Guy Skinner as a proud patron. If you enjoyed the episode and want to give back, please consider making a donation:

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

🎥 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.

🏌️‍♂️ The Match:
It’s Vikash Kanani (MD, Chatsworth Wealth) vs Paul “The Power” Taylor (Chartered Planner & Coach) in a competitive 9-hole matchplay at Mappley Golf Course, Nottingham.

🎒 Caddies:
• Paul Bradley (Founder, Chiltern Hills FP)
• Jay Dhaliwal (Chartered Planner & Young Achiever of the Year 2023)

🎤 Featuring appearances and insights from:
• Mike Yuille (financial planner and straight-talking realist)
• Carla Brown (President of the PFS & Director at Oakmere Wealth)
• Guy Skinner (Founder, Citygate – the “4-week career starter”!)
• Your host, Sam Oakes, bringing the banter and asking the real questions

⸻

✅ Topics we cover on the course:

• Starting your career in financial planning with zero clients
• The truth about referrals (and how to ask for them properly)
• Niche marketing, cashflow struggles, and what no one tells you about year one
• How AI is reshaping advice and speeding up training
• Imposter syndrome and gaining confidence as a new planner
• Managing time, energy, and avoiding “playing office”
• The power of mentorship, and the case for being a human first planner

🔑 Quote of the Day:
“AI lets you be more human. And that’s where the real value in advice lives.” – Vikash Kanani

⸻

🏆 But who won the match?
Let’s just say it came down to the final green. One clutch putt. One celebration. And one loser with their head in their hands.

You’ll have to watch to find out.

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

How 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 aspiring advisers ask:

• What are the RO exams? → Six modules (RO1–RO6) that make up the CII DipPFS qualification.
• Which RO exam is hardest? → Most students struggle with RO3 (Personal Taxation).
• How long does DipPFS take? → Many take 12–18 months, but Rebecca did it in 5 with the right support.
• Do I need experience? → No. With the Academy and Redmill Advance, even career changers can pass.

As a Back to School Special, the St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy have 100 discount codes to get 50% OFF RO1 learning materials with Redmill Advance. Financial Planner Life listeners can access the codes on a first come first served basis:
👉 Claim your exclusive discount now: https://shorturl.at/Fn8wP

If you would prefer watching the episode, you can here on the Financial Planner Life Youtube Channel  - 

This episode blends real experience with expert training insights, making it the perfect study guide if you’re preparing for your CII regulated financial adviser exams.

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Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

How 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 creative, confident, and relationship-based business development. He has built his entire client base without depending on lead providers or a legacy client book.

After training as a barrister and working on a death penalty case in California, Jak switched careers and moved to Dubai, where he began his financial planning career in a pure business development role. No leads. No shortcuts. Just hard work and smart strategy.

It was there he learned a powerful truth:

If you can master business development, you will never need to rely on anyone again.

He later joined St. James’s Place at age 26, going straight into self-employment with full confidence that he could build a book of clients himself. And he did.

Check out St James Place Academy here - https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy

One of his most inspiring stories?
Jak saw a Vodafone executive on LinkedIn, but calls and emails went unanswered.
So he flew to Luxembourg, waited by the stage at a tech summit with two cans of Irn-Bru (the exec was Scottish), and landed a 20-minute meeting.
That conversation led to a new client and a mindset shift that changed everything.

In this episode, you will learn:

🔹 How to get clients as a financial planner using creative prospecting
🔹 Why business development is the most important skill in financial advice
🔹 The truth about going self-employed with St. James’s Place
🔹 How to niche into sectors like education and generate leads at scale
🔹 Why Jak mentors aspiring financial planners on confidence and psychology
🔹 How to create a lifestyle-first model built on faith, family, and finance

Jak no longer chases clients. They come to him.

Whether you are just starting your career, exploring self-employment, or trying to grow your client base, this episode is your blueprint for building a financial planning business on your terms.

you can also watch this episode on the finanical planner Life YouTube channel

📍 Hosted by Sam Oakes, Founder of Financial Planner Life, the UK’s leading podcast for careers in financial planning.  If you want to start your own podcast or appear on the finanical Planner Life podcast, reach out - [email protected]. 

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

Mortgage 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 services for over two decades. She started her journey in high street banking, moved into mortgage advice, and spent 16 years with one firm before making a leap that changed her life completely. She went self-employed under the Foster Denovo umbrella.

She didn’t make the jump just for more income. It was about freedom. About ownership. And more importantly, about finally finding the balance between work and being a mum without compromising on ambition.

But let’s be honest. That golden phrase, “work-life balance”, gets thrown around a lot, especially in self-employment circles. So we ask the question head-on in this episode:

Can you really find work-life balance as a self-employed mortgage adviser, or is it just a myth?

👇 In this episode, we cover:

🟢 Why 16 years in the same job was enough

🟢 The mindset shift from comfort to growth

🟢 How Carly built recurring income through protection advice

🟢 The emotional and financial impact of going self-employed

🟢 Managing motherhood and a business without burning out

🟢 What Foster Denovo provides that made all the difference

🟢 Mentoring young talent and building something meaningful

🟢 What real balance looks like when you choose how you work

Whether you're a mortgage adviser stuck in a rut, a mum wondering how to make a career work around your kids, or someone on the edge of going self-employed, Carly’s story will hit home.

It’s real. It’s relatable. And it might just give you the nudge you need.

🔗 Helpful Links & Mentions

👩‍💼 Learn more about careers at Foster Denovo:  click here
Follow Foster Denovo Talks - a podcast produced by Financial Planner Life.  

📩 Want to feature on the podcast or start your own? Reach out: [email protected]

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

If 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 New Leaf Distribution - an IFA network that supports advisers at every stage of their career. From helping mortgage brokers future-proof their income by transitioning into IFA, to supporting financial planners ready to launch their practice, and guiding newly qualified advisers without CAS into successful self-employment, New Leaf is redefining what a supportive network looks like.

With over 60% of New Leaf’s 108 financial advisers coming from a mortgage background, many have seen huge success in year one, some building six-figure incomes by adding financial planning services alongside mortgages. This approach helps advisers not only boost revenue but also safeguard their careers against the rise of AI in mortgage processing.

We’re also proud to produce The New Leaf Podcast — over 30 testimonials from members sharing the highs and lows of self-employment, and how New Leaf’s hands-on, family-first culture has supported them every step of the way.

Whether you’re curious about becoming self-employed, scaling your advice business, or making the leap from mortgages to IFA, you’ll hear real-world success stories, practical advice, and why so many advisers choose to call New Leaf home.

Links & Resources:
🔗 Connect with Sam Oakes: LinkedIn | 📧 [email protected]
🔗 Learn more about New Leaf Distribution: Website
🎙 Listen to The New Leaf Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
📺 Subscribe on YouTube

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.