Your Financial Planning Maestro

In this week’s podcast episode, we talk to Ciaran Quinlan CFP™, Paraplanner at Close Brothers Asset Management, about his journey to becoming a CFP Professional following his return to the industry after a career break.

At age 25, having passed all his Chartered Financial Planner exams at the first time of asking, Ciaran took the opportunity for a career break to travel around the world. Returning to the UK after a year away, he decided to sign onto Jackie’s course and study full-time on the Level 7 Financial Plan Case Study to ‘ease’ him back into the profession…

‘Ease’ however was a short-lived descriptor of Ciaran’s CFP journey!

#CFP #CISI #OnlineCourse #podcast

Ciaran Quinlan bio:

As well as holding the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, Ciaran is a Chartered Financial Planner with the CII and a Chartered Member with the CISI.

Graduating with an Economics degree from the University of Nottingham in 2018, Ciaran first discovered financial planning as a career when researching for his dissertation on ‘Population Ageing’, which focused primarily on the viability of the State Pension in the future and consequently the urgent need for enhanced private pension provision.

At age 25, having passed all his Chartered Financial Planner exams first-time, Ciaran took the opportunity for a career break to travel around the world. Returning to the UK after a year away, he decided to sign onto Jackie’s course and study full-time on the Level 7 Financial Plan Case Study to ‘ease’ him back into the profession…

‘Ease’ however was a short-lived descriptor of Ciaran’s CFP journey!

Having encountered numerous initial stumbling blocks that required him to restart the case study from scratch several times, Ciaran was delighted to learn in October 2023 that he had passed the case study assessment first-time with a 99% pass mark in the assessment standards. Following on from this result, he is eager to share some tips for a successful submission.

Ciaran currently works as a Paraplanner at Close Brothers Asset Management where he started in January 2024 and is enjoying his new role, further developing his skills preparing and writing financial planning reports.

In this week’s podcast episode, we talk to Jane Jones CFP™, Director of Operations at Mackenzie Financial Planning, about her journey to become a CFP professional. 

Jane wasn’t fully prepared for what was in store for her and as she puts it, “I was unprepared and thought that I’d just do what I normally do with clients.  I hadn’t realised the scope of the assessment.” 

Despite the initial difficulties, Jane overcame those issues and passed on her second submission. 

Her approach to studying for level 4 and level 6 exams at the same time whilst running the back-office side of a financial planning business and being mum to three children, is remarkable. 

Some critical lessons we explore are: 

 She also explains what stress-foria is and how it helps her work. 

If you are about to apply for your CISI L7 case study this month, this is a must listen episode. 

#CFP #CISI #FinancialPlanAssessment #podcast 

Bio: Jane Jones CFPTM BA (hons) FPFS:

Jane is director of operations at Mackenzie Financial Planning. 

She achieved Chartered Financial Planner status and fellowship of the Personal Finance Society in 2022, and recently became a Certified Financial Planner in May 2024. 

Jane has worked alongside her husband Paul for almost 15 years, and together they run Mackenzie Financial Planning, a Chartered and Accredited Financial Planning Firm, specialising in providing holistic financial planning in the North West of England.  

Jane has a background in paraplanning, and was awarded Paraplanner of the Year at the Institute of Financial Planning Conference in October 2012. She also holds a degree in English Language from the University of Lancaster. 

Jane has 3 children, between primary and university age, and is happiest when she can spend time with her children and extended family.  

In this week’s episode we talk to the 2024 CISI L7 case study award winner Kyle Glowacki CFP™, Financial Adviser at Cavendish Ware, about his journey to becoming a CFP professional.

Kyle had a more unusual route to completing his CISI L7 case study assessment when becoming a CFP professional; in fact he did the CFP assessment twice over in two different countries! Not because he had to, but because he wanted to.

During the interview we talked about:

· How he became a CFP professional in South Africa

· Why he felt it was important to redo his certification when he emigrated to the UK

· How he found the two different countries approaches

· His approach to completing his CISI L7 case study financial plan assessment

· Which aspects of his financial planning skills have improved by doing the CISI L7 case study assessment

· Why you should stop thinking about it and just do it!

Congratulations Kyle on winning the CISI L7 award for 2024. We are pleased to have supported you with our Fast Track Course and 1:2:1s along the way to this fantastic achievement. All your hard work has paid off!

Listen now by searching #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts.

#CFP #FinancialPlanning #CISI

Kyle is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional and financial adviser at Cavendish Ware in the UK. He first attained his CFP certification in South Africa in 2013 before following the structured pathway to re-certify in the UK. This included earning the Investment Advice Diploma, Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning, and passing the level 7 case study to receive his diploma and UK CFP certification in 2023. 

The double CFP qualification showcases Kyle's commitment to the profession. Kyle advises aspiring CFP professionals to start early, consistently work on their studies, utilise external trainers, and manage their time effectively. He recommends setting short-term goals and taking breaks to manage stress during exam periods. Kyle credits the CISI for providing a structured qualification pathway, quality study materials, and a seamless overall experience. 

His CFP knowledge has enabled Kyle to progress from paraplanner to financial adviser, providing exceptional service to clients by understanding their lifestyles, goals, and building comprehensive plans to achieve and maintain their desired lifestyles throughout their lives. 

In this week’s episode we talk to Will Oswald CFP™, Financial Planner at Chiltern Hills Financial Planning, about his journey to becoming a CFP professional. 

Will had a more unusual route to completing his CISI L7 case study assessment when becoming a CFP professional; he missed a course, did some work on it unsupported and then embarked on a series of 1:2:1s to help create and execute a plan to pass. 

As Will’s honest account of what happened shows, having to undo some things and redo others to get his financial plan back on track and ready for submission was no mean feat.  But his determination and positive mindset won through. 

During this interview we talk about the ups and downs of his experience, how it is natural to feel overwhelmed at times but getting support and putting strategies in place can help enormously. 

We all have a different journey to become CFP professionals and in every case, those I’ve interviewed have explained that it has changed them for the better.  Will’s journey was no exception. 

Listen now by searching #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro on YouTube or wherever you stream your podcasts. 

#CFP #FinancialPlanning #CISI 

Will Oswald CFP™ is a Financial Planner and Director at Chiltern Hills Financial Planning Ltd.  

I am a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager, with a master’s degree (MSc) in Wealth Management, a First-Class Honours degree in Economics and Finance and an Investment Management Certificate. I’ve been working in Wealth Management for over 8 years, working in various roles across Advising, Strategy, Investment Management and Technology.  

I help people align their money to meaning. Our approach is all about helping our clients live differently and believe good financial planning is as much about your life as it is your money. 

We are true goals-based financial planners, starting by really understanding what's important to clients (before even talking money!), and then we build them a life-orientated financial plan. This involves using cash-flow modelling to show whether their goals can become a reality and if they're not, how we can help them get there, with an emphasis on actionable, easy-to-implement advice. We offer a complete approach and advise on everything from investments, pensions, estate planning, tax-advantage investments to protection. 

Growing up in Devon, I enjoy living an active lifestyle and spending most of my time outdoors. I can be found appreciating great food and travelling with friends and family, keeping fit, teaching myself Spanish or supporting the Exeter Chiefs rugby team. 

In this week'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'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'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.

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. 

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.   

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.

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.

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.

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.