Your Financial Planning Maestro

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.

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. 

Professionally lonely!

#CFP #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast 

Greg Cooke bio: 

I am a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner running my own firm, Polaris Wealth Management Ltd. I have been advising clients for just over ten years now and started my own firm in 2015. I started off in the industry advising clients on their mortgage and protection needs, but now provide advice on all areas of personal finance. Whilst I still provide mortgage advice, my practice is now very much focused on providing long term financial planning to our clients and their families.  

I am passionate about continuous development and always looking to learn and improve my skills as a planner. Last year I completed the CFP and I have since enrolled on a coaching course led by a highly respected financial planner. Aside from the CII & CISI qualifications mentioned, I have a degree in financial services and hold the Investment Management Certificate from the CFA Society.  

Outside of work my main hobby is walking. I live on the edge of the Peak District with my long-term partner Cathy. We try to walk most days, but life sometimes gets in the way. 

In this week’s #YourFinancialPlanning Maestro podcast we

This is a fascinating conversation about how financial

We also discuss what aspects of the business he went off and

#CFP #YourFinancialPlanningMaestro #podcast

Oz Shtrosberg CFP™ is a Financial Planner at MAG Financial Services Ltd. 

He studied Economics at Manchester University and went on to complete a MSc in Management. Following a career as the Marketing Director of a successful hair care distributor, Oz came back to his roots and passion for financial planning, joining MAG Financial Services in early 2015. 

  
Oz provides his clients with Lifestyle Financial Planning, initially spending time getting to know his clients, their goals, and aspirations, before working together to build a suitable plan to reach those objectives. He has a keen interest in behavioural finance and believes this enhances the value he can give clients. He will often be heard stating that managing people's emotions surrounding finances is as important, if not more so, than managing their finances.  

In this week’s #YourFinanciaPlanningMaestro podcast we talk to Natalie Norman Certified and Chartered Financial Planner at Blake Brooke Financial Advice Ltd. 

Natalie shares her eventful journey to becoming a CFP professional.  Everyone’s path is different but commonly it is a bit of a rollercoaster! Natalie shares her feelings of being overwhelmed initially along with how she overcame them to be successful. 

Natalie embarked on the CISI level 7 case study, the final part of the CISI CFP pathway, without support initially.  But after being unsuccessful, she found the support she needed to rectify her financial plan and pass.   

We also talk about what difference the whole process has made to her business as well as the aspects that have helped her improver her approach to client meetings and the advice that flows from them. 

Natalie Norman’s bio: 

 I’m a Certified and Chartered Financial Planner at Blake Brooke Financial Advice Ltd, based in East Leake, near Loughborough.  

I work with clients around the country to allow them to live their best life now and in retirement. Prioritising their needs, we work together to create a financial planning roadmap to ensure they remain on track to achieve their goals and objectives. I offer face to face advice in all areas of financial planning, including retirement planning, tax planning, inheritance tax planning, life and critical illness cover and savings and investments.  

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children and our wider family. I also enjoy exercising at the gym and running a couple of times a week to maintain my fitness. 

In this week's podcast we talk to Dan Boden CFP™, Managing Director of Abode Financial Planning, about his interesting journey to become a CFP professional.

We discuss his approach, his struggles and what he did to overcome them. We also discuss the important and often unreported positive impact that gaining CFP can have on a business and the client experience proposition.

He has a calm approach and takes time to demystify financial matters. Providing peace of mind is always at the forefront for Daniel as he works with you to plan the future you envision. 

He has over 10 years’ experience working hand in hand with clients as a trusted adviser as they design and secure their financial goals. He has advanced qualifications in tax and pensions advice and holds the highest designation with two governing bodies; the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI). 

Daniel is an ex-rugby league player, but these days it’s his three young daughters keep him active. Family time is precious to Daniel and he enjoys all the new experiences that fatherhood brings.