Financial Planner Life Podcast

• Can 105 Financial Advisers Be Wrong? Find Out!

  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qualified adviser, a mortgage professional looking to futureproof your business, or a registered individual stuck in an outdated setup, this could be your next move.👉 Interested in joining New Leaf Distribution?Visit: https://newleafdistribution.co.uk🔑 What we cover in this episode: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 IFAWhat it's like being an appointed representative under New LeafThe importance of community, mentorship and real developmentWhy some advisers are leaving other networks for New Leaf DistributionAI tools, paraplanning support and pre-approval complianceAttracting new talent into the professionThe rise of mortgage advisers transitioning into financial planningWhat makes a truly supportive IFA network in 2025👤 About Sam WallisSam 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.ukBe 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.

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• Working 3 Days a Week as a Financial Planner and Thriving!

  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 planningWorking parents seeking flexibilityFirms striving to build inclusive and supportive culturesAnyone who believes in the power of mentorship and representationBe 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.

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• Career Tips From Successful Financial Planners Part 1 - Golf Day

  🎥 Financial Planner Life Golf Day | Game 1: Vikash Kanani vs Paul TaylorReal 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.

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• Career Tips From Successful Financial Planners Part 2 - Golf Day

  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 toolHow protection advice opens the door to long-term client relationshipsThe key to building a client bank under 45Carla’s mission to attract more women into financial planningHow to get comfortable with asking for referrals (without sounding salesy)Why personality matters just as much as qualificationsBuilding your brand on LinkedIn through authenticity and humourSuccession, 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.

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• How to pass the CII R01-RO6 exams (DipPFS) in 6 months. 2025 update!

  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/Fn8wPIf 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.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.

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