Financial Planner Life Podcast

Sam Oakes
  • 4.7 (55)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Financial Planner Life Podcast. We cover an intimate and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the financial planning profession. Our guests share their stories of success, failures, and learnings, as well as what to expect from a career in the financial planning profession! We host guests at various stages in their careers, as well as multiple roles, to ensure that our audience has a variety each week. Financial planners, business owners, paraplanners, and back-office staff all have their own stories to share, and The Financial Planner Life podcast serves as a platform for them to discuss their personal and professional journeys. The podcast covers a multitude of topics, from mindset and motivation, health and wellbeing, all the way to diversity and inclusion. We approach each episode with the idea that it will educate and spark a conversation within the industry on topics that may not be openly discussed. If you're considering a career as a financial adviser or are curious about learning more about this exciting sector, we encourage you to give the podcast a listen. The Host: Sam Oakes is the host of The Financial Planner Life Podcast.  since 2008 Sam has been supporting leading national and global financial planning firms in finding the best talent, he was the director of Recruit UK, a 7 figure turnover financial planning recruitment company that he successfully exited in 2024, Sam now works as the Head of Creative for Hoxton wealth, building out podcasts, YouTube and social content for this fast growing fee based international financial planning firm. Sam has always had a passion for financial services, starting as a trainer for a leading product provider in the UK, and he has been in the industry for over 20 years. He sees himself as a partner to the industry and wants to contribute useful resources, such as this podcast, to educate those who are further seeking advice and help about how to push their careers forward in this amazing profession. 

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    I left St James's Place for an IFA and Instantly Regretted it!

    Should technical professionals go freelance immediately or start as employed advisers? Alwyn Van Staden's journey offers a fresh perspective on entering financial planning from a technical background. In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we chat to Alwyn about his strategic career path from investment management to financial advice. Despite having deep technical knowledge and years of experience at major firms, Alwyn made a choice to join St. James's Place as an employed adviser instead of going independent immediately. The result? He's now managing over £150 million in client assets as an independent adviser with Pinnacle Wealth Management. Alwyn shares his perspective on why employment first worked better than jumping straight into freelance life, how technical skills transfer to client success, and why building confidence matters more than rushing into independence. Sam and Alwyn discuss the real pressures of starting a financial planning career, the benefits of structured training programmes, and how employment can actually be more liberating than restrictive for career changers. The episode’s key takeaways 🔥 Why technical professionals often fear client-facing roles and the strategic benefits of being employedHow St. James's Place's training programme builds real confidence and removes business pressureWhy are technical skills becoming a competitive advantage in client relationshipsThe power of life planning through Voyant software to create visual client storiesBuilding a referral based practice through exceptional client deliveryThe transition from employed adviser to successful independent practiceWhy employment and independence are complementary career phases, not competing pathsIf you're considering a move into financial planning, especially from a technical background, this episode offers a practical blueprint for making the transition successfully. ⏱️Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Alwyn's background  5:15 - The decision to leave technical roles for financial planning  12:30 - Why he chose St. James's Place over going independent  18:45 - The power of structured training programmes  25:10 - How technical skills translate to client success  32:20 - Building confidence through the employed route  40:15 - The transition to independence with Pinnacle Wealth  47:30 - Life planning and the Voyant software approach  55:45 - Building a referral-based practice  62:10 - Future plans and inheritance tax focus Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    46 min

  2. 30 APR

    Are these the Best Paid Jobs and Benefits in Financial Planning? Frazer James, The best should be paid more!!!!

    Frazer James aren't looking for every candidate. They're looking for A++ people. Check out the jobs and book a meeting with James Mackay today!! And if that's you, or if you’re also interested in attracting some of the industry’s best talent, then this episode was made for you. In this week’s episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes is joined by James Mackay, co-founder of Frazer James, to find out what a firm that's serious about attracting exceptional talent actually looks like from the inside. James and Chris Hindle built Frazer James from scratch, with no clients or referrals, and today it's growing at 40% year on year.  The reason? A founding philosophy that is rarely brought to fruition: build the business you'd actually want to work for. He breaks down exactly what that means in practice. Explaining the five-stage career framework inside every role. The benefits package, which includes a four-month paid sabbatical, a 5% personal growth allowance and up to three months working abroad. Plus, the associate financial planner pathway, a carefully designed development programme that actually delivers on what most firms only promise. The episode’s key takeaways 🔥 Why Frazer James only want A++ people, and what they offer themThe five-stage career framework baked into every roleAdministrator salaries up to £55k. Paraplanners up to £85k. Planners up to £130kThe four-month fully paid sabbatical and how it works in practiceWhy outcomes matter more than hours at Frazer JamesThe associate pathway from shadowing to managing 60+ client relationshipsWho this firm is genuinely built for…and who it isn'tIf you're an exceptional financial planner, paraplanner or administrator who's been waiting for an environment that actually matches, you’ll want to listen to this one.  ⏱️Timestamps: [00:00] – Why most financial planning careers only go one direction [01:45] – How Frazer James started from zero in a Bristol pub [04:10] – Building a firm you'd actually want to work for [07:30] – The five-stage career framework explained [11:20] – What the administrator role really looks like at Frazer James [15:40] – Remote working, outcomes and maximum autonomy [19:15] – The full benefits package: sabbaticals, growth allowances and more [23:00] – The associate financial planner pathway — and why it's different [27:30] – Lewis's story: from associate to managing 60 client relationships [31:10] – Who Frazer James is built for (and who it isn't) [35:00] – What the talent shortage means for financial planning firms [38:45] – The roles Frazer James is hiring for right now Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    1hr 14min

  3. 23 APR

    The Truth About Selling an International Financial Planning Business

    What actually determines whether a financial advice firm can be successfully sold? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we sit down with Dan Dickinson to explore the reality behind selling a business and why most advisers are thinking about exit in the wrong way. From the outside, exit often looks like a financial event. Valuations, deal structures, and timing. But as Dan shares, the real pressure points sit elsewhere: in culture, in structure, and in whether a business can truly operate without its founder. He talks through his own journey of exploring multiple offers before joining Titan Wealth, and why many deals fell through despite strong financial terms. Because when conditions start affecting client outcomes or how a business operates day to day, the decision becomes far more complex. This episode also explores what happens beyond the deal: 👉 How to involve your team in the process 👉 Why shared ownership changes everything 👉 What “One Titan” means in practice 👉 And how advice firms are evolving towards more integrated, team-based models This isn’t just a conversation about selling. It’s about how financial planning businesses are built, and what makes them transferable, scalable, and sustainable long-term. If you’re thinking about growth, succession, or exit, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Why most advisers get exit wrong 02:10 – Dan Dickinson’s journey and building a lasting business 05:30 – The reality behind selling a firm 08:45 – When deals don’t align with client outcomes 12:20 – Why the Titan Wealth deal worked 16:10 – Bringing the team into the process 20:35 – What happens after the deal completes 24:50 – Competitor pressure and retaining your team 28:15 – “One Titan” and a new advice model 33:40 – Moving from individual advisers to team-based delivery 38:10 – What advisers should think about when planning exit Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    59 min

  4. 16 APR

    Are These AI Agents for Financial Planners the best in 2026?

    What if financial advisers could spend 70%… or even 100% of their time with clients? Book a demo - here  In this episode of Financial Planner Life, we sit down with Alan Gurung, founder of AdvisoryAI, to explore how AI is reshaping the way advice firms operate. From disconnected tech stacks and time-heavy admin, to compliance bottlenecks and the growing advice gap, this conversation gets to the core of what’s really holding advisers back. Alan shares how AI agents like Colin, Evie and Atlas are already helping firms reduce admin, improve compliance oversight, and uncover insights hidden across multiple systems. But this isn’t just about technology: It’s about time. Because if advisers can spend more of it with clients, everything changes: capacity, growth, and the ability to serve more people. If you’re thinking about the future of financial advice or how to scale without burning out, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing AdvisoryAI & the vision 01:55 – From financial planner to AI builder 03:17 – Why financial advice doesn’t scale 06:12 – The advice gap explained 09:47 – The biggest bottlenecks in advice firms 12:40 – Introducing Atlas: connecting the tech stack 14:18 – Real-world AI use cases for advisers 18:24 – The future of AI in financial planning 28:05 – Meet the AI agents: Evie, Emma & Colin 43:05 – Rethinking compliance with AI 48:58 – Increasing capacity & serving more clients 🔔 Follow & Subscribe Enjoyed the episode? 👉 Follow Financial Planner Life for weekly insights into the future of financial advice 👉 Share this episode with a colleague or adviser who’s feeling the pressure of admin 👉 Leave a rating or review: it helps more people discover the podcast Want to be part of the conversation or feature on the show? Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    1hr 10min

  5. 9 APR

    Inside Titan Wealth: James Kaberry & Andrew Fearon on Consolidation, Private Equity and the Future of Financial Advice

    Consolidation is rapidly reshaping the financial planning profession. But what’s really driving it? And what does it actually mean for advisers, firm owners, and the future of advice businesses? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with James Kaberry and Andrew Fearon, co-founders of Titan Wealth, to unpack the reality behind consolidation, private equity, and the structural changes happening across the industry. Drawing on their experience building one of the UK’s fastest-scaling advice businesses, James and Andrew share an inside perspective on what it really takes to grow through acquisition, integrate firms, and create a centralised model that goes beyond the traditional approach to financial advice. They also explore the deeper forces driving consolidation, including an ageing adviser population, increasing regulatory pressure, and the growing need for businesses that are scalable, transferable, and built for the future. A key part of the conversation focuses on Titan Wealth’s global expat advice model, supporting UK clients as they move across jurisdictions. This approach highlights how scale is no longer just about growth, but about building the capability to serve increasingly complex client needs. Alongside this, James and Andrew discuss their working relationship, the role of trust in leadership, and how private equity is enabling a new generation of advice firms to emerge. This episode offers a clear and honest look at where financial planning is heading and what advisers need to consider as the profession continues to evolve. 🎧 In this episode, we discuss: • Why consolidation in financial planning is accelerating • The reality of succession planning and retiring firm owners • Why the “cottage industry” model is being challenged • How private equity is funding growth and acquisitions in advice firms • The misconceptions and realities of working with private equity • How Titan Wealth is building a global expat advice model • Why scale is about capability, not just size • The importance of trust in building and leading a business • The operational challenges of integrating acquired firms • What consolidation means for advisers, business owners, and career paths ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Consolidation in financial planning 03:15 James Kaberry & Andrew Fearon’s background 07:40 Why the advice profession is at a turning point 12:10 The reality of succession and retiring firm owners 18:25 Why consolidation is no longer optional 24:30 The role of private equity in financial planning 30:45 Misconceptions around private equity 36:20 Building Titan Wealth’s acquisition and integration model 42:10 The global expat advice proposition explained 48:35 Why scale creates capability in advice firms 54:20 Trust, leadership, and building the right team 01:00:10 What the future of financial planning looks like Consolidation isn’t just a trend. It’s a structural shift. And the Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    45 min

  6. 2 APR

    Building a Financial Planning Career in Public: Lessons, Risks & Opportunities

    What happens when you realise your relationship with money needs to change, and it ends up changing your entire life? In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes speaks with Hannah Wooldridge about her journey from living with £10,000 of debt without concern to becoming debt-free and pursuing a career in financial planning. Hannah shares the moment that shifted her perspective, how she paid off her debt within a year, and why that experience sparked a deeper curiosity about saving, investing, and financial independence. She also opens up about leaving a job that no longer aligned with her values, how building an emergency fund gave her the freedom to step away, and what it’s like exploring financial planning as a career in real time. This episode highlights the power of mindset, the importance of financial education, and why lived experience is becoming increasingly valuable in the next generation of financial advisers. Key Takeaways 🔥 Why debt often feels normal while it’s buildingThe mindset shift that drives real financial changeHow paying off debt can spark curiosity about moneyWhy investing feels complex (and how to push past it)The importance of emergency funds for life flexibilityHow financial security enables career decisionsWhy financial planning is becoming more accessibleThe value of sharing your journey before you’re qualifiedHow lived experience builds stronger client relationshipsIf you’re thinking about improving your relationship with money or considering a career in financial planning, this episode offers a relatable and honest perspective on what it really takes to change direction. Follow Hannah on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    37 min

  7. 26 MAR

    From Rugby Player to Financial Adviser: How Titan Wealth’s Sports Academy Supports Career Change

    What happens when a professional athlete’s career comes to an end… and what comes next?  In this episode of Financial Planner Life, Sam Oakes sits down with Ethan Waller, a former professional rugby player turned financial planner at Titan Wealth, to explore the reality of transitioning out of sport and into a new career.  Ethan shares his personal journey from a 14-year rugby career into financial planning, opening up about the emotional challenges that come with losing identity, structure and purpose, even when you think you’re prepared.  He breaks down Titan Wealth’s Sports Academy, a new programme designed to help athletes retrain as financial advisers while still playing, giving them the qualifications, experience and support needed to step into a second career with confidence.  This episode covers the hidden side of life after professional sport, why financial planning is a natural fit for athletes, and how, with the right structure, community and opportunity, it can open up an entirely new pool of professionals.  Key Takeaways 🔥 Why transitioning out of professional sport is often harder than expectedHow Titan Wealth’s Sports Academy helps athletes retrain as financial advisersThe emotional impact of losing identity, purpose, and structure after sportWhy financial planning is a natural career fit for athletesThe importance of starting qualifications while still playingHow real client exposure accelerates learning and confidenceThe benefits of an employed route when changing careersThe key skills needed to succeed as a financial plannerIf you’re an athlete or considering a career change from any industry into financial planning, this is a powerful and honest conversation about what it really takes to start again.  Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    49 min

  8. 19 MAR

    Employed Financial Planner Academy - The Openwork & Redmill Advance Partnership

    In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, Sam Oakes is joined by Helen Longland from Openwork and David Tait from Redmill Advance to explore how advisers are really being developed in today’s profession and what it takes to build an academy that works at scale without losing quality. Helen and David bring a long-standing working relationship into the conversation. Having partnered on previous academies, they share how that experience shaped the decision for Openwork to work with Redmill again when launching its new Academy. This episode gives a clear view of how that partnership operates in practice and why trust, transparency, and delivery matter when developing new advisers. The discussion begins with the wider industry context. An ageing adviser population, ongoing challenges in attracting new talent, and why firm-led recruitment alone is no longer enough to address the advice gap. From there, Helen explains how the Openwork Academy has been structured to provide a clearer, more supported route into the profession. Listeners are taken step by step through the Academy journey. Starting with RO qualifications and internal licensing, where technical knowledge is built alongside advice skills and communication. This is supported by Redmill through structured learning, blended delivery, and clear visibility on learner progress. The journey then moves into central employed practice, where individuals begin working with real clients while being supported by experienced advisers, managers, and coaches. This stage also includes Competent Adviser Status sign-off, removing a key barrier many face when entering the profession. From there, the focus shifts to ongoing development. Advisers continue to build their capability through Openwork’s Business School, with access to continuous professional development, leadership training, and further qualifications. For those looking to build their own businesses, the Route to Principal provides a structured pathway into running a firm, supported by peer-to-peer learning and growth programmes. The episode also explores the flexibility within the Academy. Individuals can progress at their own pace, with the option to specialise in protection or mortgages, or continue through to full diploma-level advice. A key part of this is the employed route, which remains rare in the market and plays an important role in attracting both younger entrants and second careerists. Alongside this, Helen shares insight into OWL Financial, where she is Director. This provides a self-employed protection route, with real examples of individuals building advice businesses alongside existing careers before progressing further. Throughout the episode, David explains how Redmill supports the Academy at every stage. From qualification delivery and le Financial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill Advance Whether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered. ✅ Trusted by top UK firms 👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fpl Be sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning.  Reach out to sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.  Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.

    1hr 3min
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4.7
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Financial Planner Life Podcast. We cover an intimate and honest account of what it’s really like to work in the financial planning profession. Our guests share their stories of success, failures, and learnings, as well as what to expect from a career in the financial planning profession! We host guests at various stages in their careers, as well as multiple roles, to ensure that our audience has a variety each week. Financial planners, business owners, paraplanners, and back-office staff all have their own stories to share, and The Financial Planner Life podcast serves as a platform for them to discuss their personal and professional journeys. The podcast covers a multitude of topics, from mindset and motivation, health and wellbeing, all the way to diversity and inclusion. We approach each episode with the idea that it will educate and spark a conversation within the industry on topics that may not be openly discussed. If you're considering a career as a financial adviser or are curious about learning more about this exciting sector, we encourage you to give the podcast a listen. The Host: Sam Oakes is the host of The Financial Planner Life Podcast.  since 2008 Sam has been supporting leading national and global financial planning firms in finding the best talent, he was the director of Recruit UK, a 7 figure turnover financial planning recruitment company that he successfully exited in 2024, Sam now works as the Head of Creative for Hoxton wealth, building out podcasts, YouTube and social content for this fast growing fee based international financial planning firm. Sam has always had a passion for financial services, starting as a trainer for a leading product provider in the UK, and he has been in the industry for over 20 years. He sees himself as a partner to the industry and wants to contribute useful resources, such as this podcast, to educate those who are further seeking advice and help about how to push their careers forward in this amazing profession. 

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Oakes
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    274
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Financial Planner Life Podcast
  • Show Website
    Financial Planner Life Podcast

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