How I became a life planner: Three personal stories

Three advisers share their personal stories on why they decided to turn their back on products and make the switch into financial life planning.

Laura Miller
clock

Three advisers share their personal stories on why they decided to turn their back on products and make the switch into financial life planning.

Around 200 financial life planners – or those considering embarking on that particular path of financial advice – came together for a unique product-provider free conference, BACK2Y, organised by Inspiring Adviser founder Paul Armson. There, three advisers gave personal accounts of their journey to financial life planning - and how anyone can do it if they are committed. 1st Chartered Financial Planning founder Sylvia Bentham "Getting qualifications is boring. They are just Brownie badges. I've got them, but that's all they are. "I went to a grammar school. Then I didn't go to u...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Advisers call on chancellor Healey to back business and revisit IHT reforms

Advisers call on chancellor Healey to back business and revisit IHT reforms

New chancellor will need to ‘stand fast on the plans ahead’

Sophia Panayi
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
The two clocks of Burnhamism: Markets on Monday, clients over a decade

The two clocks of Burnhamism: Markets on Monday, clients over a decade

'Social care is the planning earthquake'

Phillip Wickenden
clock 21 July 2026 • 5 min read
HMRC social media scam report email used just three times

HMRC social media scam report email used just three times

‘Dispiriting’ figure suggests public knowledge gap on fraud reporting

Jen Frost
clock 20 July 2026 • 5 min read