The Rise of the Paraplanner

In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Ben, a dedicated researcher in the field of financial services, to unravel the intricacies surrounding the Statement of Advice (SOA). Drawing from his extensive research and data analysis, Ben sheds light on critical issues within the financial advice process. Join us as we explore the heart of the matter, delving into the nuances of SOAs and their role in shaping financial advisery relationships. Ben's findings illuminate the challenges and opportunities that lie within this essential document. For Paraplanners seeking actionable solutions to enhance the financial advice process, this episode serves as a valuable guide. Ben offers insights into what can be done right now to address the identified issues and elevate the quality of financial advice. Whether you're a seasoned professional in the financial industry or someone eager to gain a deeper understanding of the advice process, this conversation promises to enrich your perspective and inspire positive change. Tune in now to gain a comprehensive view of the financial advice landscape and discover actionable steps for improvement. To learn more about Ben and follow his research, check out his LinkedIn profile linkedin.com/in/ben-neilson-54883055/ and website www.neilsonwealth.com.au/

Join us in this episode, where we're joined by Anthony Lyon, the Managing Director at IIP Dealer Group. Anthony provides us with a unique licensee perspective on the evolving world of financial advice, shedding light on why more and more advisers are venturing towards self-licensing. In this insightful conversation, we dive deep into the role of Artificial Intelligence in the industry and explore Anthony's predictions about future technology at the licensee level. Discover how AI is reshaping the way financial professionals operate and how it's influencing the decisions of advisers and licensees alike. Whether you're a seasoned Paraplanner or someone intrigued by the transformative power of technology in the financial sector, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and foresight. Tune in now to gain invaluable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of financial advising. To connect with Anthony on LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/anthony-lyon-2463446a/. You can also learn more about IIG Dealer Group at https://www.iipdealergroup.com.au/

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Alisdair Barr, the visionary Founder of Striver, to delve into the pressing issue of the skills shortage in the financial services sector. Alisdair offers a profound exploration of why this gap exists and how our current educational pathways inadvertently contribute to the rising demand for skilled professionals. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of this challenge, gaining valuable perspectives on the state of the industry and the educational systems that shape its future. Alisdair's wealth of experience and innovative thinking provide a unique lens through which to understand the complex dynamics at play. Whether you're a financial professional seeking solutions to this critical issue or an enthusiast curious about the forces shaping the financial services landscape, this episode promises to illuminate the path forward. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation, as we work to bridge the skills gap and forge a brighter future for financial services. To find out more about Alisdair check out www.striver.careers or LinkedIN linkedin.com/in/alisdairbarr/

Join us in this episode as we embark on a captivating journey through Dylan's career in the financial services industry. From the moment he graduated university to achieving firm ownership, Dylan shares his invaluable insights and experiences. Discover the hidden importance of emotional energy in the financial advisory process, as Dylan sheds light on how it can significantly impact your client relationships and overall success. He delves deep into the role of personality types in shaping your career path within the dynamic world of financial services. Whether you're a budding financial professional seeking guidance or someone intrigued by the intricacies of this industry, this episode offers a wealth of wisdom and perspective to help you navigate your own financial services journey. Tune in now to gain a fresh perspective on the financial services landscape, personal growth, and career development in the finance sector. To learn more about Dylan check out his website www.fsgwm.com.au or connect with him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/dylanmartinfsgwm/

There's a lot of talk at the moment about AI and the role it will play when it comes to Paraplanning. The reality is, a lot of SOA's are simply not being read and in this episode, I talk with Andrew Whelan who is the CEO of Dash Technology to take us through what he is seeing advisers already achieve with AI and how we apply it in our own Paraplanner roles. DASH Technology Group can solve any or all of your critical business issues across the entire financial planning process. They offer the full spectrum of advice solutions, starting with fact find, next generation modelling and advice delivery, ending in investment execution. It is modular, integrative, flexible, and completely tailored to your advice practice. This means, you can take the piece that helps you now, and then grow your usage over time using solutions from our Advice Marketplace. Andrew Whelan is the CEO of DASH and is an industry expert when it comes to the delivery of financial advice. He has worked for a variety of financial planning software firms, run and sold a paraplanning and template consulting business, and has seen the evolution of the advice industry firsthand over the last 25 years. Connect with Andrew :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-whelan-72270a3/ https://dash.com.au/

This episode of Rise of the Paraplanner is all about the process of implementing the video Statement of Advice (SOA). My guest is James Wrigley - Principal and Financial Advisor with First Financial. James is right in the middle of this process, so it's very fresh for him! In this conversation we talk about the expected effects of the video SOA for a Paraplanner's role, the expected results for his business, and the expected response from his clients. If you are a Paraplanner and you're concerned about the future of your role, this is a must listen. The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

What actually is a video SOA and what will it mean for Paraplanning? Well today I am talking to someone who is actually implementing the video SOA in their work. My guest this week is Daniel Donovan - Financial Advisor and Head Of Operations at Verse Wealth. Dan talks us through how Verse Wealth has implemented Video SOAs and the outcomes they have seen as a result of doing so. Hopefully this discussion will answer a lot of the questions and confusion about the video SOAs and what impact it's going to have for Paraplanning. The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

Welcome to AI for Paraplanners: 101. My two guests this week help me wrap my brain around AI and automation, and its predicted impact on the Paraplanning profession. I am joined by Alex Gassner and Katie Cirjak from Scale Up Paraplanning. Alex is the General Manager and Katie is the Practice Development Consultant. In this episode, we try to dispel the negativity surrounding the subject of AI and talk about how we can use AI to optimise and improve our work. This is a must listen for anyone interested in the ever-changing subject of AI. Enjoy! The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

With advancements in tech happening at a rate of knots, what will the future of Financial Advice and Paraplanning look like? In this episode I'm joined by Peter Worn. Peter is the Joint-Managing Director at Finura Group, a company that delivers technology solutions to support better advice. Peter and his team give advice to Financial Advisors about how to make their tech successfully work for them. In this episode he talks about the process that Advisors and Paraplanners can go through to identify the types of tech that they need, what the future of Paraplanning looks like in the next couple of years, and what we can do to get the most out of tech. This is a must listen for all you tech-savvy Paraplanners out there! Enjoy! The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

This episode of the Rise of the Paraplanner is an off-the-cuff conversation with Joe Stephan, co-founder of Stephan Independent Advisory and host of the It's Never About Money podcast. This episode is part of our Technical series and is all about financial psychology. Now that sounds like quite a broad term, but basically Joe takes us through his process of working with his clients to get a very deep understanding about what is important to the client. This episode is a must listen for those who want to make a deeper connection with their clients to produce a stronger end result! The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

Do contract Paraplanners need an online presence? In this episode of The Rise Of The Paraplanner, I'm joined by Michael Khouri. He's a senior Financial Advisor at Better Financial Planning and the host of Sharing More Than The Sheets podcast. Michael and I talk about the power of an online presence and why it's so important for contract paraplanners to get their name out there online. An online presence can be an important tool to grow your contract Paraplanning business. This episode is the tip to get yourself out there online. Enjoy! FIND OUT MORE Listen to the Sharing More Than The Sheets Podcast: https://www.sharingmorethanthesheets.com.au/ Find out about Better Financial Planning: https://www.betterfinancialplanning.com.au/ Connect with Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khourimichael/ Better Financial Planning: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterfp/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://contractpps.com.au/

Have you ever heard the quote, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction”? Well, in this episode of The Rise of the Paraplanner, we talk about all things Paraplanner mentoring. My guest is Sian Davies Cole. Sian is a Chartered Paraplanner and Director at Plan Works. She's also the co-founder and mentor at the Paraplanner Club. We talk about the benefits of having your very own mentor, how to find and approach a potential mentor, and finally we talk a little bit about the importance of having that great relationship with your advisor. This episode is perfect for Paraplanners out there who are new to the industry, or are looking for a little bit more connection in their job, or someone who's looking to further your career. Enjoy! Connect with Sian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siandaviescole/?originalSubdomain=uk The Paraplanner Club: https://www.theparaplannerclub.co.uk/ Plan Works: https://www.plan-works.co.uk/

Just because Paraplanning is a serious profession, it doesn't mean it has to be boring. In this episode I'm joined by Kristy Whittington. Kristy is the owner, founder and Chief Happiness Mixer of Fresh Paraplanning. Kristy's approach to Paraplanning is obvious when you look at the website for Fresh Paraplanning. It's fun, it's quirky, and it's fresh. We talk about how her approach has created a natural filter for ideal clients, set expectations around communication with her advisors, and created a framework for the culture at Fresh Paraplanning. This is fun, enlightening, and outside-of-the-box conversation and a must-listen. Enjoy! Connect with Kristy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-whittington-57b49b78/ Find out more about Fresh Paraplanning: https://www.freshplans.com.au/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

We all know what it's like to feel burnt-out. When you're working yourself to the bone because you have to finish a specific job or project. In this episode I am joined by Venessa Bennett, CEO of Next Evolution Performance - a global coaching business helping leaders and teams to maximise performance and decrease their overall effort, to ensure that success, and therefore profitability, is sustainable. We talk about how to avoid burnout, how to get the most out of your cognitive energy (yes, we're talking neuroscience), and how to be more productive in less hours. Listen to this episode if you want to be less stressed, avoid burnout and start really enjoying your work. Connect with Vanessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-knight-531b6722/ Find out more about Next Evolution Performance: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode of Rise of the Paraplanner, I'm joined by Brian Knight - the CEO of Kaplan Professional. In our conversation we got to the nitty gritty of what a Paraplanner is, and talked about all the essential skills that we believe a Paraplanner needs. Brian also shares how Kaplan Professional came about designing the Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning. We also discuss recent trends in the profession and what that means for the future of Paraplanning. Brian has a lot of wisdom and experience, and he shares it all in this episode. Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-knight-531b6722/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/ Please note: The information in this podcast does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek financial advice before making any financial decisions.

In this episode I talk with one of the best contact Paraplanners going around, Clinton Weekes! Being one of the best contractors I've ever worked with, Clint has some amazing advice and tips for all Paraplanners out there. We discussed productivity and efficiency as a contractor, how to bring value to your relationship with your adviser, and creating space in your workload to get the most out of you and your contracting work. This is an opportunity for all contract Paraplanners listening to learn from the best. I hope you enjoy it! Connect with Clinton: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clinton-weekes-a36ba498 The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/ Connect with Clinton Weekes: https://au.linkedin.com/in/clinton-weekes-a36ba498

Compliance in the financial planning industry can feel like a minefield. So, what does it take to get the green tick of approval for compliance? Kerrin Glover, Senior Compliance Consultant at Kinetic Compliance, joins me to share her three top tips on problematic compliance areas you need to be aware of when writing an SOA. She also explains personalisation and customisation of the SOA, and demystifies what your auditor is looking for (and why they're looking for it!). This episode is a must listen for any paraplanners wanting to refine their skills, especially when it comes to compliance. Connect with Kerrin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrin-glover-2446833a/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/ Please note: The information in this podcast does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration, so you should look at your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek financial advice before making any financial decisions.

In this episode, I sit with Ben Marshan and Phil Anderson to explore the Quality of Advice Review and what Paraplanning looks like in the future. Ben and Phil discuss the future of written documentation, like the SOA, and how these changes will affect Paraplanners' place in the financial advice industry. This episode uncovers and cements the true value of the Paraplanner and, hopefully, quells any fears you have around the elimination of SOA documentation and the future of financial planning. Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-marshan-6617191/ Connect with Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philpaulanderson/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

When it comes to writing for a a groups of advisers, it's imperative that the paraplanning team work together towards the common goal. In this episode, Teresa Yardi, Paraplanner at MiQ Private Wealth shares what it is like working in a team of paraplanners and the processes they have implemented for effective communication and to support each other. Connect with Teresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-yardi/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

When times are tough, who are we turning to? In this episode, Emily Blanch takes us through the journey of XY Adviser and where it landed where it is today - an online community of 1000's of advisers who share, connect, learn and empathise. Emily gives us examples of times when advisers have come together for one purpose, to guide their clients towards financial freedom. She also talks about the future of XY Adviser and how us, as Paraplanners can play our own part. Connect with Emily:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyblanch/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

Have you ever wondered if someone has already solved the problem you are facing? Well in this episode, prepare to have your mind blown because our mates over in the UK probably already have those answers. In this episode, Dan takes you through a lot of the problems the UK Paraplanning community have already faced like improving the awareness and increasing the professionalism of Paraplanning via conferences and school engagement, employee owned businesses and how to bring together an international community. Dan and the CISI team have been kind enough to offer ROTP listeners free entry to the conference this year by using the code RISE at registration. Connect with Dan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danatkinsonuk/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services:https://www.contractpps.com.au/

FASEA can be seen as a bit of 'white noise' to Paraplanners but in this episode, we talk bigger picture on the long term impact of the new regulations within the financial advice industry. The standards will see a lot of movement both from exiting advisers and new entrants to the industry which will change the demand for key roles in each firm. As a Paraplanner, we need to understand what is happening as a whole to our industry and in this episode Joel Ronchi breaks down what the standards will mean for us. Connect with Joel:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-ronchi/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services:https://www.contractpps.com.au/

We all know estate planning is a key component of any successful financial plan but traditionally, the only time it's really referred to in the SOA is with template text and as a bit of an afterthought in the process. How do we have more control in this? How do we make this step easier for the client? In this episode, Aruna from Your Wills talks us through how we can ensure our clients are getting their estate plans done in a simple and easy to use process and make this step in their financial plan one they can easily tick off. For more information check out yourwills.com.au which has stacks of free content on there for Paraplanners to use. Including a discount for any AFA members wanting to use this option themselves. Connect with Aruna: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-wills-pty-ltd/?originalSubdomain=au The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

Have you ever been in the middle of an SOA and thought "maybe this isn't for me"? Michael Back from Human to Human and I have been in that exact situation and in this episode, we discuss how we dealt with this and found deep fulfilment in our careers. This conversation is for those Paraplanners out there wanting more out of their career and life, but just aren't sure where to go or who to talk to. There are options, I promise you! Let Backy and I talk you through our experiences to design our work lives around our happiness and natural strengths. To get clearer on your natural strengths through the Wealth Dynamics Personality Test, head to https://wealthdynamics.geniusu.com/enter.php (and use coupon code ebc50off to score a 50% discount). Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljback/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

There's a massive ocean of possibilities and opportunities when it comes to financial services tech and it can be overwhelming to know what you need to pay attention to as a Paraplanner. In this episode, Patrick Flynn from Simply Kaizen gives us a run down of the advances in both compliance and SOA generation software and also gives us a couple of tips on how to choose the right tech to enhance your role. For more info on Patrick and Simply Kaizen check out https://patrickflynn.info/ Connect with Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickjamesflynn/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

Want to stay in paraplanning but unsure about your next move? In this episode, Kate Fellows, Founder of The Professional Paraplanner shares with us her advice on where you need to focus your attention to progress your career. Kate talks us through income expectations (both as an employee and contractor), the use of technology in your role, the difference in experience when working with institutions compared to boutiques and where to look when furthering your education.   Connect with Kate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-fellows-a1993b18/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

We are at a time of significant change in the advice industry with mass Adviser exits, tighter regulation and compliance as a result of the Royal Commission and the disbanding of major licencees. On top of this movement, we're seeing an emergence of more AI software and the digitalisation of advice. So what does this mean for the future of Paraplanning? In this episode, Fraser Jack - Head of Partnerships at Advice Intelligence and host of the Goals-Based Advice Podcast talks us through his research findings, explains what the new software is actually capable of and how paraplanners need to adapt to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. Connect with Fraser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fraserjack123/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode, we explore the introduction of digital SOA's and what instigated the Future of the SOA project at the FPA. Ben goes into detail about the research conducted for this project including what consumers want, where the problems currently sit and what needs to change in the industry. This episode will open your mind to the possibilities with the digital SOA, including how this is likely to change paraplanning in the years to come. Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-marshan-6617191/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode, Gianni takes us through the process he follows to analyse SOA production. Including, the ways they identify a defect and how to measure the impact of the issue on the entire process. Gianni shares his advice on what paraplanners should be taking into consideration when writing the SOA and how to assess their own processes for optimal productivity. Connect with Gianni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianni-musumeci/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode I talk with Angus Woods, Founder of Adviser Ratings Angus takes us through the creation of Adviser Ratings and how they use data to make informed decisions about where financial services are heading as an industry. We discuss the impact of the Royal Commission on Advisers, movements at a licensee level and his predictions on what financial services will look like in the years to come. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking further insight into what is happening in the industry right now and what changes you may need to make to keep ahead of the trend. Connect with Angus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angus-woods-a5a7025/                                     https://adviserratings.com.au/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode, Jade takes us through what it's like to work from home with a full house and still getting the SOA done in an effective manner. Jade shares many tips on how to separate from your work, how to structure your work to optimise your focus time and getting the most out of your day. In addition, Jade talks through what it's like working on an hourly basis compared to project basis, how she reports on her performance and what she loves about working in a remote team Connect with Jade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jademacdonald-paraplanner/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

The jump from employee to contractor can be daunting. In this episode, I talk to Michelle Parish, owner of Plan Right Paraplanning about her experience of taking the leap, the lessons she learned and her tips for other Paraplanners considering making the move. Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-parish-4a928088/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

In this episode we talk to Andrew Van De Beek, Accountant and Founder of Illumin8. Andrew gets back to basics about the questions we all need to consider when moving to contracting or running a contracting business. He talks through the fundamentals of understanding your financials, managing cashflow and risk versus reward. But, most importantly, Andrew encourages us to truly understand why it is we do what we do to provide a guiding light in our decisions.   You can connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewvandebeek/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

Melanie Drago, founder of The Paraplanner Hub, and Tanngo joins us to talk about the evolution of Paraplanning, her predictions on the future of the role and her journey in the creation of The Paraplanner Hub.   Tanngo - a place for financial advisers to connect and collaborate with contract paraplanners - for more information visit https://Tanngo.com.au The Paraplanner Hub - a place for paraplanners to connect, share, learn and laugh https://www.facebook.com/groups/paraplannerhub/?ref=share Connect with Melanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-drago-0046a6b/ The Rise of the Paraplanner is powered by Contract Paraplanning Services: https://www.contractpps.com.au/

Welcome to The Rise of the Paraplanner Podcast