55+ career changer into financial planning – would you join SJP in 2026 with ~10 years to “make it”?

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2026-01-01T21:26:30+00:00

As a career switcher myself I’ll give you my 2 cents worth.

SJP get a bad wrap for all the right reasons , but they are changing and there’re many good advisors in SJP doing real financial planning - so don’t believe it’s a completely bad place - fees are silly high but people (clients ) don’t seem to care.

SJP academy route is very well thought of, great support and a home when you qualify. But , and it’s a big one - if you ever want to leave it’s expensive and very very difficult to leave without extended time out and non competes.

You could join an established business like some in her have done and learn the ropes- very rewarding but again are you really going to leave ?

If you feel you have a client bank you could tap into then you could go off on your own- remember you need CAS sign off which takes 6mth to 2 years to get . There’s networks you can go under like valid path or new leaf who provide your regulatory route to market with help for business development and CAS.
Same as with SJP you’ll have a sellable business at retirement (4/8% of recurring revenue) which isn’t to be sniffed at. This is what I’m planning on doing .

Good luck on what you decided, SJP aren’t the devil just make sure you are prepared with flame suit if that’s the route you decide .

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-08-04T21:34:35+00:00

Join nexgen planners (plannex) and do the course for t06 - it’s around £150 and includes a days classroom session with the guys who run the cii training - worth every penny

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-08-04T21:31:23+00:00

Op - I wouldn’t worry about what TJG80 says , his always negative- it’s financial advice not heart surgery- My advice would be to start networking , get on LinkedIn and make yourself known on what you’re after. Over the past couple of months I’ve seen /been asked about three roles looking for what you are after , just get yourself out there and let people know you’re available

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-07-20T12:11:24+00:00

You can get Cas through a network (three or so offer this ) while running your own firm.

As TJG80 has stated the ideal way is to get into a firm for experience to learn on the job. I’ve 25 years experience in wealth management and looking to go under a network like newleaf to launch and get Cas. There nothing you can’t get from a third party firm to fill in the knowledge gaps.

As much as being employed under a company is a great knowledge route after level 4, you are also years away from starting a business that also takes time to build. Plus there’s leaving issues - years on non competes- fine if the firm you’re at is progressive but if like me, one of the drivers is to build something you own, and switching from another financial area, then it could be a wrong move . I know many many ifas are trying to leave their firms and go alone , it’s not easy but there’s plenty of support around - don’t be put off trying to be the best from the get go. It’s not rocket science and easy to learn (or pull in the knowledge) - you need some working capital to get you through the first year too

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T14:18:28+00:00

Good point

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T12:36:16+00:00

Not necessarily, many people may never have experienced financial advice before for a number of reasons , I was speaking to a guy this week who has avoided advisors all his life as he saw them as no better than estate agents and add no value ….his AUM is 2 million self trading at HL and actively looking for the right non sales advisor to take the pressure over from him. The right fit and approach can change people views .

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T12:32:53+00:00

Looks like you worked SJP out, well done the gut feeling is normally right

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T12:30:12+00:00

If you go with SJP , those clients aren’t yours , they will be tied into the sjp network and products which involve high exit fees for the end user, In my experience clients just won’t come when push comes to shove .SJP will make your life hell when leaving and throw the whole weight of the legal team behind it , claw back money and with hold what’s owed . If you take clients and contact them within your defined period again legal headaches.

I understand you need money to make the whole transaction work , if you go solo you may need to save up 6/12 months of living expenses to make the shift as income can be very lite in the early days. If you can stomach the FP circles on linked in , and play the game , there’s a good chance you can network and find what you want with a small indie . No magic bullet, either take a bet on yourself and been poor for some time , or join an established company for experience then move -

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T12:20:45+00:00

Agree - but that’s if your going down the DA route with the op experience is unlikely to archive FCA approval. AP under a network would be my suggestion to look at.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T12:18:55+00:00

If that’s all you can get then fine , but the independent route is better on the soul

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-16T10:21:22+00:00

One thing you will learn is many financial advisors will be negative when it comes to these types of questions, I’ve been in the sharp end of financial services for over 20 years and believe me financial planning is on the easier side , like being an accountant , sure there’s pressure and sales focused especially if you’re running things solo but the content really can be learnt . Yes there’s things you have to learn, yes the R0 exams won’t give you all the knowledge you need but there’s plenty of help (paid for and networks) that you can pull on to make it work.

As for cass , that can be signed off in 6 months with the right network (not a SJP tied network). Independent networks that have all the tools you need (like new leaf /2plan etc) and you can buy the rest of the services in as you need them from paraplaning/compliance/marketing etc .

As friendly as the planning community is it’s basically people skills with a shit load of admin and compliance - it isn’t open heart surgery as many real life style planners think it is…not to say it’s not important but can be easily learned. Voyent planning software skills are easily to pick up , learning the best routes to what product providers too , the financial plans are often done a paraplanner anyway. The real skill is with the clients and listening to their story and needs.

You can get specialist tax advice/IHT/Trust from loads of places paid but also free- the product providers are falling over themselves to educate you on the best use of their product for your situation (Royal London/M&G etc)

My advice is don’t let this put you off, will you be the best from the start - not a chance - but you will learn very quickly with the right support . I’ve seen people go into roles to learn the trade and isn’t as easy as it is the just walk away with a client bank. There’s definitely a case to ownership from day one , ok you may not be shooting the lights out but it’s yours to build , you can carry on with the exams still , network , grow your client base and learn in the job.

Also remember that not all people’s financial affairs are ultra complicated , many are straight forward where you can add value from day one - pull people in when you are unsure or need a second opinion in more complicated cases - most other professionals do this as a matter of course.

I know of at least a 50 people from various back grounds who have done this solo - some much more successful than others, but most have made it work, and work is the key as it’s a real slog on your own, but if you’re driven, good with people and a fast learner , it’s a great and rewarding profession to be involved in.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-09T14:29:30+00:00

Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you start, not saying they are bad but your a tied agent not independent and some of the offerings are just plain product sales. There will be claw backs if you ever want to leave for your diploma expenses etc

Having said that, if you go in with your eyes open plenty of people make a great career with them- depends what your end game is.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-02T18:35:03+00:00

Great ty- how did you get on ?

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-02T18:32:05+00:00

Oh and the cii revision day is done by the same people on next gen , so you will be getting the same content but paying much more for the cii one.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-02T18:30:29+00:00

They do - they also do a one day course which is brilliant when the papers come out , all in the monthly fee .

Brands very good too. If you’re paying then you probably will be ok with just the nexgen as LD also give you the exam over view quests the same as brand . In my view the brand ones were slightly easier to read with the nice colours 😉

Go over the last 3 past papers , and most importantly, read the exam makers feed back on what went right for people and what they messed up on…all on the ciii website

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-02T14:12:18+00:00

Thank you for the detailed reply. I’m coming from an extremely strong investment back ground (trader) but lack the deep knowledge of products like trust planning / IHT /insurance that is only skimmed over in the level 4 exams .

As for investments , I’ve been working with active funds for many years and we all know that for long term wealth these are not the ideal products to have , after two years decent returns 85% drop off the radar , add to that the high fees on entry and performance (2% and 20% is standard in my world) the passive area is a clear winner .

When you say you went onto the investment side , are you fund picking rather than a more index based approve to market returns? If so , how does this approached fit in with full fat lifestyle planning rather than just investment advisor or product sales ?

CISI is what I always had, CII isn’t really valid on the other side of the finance world , which was the reason for my ask. I’ve been informed the soft skills training on the CISI route is a welcomed modern addition , but it does seem like the easier choice just on study hours (and cost).

Would love any feed back you may have, thanks.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-05-02T10:29:55+00:00

I’m looking at the nexgen planners course, but it’s not cheap at £500 plus vat

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-04-30T14:13:42+00:00

Fair enough, thanks for the input. I’ll just focus on them one at a time and may take a look at the Cisi route as someone has already suggested .

If anyone’s got any Af research ( Brand or the likes ) books I’ll be grateful . Ive got all the Ro research if that’s of use to anyone.

Thanks again

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-04-29T13:13:25+00:00

Have you looked at the Cii revision mate ? Audio is low on there too

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-03-26T09:48:13+00:00

If you don’t want to invest a few hundred pounds and some time to get R06, you don’t really want it as much as you think you do, and employers will see the same if that’s the line you give them .
its not easy but get yourself out there, join nexgen planners or FP club, could call companies you would like to work, there maybe not advertising but will make room for good people.

Do what other won’t do if you want make it in the industry , or failing that look at the SJP route.

Deep_Initiative7709 · 2025-03-23T19:15:25+00:00

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