In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re joined by Marnel Stafford, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares her remarkable story of pivoting into the profession at 50 and making waves in her first year.

💬 "Starting at 50 might seem late to some, but for me, it was the perfect time. My life experience became my greatest strength."

Marnel talks candidly about her journey—why she decided to make the leap, the challenges she faced, and how she’s already on track to hit £400k in her first year. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the value of building strong client relationships.

💬 "Clients don’t just want technical knowledge; they want someone who understands their lives. That’s where experience comes in."

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Why it’s never too late to start a new career: Marnel explains how her age became an asset, helping her connect with clients on a deeper level.
• The mindset for rapid success: She shares how focusing on intentional actions, like building trust and delivering exceptional value, made all the difference.
• Turning challenges into opportunities: Marnel reflects on overcoming self-doubt and using her past experiences to build credibility and confidence.

💬 "It’s not about your age—it’s about showing up, being present, and genuinely caring about the people you serve."

Whether you’re considering a career in financial planning or seeking inspiration for your own journey, Marnel’s story proves that success knows no age limits.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you.

With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbs

Be sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON!

If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy here

Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

Laura North, a former college lecturer with 16 years of experience, shares her incredible journey of moving from the classroom to becoming a successful financial planner. Discover how she navigated this life-altering transition, leveraging her teaching skills in a whole new way. Laura's story is a beacon of inspiration for anyone contemplating a career switch, revealing the intricacies of reshaping professional goals and the courage it takes to follow one's passion.

Throughout our chat, Laura opens up about the role of the St James's Place Academy in her transformation, providing invaluable support and guidance. Her narrative shines a light on the unique opportunities within financial planning, particularly for women, and how educators can utilize their skill set to thrive in this industry. We also delve into the balance between personal and professional life, highlighting the significance of building a supportive network and fostering genuine connections.

We explore the art of networking and the power of genuine curiosity in forming meaningful relationships. Laura emphasizes the importance of being part of a strong community and how these connections not only enriched her career but also her life. Her approach to financial planning is centered around education and trust, offering a fresh perspective on how to engage with clients. This episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to embark on a new professional journey.

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you.

With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbs

Be sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON!

If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy here

Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.

"Imagine starting over in a new country, grappling with a new language, and breaking into a competitive industry. This is Cholpan Djanuzakova's reality.

Her journey from Kyrgyzstan to becoming a top financial adviser and business owner in the UK is a testament to the incredible things you can achieve when you turn your challenges into stepping stones. Tune in as Cholpan shares the secrets to her success and how she uses her cultural heritage to make unforgettable connections in the financial world.

Join host Sam Oakes as he and Cholpan delve into how embracing personal heritage and overcoming adversity can dramatically shape your professional path. Cholpan's story isn’t just about overcoming hurdles; it's about transforming them into opportunities to rise and stand out, especially in financial planning.

Learn about her early years in Kyrgyzstan, her adventurous move to the UK, and the challenges of language and cultural assimilation she faced. Discover how she uses the Komuz, a national instrument, at networking events to create lasting impressions and how this unique approach has carved a niche for her in the financial industry. Cholpan’s journey is a powerful reminder of the role of resilience and perseverance in achieving professional recognition and success.

Gain actionable insights on using your uniqueness to captivate and grow a client base, and get inspired by her innovative networking strategies that blend tradition with modern business practices to stand out.

Don’t miss out on more inspiring tales like Cholpan’s—subscribe now! Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and discussions on turning personal trials into professional triumphs. If Cholpan’s story has inspired you, or if you’re looking to make your own unique mark in your career, reach out to us; we’re always looking to spotlight unique journeys in financial planning."

Begin your financial planning career journey today

Whether you are looking to become a paraplanner, administrator, mortgage and protection adviser or financial planner, the Financial Planner Life Academy is for you.

With limited entry-level job roles, giving yourself the best financial planning career education, will not only kick start your financial planning journey with relevant qualifications and skills, but it’ll also help you achieve success much faster.&nbs

Be sure to follow financial planner life on YouTube for extra content about a career within Financial Planning HIT THAT SUBSCRIBE BUTTON!

If you're looking to start your career in Financial Planning, check out the Financial Planner Life Academy here

Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or career development.