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 building
• The mindset shift that drives real financial change
• How paying off debt can spark curiosity about money
• Why investing feels complex (and how to push past it)
• The importance of emergency funds for life flexibility
• How financial security enables career decisions
• Why financial planning is becoming more accessible
• The value of sharing your journey before you’re qualified
• How lived experience builds stronger client relationships

If 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

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