Future Fit Financial Planning: In Conversation with Tom Francis

Is the role of the Financial Planner about to change?#

In the first episode of the Future Fit Financial Planning series, our host James Walker is joined by Tom Francis of Octopus Money to explore what the next stage of advice might really look like.

They discuss how technology and behavioural psychology are reshaping personal finance, why so many people struggle to act on good financial advice, and how scalable, tech-enabled models could help millions make better money decisions. With a clear mission to reach 5 million people and a willingness to share their thinking openly, this conversation offers a powerful glimpse into the future of the profession.

In this episode, we cover:

• The changing role of the financial planner
• Coaches vs traditional advisers
• Why traditional advice fails to reach most people
• Behavioural nudges and money habits
• Human relationships supported by structured tech
• Short-term lifestyle vs long-term goals
• The future of scalable, accessible advice

If you’re a financial adviser, advice firm leader, or anyone interested in the future of financial planning, this episode is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Tom’s Background

09:00 Making Financial Advice Accessible

18:30 Technology, Algorithms & Real Life

27:30 Behavioural Psychology & Inertia

35:45 The Limits of Traditional Financial Planning

43:45 Capturing People at the Right Moment

52:30 Money Culture & National Financial Habits

01:01:00 Shiny Objects vs Long-Term Freedom

01:10:15 What Can (and Can’t) Be Changed

01:18:45 Big Numbers, Misconceptions & Wrap-Up

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