So I passed R05 this afternoon, and with a lot higher mark than expected. Really pleased with the result but this is not so much a “look at me”, but more of a message to anyone on here struggling with confidence. It’s been 18 months since my last exam with various things getting in the way and I felt negative going into the exam.
Encouragement to anyone studying or sitting an exam soon!! Patience and everything comes in time!
Hi all , following on my last post. I currently earn **£29,000** and have **2 years' experience** in an IFA firm. I've completed **R01, R03, R04 and R05** and I'm working towards my full Level 4 Diploma. Due to have L4 diploma early next year (sitting RO6 in Jan).
I have obtained an interview with a larger IFA locally for a junior paraplanner/paraplanner position in north Essex. Not sure on AUM but circa 25-30 employees to give a picture and a lot larger where I am now.
My role is a mix of administration and paraplanning, but I regularly:
Write suitability reports.
Carry out pension, investment and protection research.
Use FE Analytics.
Involved in more technical cases and recommendations eg, VCT, SSAS etc
Do cashflow modelling.
Prepare recommendation packs and supporting documentation.
Liaise with providers and advisers throughout the advice process.
My boss has told me that once I achieve my Level 4 Diploma, the **maximum salary I'd receive would**
**be £33,000**.
Going into the interview, I haven’t been explicitly told the salary for the role.
What sort of salary should I be expecting? Is 34-36k reasonable or am I dreaming??
Any last tips for R03, smashing Know R0 with 96% pass
Passing Bespoke training solutions by a few marks
Will I be ok ? Has anyone done the exam recently and can guide on what comes up
Hi all,
Posted a couple times already but 3rd times the charm...
sitting R03 this week, really need some additional mock exams, as struggling to find any free resources. Would massively appreciate if anyone could help me, as I am just a skint student and dont want to have to fork out £50+ for some mocks.
Any resources would go a long, long way
Thanks in advance
I am at a cross roads on whether to seriously consider a career change
We can't ignore AI, it is seriously adapting. And although I don't think all paraplanners will disappear (as we are more than just report writers), I can't see new paraplanning roles becoming available if admin and report writing can be done by AI.
I work for an outsourced paraplanning firm and we are busy however, our boss seems to believe that within 5 years time 50% of paraplanning roles will disappear.
The same boss said however that it is good for outsourced paraplanners as these types of firms can "whip up" those paraplanners and essentially create a resource for advisers.
I have no idea what to think and I am confused on whether to secure a paraplanning role within an advisory firm, stay in outsourced or try something completely new if AI really is that much of a threat.
I would be so grateful on anyone's input of thoughts on the matter.
Hello
I am curious to know if you all think AI will replace or reduce the vacancies for IFA Compliance staff?
Thanks
Hi guys so Ive been revising for my R01 for at least 4/5 months now, id say about 2/3 months soldi revision. Done the KnowR0 mocks, CII past papers and now just done a BrandFT mock, I wanted to post my results to see what you guys think in terms of if Im exam ready (currently got it booked for this Tuesday but can postpone if necessary).
So for my KnowR0 results I did each test about 3 times.
Mock Exam 1: 48, then 63, then 67
Mock Exam 2: 51, then 69, then 71
Mock Exam 3: 52, then 69
I then moved onto the CII past papers. First one I got 67/100 and the second one I got 71/100.
Ive now just done a full Brand FT mock but somehow only got 47/100, which is making me worried about sitting the exam.
Has anyone else found the Brand FT exam to be way more difficult than the actual exam itself?
What would you guys suggest I do?
Good afternoon all and happy Friday,
I hope you are all well.
I have just completed my level 4 diploma in regulated financial planning and want to start level 6.
Could somebody please tell me the structure of level 6 is and what exams I would need to do to get my level 6 and the best order for me to do them.
Also, how long would each exam take, for context I completed all R0’s within 6 months and scored above 85% in every exam. I tried looking on the CII website and it’s all confusing.
If you could also provide resources to help that would be great.
Thanks in advance.
Experienced Financial Advisor Roles– Canary Wharf
We’re a privately owned wealth management practice in Canary Wharf looking to appoint experienced Financial Advisors. (Not SJP and not tied to any network).
Able to supply 20-30 inbound prospects per month.
The opportunity
£50,000 basic salary
Bonus of £20,000 upon writing £210,000 in fees
Hybrid working
Strong support and quality infrastructure
Ongoing fees count towards future targets
How the bonus structure works:
Write £210,000 in fees and receive a £20,000 bonus.
Ongoing recurring income also works in your favour. For example, if you generate £100,000 in ongoing fees, you’ll start the following year’s target with £12,000 already credited, helping you reach future bonuses faster.
If you’d like to have a chat please DM me.
A question for anyone that pivoted from a different industry/role into financial planning and specifically, financial administration. How on earth did you manage to land a job? Every post I see on job boards expects minimum 2 years experience in a similar role.
I've been managing my own investments for the last 5 years, and have begun studying for the CII DipPFS this year, passed R01 and currently studying towards R02. Anywhere else you would recommend looking besides Indeed and other main vacancy sites?
Hi all
Those that work in paraplanning do you see AI having an impact on the roles and at some point doing most of the role?
Thanks
I have two pristine printed study guides from BTS that I am selling. Really really good guides. I think BTS is the best material out there.
They are RRP £135 each but I am happy to sell both for £140 or individually for £80
Is it realistic to start studying now for AF4 exam in September?
Hello
What is the maximum you can earn for an experienced Paraplanner in uk?
Is it worth leaving compliance in a corporate world for paraplanning at age 36?
Thanks
My mind went occasionally blank. Feel like I’ll loose mark for being super simple and generic with answers but honestly just wanted to get it done with.
Hello, I JUST FOT HIRED
trainee paraplanner role at £25,000. I’m happy because I graduated last year. My question is, how would my pay increase when I have completed the exams. (R01-R06) ? I believe there is an option to join an apprenticeship to help with those exams as well. Does anyone know how long it would take (the apprenticeship) and whether they would make me a proper paraplanner (not just a trainee ) straight after I’ve completed the exams ?
Hi all, does anyone have access or links to any old IF8 mock papers? Thanks in advance!
Am I being underpaid as an IFA admin/paraplanner?
Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a bit of a sense check on salaries in the UK industry - I work in Essex.
I currently earn £29,000 and have 2 years' experience in an IFA firm. I've completed R01, R03, R04 and R05 and I'm working towards my full Level 4 Diploma.
My role is a mix of administration and paraplanning, but I regularly:
Write suitability reports.
Carry out pension, investment and protection research.
Use FE Analytics.
Do cashflow modelling.
Prepare recommendation packs and supporting documentation.
Liaise with providers and advisers throughout the advice process.
My boss has told me that once I achieve my Level 4 Diploma, the maximum salary I'd receive would
be £33,000.
From what I've seen online, that feels a bit low, especially if I'm already doing full paraplanning work rather than just administration.
For those working in the industry:
Does £33k for a Diploma-qualified paraplanner sound about right?
What salary would you expect someone with my experience and responsibilities to be on?
Would staying where I am make sense, or is it worth looking elsewhere once I'm Diploma qualified
In this job I could potentially start advising within the next 18 months? I’m finding it difficult to weigh up as I want to be on more income for mortgage purposes so i can move out.
Evening Everyone,
I am looking to transition into Financial Planning industry as a Trainee Financial Planner. I’m currently giving regulated financial advice as an independent mortgage advisor. I would love to connect with anyone who has entry-level insights.
My background -
As I mentioned I’ve been giving regulated financial advice, completing fact finds and sourcing appropriate products for customers in my current role as a mortgage advisor. I’m currently independent/whole of market but also have experience working in mortgage brokerages as well as large high street banks in the role.
I have self funded my level 4 diploma with CII and passed 01-05 - currently waiting in my 06 result but sat it in June.
I love the relationship management, customer facing side of the role and would very much like to build on that moving into a Financial Advisor/Finacial planner role rather than say admin or paraplanning. No disrespect to those roles I just feel my skill set lies on client facing advice side.
My main questions for you all is:
How difficult is it to land an employed trainee role? While I feel I have great customer facing skills. Knowledge of fact finding & giving regulated advice. I know I will need to take time to build up on a lot of product knowledge and how to apply that all in the real world. Thus would love to get in with a firm that would support that.
For those who broke into the industry recently, what is the best way to stand out to local Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs)?
I should add that I’m based in the South Devon area!
Thanks for reading.