Living with Disappointment: Why Financial Planning Matters More Than Ever

I was listening to a talk recently about disappointment, and one idea really stood out: disappointment often shows up when our expectations fail to meet reality. It’s in these moments—when things don’t go as planned—that we freeze. Fear takes over, and we’re left asking: What now? How do I respond?

That’s usually when regret kicks in. What if I’d done this differently? If only I had planned ahead. But these reactions highlight the need for a strong foundation—something that financial planning can provide.

The Department of Business Prevention

Over the years, I’ve come to jokingly refer to compliance as “The Department of Business Prevention.” Why? Because when you’re told you can’t do something or you need to approach this differently, it can feel frustrating and restrictive.

But here’s the truth: within that frustration lies insight. Compliance isn’t about saying no for the sake of it—it’s about helping you see what’s really going on. In fact, for those willing to engage, financial planning is in a sweet spot. Done right, it can help people navigate uncertainty and sidestep disappointment entirely.

Avoiding Disappointment Through Better Planning

Despite the benefits, financial planners still get a tough deal in the public eye. It’s no surprise we don’t appear in the top-ten dream jobs for teenagers. As a profession, we’re still battling for recognition and visibility.

Many people are told that “going it alone” will deliver the best outcomes. But too often, it’s only when things go wrong that they realise—there was no plan. No fallback. No structure. And that’s when disappointment hits.

So what can we do?

Three Ways Financial Planners Can Shift the Narrative

1. Make it about them, not the markets
   Most people don’t care about investment theory—they want to know you can help them. Speak their language. Show how financial planning supports real lives, not just portfolios.

2. Be radically open
   Don’t hide your fees, your process, or your value. Put it clearly on your website. Transparency builds trust, and trust earns attention.

3. Embrace regulation as an opportunity
   The FCA’s thematic reviews aren’t just rules to follow—they’re a roadmap to better client engagement. Compliance can be your ally in building a stronger, more client-focused business.

From Disappointment to Empowerment

Let’s stop people falling into the “what if” trap. Let’s build a profession that’s more visible, more accessible, and more relevant. One that turns disappointment into resilience through clarity, planning, and a commitment to helping people thrive—whatever the future holds.