You can find it at Submissions Received – submission number 67. It  tackles the key issues directly and addresses serious shortcomings in the proposed legislation.

Richard Klipin
Chief Executive Officer

The environment financial advisers operate in is changing, highlighted most recently in the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms announced by government. These changes have the ability affect some more than others depending on their business model and client base. And I would like to remind you as a peer, to take some time to deal with your personal state of mind as well. You may also need to consider other members of your practice.

AFA CEO, Richard Klipin said recent cases of anxiety and depression in the financial advice profession highlight the need for the industry to develop a proactive approach to mental health.

The AFA recognises the relationship between changes in the workplace and poor mental health and would like to take a proactive step towards helping members deal with it.”

beyondblue Deputy CEO, Ms Clare Shann said: “Periods of substantial change and stress can put people at risk of developing depression and anxiety. It’s critical that employers take a proactive approach to managing mental health in the workplace.

beyondblue is pleased to be working with the AFA to communicate our key messages of prevention and early intervention.”

Small businesses do not have the same access to resources as people who work for large employers. They do not, for example have access to specialized employee assistance programs. We will therefore be offering our members access to workshops with qualified beyondblue representatives at our 2011 National Conference.

As an adviser, I have the future of the advice market and your role in it as an adviser, at the core of my motivation in fighting to improve working conditions for advisers. The AFA will continue to provide leadership, support and inspiration to advisers and our association with beyondblue forms part of the support network. For more information about depression and anxiety, available treatments and where to get help, go to www.beyondblue.org.au or call the boyondblue info line 1300 22 4636 (local call).

Results to date are:

Lifestyle protection – 36%
Loan protection – 25%
Estate Protection – 21%

The poll will change at the end of the month. Enter your response now.

Scheduled to speak on Tuesday 25 October at 8.55am, Sen Cormann’s topic is “The Future is in your hands… an opposition perspective”.
Sen Cormann is an engaging speaker with a clear message that needs to be heard by members.

In a value packed program Bernie Ripoll will also address members on Sunday 23 October at 12.50pm. Don’t miss out on this essential industry event.

To register click here.

Panelists include:

Kelly Magowan, CEO Six Figures
Michael Harrison, Director, Strategies Plus
Penny Fannin, Strategic Communications and Marketing Manager, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute
David Elia, CEO, HostPLUS
Sharon Burke, Partner PKF Advisory
Brad Goodall, Executive, QMV Solutions

The breakfast debate will be held on Tuesday 20 September 2011 at the RACV Club, Melbourne.
Registration is from 7.00 am.

For bookings ($70/members, $95/non-members) email: catherine.omalley@charteredaccountants.com.au or susanne.rowland@btim.com.au

Yossi’s messages are inspirational and unique – based on a personal story that must be heard to be believed. In the midst of the uncharted Amazon, after losing his three companions, a young Israeli traveller is tested to the extreme through 20 harrowing days of sheer survival.

A riveting storyteller, Yossi Ghinsberg relives his ordeal while sweeping audiences into the depths of the primordial jungle. His first book Jungle, based on this incredible adventure, soon became an international bestseller.

Yossi now speaks to his audiences about survival and the ability to take vision and turn it into reality.

With the recent stock market crash bankers and investors are once again living in fear. The financial repercussions that arise from a combination of make-belief economies and Band-Aid promises have us play ball like the good citizens we are ought to be. But what is wrong with the bigger picture?

It’s a matter of perception in a high-stakes game

Perception is and can be very dangerous if it is based on make-belief politics. Take the US government for example: for months they have hinted that the economy is on the rise once again… that everything is all right. And then… boom, there goes another stock market crash.

Fact is that things are not all right.

The US is still spending more money than it earns. The national debt is getting bigger while people’s lives are ruined everywhere. And it doesn’t stop there. The perception game continues across the pond with half of Europe on a dangerous downward spiral.

People everywhere are fed up and the signs are showing. Take the recent UK looting escapades that resulted in people losing their life’s work and their lives.

People are hurting and the governments close both eyes to play damage control. This also applies to Australia, despite the in-cahoots practices of our politicians.

Perception in business

While the wrong perception can bring the stock market to a slow crawl and make it crash and burn, it can do wonders for your business if used right.

Perception is everything in marketing. When potential clients and customers perceive you as a successful business, as a reliable company they are more inclined to show with you. This brings us back to brand marketing and how important it is to build your brand to build your business.

Where will it lead?

If we err on the side of caution then NAB’s chief Clyne comments hit closer to home than we’d like to admit. According to him we might be in for a tough ride as more and more homeowners fail to keep up with mortgage payments. Rising unemployment is causing havoc for many families and if it keeps rising we might be in for a rude awakening.

What do you think is really going on?

FChFP Intake Days Now Open

• Perth – Friday 12th August
• Sydney – Wednesday 24th August
• Melbourne – Wednesday 31st August
• Brisbane – Friday 2nd September
• Hobart – Monday 5th September
• Adelaide – Wednesday 7th September

Learn more about the program here

Adam Smith FChFP
AFA Education Committee Chair

Welcome Phil Anderson to the team as the new AFA Chief Operating Officer. Phil has extensive industry background and has worked with a number of groups including MLC, AMP & Colonial First State. Phil will work closely the AFA Board, members and the market to drive AFA’s growth strategy.

Ally Russell, Marketing and Strategy Manager

Ally recently joined us from One Path. Ally has a very broad background in marketing and is responsible for AFA Marketing and strategy.

Farewell to Janelle Saunders

It is with great sadness that we announce that Janelle is departing the AFA. We would like to thank Janelle for a wonderful contribution to the AFA. She has been with us for 4 years and spent 20 hours a week commuting, so will be working closer to home. . We wish her all the very best for the future.