Starting a Financial Planning Career at 50 & Writing £400k in Year 1 at Foster Denovo

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life Podcast, we’re joined by Marnel Stafford, a financial planner at Foster Denovo, who shares her remarkable story of pivoting into the profession at 50 and making waves in her first year.

💬 "Starting at 50 might seem late to some, but for me, it was the perfect time. My life experience became my greatest strength."

Marnel talks candidly about her journey—why she decided to make the leap, the challenges she faced, and how she’s already on track to hit £400k in her first year. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the value of building strong client relationships.

💬 "Clients don’t just want technical knowledge; they want someone who understands their lives. That’s where experience comes in."

Key takeaways from this episode include:

• Why it’s never too late to start a new career: Marnel explains how her age became an asset, helping her connect with clients on a deeper level.
• The mindset for rapid success: She shares how focusing on intentional actions, like building trust and delivering exceptional value, made all the difference.
• Turning challenges into opportunities: Marnel reflects on overcoming self-doubt and using her past experiences to build credibility and confidence.

💬 "It’s not about your age—it’s about showing up, being present, and genuinely caring about the people you serve."

Whether you’re considering a career in financial planning or seeking inspiration for your own journey, Marnel’s story proves that success knows no age limits.

Be sure to follow Financial Planner life on YouTube for extra content about career development within Financial Planning.

Reach out to Sam@financialplannerlife.com in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production.

Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? drop Sam a message.