The Financial Ombudsman Service has recently reported a record-breaking 8,734 fraud and scam complaints in just a three-month period this year, marking the highest quarterly level ever recorded. This sharp increase should serve as a serious wake-up call for all of us. Scams are becoming more complex, and even the most cautious among us can … Continue reading How to Protect Yourself from Scams: Staying One Step Ahead of Fraudsters →

When we talk about wealth, many immediately think of financial capital—savings, investments, and assets. But there’s another vital element in the wealth equation: human capital, which is often overlooked in traditional financial planning. The CFA Institute defines total wealth as: Total Wealth = Financial Capital + Human Capital – Lifetime Liabilities This formula is discussed … Continue reading Human Capital Development in Financial Planning →

We, at the Academy of Life Planning, have developed a holistic financial planning process that we use to create lives of wellness, wellbeing, wealth, and significance. I want to share it with you. It’s called the GAME Plan, an acronym for Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution. We use it with self-directed people who want agency, … Continue reading The GAME Plan: A Simple Plan for a Life of Wealth, Well-being, and Meaning →

It can be frustrating when FCA-regulated financial advisers, perhaps unintentionally, look down on other financial service professionals, especially when they suggest that becoming one of them is somehow a step up. The reality is that FCA-regulated financial advice and the broader spectrum of financial services each serve distinct and important roles. Confusing the two doesn’t … Continue reading Setting the Record Straight: Understanding Financial Advice, Coaching, and Planning →

Hello, I’m Steve Conley. If you’re reading this, you’re likely seeking a better approach to managing your money and your life. I’m here to tell you that you’ve come to the right place. I’m not just a financial planner—I’m a life planner. My approach is different, and it’s precisely the difference you need. The Trust … Continue reading Discover the Difference: Life and Financial Planning with Integrity →