By Steve Conley, Founder – Academy of Life Planning
In response to a recent conversation on LinkedIn, I feel compelled to clarify a common misconception: that holistic wealth planning, such as that offered through the GAME Plan, is an optional extra—a “Rolls Royce service” only for the few.
In truth, it is financial planning done properly.
The alternative is not simply a cheaper version of the same thing. It’s something entirely different. Holistic wealth planning is not an indulgence. It’s a necessity, particularly for clients in the later stages of life who carry complex emotional, relational, and legacy concerns that money alone cannot solve.
Let me show you why—through a real-world case study.
Case Study: Geoffrey, Age 78 – Wealthy, Widowed, and Wondering “What’s Next?”
Geoffrey lives in the Home Counties in a beautiful home he shared with his late wife. His adult children are financially independent, his pension well-funded, and his investment portfolio comfortably managed by a discretionary firm. On paper, Geoffrey’s finances are immaculate.
But when we met, something was missing.
He wasn’t looking for tax wrappers or better returns—he was looking for meaning. For a life of significance. For a plan that made sense now.
G is for Goals – Planning the Person Before the Money
We began not with his balance sheet, but with Geoffrey’s values. Through a personal values assessment and a strengths audit, we explored where he was on his psychological journey.
At 78, Geoffrey was transitioning into what we call the Selfless Service stage. His deepest desire? To leave the world better than he found it. His legacy wasn’t just financial—it was human, spiritual, environmental. He wanted to write a book, set up a family foundation, and ensure his great-grandchildren had access to clean air and clean water.
By understanding his favourite future—the ideal final chapters of his life—we uncovered real liabilities: not just potential care costs or IHT exposure, but unmet dreams and loose ends that, if unaddressed, could lead to what many fear most: a bad death—a life that ended with regrets.
A is for Actions – Because Goals Without Plans Are Just Dreams
We didn’t just leave Geoffrey inspired—we built habit-based action plans to move him forward. This included connecting him with a ghostwriter, drawing up a trust structure for the foundation, and setting regular wellness routines to support his energy and focus.
Every obstacle had a roadmap. Every plan had accountability.
M is for Means – Looking Beyond Financial Capital
Geoffrey’s financial means were more than adequate—but his human capital still had untapped potential. He had influence, wisdom, and time. Together, we designed a strategy that integrated both financial and non-financial resources to realise his goals.
This included reallocating funds not for returns alone, but for impact. We did, of course, review regulated investments—but not in isolation. They were just one piece of a much larger picture.
E is for Execution – Bringing It All to Life
Holistic planning without implementation is a missed opportunity. With Geoffrey’s consent, I became his thinking partner, checking in quarterly to coach his progress—not just on wealth, but on well-being: mind, body, heart, and spirit.
This wasn’t therapy. This was strategy—for a life well lived.
A Necessary Evolution in the Profession
Some say, “Clients can decide what service they want.” I agree—if they are fully informed. But too often, people are offered partial planning disguised as the whole, with life-defining decisions made without a clear articulation of their vision or values.
Is it really “choice” if no one ever showed them the alternative?
Others say, “We’ve always done planning.” But planning that starts and ends with money misses the person entirely. The traditional model still tends to treat the money as the client, not the individual behind it. And when the life plan is absent, the risk of later-life regret becomes very real—and irreversible.
Final Thoughts
Holistic wealth planning doesn’t replace traditional financial advice. It transcends it.
For clients like Geoffrey, it’s not a luxury. It’s essential. Because the cost of not asking the deeper questions is far higher than the cost of planning properly from the start.
At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in empowering clients with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind—so they can live, give, and leave well.
If you’re a planner curious about what this evolution could mean for your practice—or a client wondering if there’s more to life planning than just pensions and portfolios—get in touch. The future of financial planning is here. And it begins with you.
Steve Conley, the Academy of Life Planning.
Your Money or Your Life
Unmask the highway robbers – Enjoy wealth in every area of your life!
By Steve Conley. Available on Amazon. Visit www.steve.conley.co.uk to find out more.
Academy of Life Planning 