By Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning
When George Kinder says “we’re not a cult,” he’s right. Life Planning, at its heart, is a disciplined, structured, and ethical practice rooted in autonomy — not allegiance.
I trained under George and share his conviction: you cannot do financial planning properly without first understanding life itself. Numbers mean little without meaning.
Where my work extends his, particularly through the Academy of Life Planning, is in integrating psychological development and values-aligned decision-making.
- I don’t dwell on the past, nor do I excavate trauma — that’s the realm of therapy.
- Instead, I guide clients toward their Future Self — the person they are becoming — and help align financial architecture to that emerging identity.
- This isn’t belief-based or dogmatic; it’s developmental. It recognises that people evolve through stages of consciousness and capability, and that good planning adapts with them.
Some observers misinterpret this as “cultish” when we speak about purpose, calling, or higher potential — especially when it resonates with the client’s faith or worldview. But that’s not indoctrination; that’s suitability.
It’s meeting people where they are, in language they trust.
To me, that’s not mysticism. It’s sensible, practical, and human.
Holistic Wealth Planning isn’t about control — it’s about freedom.
It’s not therapy — it’s clarity.
It’s not a cult — it’s conscious competence.
🎙️ Q&A: Is Life Planning a Cult, Therapy, or Conscious Suitability?
With Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning
❓Q1: Why did George Kinder say “We’re not a cult”?
A: Because life planning is often misunderstood. It asks deep questions about meaning, purpose, and the client’s ideal life — territory that some find emotional or “spiritual.” But it’s not about control or belief systems. It’s a structured, client-centred process built on listening, autonomy, and ethics — not allegiance or ideology.
❓Q2: How does your work extend George Kinder’s philosophy?
A: George’s framework taught us to begin with the client’s life before their money. I build on that by integrating human development theory and values-based decision-making. My focus is helping clients connect with their Future Self — making decisions aligned with their evolving values, not inherited beliefs or social conditioning.
❓Q3: Do you explore the client’s past, like a therapist would?
A: No. Therapy often looks backward to heal trauma. Life planning looks forward — toward potential, purpose, and clarity. I help clients design the next chapter of their life with awareness, not analyse the last one.
âť“Q4: So is Life Planning a form of therapy?
A: No. While both involve deep listening and self-reflection, therapy heals wounds; life planning builds futures. A therapist may help you understand why you are who you are — a planner helps you decide who you want to become and structure your resources around that.
❓Q5: Why do some outsiders perceive life planning as “cultish”?
A: Because transformation can look strange from the outside. When clients experience breakthrough moments — rediscovering purpose, crying, or feeling spiritually awakened — observers may misinterpret that intensity. But genuine transformation isn’t indoctrination; it’s conscious alignment.
âť“Q6: How do you handle spiritual or faith-based language in your sessions?
A: I present life planning secularly, but sensitively. I adapt the conversation to fit the client’s worldview — whether religious, spiritual, or entirely rational. Meeting clients where they are isn’t pandering; it’s part of suitability. The language of meaning differs — but the human need for purpose is universal.
❓Q7: What do you mean by “Conscious Suitability”?
A: Conscious Suitability means ensuring that every decision fits not only the client’s financial circumstances but also their stage of psychological growth, values, and worldview. It’s a deeper form of fiduciary care — where advice serves the whole person, not just their balance sheet.
âť“Q8: How would you summarise your approach in a sentence?
A: I don’t manage money — I help people reclaim power. My work isn’t about control, therapy, or belief. It’s about freedom, clarity, and conscious competence.
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Contact: steve.conley@aolp.co.uk
Website: www.aolp.info
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