The right support at the right time. For decades, we have framed financial planning as a choice between two extremes. Do it yourself. Or hand responsibility to an adviser. Neither reflects how most people actually make decisions. Most of us are capable of managing much of our own lives. We seek help when life becomes … Continue reading Proportional Planning™: Support when it adds value. Agency remains yours.
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley brings over four decades of innovation and expertise to the forefront of financial planning. As the founder and driving force behind the Academy of Life Planning and HapNav Ltd, Steve has been a pivotal figure in transforming financial services to be more democratic and decentralised. His role as a Game Plan Practitioner, Coach, Mentor, Speaker, and Author of "Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers - Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of Your Life" underlines his comprehensive approach to financial education.
The Academy of Life Planning, hailed as the "Most Pioneering Financial Planner Network," reflects Steve's commitment to fostering transparency, integrity, and accessibility. This institution serves as a testament to his dedication to enhancing the financial planning landscape.
Under Steve's innovative leadership, HapNav Ltd has launched groundbreaking advancements, including the first end-user financial planning app integrated with open banking. This app guides users towards achieving 'Kokoro'—a life rich in financial, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual abundance.
Recently, Steve introduced "Planning My Life" and "Financial Life Coach"—services that extend his ethos into practical, impactful tools for financial autonomy. "Planning My Life" offers an affordable subscription model, giving members access to an AI Life Planner, comprehensive resources, and expert insights. These initiatives epitomise Steve’s commitment to empowering individuals, nurturing community growth, and contributing significantly to global efforts to eradicate poverty.
Steve's journey is more than a career; it's a steadfast crusade to revolutionise financial education and planning, creating a world where financial wellbeing is not just attainable, but enriches every aspect of our lives. Contact steve.conley@aolp.co.uk.
Academy OS Is Now Live: AI That Strengthens Human Agency
For the past year, I've been building something that has gradually become much bigger than a collection of AI tools. Today, I'm pleased to announce the launch of the new Academy OS page on the Academy of Life Planning website. This isn't simply a software catalogue. It represents a different philosophy about the relationship between … Continue reading Academy OS Is Now Live: AI That Strengthens Human Agency
Financial Regulation Should Create Trust. So Why Do So Many Victims Never Find Justice?
As Parliament debates reforms to the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMA), much of the discussion has focused on economic growth, regulatory efficiency and reducing unnecessary burdens on business. Those are legitimate objectives. But there is another question that deserves equal attention. When financial regulation fails an individual, how does that individual obtain justice? For … Continue reading Financial Regulation Should Create Trust. So Why Do So Many Victims Never Find Justice?
AI Is Reshaping Financial Planning. But Is It Reshaping the Whole Picture?
AI and the Two-Sided Transition of Financial Planning The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) has released an important new Practice Guidance Note on the use of artificial intelligence in financial planning. It is a timely and well-considered document that addresses one of the profession's most significant emerging challenges. Its central message is clear. Artificial intelligence … Continue reading AI Is Reshaping Financial Planning. But Is It Reshaping the Whole Picture?
When Clients Have AI Too
The profession is asking how advisers should use AI. But the more urgent question may be what advisers should do when clients have AI too. For the past two years, almost every conversation about artificial intelligence in financial planning has centred on the adviser. How can firms become more efficient? How can advisers automate administrative … Continue reading When Clients Have AI Too
Why the Future of Financial Planning Needs More Women (and Fewer Sales Targets)
There has never been a more interesting time for women to enter financial planning. But perhaps there has also never been a more important time to ask a different question. Not simply: "Which firm should I join?" But: "What kind of profession do I want to help build?" Recently, St. James's Place published an article … Continue reading Why the Future of Financial Planning Needs More Women (and Fewer Sales Targets)
What Is Your Financial Planning Business Really Optimising For?
The QBL Financial Planning Firm™ I actually think QBL Financial Planning Firm™ has the potential to become a recognised AoLP framework. It provides a memorable organisational counterpart to Total Wealth Planning. A Total Wealth Planner helps clients optimise across multiple forms of capital; a QBL Financial Planning Firm consciously organises its own business around the … Continue reading What Is Your Financial Planning Business Really Optimising For?
Andy Burnham will give mayors and councils responsibility for helping a “lost generation”
How to get nearly one million young people into work. Burnham to give mayors powers to help ‘lost generation’ of Neets. The regional devolution plan will shift Whitehall budgets to local authorities as unemployment among young people hits record high across the country. The story is about a significant proposed shift in how the UK … Continue reading Andy Burnham will give mayors and councils responsibility for helping a “lost generation”
Three Bridges, Three Islands, One Journey
Over the years, I have come to realise that the Academy of Life Planning has never really been a place. It has been a series of bridges. When I first started this journey, I thought I was helping planners cross a single divide. On one side stood financial advice. On the other stood financial planning … Continue reading Three Bridges, Three Islands, One Journey
AI Literacy Before AI Leadership: Why Britain Needs an AI-Confident Population
AI Literacy Before AI Leadership: Why Britain Needs an AI-Confident Population By Graham Francis, Academy of Life Planning Member The conversation around Artificial Intelligence is accelerating. Governments are investing billions. Technology companies are competing to build ever more capable systems. Businesses are exploring how AI can improve productivity, reduce costs, and create new opportunities. Yet … Continue reading AI Literacy Before AI Leadership: Why Britain Needs an AI-Confident Population
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