As the regulatory landscape for financial services evolves, non-FCA-regulated financial planners—referred to as holistic wealth planners—find themselves navigating a complex environment. While their work is distinct from that of FCA-authorised advisers, there are overlapping considerations, particularly around governance, transparency, and client outcomes. By joining a community of like-minded planners, holistic wealth planners can align with … Continue reading Why Holistic Wealth Planners Can Benefit from Membership in a Professional Community
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.
Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Regulation: Why Holistic Wealth Planning Matters More Than Ever
Regulation in financial services is a bit like the tide—it flows in and out, driven by economic and political currents. These boom-and-bust cycles of regulation impact everything from how your savings are managed to how financial institutions operate. At first glance, regulatory changes might seem distant or irrelevant, but they directly influence the financial well-being … Continue reading Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Regulation: Why Holistic Wealth Planning Matters More Than Ever
Housing Costs in Retirement: A Growing Concern and How to Plan Ahead
Housing is one of the greatest expenses we face in life. Traditionally, many people worked towards owning their homes outright by retirement, achieving a significant reduction in expenses just as earnings stopped. For decades, this milestone has provided financial stability in later life, easing the pressure on pension income. However, the landscape is changing. Increasingly, … Continue reading Housing Costs in Retirement: A Growing Concern and How to Plan Ahead
The Conflicted Role of the UK Financial Regulator: Who Does the FCA Really Serve?
In the complex web of UK financial regulation, one fundamental truth should be self-evident: the protection of consumers must come first. After all, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was established with a primary mandate to safeguard the public from harm caused by financial misconduct. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over its ability—and willingness—to … Continue reading The Conflicted Role of the UK Financial Regulator: Who Does the FCA Really Serve?
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Conduct Risk: Inside and Outside the Perimeter
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was established to regulate financial conduct in the UK. As the name suggests, its primary role is to ensure that firms and individuals within its regulatory perimeter act in ways that protect consumers, maintain market integrity, and promote competition. But not all financial planners operate within this perimeter, and understanding … Continue reading Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Conduct Risk: Inside and Outside the Perimeter
Lighting the Lamp Within: The Power of Inspiration in Life Planning and Tackling the UK’s Worklessness Problem
When planning for our lives, the journey often begins with a spark—an idea, a dream, or a vision that inspires us. Inspiration is not just a feel-good sentiment; it is a powerful force that shapes our actions and drives us toward our goals. Tony Robbins famously said, "People aren't inherently lazy; they just fail to … Continue reading Lighting the Lamp Within: The Power of Inspiration in Life Planning and Tackling the UK’s Worklessness Problem
The Academy of Life Planning: Empowering the Next Generation of Holistic Wealth Planners
Welcome to a future-ready approach to financial planning, where your career aligns with your values, and your clients’ lives are genuinely transformed. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) offers an inspiring alternative to traditional financial adviser academies, free from product sales targets, regulatory burdens, and corporate red tape. Here, you are not just trained to … Continue reading The Academy of Life Planning: Empowering the Next Generation of Holistic Wealth Planners
Understanding the New IHT Rules for Pension Death Benefits from April 2027: What You Need to Know
From 6 April 2027, pensions will no longer remain untouched by inheritance tax (IHT), marking a significant shift in retirement and estate planning. This new landscape will require pension scheme members to rethink how they manage their savings, beneficiaries, and estate plans. Let’s break down the implications and outline what you can do now to … Continue reading Understanding the New IHT Rules for Pension Death Benefits from April 2027: What You Need to Know
Breaking Away from the Old Paradigm: Financial Planning for a New Generation
For decades, the financial planning profession has operated within a paradigm shaped by product intermediation. The old way trained advisers to act as intermediaries, bridging clients with financial products. While this served a purpose in its time, it left advisers with an incomplete toolkit, particularly for solving life’s bigger, more complex problems. Today, we’re at … Continue reading Breaking Away from the Old Paradigm: Financial Planning for a New Generation
Holistic Wealth Planning: Navigating Life Before Money
Holistic wealth planning isn’t just about managing your finances—it’s about shaping your life, understanding your journey, and aligning your resources with your purpose. At the heart of this approach lies a powerful truth: before you plan your money, you must plan your life. When we closely examine a life plan, we uncover a profound psychological … Continue reading Holistic Wealth Planning: Navigating Life Before Money
Academy of Life Planning 