Recent changes to inheritance tax (IHT) rules on unused pension funds have created a quiet storm, but the impact could be catastrophic for many pensioners. From 2027, unused defined contribution (DC) pension funds inherited after the age of 75 will no longer be exempt from IHT. This has profound implications for retirees and their families, … Continue reading The Hidden Tax Raid on Pensions: What You Need to Know
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley is the founder of the Academy of Life Planning, a movement dedicated to restoring human agency in financial planning and helping people navigate life's decisions with greater confidence, capability and independence.
With over 40 years' experience in financial services, Steve has held senior leadership roles with HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Royal London. A Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Insurer, he combines deep industry expertise with a passion for challenging systems that leave people unnecessarily dependent on experts.
Steve believes the future of financial planning is not about replacing advisers with artificial intelligence, but using AI to strengthen people's ability to understand, question and make informed decisions for themselves. This philosophy underpins Academy OS, a growing ecosystem of AI-powered tools designed to help individuals, families and planners build capability rather than dependency.
Through the Academy of Life Planning, Steve works with financial planners, organisations and individuals who share a vision of a more transparent, ethical and human-centred approach to planning. His work spans education, research, technology, speaking and professional development, with a focus on creating practical solutions that improve financial capability and restore confidence in decision-making.
Steve is also the creator of the Total Wealth Planner approach, which recognises that a fulfilling life depends on far more than money alone. By integrating financial, personal, social and purpose-driven wellbeing, he helps people pursue what he calls "enough"—a life of balance, resilience and meaning.
As a speaker, mentor and author of *Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers*, Steve continues to challenge conventional thinking about financial planning, arguing that the profession's greatest opportunity is to move beyond advice alone and become a catalyst for greater human agency.
To learn more or connect with Steve, visit the Academy of Life Planning or email steve@academyoflifeplanning.com.
Unlocking Economic Potential: The Role of Human Capital
When we think about the foundations of economic growth and societal well-being, one key factor often rises to the top: people. Specifically, the skills, knowledge, and capacities they bring to the table—known as human capital. For financial planners and policymakers alike, understanding and investing in human capital is not just an academic exercise; it’s a … Continue reading Unlocking Economic Potential: The Role of Human Capital
Breaking Free from the Illusion: A Journey to Authentic Living
Many people today find themselves caught in the system—a vast framework of cultural norms, societal expectations, and inherited beliefs that shape how we see the world. For some, this system offers comfort and stability. For others, it feels like a trap, keeping them from living authentically or fulfilling their true potential. It’s important to understand … Continue reading Breaking Free from the Illusion: A Journey to Authentic Living
The Next Plot Twist: Transforming Your Career as a Holistic Financial Planner
Imagine this: owning a financial planning firm where you do what you love every day—helping people solve life’s problems and live their best lives. A practice free from the hassle, constraints, or high costs of running a regulated product intermediation business. You focus solely on what truly matters: making a difference in people’s lives. That … Continue reading The Next Plot Twist: Transforming Your Career as a Holistic Financial Planner
The Importance of Qualifications and Professional Body Membership in Life Planning
In a world increasingly dominated by self-proclaimed experts and burgeoning industries promising to guide us through every facet of our lives, it has never been more important to question the credentials and affiliations of those offering their services. Life planning, at its core, deals with the deeply personal intersection of finance, purpose, and well-being. To … Continue reading The Importance of Qualifications and Professional Body Membership in Life Planning
Have We Forgotten the Lessons of the Past? Financial Deregulation and the Looming Risks
History has a way of repeating itself, particularly when it comes to the world of finance. Developed economies, like the UK and the US, often ride the wave of a boom, only to come crashing down in a predictable bust. Time and again, we’ve seen the pendulum swing between growth and crisis—a cycle fuelled by … Continue reading Have We Forgotten the Lessons of the Past? Financial Deregulation and the Looming Risks
Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Gen Z Workers to Combat Rising Workplace Stress
As workplaces strive to adapt to the needs of a diverse workforce, a concerning trend has emerged: younger employees, particularly those in Gen Z, are taking more time off due to stress and mental health challenges. A recent report by Mental Health UK underscores the growing divide between organisational cultures and the expectations of these … Continue reading Breaking the Cycle: Supporting Gen Z Workers to Combat Rising Workplace Stress
As Above, So Below: Embracing the Dawn of a New Cosmic Cycle
In January 2025, skywatchers across the UK can anticipate a remarkable celestial event: a planetary alignment featuring six planets. Between January 17 and 21, Venus, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars will appear to line up in the evening sky, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The optimal night for observation is January 21. To observe … Continue reading As Above, So Below: Embracing the Dawn of a New Cosmic Cycle
Awakening from the Illusion: A Journey Through Human Development Levels
Life often feels like a journey through different stages of understanding who we are and what drives us. At the heart of this journey lies a shift from living in fear to embracing love, from surviving to thriving, and from ego-driven needs to fulfilling soul desires. Many of us begin our lives deeply entrenched in … Continue reading Awakening from the Illusion: A Journey Through Human Development Levels
The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
Taking money from your pension pot at the age of 55 might seem like a tempting prospect. After all, it’s your hard-earned savings, and the freedom to access it early can feel empowering. But before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and risks involved. Let’s explore the pros and cons to … Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Taking Money from Your Pension Pot
Academy of Life Planning 