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.

The Misconceptions in Investment Terminology: Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities

As founder of my own financial planning business and a former head of investments at several banks, I have observed a troubling trend: the pervasive confusion and misuse of key financial terms. This miscommunication is not always intentional, but it is certainly problematic, particularly when it comes to regulated retail investments. The overemphasis on selling … Continue reading The Misconceptions in Investment Terminology: Clarifying the Roles and Responsibilities →

The Great British Financial Adviser Dilemma: An Ode to Overload and Obsolescence

Ah, the United Kingdom, land of tea, crumpets, and, apparently, a grossly overburdened financial advisory sector. Let's break this down: with 28 million households and a whopping 28,000 financial advisers, each managing a maximum of 100 clients, only a mere 10% of households are graced with ongoing financial services. Yes, just 10%. That leaves 90% … Continue reading The Great British Financial Adviser Dilemma: An Ode to Overload and Obsolescence →

Beware the Pension Pitfall: When DIY Turns to Disaster

Listen up, folks! Your pension pot is probably your single biggest investment, and who wouldn't want to take control of that? But, before you get all giddy about self-invested personal pensions (Sipps) putting you "in the driving seat," let me hit the brakes and steer you back to reality. Just ask Stuart James. One minute, … Continue reading Beware the Pension Pitfall: When DIY Turns to Disaster →

Embracing Holistic Financial Planning for a Healthier, Longer Life

Financial planning has traditionally been synonymous with product intermediation, focusing primarily on the sales of financial products and requiring a sales license. However, there is a transformative shift occurring in the financial planning landscape: the rise of holistic financial planning. Unlike traditional financial planning, holistic financial planning does not involve selling financial products. Instead, it … Continue reading Embracing Holistic Financial Planning for a Healthier, Longer Life →

Exploring the Role of Spirituality in Financial Life Planning: Key Findings

In the evolving landscape of financial life planning (FLP), the integration of spirituality has emerged as a significant factor influencing the effectiveness of client engagements. A recent dissertation titled "Assessing Spirituality in Financial Life Planning", by Stephen C. Brody, offers a comprehensive analysis of this topic, revealing critical insights into how spirituality shapes the FLP … Continue reading Exploring the Role of Spirituality in Financial Life Planning: Key Findings →

Holy Data: Gallup’s Deep Dive into the Spirituality-Wellness Connection

https://youtu.be/qkDgYEIRrNs?si=N9bCUQgvfW7TENAE Alright, gather 'round folks, because we’re about to dive into Gallup’s latest spectacle: "Gallup’s New Report on the Worldwide Connection Between Spirituality and Wellbeing." Presented by Ilana Ron Levey at the 2023 Wellbeing Forum, this riveting piece of social science promises to make you rethink the link between faith and wellness. Ilana starts off … Continue reading Holy Data: Gallup’s Deep Dive into the Spirituality-Wellness Connection →

Divine Workplace Strategies: How Faith and Wellness Became the Latest Corporate Buzzwords

https://youtu.be/90MMA1hidcg?si=-hEdueCa7jotuF7M Alright folks, let’s dissect this enlightening panel on Gallup’s new report on faith and wellness. Yes, it’s exactly what you’d imagine: a group of experts trying to convince us that spirituality and well-being are BFFs. We have Dr. Harold Koenig, who’s spent decades in the trenches of religious studies, Angela from the Radiant Foundation, … Continue reading Divine Workplace Strategies: How Faith and Wellness Became the Latest Corporate Buzzwords →

Therapy for Your Wallet: Rick Kahler’s Guide to Financial Zen

https://youtu.be/fu1rz5Bvz7E?si=wtm5ppbLU8c6TEyF Alright folks, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the exhilarating world of "Financial Planning and Psychology with Rick Kahler" on the Balanced Advisor Podcast. Dr. Travis Perry, your host, introduces Rick Kahler, who is apparently the Beyoncé of blending financial planning with psychology. Rick’s one of the pioneers of financial therapy, a … Continue reading Therapy for Your Wallet: Rick Kahler’s Guide to Financial Zen →

The Enlightened Wallet: Spiritual Journeys in Financial Planning

https://youtu.be/CuT22Hafjy8?si=JaQ7Xy7nVEC4VasO Alright, gather 'round folks, because we're diving headfirst into the riveting world of "The Spiritual Aspect of Financial Planning" by Rick Kahler. Now, you might be wondering, what on Earth could spirituality possibly have to do with managing your moolah? Well, Rick was just as baffled when some academic bigwig asked to interview him … Continue reading The Enlightened Wallet: Spiritual Journeys in Financial Planning →