There’s an ongoing debate that has left many financial planners feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to their membership with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS). Recent communications from the CII suggest a rather troubling message: "You’re stuck with us." But are financial planners … Continue reading CII and PFS: The Membership Dilemma for Financial Planners
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.
Why Working Into Later Life Could Be the Solution We Need
The UK is on a collision course with a looming pension crisis, with experts warning that millions of retirees will face financial struggles in the coming decades. While policy discussions often centre around raising pension contributions, there’s another solution that seems glaringly overlooked: working longer. This isn’t just about economic necessity—it’s about giving people the … Continue reading Why Working Into Later Life Could Be the Solution We Need
Are Banks Returning to the Advice Market? Or Just Dipping a Toe in Distribution?
Twelve years ago, bank bosses stepped away from the bancassurance market, labelling it a zero-sum game. Now, they’re back with fresh plans. So, what’s changed, and is it a good idea? HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds are all making a big push back into wealth management, with HSBC aiming to double its assets under management to … Continue reading Are Banks Returning to the Advice Market? Or Just Dipping a Toe in Distribution?
Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP)
Navigating the world of financial planning can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're eager to elevate your career and make a real impact on clients’ lives. At the Academy of Life Planning, we understand that our range of services and development opportunities can sometimes seem like a maze. That's why we’ve created a concise, user-friendly … Continue reading Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP)
Wokery at Work: Why a Growing Number are Choosing Early Retirement
In the past few years, we’ve seen a shift in workplace culture that's leaving many seasoned professionals feeling burnt out, confused, and frustrated. It’s not the workload, but the new unwritten rules that seem to demand a form of mental gymnastics just to keep up. Terms like "woke culture," "diversity," "inclusivity," and "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, … Continue reading Wokery at Work: Why a Growing Number are Choosing Early Retirement
Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms
For seasoned financial advisers who’ve spent years building a successful boutique advice firm, there comes a time to consider stepping back. The idea of leaving behind the pressures of the FCA-regulated world—heavy compliance, liability, and endless red tape—can be an appealing vision. After years spent advising on products, many dream of retiring from regulation, surrendering … Continue reading Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms
Standing Strong in the Face of Illusion: Choosing Soulful Purpose Over Material Distractions
In today’s world, it’s impossible to ignore the voices shouting louder for material gain. These voices often echo from the corridors of power, backed by vast, unaccountable hierarchies driven solely by profit. These influences steer everything from media narratives to policy decisions, creating a sense of division and casting shadows over those who seek a … Continue reading Standing Strong in the Face of Illusion: Choosing Soulful Purpose Over Material Distractions
Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
In today’s complex financial world, understanding how to manage money effectively is a critical skill that empowers individuals, families, and communities. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) is proud to introduce MoneyFitt—a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable financial education platform that brings valuable knowledge right to your fingertips. MoneyFitt is designed to help individuals make informed … Continue reading Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
Spiritual Health in the Workplace: Integrating Holistic Wealth Planning into Employee Benefits
Today’s workplace is evolving, with a growing understanding that health isn't just physical or mental; it encompasses spiritual well-being as well. Recent research reveals that spirituality—our quest for meaning and purpose—can have profound effects on overall health, enhancing resilience, happiness, and engagement. For employers, this is more than an emerging trend; it's an opportunity to … Continue reading Spiritual Health in the Workplace: Integrating Holistic Wealth Planning into Employee Benefits
Why Life Planning Isn’t for Everyone: Only the Seeker May Hope to Be Free
Life planning isn’t simply about setting financial targets or preparing for the future in a material sense. It’s about delving deeply into our true selves before shaping the financial architecture to support that life. For those seeking to understand the essence of life planning, it’s about exploring purpose, well-being, and alignment across mind, body, heart, … Continue reading Why Life Planning Isn’t for Everyone: Only the Seeker May Hope to Be Free
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