In a surprising twist from the recent Budget, the government might just be reconsidering its push to expand auto-enrolment (AE) requirements for businesses. Why might this be good news, you ask? Simply put, it’s a matter of timing, especially as the nation grapples with a cost-of-living crisis. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe … Continue reading Good News from the Budget: A Rethink on Auto-Enrolment?
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 the Mysteries of the Corpus Hermeticum: A Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Spiritual Transformation
Introduction The Corpus Hermeticum is a collection of ancient texts attributed to the mysterious figure Hermes Trismegistus, a synthesis of the Greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. These writings, created during the early centuries of the Common Era, explore profound themes of divine knowledge, spiritual rebirth, and the unity of all existence. Often … Continue reading Unlocking the Mysteries of the Corpus Hermeticum: A Guide to Ancient Wisdom and Spiritual Transformation
Are Brits More Compassionate or Selfish? Unpacking Social Media’s Role in Shaping Perceptions
In today's digital age, social media platforms are powerful tools that shape our perceptions of societal values. Despite a significant majority of Brits—74%—placing greater importance on compassionate values over selfish ones, a staggering 77% believe their fellow citizens prioritise self-interest. This disconnect raises an important question: why do we hear more about selfishness than compassion … Continue reading Are Brits More Compassionate or Selfish? Unpacking Social Media’s Role in Shaping Perceptions
When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
In a society built on justice and fairness, it’s crucial that financial markets operate transparently, prioritising people over profit. So, when the courts make decisions that protect consumers from hidden fees or unfair practices, you'd expect a round of applause, right? Sadly, in the financial sector, this isn’t always the case. Instead, we often hear … Continue reading When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
Understanding the Distinct Roles of Spirituality and Religiosity in Enhancing Well-Being
The relationship between spirituality, religiosity, and well-being is multifaceted and often misunderstood. While both spirituality and religiosity can positively influence well-being, they are distinct constructs that contribute differently to an individual's mental and emotional health. Defining Spirituality and Religiosity Spirituality refers to a personal quest for meaning, purpose, and connection, which may or may not … Continue reading Understanding the Distinct Roles of Spirituality and Religiosity in Enhancing Well-Being
Labour’s Legacy on Pensions: A History of Tax Raids and Shifting Sands
For many in the UK, pensions have long represented the promise of security in retirement, a reward for a lifetime of hard work. But recent history has seen pensions repeatedly swept up in policy changes, each bringing new challenges for savers. Today, it seems we’re on the cusp of yet another significant shift, prompting many … Continue reading Labour’s Legacy on Pensions: A History of Tax Raids and Shifting Sands
Uncovering the Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s Guide to Resilience, Transformation, and Self-Discovery
Let’s explore Joseph Campbell, his transformative work on the Hero’s Journey, and how this timeless framework has inspired stories across Hollywood and Disney, offering a pathway of resilience and self-discovery. Who is Joseph Campbell? Joseph Campbell was an American professor, writer, and mythologist whose work focused on the common patterns that run through myths and … Continue reading Uncovering the Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s Guide to Resilience, Transformation, and Self-Discovery
The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
A growing trend called "co-manufacturing" in financial advice is shifting more responsibility for your portfolio's performance to adviser firms, who are now partnering with discretionary fund managers (DFMs) to customise investments. But while these arrangements might sound beneficial, especially when marketed with claims of higher returns, there are crucial details that clients should examine closely. … Continue reading The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
Recent merged legal cases, Hopcraft v Close Brothers, Wrench v Firstrand Bank, and Johnson v Firstrand Bank and Motonovo Finance, have set a precedent for transparency in financial advice by underscoring the need for fully informed consent. In these cases, courts ruled that clients must be clearly informed of all commissions and hidden fees for … Continue reading Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
Human Capital Development: The Key to Economic Resilience and Personal Prosperity
Human Capital is far more than a buzzword—it’s a concept with the power to reshape our economic landscape and our personal lives. At its core, Human Capital represents the present value of our future earnings, which is embedded in our skills, know-how, mindset, health, relationships, and character. In essence, it’s our individual and collective capacity … Continue reading Human Capital Development: The Key to Economic Resilience and Personal Prosperity
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