In today's financial advisory landscape, many advisers find themselves in a precarious position. The majority either work for larger firms where they don't control the investment proposition or they outsource it entirely. This shift often happens as advisers transition from providing financial advice to wealth management, driven by the pursuit of recurring revenue through assets … Continue reading The Risks of Outsourcing Investment Management: A Better Path for Financial Advisers
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.
Protecting What Matters: Safeguarding Your Home and Income in Uncertain Times
In today's economic climate, the financial pressures on the average household are greater than ever. With rising mortgage payments, soaring rents, and dwindling savings, the squeezed middle in Britain is feeling the strain like never before. It's a reality that many of us face daily—one where a single health event or unexpected interruption to our … Continue reading Protecting What Matters: Safeguarding Your Home and Income in Uncertain Times
Is 80 Fast Becoming the New 60?
Let's face it: the golden age of retirement isn't looking so golden for the next generation. According to a recent study by St James’s Place, the days of retiring in your 60s, passing down a nice chunk of wealth to your kids, and living out your twilight years in relative comfort might be slipping through … Continue reading Is 80 Fast Becoming the New 60?
Would You Work Longer to Put the Grandkids Through Private School? Why Not—It’s Not Like You Ever Wanted to Retire Anyway!
So, here we are again. Just when you thought you could finally kick back and enjoy your golden years, sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere, your kids drop the bombshell: "Hey, Mum and Dad, any chance you could help with the grandkids' school fees? You know, just to give them a leg up?" And not … Continue reading Would You Work Longer to Put the Grandkids Through Private School? Why Not—It’s Not Like You Ever Wanted to Retire Anyway!
Empowering Yourself to Improve Your Finances: Beyond Traditional Financial Advice
When it comes to improving your finances, the conventional options often boil down to either seeing a financial adviser or taking the DIY route, particularly when it comes to buying regulated investments. However, while purchasing regulated investments is a piece of the puzzle, it's just that—a small piece. The real impact on your financial well-being … Continue reading Empowering Yourself to Improve Your Finances: Beyond Traditional Financial Advice
Aging Before Your Time: How to Avoid the Pitfalls
We all know some habits can wreak havoc on our health, but are you aware of the sneaky things that might be accelerating your aging process? The latest insights from Dr. Lucy Pollock, an NHS Consultant Geriatrician, shed light on the everyday behaviours that could be making you old before your time. Here’s what you … Continue reading Aging Before Your Time: How to Avoid the Pitfalls
Would You Extend Your Working Life to Help Your Kids Onto the Property Ladder? Here’s How!
As parents, we often grapple with the question: would you add 5 to 10 years to your working life to help your children get onto the property ladder? For many, the immediate response is to consider the financial burden this might impose. However, what if the solution isn't about extending your working life in the … Continue reading Would You Extend Your Working Life to Help Your Kids Onto the Property Ladder? Here’s How!
Investing for Change: The Power of Conscious Banking
In a world where every pound we invest holds the potential to shape the future, it's crucial to recognise the impact of our financial decisions. The way we bank is more than just a personal choice—it's a powerful vote for the kind of world we want to see. If every person on the planet consumed … Continue reading Investing for Change: The Power of Conscious Banking
The Real Cost of Summer: How Lack of Flexible Work Turns Parents into Cash Cows for Pension Companies
Ah, summer—a time for sun, fun, and watching your hard-earned cash vanish faster than your kids’ ice creams on a hot day. For working parents, the joy of summer comes with a side order of financial pain, as childcare costs soar to dizzying heights. Imagine handing over half your annual childcare budget just to get … Continue reading The Real Cost of Summer: How Lack of Flexible Work Turns Parents into Cash Cows for Pension Companies
The Timeline Tango: A Game of Musical Chairs in the Financial Advice Market
Ah, Abraham Okusanya. A man of many talents and, it seems, a lover of complex financial dance routines. The latest shuffle in the financial advice market has left many of us wondering whether to give him a hearty pat on the back or just raise a sceptical eyebrow. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reported … Continue reading The Timeline Tango: A Game of Musical Chairs in the Financial Advice Market
Academy of Life Planning 