Ah, Hargreaves Lansdown—once the knight in shining armor for DIY investors, now more like the old jalopy sputtering along in the slow lane, struggling to keep up with the shiny new models zooming by. If you’ve been paying attention, it’s no secret that HL has been running on some pretty creaky tech for a while … Continue reading Hargreaves Lansdown: Running on Fumes and About to Get a Robo-Overlord? A Cautionary Tale for DIY Investors
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.
Reassurance for Generic Advisers: No Need to Fear Providing Valuable Guidance
In light of recent news about firms being fined for offering unauthorised investment advice, it’s essential to clarify the distinction between regulated investment advice and generic guidance. Many professionals who provide generic advice may worry that they, too, could be at risk, but this concern is often based on misunderstandings fueled by misreported stories. Understanding … Continue reading Reassurance for Generic Advisers: No Need to Fear Providing Valuable Guidance
The Trusted Adviser Project: The Revolution in Financial Planning You Can No Longer Ignore
In 2011, when I was head of investments at HSBC—the world’s largest Western bank—my career was at its peak. I was an award-winning proposition architect, a recognised leader with a string of market-first achievements, and chaired the bancassurance steering group of the British Bankers’ Association. By all accounts, I was at the top of my … Continue reading The Trusted Adviser Project: The Revolution in Financial Planning You Can No Longer Ignore
Breaking the Fear Cycle: Rethinking Retirement and the Three-Stage Life Model
The financial industry has long relied on a model that divides life into three distinct stages: education, work, and retirement. This model, while simple and easy to understand, has become increasingly outdated as we face the realities of longer lifespans and evolving career paths. Yet, many asset managers continue to push this narrative, often instilling … Continue reading Breaking the Fear Cycle: Rethinking Retirement and the Three-Stage Life Model
Money Anxiety: Even the Wealthy Aren’t Immune
Let’s talk about stress. No, not the kind that comes from watching your football team lose in the last minute or finding out your favorite restaurant is closed for renovations. We're talking about money stress, the kind that can gnaw away at you like a hungry dog with a bone. But here’s the kicker: it’s … Continue reading Money Anxiety: Even the Wealthy Aren’t Immune
Be Your Own Financial Adviser by the brilliant Jonquil Lowe
Mark Your Calendars, Money Savvy Friends! Ever wanted to cut out the middleman and take control of your own financial destiny? Well, guess what? The 2nd edition of Be Your Own Financial Adviser by the brilliant Jonquil Lowe is dropping on September 2nd—and it's here to turn you into your own personal finance guru! Why … Continue reading Be Your Own Financial Adviser by the brilliant Jonquil Lowe
The Great Pension Heist: How the Government Plans to Squeeze Your Wallet While Pretending to Boost the Economy
It’s no secret that the British government is having a cozy chat with pension companies, and the conversation seems to be steering towards a grand scheme where more assets under management (AUM) will be handed over to these financial titans. The idea? Well, according to the official narrative, it’s a brilliant plan to tap into … Continue reading The Great Pension Heist: How the Government Plans to Squeeze Your Wallet While Pretending to Boost the Economy
Neurodiversity in the Workplace: The Entrepreneurial Opportunity Financial Companies Are Missing
Let's be honest: when it comes to neurodiversity, many financial companies treat it like an "add-on" to their diversity checklist. You know, the one they dust off once a year for an audit or a PR campaign. But here's the kicker—neurodivergent individuals aren’t just a line item; they’re an untapped economic force, especially when it … Continue reading Neurodiversity in the Workplace: The Entrepreneurial Opportunity Financial Companies Are Missing
CII and PFS: The New Big Brother of Financial Services?
Ah, the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS), those stalwart guardians of ethics and professionalism in the financial services world, have once again donned their robes of moral authority. This time, they’ve issued a stern warning: play nice online or risk having your professional credentials yanked faster than you can say … Continue reading CII and PFS: The New Big Brother of Financial Services?
The Longevity Coach: Widow’s Stories Case Studies
Source: ‘I’m 79 and have no intention of retiring – I want to feel useful’ For many widows, heading back to work can unlock fresh purpose and a zest for life. The Telegraph. Case Study 1: Yvonne Kirchgaesser – Finding Purpose Through Work and Community Engagement Background: Yvonne Kirchgaesser, a soon-to-be 80-year-old resident of the … Continue reading The Longevity Coach: Widow’s Stories Case Studies
Academy of Life Planning 