For many of us, saving into a pension throughout our working life is a non-negotiable aspect of securing a comfortable future. Yet, thousands of retirees discover to their dismay that the financial safety net they’ve carefully constructed either collapses or delivers far less than expected. Whether through a company’s pension scheme failure, personal circumstances such … Continue reading What to Do When Your Pension Fails: A Path to Financial Well-being
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.
Beyond Pension Pots: A Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning
Recent discussions on retirement planning, particularly the Resolution Foundation's "Living Pension" report, have focused heavily on the size of the pension pot required for a basic standard of living at the State Pension Age (SPA). The report highlights the significant increase in the savings required for retirement due to rising inflation and costs of living. … Continue reading Beyond Pension Pots: A Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning
How to Protect Yourself from Scams: Staying One Step Ahead of Fraudsters
The Financial Ombudsman Service has recently reported a record-breaking 8,734 fraud and scam complaints in just a three-month period this year, marking the highest quarterly level ever recorded. This sharp increase should serve as a serious wake-up call for all of us. Scams are becoming more complex, and even the most cautious among us can … Continue reading How to Protect Yourself from Scams: Staying One Step Ahead of Fraudsters
Human Capital Development in Financial Planning
When we talk about wealth, many immediately think of financial capital—savings, investments, and assets. But there’s another vital element in the wealth equation: human capital, which is often overlooked in traditional financial planning. The CFA Institute defines total wealth as: Total Wealth = Financial Capital + Human Capital – Lifetime Liabilities This formula is discussed … Continue reading Human Capital Development in Financial Planning
The GAME Plan: A Simple Plan for a Life of Wealth, Well-being, and Meaning
We, at the Academy of Life Planning, have developed a holistic financial planning process that we use to create lives of wellness, wellbeing, wealth, and significance. I want to share it with you. It’s called the GAME Plan, an acronym for Goals, Actions, Means, and Execution. We use it with self-directed people who want agency, … Continue reading The GAME Plan: A Simple Plan for a Life of Wealth, Well-being, and Meaning
Setting the Record Straight: Understanding Financial Advice, Coaching, and Planning
It can be frustrating when FCA-regulated financial advisers, perhaps unintentionally, look down on other financial service professionals, especially when they suggest that becoming one of them is somehow a step up. The reality is that FCA-regulated financial advice and the broader spectrum of financial services each serve distinct and important roles. Confusing the two doesn’t … Continue reading Setting the Record Straight: Understanding Financial Advice, Coaching, and Planning
Discover the Difference: Life and Financial Planning with Integrity
Hello, I’m Steve Conley. If you’re reading this, you’re likely seeking a better approach to managing your money and your life. I’m here to tell you that you’ve come to the right place. I’m not just a financial planner—I’m a life planner. My approach is different, and it’s precisely the difference you need. The Trust … Continue reading Discover the Difference: Life and Financial Planning with Integrity
How to Protect Yourself from Pension Scams: The Simple Truth
When it comes to your pension, there’s a lot of noise out there. You’ve probably heard advice about transferring your pension to get better returns, reduce admin headaches, or align with eco-friendly investments. It sounds tempting, right? But here’s the truth: there’s rarely a good reason to transfer your pension. In fact, shifting your pension … Continue reading How to Protect Yourself from Pension Scams: The Simple Truth
Bringing the Academy of Life Planning Network Together: An Invitation to Collaborate and Grow
Over the years, the Academy of Life Planning has thrived as a global community dedicated to holistic financial well-being. As we continue to grow, I am constantly inspired by the passion and commitment of our network members—whether they're seasoned professionals or individuals on their own financial planning journeys. Recently, a few of our professional planners … Continue reading Bringing the Academy of Life Planning Network Together: An Invitation to Collaborate and Grow
Addressing Delays and Ensuring Fair Outcomes: A Call for Systemic Review at St. James’s Place
At St. James’s Place (SJP), the ongoing review of advice cases has proven to be more extensive and time-consuming than initially anticipated. While the firm’s decision to set aside £426 million for ongoing advice compensation is still deemed appropriate, the process has been slow, leaving many customers waiting for extended periods before receiving a response. … Continue reading Addressing Delays and Ensuring Fair Outcomes: A Call for Systemic Review at St. James’s Place
