The financial planning community has long catered to the wealthiest in our society, often neglecting those with the greatest need for planning. The underserved regions and populations, while not necessarily poor, frequently find themselves unable to make ends meet. This demographic does not require investment advice but rather guidance on achieving a frugal yet decent … Continue reading Delivering Universal Economic Empowerment: A Call to Action 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.
Planning for Purpose: Addressing the Unique Needs of Clients in Decumulation
In financial planning, the fundamental shift from accumulation to decumulation necessitates a change in strategies and attitudes. The recent Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty regulations highlight the importance of tailoring retirement advice to meet these evolving needs. As depicted in the attached image, a life spent relentlessly chasing money often culminates in a stark realisation … Continue reading Planning for Purpose: Addressing the Unique Needs of Clients in Decumulation
Future-Proofing Your Career as a Paraplanner: Embracing Non-Intermediating Financial Planning with the Academy of Life Planning
The financial planning landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and globalisation. These changes present both challenges and opportunities for paraplanners. As AI increasingly handles the analytical aspects of financial planning, paraplanners must consider how to adapt and thrive in this new environment. One viable path is to develop a non-intermediating … Continue reading Future-Proofing Your Career as a Paraplanner: Embracing Non-Intermediating Financial Planning with the Academy of Life Planning
The Future of Retirement Advice: Trends and Transformations
The retirement advice landscape is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by a convergence of regulatory pressure, technological advancements, and evolving client needs. As we navigate this shifting terrain, three key trends are emerging that are reshaping the role of financial advisers and the strategies they employ. 1. Beyond the Cliff Edge: Redefining … Continue reading The Future of Retirement Advice: Trends and Transformations
The Future of Financial Planning in the Age of AI
The financial advisory landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). The traditional role of financial advisers, long centered around providing bespoke financial advice and relationship management, is being redefined. Ian Partington, Chief Executive of Third Financial, argues that advisers' roles will pivot towards relationship management as AI … Continue reading The Future of Financial Planning in the Age of AI
The Timing Dilemma: To Sell or Stay with St James’ Place?
As a long-serving St James' Place (SJP) practice principal, you may be contemplating whether now is the optimal time to sell your book of business. The financial landscape is volatile, and recent developments at SJP present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Here's a deep dive into the factors you should consider in making … Continue reading The Timing Dilemma: To Sell or Stay with St James’ Place?
The Retirement of Martin Sinclair: A Journey from Financial Intermediary to Life Planner
Martin Sinclair sat at his desk, looking out over the cityscape from his corner office. It was a view he had cherished for over three decades, serving as a financial planner specialising in the intricate needs of medical professionals and dentists. Today, however, was different. It was his last day as an FCA-regulated financial intermediary. … Continue reading The Retirement of Martin Sinclair: A Journey from Financial Intermediary to Life Planner
Transitioning from FCA-Regulated Intermediation to Meaningful Generic Financial Planning: A New Paradigm for Independent Financial Advisers
As Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) navigate the evolving landscape of financial planning, a significant shift is occurring. Increasingly, both advisers and their clients are recognising the benefits of moving away from FCA-regulated intermediation to a more holistic and meaningful generic financial planning approach. This transition not only offers a smoother lifestyle for advisers but also … Continue reading Transitioning from FCA-Regulated Intermediation to Meaningful Generic Financial Planning: A New Paradigm for Independent Financial Advisers
The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing
The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing At the Academy of Life Planning, we are dedicated to fostering transparency, integrity, and true social value in financial planning. Recently, a thought-provoking article by Mick McAteer of the Financial Inclusion Centre has brought to light a significant issue in the social investing sector: impact-washing. As champions … Continue reading The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing
The Timeless Truth: Uncovering the Universal Framework of Human Spirituality
Introduction Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the nature of the divine, the cosmos, and our place within it. One profound concept that has emerged in this quest is Prisca Theologia, or "ancient theology." Prisca Theologia posits that a single, universal truth lies at the heart of all major religious and esoteric traditions. This … Continue reading The Timeless Truth: Uncovering the Universal Framework of Human Spirituality
Academy of Life Planning 