Having a financial planning-only side hustle could indeed offer a lifeline for the succession of independent financial firms, especially in the context of the challenges highlighted by Warren Ingram from Galileo Capital. Let’s explore the potential benefits: Diversification of Revenue Streams: A side hustle in financial planning, distinct from the core advisory services of a … Continue reading Could having a financial planning side hussle help with the succession of independent financial advice firms?
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.
Navigating the Two Hats Dilemma: Managing Conflicts of Interest in Financial Planning
As financial professionals, maintaining client trust is paramount. However, conflicts of interest can arise when individuals or firms juggle both regulated and unregulated activities, often referred to as "wearing two hats." This scenario is particularly relevant for financial planners who simultaneously operate as regulated financial advisers. The Two Hats Scenario In the world of financial … Continue reading Navigating the Two Hats Dilemma: Managing Conflicts of Interest in Financial Planning
AI Financial Coach vs. Human Financial Coach: Which One Wins?
Introduction In the fast-changing world of financial coaching, the introduction of AI has sparked a lively discussion about whether it can outperform human coaches. To frame this debate, we turn to an Indigenous American story about two wolves—one embodying fear, envy, and anger, while the other represents love, joy, and peace. The elder in the … Continue reading AI Financial Coach vs. Human Financial Coach: Which One Wins?
Unlock Your Potential: New Pricing Options at the Academy of Life Planning
In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and professional growth, finding the right support system is paramount. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe in not just guiding you but empowering you to chart your course towards success and fulfillment. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our revamped pricing options, designed to cater to your … Continue reading Unlock Your Potential: New Pricing Options at the Academy of Life Planning
Bridging the Financial Advice Gap: A Holistic Approach Beyond Traditional Savings
"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein. In a world where financial advice is often synonymous with asset accumulation, a glaring disparity remains starkly evident: the financial advice gap. This chasm … Continue reading Bridging the Financial Advice Gap: A Holistic Approach Beyond Traditional Savings
The GAME Plan: Perhaps We Should Have Called It the Life Financial Business Plan!
I want to explore what makes each of us unique in our talents, how we can combine these talents with our passions and market opportunities to craft an exceptional life. Allow me to illustrate this with an example from one of my secret guilty pleasures. Firstly, we all possess skills that we excel in. Although … Continue reading The GAME Plan: Perhaps We Should Have Called It the Life Financial Business Plan!
Reassessing Consumer Financial Guidance Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis
In recent surveys, notably by Handelsbanken Wealth and Asset Management, it has emerged that a significant portion of the UK adult population harbours deep concerns about their financial future. The data indicates that 46% of UK adults fear a declining standard of living over the next 12 months, with this apprehension most acute among those … Continue reading Reassessing Consumer Financial Guidance Amidst a Cost of Living Crisis
Empowering Retirement: The Essential Shift from Financial Advice to Financial Planning
In recent years, the narrative surrounding retirement planning has been heavily shaped by the insurance industry, with a strong emphasis on the need for long-term savings, investments, and insurance products. Market research often projects this perspective, aiming to guide consumer behaviour towards more traditional financial advice. However, a disconnect persists between what retirees truly seek … Continue reading Empowering Retirement: The Essential Shift from Financial Advice to Financial Planning
Life Planning: A Pathway Out of Worklessness, Poverty, and Poor Health
In a number of regions in the UK, the intersection of worklessness, poverty, and poor health forms a debilitating cycle that traps many in a state of dependency and despair. This "toxic triangle" not only diminishes the quality of life but also stifles the potential for economic and personal growth. Life planning offers a transformative … Continue reading Life Planning: A Pathway Out of Worklessness, Poverty, and Poor Health
Financial Planning Coaching in South Africa: Empowering Consumers Towards Financial Well-being
In South Africa, where financial literacy is crucial for securing economic stability, Financial Planning Coaches are playing an increasingly vital role. Unlike traditional financial planners, these professionals focus on broad financial education and strategic guidance without the need for a FINRA Series 65 license. This article delves into the role of Financial Planning Coaches, the … Continue reading Financial Planning Coaching in South Africa: Empowering Consumers Towards Financial Well-being
Academy of Life Planning 