Visit: https://www.theenoughisenoughmarchforjustice.org/ Twelve years ago, I made a decision that dramatically altered the course of my professional life. After years of working in a lucrative position within the financial sector in the City of London, I chose to depart from a path lined with personal financial gain to one that aligned more closely with my … Continue reading The Courage to Choose Integrity Over Profit: A Reflection on Financial Transparency and Consumer Advocacy
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.
Bridging the Real Retirement Gap: A Blueprint for Sustainable Livelihoods
In the UK, an alarming trend is emerging among those nearing retirement. Nearly 1.2 million adults aged 60 to 65 are entrenched in poverty, marking the highest poverty rate for any adult age group. This demographic is caught in a precarious 'cash flow valley'—a period too young for state pensions but often too old to … Continue reading Bridging the Real Retirement Gap: A Blueprint for Sustainable Livelihoods
Quetzalcoatl’s Rise: Embracing the Unity of the Eagle and the Condor for a Higher Consciousness
Introduction The prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor is an ancient vision that has been cherished and preserved within Indigenous cultures across the Americas for millennia. Rooted deeply in the spiritual traditions and ecological wisdom of these cultures, the prophecy articulates a profound narrative about the bifurcation of human society into two distinct paths: … Continue reading Quetzalcoatl’s Rise: Embracing the Unity of the Eagle and the Condor for a Higher Consciousness
Bridging the Gap: The Validity and Regulation of Non-FCA Authorised Financial Planners
Introducing a Dedicated Rule Book to Uphold Standards and Foster Client Confidence In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial services, the distinction between traditional financial advisers and financial planners, particularly those offering educational services without FCA authorisation, has sparked debate within the industry. Many financial advisers remain sceptical about the efficacy and regulatory oversight of … Continue reading Bridging the Gap: The Validity and Regulation of Non-FCA Authorised Financial Planners
Navigating New Beginnings: Financial Guidance for “Grey Divorce”
By The Financial Life Coach, Academy of Life Planning As societal norms evolve, so too do the patterns of marriage and divorce. The phenomenon of "grey divorce"—divorces among older adults—continues to rise, creating both opportunities and challenges for those embarking on new chapters later in life. At The Financial Life Coach, part of the Academy … Continue reading Navigating New Beginnings: Financial Guidance for “Grey Divorce”
Academy of Life Planning (AoLP): Your Partner in Transformational Financial Life Planning
Empowering Your Financial Future and Beyond Welcome to the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), where we specialise in transforming financial understanding into meaningful life opportunities. At AoLP, we are not just financial planners; we are your partners in navigating life's financial and existential complexities. We offer a holistic approach to life planning that goes beyond … Continue reading Academy of Life Planning (AoLP): Your Partner in Transformational Financial Life Planning
Introducing the Game Plan: A New Paradigm in Financial Planning for Millennials
In an era marked by rapid societal and economic shifts, traditional financial planning is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The burgeoning millennial demographic, increasingly embracing entrepreneurial ventures and eschewing conventional employment models, demands a novel approach to financial management. This generation does not just seek to manage money earned from salaried jobs; they aim to integrate … Continue reading Introducing the Game Plan: A New Paradigm in Financial Planning for Millennials
Is 75 the New Normal Retirement Age?
As people live longer and the cost of living continues to rise, the traditional retirement age of 65 is becoming increasingly unrealistic for many. With inflation remaining stubbornly high and the preference for drawdowns over annuity purchases, there's a real risk of outliving our capital. This changing landscape requires a re-evaluation of what we consider … Continue reading Is 75 the New Normal Retirement Age?
Rethinking Retirement: The Role of Productive, Vitality, and Transformational Assets
Introduction: The conventional approach to evaluating retirement readiness, often centred on pension sizes, fails to provide a comprehensive view of future financial well-being. At the Academy of Life Planning, we advocate for a broader perspective that incorporates productive, vitality, and transformational assets into retirement planning. This approach not only enhances financial security but also enriches … Continue reading Rethinking Retirement: The Role of Productive, Vitality, and Transformational Assets
Beyond Fear: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning
Introduction: In recent times, the narrative surrounding retirement planning has been predominantly painted in grim hues by the insurance industry. Reports are circulating with alarming headlines, suggesting that nearly 7 million individuals over the age of 50 are teetering on the brink of retirement poverty. This fear-mongering tactic not only sows anxiety but also glaringly … Continue reading Beyond Fear: Embracing a Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning
Academy of Life Planning 