In a dramatic turn of events, the UK financial sector has witnessed the demotion of a major player from the FTSE 100 Index and the collapse of significant advisory networks. St. James's Place, once a stalwart in wealth management, has been relegated from the prestigious index, while Tenet Group, a major IFA network, has entered … Continue reading The Fall of Financial Titans: Heralding a New Era in Financial Planning
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.
The Financial Ecologist: How Big an Issue is Greenwashing?
As sustainable investing gains traction, the issue of greenwashing has become a significant concern. Regulators in the UK and EU have introduced regimes to help consumers understand the true sustainable objectives of the funds they invest in. This effort is crucial as it ensures that what is promised to investors aligns with the actual practices … Continue reading The Financial Ecologist: How Big an Issue is Greenwashing?
Creating Sustainable Livelihoods: A Solution to Financial Challenges for Older Americans
As the latest AARP survey highlights, older Americans face significant financial challenges. About one-quarter of adults aged 50 and older who are not yet retired expect never to retire, and 70% are concerned about prices rising faster than their income. With many struggling to save due to everyday expenses and housing costs, traditional financial advice … Continue reading Creating Sustainable Livelihoods: A Solution to Financial Challenges for Older Americans
The Game Plan: Integrating Modern Empirical Insights for Wealth Creation
"If you study all philosophy and religion, both Western and Eastern, from the beginning of recorded history, you'll basically find the same four dimensions: the physical/economic, the mental, the social/emotional and the spiritual. Different words are often used, but they represent the same four dimensions of life. They also represent the four basic needs and … Continue reading The Game Plan: Integrating Modern Empirical Insights for Wealth Creation
Setting Up as a Non-Intermediating Financial Planner in Hong Kong: A Step-by-Step Guide
Establishing yourself as a non-intermediating financial planner in Hong Kong presents a unique opportunity to provide clients with transparent, unbiased advice without the pressure of product sales. This guide outlines the essential steps to set up your practice, ensuring compliance with local regulations and positioning yourself as a trusted adviser. Regulatory Framework for Non-Intermediating Financial … Continue reading Setting Up as a Non-Intermediating Financial Planner in Hong Kong: A Step-by-Step Guide
100 Ways to Generate Extra Income: A Lifeline for 35-49-Year-Olds Facing Financial Crisis
The 'rainy day' we save for is here for 1 in 5 old millennials and young generation X. The ‘rainy day’ that people often talk about saving for is here for many. With a large number of households having little to no savings, it’s crucial to find alternative ways to boost your finances. Research by … Continue reading 100 Ways to Generate Extra Income: A Lifeline for 35-49-Year-Olds Facing Financial Crisis
Rethinking Financial Planning: From Asset Management to Human Capital Development
Financial advisers often set thresholds for investable assets, which can exclude those who need financial planning the most. This practice is driven by commercial viability and the traditional training and certification of advisers, which primarily focus on managing existing wealth. However, a shift in mindset is necessary to address the broader needs of society, particularly … Continue reading Rethinking Financial Planning: From Asset Management to Human Capital Development
The Story of a Transformative Email Chain: Revolutionising Financial Planning
In a recent exchange between Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), and Julia Hodgson of Hodgson Howell (name changed for privacy), a compelling narrative unfolded. This conversation delved into the future of financial planning, highlighting the importance of mentorship, community, and the non-intermediating model advocated by Steve. Introduction: A Shared Vision … Continue reading The Story of a Transformative Email Chain: Revolutionising Financial Planning
Life Strategies: Creating Your Game Plan for Life
Introduction Imagine your life as a grand adventure, one where you are the hero charting your course through a landscape filled with opportunities, challenges, and endless possibilities. Much like a business needs a strategic plan to thrive, we need a game plan for our lives to ensure we're heading in the right direction. In the … Continue reading Life Strategies: Creating Your Game Plan for Life
The Next Phase of Financial Advisers: Integrating AI with Human Insight
The financial services sector is undergoing a transformative change with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI). This shift is redefining the role of financial advisers from traditional technicians and intermediaries to holistic life planners and coaches. Karen Barrett, CEO and founder of Unbiased, emphasises that the next phase of growth for financial advisers has to … Continue reading The Next Phase of Financial Advisers: Integrating AI with Human Insight
