As demographic shifts reshape the composition of families, the challenges facing financial advisers are becoming increasingly complex. In the UK, the phenomenon of multi-retiree families is on the rise, with projections suggesting that by 2044, as many as 1.4 million families will have more than one generation retired. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for … Continue reading The Shifting Landscape of Financial Planning: Multi-Generational Retirement and Wealth Management
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.
Understanding the Impact of Transparency in Financial Services: A Key Conversation
In the Potentialisation's latest Youtube video feature, we dive deep into the crucial topic of transparency in the financial services industry with Steve Conley, founder of the Academy of Life Planning. This enlightening discussion not only sheds light on the current state of financial advising but also offers a glimpse into potential solutions that prioritise … Continue reading Understanding the Impact of Transparency in Financial Services: A Key Conversation
Your Money or Your Life: Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of Your Retirement!
By Steve Conley, author of Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the highway robbers-Enjoy wealth in every area of your life Paperback – Illustrated, 6 Jun. 2019. Abstract This article challenges the predominant narrative promoted by financial institutions that emphasise financial preparedness as the cornerstone of retirement satisfaction. Empirical evidence from the National Bureau of Economic … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of Your Retirement!
Evolving Financial Planning: Adapting Lifecycle Frameworks for Modern Realities
Introduction: In the wake of significant societal and economic shifts, traditional financial planning models often fall short in addressing the dynamic nature of modern life. Traditional models, such as the one detailed in "Lifetime Financial Advice: A Personalized Optimal Multilevel Approach" by Thomas M. Idzorek and Paul D. Kaplan, provide foundational insights but require substantial … Continue reading Evolving Financial Planning: Adapting Lifecycle Frameworks for Modern Realities
Could having a financial planning side hussle help with the succession of independent financial advice firms?
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?
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!
