Life, in its essence, is a marvel—a complex, awe-inspiring journey that, despite its challenges, offers boundless opportunities for growth, happiness, and fulfilment. Embarking on the quest to live our best lives is no trivial endeavour. Yet, it is within this pursuit that we uncover the rich tapestry of guidance woven through the annals of human … Continue reading The Game Plan: A Framework For Living
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.
New Horizon for Financial Planners: Embracing the Academy of Life Planning
In an era marked by rigorous regulatory demands, the financial advisory landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Recent insights in FT Adviser today from Louise Jeffreys, managing director of Gunner & Co., underscore the pressure on advisers, with a staggering 66% contemplating retirement primarily due to regulatory burdens. The increasing complexity and resources required to … Continue reading New Horizon for Financial Planners: Embracing the Academy of Life Planning
Unveiling Life’s Purpose: A Christian Perspective
What lessons in the Bible tell us about living life on purpose?: In the quest for meaning and purpose, many turn to various philosophies and teachings, seeking guidance on navigating the complexities of life. However, the Christian faith offers profound insights into the concept of life's purpose, rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Bible. … Continue reading Unveiling Life’s Purpose: A Christian Perspective
A Critical Perspective on Fintech Innovations Targeting the Underserved
The recent announcement of a collaborative effort by fintech companies Rebcat Technology, Moneyhub, and Navos Technologies signifies a bold step towards addressing the pervasive 'advice gap' within the financial services sector. This partnership aims to leverage technological advancements to provide essential financial management, investment, protection, and mortgage services to those traditionally excluded from the financial … Continue reading A Critical Perspective on Fintech Innovations Targeting the Underserved
The Evolving Concept of Retirement: Work as a Continuous Journey
The balance between continuing productive work and enjoying the leisure and freedom retirement offers. The traditional retirement model, synonymous with a life of leisure following decades of work, is undergoing a significant transformation. An increasing number of individuals are considering a blend of work and leisure as they enter what was once seen as the … Continue reading The Evolving Concept of Retirement: Work as a Continuous Journey
Beyond the FIRE: Embracing the Warmth of Purpose and Connection in Early Retirement
The "I'll Continue Earning" (ICE) movement and the "Financial Independence, Retire Early" (FIRE) movement are two distinct approaches to personal finance and lifestyle planning, each with its own set of principles and goals. Understanding these movements can offer valuable insights into different pathways toward financial wellbeing and life satisfaction, aligning with the ethos of the … Continue reading Beyond the FIRE: Embracing the Warmth of Purpose and Connection in Early Retirement
Enhancing Life and Practice through the Power of Values: Insights from Dr Jackie Le Fèvre’s Research
In the quest for personal and professional growth, the significance of values cannot be overstated. Dr Jackie Le Fèvre's recent research sheds light on this very subject, offering groundbreaking insights into how a deeper connection with our values can profoundly enhance our lives and work practices. Here, we delve into the key findings of this … Continue reading Enhancing Life and Practice through the Power of Values: Insights from Dr Jackie Le Fèvre’s Research
Unveiling the Disparity: The Critical Distinction Between Financial Advisers and Planners in Light of Recent Revelations
In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the financial services industry globally, revelations about St. James's Place (SJP) and discrepancies between the services clients are charged for and those actually provided have emerged as a pivotal moment of realisation. This incident underscores a broader issue within the financial sector, particularly in expatriate markets … Continue reading Unveiling the Disparity: The Critical Distinction Between Financial Advisers and Planners in Light of Recent Revelations
St. James’s Place and The Ongoing Advice Controversy: A Catalyst for Industry-wide Reflection
By Steve Conley 28 February 2024 The recent developments at St. James's Place (SJP) have ignited a crucial conversation within the financial advice sector about the integrity of ongoing advice fees and the broader implications for client service and fee justification. This situation serves as a pivotal moment for the industry, urging a reevaluation of … Continue reading St. James’s Place and The Ongoing Advice Controversy: A Catalyst for Industry-wide Reflection
Navigating Turbulent Waters: The SJP Saga and the Future of Financial Advice
In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the financial industry from Citywire, St James's Place (SJP) has announced a significant financial provision of £426m to refund clients for ongoing advice fees not rendered, leading to a dramatic plummet in their share value. This move, necessitated by a shortfall in the delivery of contracted … Continue reading Navigating Turbulent Waters: The SJP Saga and the Future of Financial Advice
