Introduction In 2020, I highlighted a critical issue plaguing the financial advice industry: the "Fee for No Service" problem. This issue is not confined to St. James's Place (SJP); it extends to other firms like Quilter, Brewin Dolphin, Rathbones, Hargreaves Lansdown, and typical Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs). The problem has far-reaching consequences for both clients and … Continue reading The “Fee for No Service” Quagmire: A Ticking Time Bomb for Advisers and Clients Alike
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.
Empowering the World Through Financial Planning, Not Financial Advice
Introduction The world is at a crossroads. With increasing income inequality and a growing divide between the haves and the have-nots, the need for financial empowerment has never been greater. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe that the key to unlocking this empowerment lies in separating financial planning from financial advice. This distinction … Continue reading Empowering the World Through Financial Planning, Not Financial Advice
A New Paradigm for Retirement: Beyond Pensions and Towards Sustainable Livelihoods
Introduction The financial services industry often paints a grim picture of retirement, particularly for those without pensions. The narrative usually revolves around "cliff-edge retirements," a term designed to induce fear and, consequently, encourage asset management services that come with fees. However, when we put the consumer first and integrate financial planning, technology, and advocacy against … Continue reading A New Paradigm for Retirement: Beyond Pensions and Towards Sustainable Livelihoods
Unlocking the Full Potential of Older Adults
As we're seeing more people live well into their 80s and beyond, it's crucial to shift our societal focus from age to capability. The potential for older adults to contribute meaningfully—as volunteers, consultants, community leaders, employees, board members, and active family participants—is immense. Taking Charge of Your Health The key to ageing well lies in … Continue reading Unlocking the Full Potential of Older Adults
Adding Years To Life And Life To Years: Factors Influencing Health
Mental, social, and spiritual health are as important as physical health and are deeply interconnected. In a survey of 19,000 people across 19 countries, around 85 percent of respondents said their mental health is as important to them as their physical health, and their spiritual and social health were also listed by the majority as … Continue reading Adding Years To Life And Life To Years: Factors Influencing Health
🌟 Empowering Equitable Societies: The Revolutionary Approach of Non-Intermediating Financial Planning 🌟
In today's complex financial landscape, the need for transparent, accessible, and equitable financial planning has never been greater. At the Academy of Life Planning, we're pioneering a transformative approach that aims to reshape the industry and contribute to a more just society. Let's break down what this means: What is Non-Intermediating Financial Planning? Traditional financial … Continue reading 🌟 Empowering Equitable Societies: The Revolutionary Approach of Non-Intermediating Financial Planning 🌟
The Long-Term Financial Impact of Direct Market Investments vs. Wealth Managers
Introduction In the world of financial planning, every basis point counts. With the rise of direct market investment platforms, consumers now have more options than ever to manage their portfolios. This article delves into the long-term financial implications of choosing between traditional wealth managers and direct market investments. The financial planning industry is undergoing a … Continue reading The Long-Term Financial Impact of Direct Market Investments vs. Wealth Managers
Why Game Plan Accreditation is a Game-Changer for Financial Planners
Today, a joining member who has been a financial planning intermediary for many years questioned the value of taking the game plan accreditation programme. If you're in the same boat, this article aims to shed light on why this accreditation is not just beneficial but essential for your practice. 1. The Narrow Scope of FCA-Regulated … Continue reading Why Game Plan Accreditation is a Game-Changer for Financial Planners
The Double-Edged Sword of Pension Auto-Enrolment Expansion: A Boon, a Stealth Tax, or a Future Tax Burden?
Introduction This Autumn, a bill is racing through the UK Parliament that could significantly alter the landscape of pension savings for younger and lower-paid workers. Known as the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) (No. 2) Bill, it aims to extend pension auto-enrolment to those aged 18 and over. While the government champions this as a … Continue reading The Double-Edged Sword of Pension Auto-Enrolment Expansion: A Boon, a Stealth Tax, or a Future Tax Burden?
Challenging the Retirement Anxiety Narrative: The Commodification of Fear in Financial Planning
Introduction Recent research by Abrdn has brought to light a worrying trend: retirement anxiety is on the rise among UK adults over 40. Max Brooks, the author of "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War," once said, "Fear is the most valuable commodity in the universe." This statement rings true in the … Continue reading Challenging the Retirement Anxiety Narrative: The Commodification of Fear in Financial Planning
Academy of Life Planning 