In the heart of a bustling city, where the dreams of many often collided with the stark realities of financial planning, a remarkable conversation took place that would set the stage for a transformative tale. This story begins with Martyn, a visionary who had just encountered a new client, a 45-year-old individual with a meagre … Continue reading Empowering Futures: The Dawn of Creative Financial Independence through the GAME Plan
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.
Strategize Your Life: A Guide to Crafting Your Personal Blueprint
In the bustling corridors of corporate strategy, the art of strategic thinking is often reserved for high-stake business decisions. Yet, what if this powerful approach could be reimagined to chart the course of one's life? The Harvard Business Review illuminates this possibility in their insightful piece, "Personal Purpose And Values: Use Strategic Thinking to Create … Continue reading Strategize Your Life: A Guide to Crafting Your Personal Blueprint
Questioning the Ethics of Expanding Auto-Enrolment in Pensions During a Cost of Living Crisis
In a recent dialogue with pensions minister Paul Maynard, Tom McPhail of the Lang Cat raised pertinent concerns about the government's intention to extend auto-enrollment for the young and those with low income. This policy, while aimed at securing future financial stability, raises ethical questions, particularly in the context of a cost-of-living crisis that is … Continue reading Questioning the Ethics of Expanding Auto-Enrolment in Pensions During a Cost of Living Crisis
Defending the Role of Impartial Financial Guidance in the Face of Institutional Maneuvering
In the intricate web of financial services, the distinction between advice and guidance is not just a matter of semantics but a cornerstone of consumer protection. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)'s recent review has sparked a necessary dialogue on this very distinction, aiming to redefine the boundaries in a way that could significantly impact the … Continue reading Defending the Role of Impartial Financial Guidance in the Face of Institutional Maneuvering
Rethinking Pension Contributions: A Path Towards Sustainable Financial Well-being
In the current discourse surrounding pension contributions in the UK, a recent report by Royal London has sparked a significant debate. According to research conducted by Oxford Economics, the blanket approach of increasing pension contributions for all is not a one-size-fits-all solution, particularly for lower-income households. The findings suggest that while auto-enrolment has been a … Continue reading Rethinking Pension Contributions: A Path Towards Sustainable Financial Well-being
Finding Financial Freedom: Strategies for Extra Cash in Challenging Times
One in five Britons are preparing for a year without disposable income, which is a sign of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to a recent study by Quilter, which sheds light on a worrying reality in an era of financial uncertainty. This alarming trend is most pronounced among those over 50, nearly half of whom … Continue reading Finding Financial Freedom: Strategies for Extra Cash in Challenging Times
The Escalating Cost of Retirement: A Call to Action for Reform
The recent findings from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) have unveiled a stark reality: the income required for a moderate retirement lifestyle has surged by 38%, an increase of £8,000 within a single year. This revelation not only signals an alarm for prospective retirees but also serves as a critical wake-up call to … Continue reading The Escalating Cost of Retirement: A Call to Action for Reform
Navigating the International Financial Advisory Landscape: A Quest for Integrity and Expertise
In an era where global mobility has become the norm, the need for comprehensive financial planning that transcends borders is more pressing than ever. As the founder of the Academy of Life Planning, I've observed a significant dilemma facing our clients with overseas interests. The challenge isn't just about managing assets across different jurisdictions but … Continue reading Navigating the International Financial Advisory Landscape: A Quest for Integrity and Expertise
The Mental Health Benefits of Being a Non-Intermediating Financial Planner
In an age where the financial advisory sector is increasingly regulated, the impact on mental health among professionals has become a significant concern. According to insights shared by Morven Grierson, compliance director at MKC Wealth, during an interview with FTAdviser, regulatory changes, particularly those surrounding consumer duty, are exerting considerable pressure on advisers, especially those … Continue reading The Mental Health Benefits of Being a Non-Intermediating Financial Planner
The Strategic Advantage of Auto-Rebalancing Globally Diversified Retail Passive Multi-Asset Funds
In the realm of financial planning and investment management, the Academy of Life Planning champions a visionary approach that prioritises sustainability, accessibility, and integrity. A pivotal element of our investment philosophy is the recommendation of auto-rebalancing globally diversified retail passive multi-asset funds as the default investment solution for our clients. This strategy is deeply rooted … Continue reading The Strategic Advantage of Auto-Rebalancing Globally Diversified Retail Passive Multi-Asset Funds
