Introduction The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently released its latest Financial Lives Survey, revealing some eye-opening statistics about the public's perception of financial advisers. While the survey shows that those who have used financial advisers generally trust them, a significant portion of the public remains sceptical. This post delves into these findings and argues for … Continue reading The FCA Survey: A Wake-Up Call for Financial Advisers and a Rallying Cry for Non-Intermediating 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.
Everyone Needs a Financial Plan, But Not Everyone Needs a Financial Intermediary
1. Introduction Welcome to a new era of financial planning, one that puts you in the driver's seat. This post will explore why everyone needs a financial plan but not necessarily a financial intermediary. 2. The Importance of Financial Planning Financial planning is the cornerstone of a secure and fulfilling life. It's not just about … Continue reading Everyone Needs a Financial Plan, But Not Everyone Needs a Financial Intermediary
Why Gen Z Needs ‘Planning My Life’ More Than TikTok for Financial Wellness
Article: Why Gen Z Needs 'Planning My Life' More Than TikTok for Financial Wellness Introduction Ever wondered why Gen Z, the digital natives, are more inclined to seek financial advice from TikTok influencers rather than professionals? The answer lies not just in the appeal of social media but also in the gaps left by traditional … Continue reading Why Gen Z Needs ‘Planning My Life’ More Than TikTok for Financial Wellness
No Cash, No Problem: 100 Ways to Boost Your Finances When Savings Are Low
Steve Conley | Updated: September 5, 2023 | 12 Minutes Introduction 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. Remember, financial products don't create wealth; people do. So, … Continue reading No Cash, No Problem: 100 Ways to Boost Your Finances When Savings Are Low
Planning My Life: Navigating the Maze of Financial Literacy Amidst Educational Reforms
Introduction The financial literacy crisis in the UK is reaching a tipping point, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. Amidst this, the government is pushing for extended maths education up to the age of 18. However, with high failure rates in maths resits, the question arises: is traditional education enough? "Planning My Life" offers … Continue reading Planning My Life: Navigating the Maze of Financial Literacy Amidst Educational Reforms
Holistic Financial Planning: Balancing Lifetime Liabilities and Wellbeing
Proper Financial Planning: Threshold Hypothesis and Lifetime Liability Forecast When financial planning, plan the client before you plan the money. Once you have identified the client’s life goals (their favourite future), attach a cost to it. We call this the lifetime liability forecast. It can be expressed in three parts: A. Basic Expenditure (Region 1 … Continue reading Holistic Financial Planning: Balancing Lifetime Liabilities and Wellbeing
The Road Less Travelled: An Invitation to Financial Planners Seeking More Than Just Profit
The Crossroads: Where Life Meets Legacy Just as M. Scott Peck's seminal book "The Road Less Travelled" begins with the profound statement, "Life is difficult," so too does the journey of every financial planner. We often find ourselves at a metaphorical crossroads, much like the one Peck describes—a place where we must choose between the … Continue reading The Road Less Travelled: An Invitation to Financial Planners Seeking More Than Just Profit
Transforming Workplaces into Hubs of Significance: The “Planning My Life” Approach
Twenty years ago, I founded the UK’s award-winning and market-leading workplace marketing operation, Abbey @ Work, was the keynote speaker at the Institute of Pension and Payroll Managers AGM, wrote columns in the EBC trade press, and chaired Employee Benefits Magazine sessions at their annual events. I more recently founded an efficient and market-leading auto-enrollment … Continue reading Transforming Workplaces into Hubs of Significance: The “Planning My Life” Approach
The Importance of Economic Activity in Genuine Financial Planning
Do you see your favourite future as a cliff edge ending to the industrial treadmill or an opportunity for greater significance? The Misunderstanding of Economic Activity The concept of "economic activity" is often overlooked in the realm of financial planning, despite being its cornerstone. Economic activity refers to the actions of providing, making, buying, or … Continue reading The Importance of Economic Activity in Genuine Financial Planning
Living Your Kokoro: The New Frontier in Financial Planning and Personal Growth
Introduction Welcome to another edition of our blog. Today, we're diving deep into some groundbreaking concepts that promise to revolutionise the way we think about money, well-being, and life planning. We'll explore the Japanese concept of "Kokoro," the threshold hypothesis for consumption and well-being, and wisdom from the Stoic philosopher Seneca. All of these tie … Continue reading Living Your Kokoro: The New Frontier in Financial Planning and Personal Growth
Academy of Life Planning 