Welcome to Your Financial Renaissance In a world where economic unpredictability often collides with our aspirations, "The Cashflow Coach," a proud segment of the Academy of Life Planning, stands as a beacon of guidance and empowerment in your financial journey. At the heart of our ethos is a commitment to transforming cashflow into life's abundant … Continue reading Transforming Cashflow into Life’s Opportunities with “The Cashflow Coach”
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.
Balancing Risk and Accessibility: Simplified Financial Advice vs Enhanced Financial Literacy
In the evolving landscape of financial planning, the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) proposal to introduce simplified advice regimes raises important considerations. At the heart of the debate is a critical issue: should the focus be on offering simplified financial products to less experienced investors, or should there be a greater emphasis on enhancing financial literacy? … Continue reading Balancing Risk and Accessibility: Simplified Financial Advice vs Enhanced Financial Literacy
Balancing Simplicity and Expertise: The Evolving Role of Financial Advice in the Age of ‘Finfluencers’
The financial advisory landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the emergence of financial influencers, or 'finfluencers.' This shift raises an important question: Are 'finfluencers' deterring the public from seeking professional financial advice? A recent discussion among industry professionals, as reported by FT Adviser, indicates a concern that the simplification of financial … Continue reading Balancing Simplicity and Expertise: The Evolving Role of Financial Advice in the Age of ‘Finfluencers’
Revolutionising Financial Advice: The Convergence of Ethics and Compassion
In the realm of financial advice, a seismic shift is imperative, one that aligns ethical business practices with the compassionate pastoral care of clients. A recent article in FT Adviser advocates for a transformative approach where financial advisers not only serve as guides in fiscal matters but also as empathetic supporters in their clients' personal … Continue reading Revolutionising Financial Advice: The Convergence of Ethics and Compassion
Elevating Financial Planning: Academy of Life Planning’s Revolutionary Approach
Steve Conley Founder of Planning My Life & Academy of Life Planning December 12, 2023 In a world where the conventional methods of Chartered and Certified Financial Planning primarily revolve around intermediation, the Academy of Life Planning introduces a groundbreaking approach. Our expertise extends beyond these traditional frameworks, leveraging our unique roles in our community … Continue reading Elevating Financial Planning: Academy of Life Planning’s Revolutionary Approach
10 Ways To Create Wealth From Scratch
Steve Conley Transforming Cashflow into Life's Opportunities | Founder of Planning My Life & Academy of Life Planning 203 articles March 12, 2022Open Immersive Reader A small proportion of the population can save their way to wealth by applying frugality and deferring earned income (money earned elsewhere) to investments and property. However, saving your way to wealth … Continue reading 10 Ways To Create Wealth From Scratch
The FCA’s Advice Boundary Review: Striking the Right Balance in Financial Guidance
Exploring the implications of the FCA’s new proposals on financial advice. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent advice guidance boundary review marks a significant moment in the landscape of financial advice. The FCA's proposals are rooted in the admirable goal of expanding access to financial advice. However, the nuances of these proposals warrant a closer … Continue reading The FCA’s Advice Boundary Review: Striking the Right Balance in Financial Guidance
Rethinking Financial Advice: Beyond Selling Products
Introduction: In light of the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) recent proposals on reforming the advice boundary, it's imperative to examine a critical, often overlooked aspect of financial planning. The prevailing industry approach leans heavily towards managing assets and selling financial products. However, what if there’s a more holistic, consumer-focused way to assist people with their … Continue reading Rethinking Financial Advice: Beyond Selling Products
Maximising Cashflows: The Cashflow Coach Advantage
In the pursuit of financial freedom, the distinction between saving earned income and creating sustainable cashflows is pivotal. The Cashflow Coach, part of the esteemed Academy of Life Planning, offers a revolutionary approach to lifetime cashflow planning. Unlike traditional financial advisers who focus on preserving the cashflows you've already generated, The Cashflow Coach specialises in … Continue reading Maximising Cashflows: The Cashflow Coach Advantage
Integrating Well-being into Financial Planning: The McKinsey Insight and the Academy’s Vision
Introduction: In a financial world often narrowed down to numbers and transactions, the Academy of Life Planning offers a groundbreaking perspective. We embrace a philosophy that goes beyond traditional financial planning, incorporating well-being in mind, body, heart, spirit, and bank account. This holistic approach, recently validated by insights from a leading consulting firm like McKinsey, … Continue reading Integrating Well-being into Financial Planning: The McKinsey Insight and the Academy’s Vision
