The Nucleus Financial 2023 Retirement Confidence Index has shed light on a critical issue in the financial planning industry: the need to bolster confidence among those approaching or in retirement. As the founder of the Academy of Life Planning, I see this as a clarion call to action. Our mission to democratise and decentralise financial … Continue reading Scaling Retirement Confidence: A Roadmap for the Future
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.
Embracing the Decentralised Financial Planning Movement in 2024
The learnings of 2023 have indubitably set the stage for an evolutionary leap in the financial services sector. Amidst the backdrop of vacillating economies, geopolitical tensions, and technological milestones, the upcoming year heralds a pivotal trend: the ascent of decentralised financial planning. This burgeoning movement marks a departure from the centralised mainstays of financial advisory, … Continue reading Embracing the Decentralised Financial Planning Movement in 2024
Self-Reliance in Finance: Trusting the Helping Hands at the End of Your Own Arms
Introduction: In an era where the financial landscape is as volatile as it is complex, the conviction of cryptocurrency magnate Sam Bankman-Fried for fraud and money laundering has served as a stark reminder of the perils lurking within unchecked financial advice and product placement. It underscores a timeless truth: the most trustworthy helping hands are … Continue reading Self-Reliance in Finance: Trusting the Helping Hands at the End of Your Own Arms
Lifeline for Financial Advisers: Navigating Through Turbulent Waters
Introduction: The world of financial advising is fraught with complexity and challenges. For advisers facing disputes or contractual difficulties, such as those formerly associated with St. James's Place (SJP), the journey can be particularly treacherous. The Academy of Life Planning recognises the need for support and offers a beacon of hope. The Plight: Many advisers … Continue reading Lifeline for Financial Advisers: Navigating Through Turbulent Waters
Rebuilding Trust in Financial Services: A Wall Between Advice and Product
In the wake of the Philips Trust scandal, where a breach of trust left thousands heartbroken and financially devastated, the need for a structural overhaul in the financial services industry has never been more evident. The incident, which involved building society customers being misled into placing over £138 million into trust funds, highlights a systemic … Continue reading Rebuilding Trust in Financial Services: A Wall Between Advice and Product
Introducing Financial Life Coach: Tailored Financial Planning for Every Individual
There's a saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Today, I'm elated to share with you a new step in our journey at the Academy of Life Planning – the introduction of Financial Life Coach. Why this new venture? It's simple: clarity. Over time, I recognised a need for a … Continue reading Introducing Financial Life Coach: Tailored Financial Planning for Every Individual
Online Business Owners and Many-to-Many Marketing: Crafting a New Paradigm in Financial Services
The world of financial planning has traditionally catered to a select few. With a staggering 95% of the population underserved, the demand for an inclusive, approachable model is evident. Pioneering this transformative shift is the collaborative strategy championed by Online Business Owners (OBO) and the innovative many-to-many marketing approach. The Current Landscape: An Underserved MajorityDespite … Continue reading Online Business Owners and Many-to-Many Marketing: Crafting a New Paradigm in Financial Services
The Dawn of Financial Empowerment: Steering Away from the Traditional Advice Model
In recent years, the financial planning landscape has been in a tug of war between traditional models laden with high fees and a burgeoning movement towards non-intermediating financial planning. The latter signifies a shift towards a more transparent, accessible, and affordable financial advisory model, shedding the costly shackles of the former. This is more than … Continue reading The Dawn of Financial Empowerment: Steering Away from the Traditional Advice Model
Misinterpretations in Financial Studies: A Closer Look
I am drawn towards the world of numbers by nature, having pursued a degree in mathematics and ventured into the realm of actuarial science while working for an insurance firm, now part of Royal London. Though my journey stopped short of qualifying as an actuary, my inclination towards numbers remained unswayed. Mark Twain cleverly remarked, … Continue reading Misinterpretations in Financial Studies: A Closer Look
The “Silver Exodus” and the Opportunity for Sustainable Livelihoods: A New Perspective on Retirement
Introduction The traditional concept of retirement is undergoing a seismic shift, and not just because of increasing life expectancies. A recent article from FT Adviser highlights the trend of older workers leaving the workforce to "wind down," citing various reasons such as ill health and family responsibilities. While the financial implications of this trend are … Continue reading The “Silver Exodus” and the Opportunity for Sustainable Livelihoods: A New Perspective on Retirement
