By Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning The FCA’s Consumer Duty is reshaping financial services, prompting firms to reassess the value and suitability of their ongoing service propositions. What we're witnessing is a healthy shift: providers proactively contacting clients to adjust or even downgrade services they’re not using—before the regulator forces their hand. It's … Continue reading Consumer Duty and the Evolution of Ongoing Financial Services: Meeting Clients Where They Are
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley brings over four decades of innovation and expertise to the forefront of financial planning. As the founder and driving force behind the Academy of Life Planning and HapNav Ltd, Steve has been a pivotal figure in transforming financial services to be more democratic and decentralised. His role as a Game Plan Practitioner, Coach, Mentor, Speaker, and Author of "Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers - Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of Your Life" underlines his comprehensive approach to financial education.
The Academy of Life Planning, hailed as the "Most Pioneering Financial Planner Network," reflects Steve's commitment to fostering transparency, integrity, and accessibility. This institution serves as a testament to his dedication to enhancing the financial planning landscape.
Under Steve's innovative leadership, HapNav Ltd has launched groundbreaking advancements, including the first end-user financial planning app integrated with open banking. This app guides users towards achieving 'Kokoro'—a life rich in financial, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual abundance.
Recently, Steve introduced "Planning My Life" and "Financial Life Coach"—services that extend his ethos into practical, impactful tools for financial autonomy. "Planning My Life" offers an affordable subscription model, giving members access to an AI Life Planner, comprehensive resources, and expert insights. These initiatives epitomise Steve’s commitment to empowering individuals, nurturing community growth, and contributing significantly to global efforts to eradicate poverty.
Steve's journey is more than a career; it's a steadfast crusade to revolutionise financial education and planning, creating a world where financial wellbeing is not just attainable, but enriches every aspect of our lives. Contact steve.conley@aolp.co.uk.
Your Money or Your Life: The Weak Pay While the Mighty Play
For the sick, the poor, and the betrayed. You are not invisible. You are not alone. While Britain’s most vulnerable are told to tighten their belts, a very different message is being whispered in Whitehall’s corridors: bend the knee to the tech giants—Trump demands it. Yes, that Trump. Back in power and back to business—this … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Weak Pay While the Mighty Play
Your Money or Your Life: Lessons From Downunder
When the System Protects the Banks, Who Protects You? 🕯️ For the victims still waiting for justice. And for those we’ve already lost to silence, shame, and system failure. 🔍 The Injustice Unmasked Once upon a time in Australia, the government told its people there was no need for a royal commission into banking. "Nothing … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: Lessons From Downunder
Case Study: Empowering Financial Independence After Bereavement
Background Sarah, a 56-year-old widow, approached us in June 2023 following the loss of her husband 18 months prior. In addition to grieving her husband, Sarah had also been a primary caregiver for her father, whom she also lost recently. These life-altering events left her emotionally drained and facing significant financial anxiety. Sarah's late husband … Continue reading Case Study: Empowering Financial Independence After Bereavement
Your Money or Your Life: The Government’s War on WASPI Women
Steve Conley | March 19, 2025 | 3 Minutes 🕯 For the women who paid in—and were let down. For those now punished for policy failures they didn’t cause.You are not invisible. You are not to blame.The system failed you. And still—you rise. 🕵️ The Injustice Unmasked The government claims there’s no money to compensate … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Government’s War on WASPI Women
Your Money or Your Life: The Insurance Industry Pounced
Tick, tick, boom. This was the moment they were waiting for. While the government slashes £5 billion from welfare, the insurance industry swoops in with a smile and a business plan. The Income Protection Task Force didn’t miss a beat—they’ve written to the Prime Minister offering to “play a pivotal role” in supporting benefit reforms. … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Insurance Industry Pounced
Your Money or Your Life: The Government’s War on the Weak
For the ones left behind. For the sick, the silenced, and the scapegoated. You are not the problem.The system is. The Injustice Unmasked While the government cries crisis with a projected £5 billion cut in welfare spending, it quietly ignores the elephant in the Treasury: up to £1.076 trillion in untaxed overseas corporate profits. That’s … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Government’s War on the Weak
Elder Abuse: The Most Cowardly Crime
There is no lower act than preying on the vulnerable. Elder abuse is the most cowardly crime — a calculated betrayal that targets those who are often defenceless, isolated, and trusting. From institutions to individuals, and even trusted professionals, the abuse of elders is more common — and more insidious — than many care to … Continue reading Elder Abuse: The Most Cowardly Crime
Your Money or Your Life: For Whom the Bell Gaslights
🕯 For the WASPI women.For every daughter who watched her mother work hard and be betrayed harder.For those silenced not by time, but by tactics. 🕵️ The Injustice Unmasked “We have not ignored the Ombudsman’s report... we have just come to a different conclusion.” That’s DARVO in action. Deny. Attack. Reverse Victim and Offender. It’s … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: For Whom the Bell Gaslights
Your Money or Your Life: The Retirement Lie They’re Still Selling
For the ones who were told to just “keep working”—until they drop. You’ve seen the headlines. “Only half of adults confident of working to 70.”Cue the crocodile tears from product providers and pension giants. But look closer—and you’ll spot the trap. This isn’t about concern for the working class.It’s about selling more financial products to … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Retirement Lie They’re Still Selling
Academy of Life Planning 