By Steve Conley, Founder – Academy of Life Planning “It is not machines we should fear, but those who program the system to serve profit over people.” On June 24th, the UK Treasury Committee convened a panel of academic experts to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services. The headlines were cautious—if … Continue reading AI in Financial Services: What the Experts Missed at the Treasury Committee
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🚀 Beyond the Essay: Why AI Should Elevate Our Thinking, Not Replace It
By Steve Conley | Academy of Life Planning A recent study from MIT’s Media Lab sent ripples through the AI and education communities. It claimed that using ChatGPT to write SAT-style essays resulted in the lowest brain engagement among participants compared to those using Google Search or working unaided. EEG scans showed diminished neural activity, … Continue reading 🚀 Beyond the Essay: Why AI Should Elevate Our Thinking, Not Replace It
The Financial Planning Process for Young People: What Changes?
Financial planning for young people is not a simplified version of retiree planning—it’s a different game entirely. With lives marked by constant change, younger clients require a dynamic, adaptive approach grounded in cash flow management, emotional intelligence, and relationship-based service. At the Academy of Life Planning, we use the GAME Plan—a holistic, cyclical process that … Continue reading The Financial Planning Process for Young People: What Changes?
Pension Planning in Limbo: Ethical Advice in the Shadow of Pending Tax Reform
By Steve Conley, Founder – Academy of Life Planning "Do we plan for what is, or for what is coming?" It’s a question increasingly asked of financial planners as we edge closer to April 2027—the date when unused pension pots may no longer remain exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT), following proposals made in the 2024 … Continue reading Pension Planning in Limbo: Ethical Advice in the Shadow of Pending Tax Reform
“Reclaiming the Path: How the Rigged System Took Hold—And How We Heal”
By Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning Let me take you back in time—to a moment when the world was very different. A time when people lived in rhythm with nature, with the moon, the seasons, and the cycles of life. A time when knowledge was holistic, sacred, and shared. In those days, life … Continue reading “Reclaiming the Path: How the Rigged System Took Hold—And How We Heal”
Top 10 Tips for Citizen Investigators to Get Their Stories Listened to by the Press
By Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning Injustice thrives in silence. Yet far too often, victims of financial wrongdoing struggle to break through the noise of mainstream media. As citizen investigators, many of us face this uphill battle alone—armed with truth, evidence, and purpose, but unsure how to be heard. At a recent Transparency … Continue reading Top 10 Tips for Citizen Investigators to Get Their Stories Listened to by the Press
From Transaction to Transformation: Why Aegon’s ‘Money:Mindshift’ Campaign Is a Step in the Right Direction
By Steve Conley, Founder, Academy of Life Planning Something significant is stirring in the financial services world. This week, Aegon launched its Money:Mindshift campaign — a conscious attempt to challenge the traditional, transactional model of financial advice. Led by Dr Tom Mathar, the campaign invites us to move beyond the numbers and reconnect with what … Continue reading From Transaction to Transformation: Why Aegon’s ‘Money:Mindshift’ Campaign Is a Step in the Right Direction
The Motor Finance Scandal: A Tipping Point for Commission-Driven Finance
As the UK awaits the Supreme Court ruling on the motor finance commission case this July, the financial services industry finds itself on the brink of another seismic shift—one that could reverberate far beyond car showrooms. At its heart, this case isn’t just about discretionary commissions or mis-sold car loans. It challenges the legitimacy of … Continue reading The Motor Finance Scandal: A Tipping Point for Commission-Driven Finance
Rethinking Financial Help: Why Regulated Advice Isn’t the Only Answer
Too often, the public narrative around financial support starts—and ends—with the regulated financial adviser. It’s a narrow view that overlooks a growing ecosystem of professionals ready to empower people to take control of their money without pushing products or prioritising profit. The truth is, most regulated advisers are paid to sell. They operate within a … Continue reading Rethinking Financial Help: Why Regulated Advice Isn’t the Only Answer
£1 Million in the Headlines, £10 Billion in the Shadows: Why the FCA’s War on Financial Crime Rings Hollow
By Steve Conley, Founder – Academy of Life Planning This week, the FCA proudly trumpeted its latest scalp: two siblings convicted for insider dealing and money laundering worth just over £1 million. Redinel Korfuzi, a research analyst, and his sister Oerta were found guilty of exploiting confidential information to profit from 13 market trades between … Continue reading £1 Million in the Headlines, £10 Billion in the Shadows: Why the FCA’s War on Financial Crime Rings Hollow
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