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About Financial Life Coach
Inclusive, Empowering, and Holistic Financial Planning
Am I the Right Adviser for You?
Selecting the appropriate financial guidance is a significant decision, one that should be based on a clear alignment of values, approach, and expectations. My services are best suited to individuals who seek unbiased, strategic financial planning, free from the influence of product sales or commission-driven advice.
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If you value transparency, integrity, and a personalised approach, and wish to retain full autonomy over your financial decisions, my expertise may be well-aligned with your needs. I provide bespoke, objective guidance, ensuring that every aspect of your financial plan is tailored solely to your best interests.
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If you are seeking an adviser who prioritises education, empowerment, and long-term financial clarity, rather than one who simply recommends financial products, then my approach may offer the structured, principled support you require.
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I invite you to explore whether my methodology resonates with your financial aspirations and personal values, so that together, we may establish a framework for your long-term security and success.
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A New Era of Financial Planning: Flexibility and Independence
The opportunity to commission a comprehensive financial plan on a one-off basis, with the option to seek ongoing professional guidance only as required, represents a significant and progressive development for consumers in the United Kingdom. This approach affords individuals greater flexibility and autonomy, enabling them to take charge of their financial futures while retaining access to expert counsel when necessary.
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However, this model is not suited to all. It necessitates a degree of financial confidence, particularly in the management of investments, as well as a proactive mindset and a willingness to engage in the learning process to ensure informed decision-making.
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If this description resonates with you, then there is no reason to delay. If you have yet to establish a structured financial plan, now is the time to do so. Alternatively, if you are approaching retirement or have already entered this new phase of life, a well-considered retirement strategy is imperative to ensuring long-term financial security and peace of mind.
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Take the Next Step
Why not schedule a consultation and begin the process of turning aspirations into actionable plans? Life is finite, and the time for passive contemplation has passed. The life you envision should not remain a distant ambition—it is time to strategically plan for its realisation.
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This approach comes highly recommended by Robin Powell, a respected financial journalist and the founder of The Evidence-Based Investor, a widely regarded resource on investment and personal finance.
My Vision: The Foundation of Financial Life Coach
Founded by Steve Conley, a financial professional with over four decades of experience, Financial Life Coach (FLC) was established with the ambition of revolutionising financial planning. My vision for FLC is both simple and profound: to create a platform that not only empowers individuals financially but also addresses the broader aspirations of life itself.
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At FLC, financial planning is not confined to wealth accumulation or investment management; rather, it is an integrated and holistic process that aligns financial strategies with personal fulfilment and long-term well-being. My career has been characterised by innovation, and my objective remains unwavering—to provide expert guidance that enables individuals to navigate not merely their financial affairs, but their entire life journey.
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Through thoughtful planning, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to your aspirations, I am dedicated to assisting you in realising your ambitions and cultivating a life that is both financially secure and personally enriching. Let us work together to shape a future that is uniquely yours, defined by stability, purpose, and fulfilment.
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My Ethos: Integrity, Transparency, and Innovation in Financial Planning
At Financial Life Coach (FLC), the principles of integrity, transparency, and innovation form the foundation of my approach. I challenge conventional financial planning models, advocating instead for non-intermediating strategies that prioritise your best interests above all else.
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My mission extends beyond the mere provision of financial solutions; it is about integrating these solutions seamlessly into your broader life objectives, ensuring that your financial strategy serves as a means to achieve both stability and holistic well-being. True financial planning should not exist in isolation but should be harmonised with your values, aspirations, and long-term vision for life.
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I am committed to guiding and supporting you in the creation of a future that is not only financially secure but also deeply fulfilling. Together, we shall ensure that your financial plan is a reflection of your values, fostering balance, clarity, and purpose in every aspect of your life.
What Distinguishes My Approach?
My practice is defined by an unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, innovation, and holistic financial planning. I offer a service that is entirely free from commercial influence, ensuring that every recommendation is grounded in objectivity and genuine client interest.
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Unbiased Counsel
My guidance is entirely independent and impartial, untainted by external financial incentives or product sales. You can be assured that my sole focus is on crafting a financial strategy that serves your best interests, tailored meticulously to your unique circumstances and aspirations.
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Innovative Strategies
Harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, I develop forward-thinking financial solutions that incorporate modern analytics, predictive modelling, and strategic foresight. In an ever-evolving financial landscape, I ensure that you remain well-prepared, well-informed, and always one step ahead.
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A Holistic Approach
Financial planning should never exist in isolation from the broader context of one’s life. I take the time to understand your long-term aspirations, challenges, and values, ensuring that your financial strategy is seamlessly integrated into your life goals, rather than dictating them.
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Let us work in partnership to construct a financial plan that is both pragmatic and aspirational, designed not merely to preserve your wealth but to empower you to live a life of purpose, security, and fulfilment. With trusted advice and progressive strategies, you will be equipped to navigate the future with both confidence and clarity.
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My Vision: Financial Empowerment for Individual and Global Progress
At Financial Life Coach (FLC), my dedication to empowering individuals is intrinsically linked to a broader global vision.
Financial planning, in my view, extends beyond the mere accumulation of personal wealth; it possesses the potential to address systemic challenges, such as economic inequality and poverty. This conviction underpins my commitment to aligning my work with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, advocating the principle that financial empowerment can serve as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting global change.
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My mission is twofold: to equip individuals with the financial acumen necessary to secure their own future, while simultaneously contributing to a more equitable and sustainable world. By fostering financial independence, resilience, and informed decision-making, we can drive both personal and collective progress.
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Together, we can shape a future that is not only prosperous for you but also contributes to the betterment of society at large. Let us work in partnership to realise your ambitions, while simultaneously making a tangible, positive impact on the world around us.
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About Steve: A Lifetime of Expertise and Ethical Leadership in Financial Planning
Steve Conley
Chartered Insurer | Chartered Financial Planner | Author of Your Money or Your Life
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I am a Chartered Insurer and Chartered Financial Planner, with a distinguished career spanning several decades within the financial planning and services industry. Throughout my professional tenure, I have occupied senior leadership positions, including Head of Investments at HSBC, alongside similar roles at Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Santander. My expertise extends beyond corporate leadership, as evidenced by my tenure as Chair of the British Bankers' Association’s Bancassurance Steering Group, where I played a pivotal role in shaping industry developments during the UK’s Retail Distribution Review.
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My professional endeavours have been consistently underpinned by a steadfast commitment to enhancing financial well-being, advocating for ethical financial practices, and championing transparency and integrity within the sector. These principles culminated in my founding of the Academy of Life Planning in 2012, an institution dedicated to empowering individuals and professionals alike with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate financial decision-making with independence, foresight, and ethical responsibility.
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I remain devoted to fostering an industry that places the interests of individuals at its core, ensuring that financial planning serves not merely as a mechanism for wealth accumulation, but as a means to achieve a fulfilling, secure, and purpose-driven life.
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Qualifications and Professional Memberships
My expertise is underpinned by a comprehensive academic and professional foundation, including:
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Accredited GAME Plan practitioner, and mentor, by the Academy of Life Planning.
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Elite member of the Professional Speakers Academy.
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Fellowship and Advanced Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Personal Finance Society (PFS), with specialised proficiency in pensions, trusts, and estate planning.
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Certified Master Life Planner accredited by the Kinder Institute of Life Planning, reflecting my commitment to holistic financial guidance.
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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Manchester, reinforcing my analytical and strategic approach to financial planning.
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Company Law Certification from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, ensuring a robust understanding of corporate governance and legal frameworks.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout my career, I have been honoured with multiple prestigious awards, including:
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The British Insurance & Investment Brokers' Association Prize—awarded on two occasions in recognition of professional excellence.
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The Jubilee Prize—twice bestowed by the Insurance Institute of Manchester, acknowledging outstanding performance in financial services within North West England and Manchester.
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A Transparency Trophy winner of the Transparency Taskforce, Ambassador, and founding lead of its Market Integrity Team.
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Thought Leadership and Professional Speaking
As an Elite Member of the Professional Speakers Academy, I am dedicated to advancing financial education and thought leadership, ensuring that the principles of integrity, transparency, and professionalism remain at the forefront of industry discussions.
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A Mission to Redefine Financial Services
Having held senior corporate roles leading wealth propositions for HSBC, RBS Group, and Santander, I gained first-hand insight into the inner workings of the financial sector. However, I became increasingly disillusioned with a prevailing profits-over-people mentality. Recognising the need for a fundamental shift in financial planning, I founded the Academy of Life Planning in 2012, offering a transformative alternative that prioritises meaningful financial advice over commercial interests.
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Championing Transparency and Fiduciary Responsibility
My mission is to restore public trust in financial services by advocating for a clear separation between financial advice and product sales, thereby ensuring that all guidance remains impartial and devoid of conflicts of interest. In 2017, I was honoured with the Transparency Trophy, acknowledging my efforts in promoting greater openness and accountability within the industry. I also serve as a Global Ambassador for the Transparency Task Force and am the founding lead of its Market Integrity Team, striving to uphold the highest standards of ethics and fairness in financial services.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation
As a respected authority on investments and pensions, I am recognised for my unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethical financial planning, and consumer advocacy. Through the Academy of Life Planning, I continue to empower both individuals and financial professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial security, personal growth, and a values-driven approach to financial planning.
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If you seek an adviser with extensive experience, principled leadership, and a steadfast dedication to improving the financial industry, I am here to support you on your journey towards financial clarity, security, and empowerment.
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My Qualifications
1986-1989
FCII, DipPFS
Chartered Insurance Institute
Member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute. Fellowship via Pensions Route.
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Chartered Insurer. Twice winner (Associateship & Fellowship) of the British Insurance & Investment Brokers' Association prize and twice winner of the Jubilee Prize of the Insurance Institute of Manchester, for best performance in North West UK and Manchester respectively.
2008-2017
APFS, Advance Diploma
Personal Finance Society
Chartered Financial Planner:
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J02 Trusts and Estate Planning
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J04 Pension Funding Options
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J05 Pension Income
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AF3 Pension Planning
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AF5 Financial Planning Process
1979-1983
BSc Mathematics
University of Manchester
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Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from U.M.I.S.T.
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Get in Touch:
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Should you have any enquiries, require further information, or wish to embark upon this transformative journey towards financial clarity and fulfilment, I would be delighted to assist you. Together, we can craft a future where financial acumen and personal aspirations are seamlessly aligned, ensuring a life of both security and purpose.
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Do not hesitate to reach out—your path to a more empowered financial future begins with a single step. Connect with me today, and let us commence the process of designing a financial strategy that truly reflects your values, ambitions, and long-term aspirations.
Join Me On This Journey
At FLC, I don’t just offer services; I offer partnerships. Partnerships built on trust, expertise, and a shared vision for a future that’s both financially secure and enriching in every aspect of your life. When you engage with me, we’ll work together to co-create a financial story that’s as unique as you are. Let’s build your future, together.