About Us | FLC Financial Life Coach

“About Me” – Financial Life Coach

“When life changes, we often ask: Who can I really trust to help me navigate this?”
I’m not here to sell financial products. I’m here to sit on your side of the table—calm, conflict-free, and focused on you.

As a Financial Life Coach, my approach is different. I don't work on commission. I don’t push investments. I focus on what truly matters: you—your values, your goals, your wellbeing.

I’ve spent decades at the top of UK financial services, leading strategy for brands like HSBC and M&S. But I chose a different path—one that puts people before profit. Now based in Spilsby, I work with individuals and families who want to take control of their financial future without pressure or sales tactics.

Whether you're navigating retirement, planning your next life chapter, or simply seeking clarity and confidence, I’m here to walk beside you.

No jargon. No judgement. Just honest, personal guidance—on your terms.

Ready to explore coaching? Book a free call.

Why I Left the Corporate World

After decades inside the system, I saw how it failed the very people it claimed to serve. Clients were sold complexity. Advisers were incentivised to sell. I knew there had to be a better way — one rooted in truth, transparency, and trust. That’s why I built Financial Life Coach.

Very clearly explained advice when I most needed it

"I was recently widowed when I came to Steve to help me sort out my finances. A previous financial advisor had wanted to charge me eye-watering fees that would have meant, at the end of my term with him, I may as well as given him the keys to my flat! Steve charged a much more reasonable fee to help me get my finances in order and was incredibly good at patiently explaining things to me (my bereavements meant I suffered from brain fog, so found it hard to grasp things). I was given guidance on where to invest my money so that it was protected by the FSCS and also how to invest in LifeStrategy products on the Vanguard platform. Our regular meetings 'forced' me to take action and empowered me to make decisions about my financial planning. Steve is incredibly kind, supportive and knowledgeable and I really appreciated his help during one of the most stressful periods of my life. Highly recommended. Thank you Steve!"

Lisa Jackson, Lancing, England, March 2025.

More About My Story

Ethical. Experienced. Empowering.

Chartered Insurer | Chartered Financial Planner | Founder, Academy of Life Planning

“I left the corporate world to put people before profit—and make financial planning ethical, transparent, and empowering for everyone.”

Decades of Leadership

With over 40 years in UK financial services, I’ve held senior executive roles shaping investment strategy at:

HSBC (Head of Investments, UK)
RBS Group (Head of Savings & Investments Strategy)
Santander (Head of Wrap & Innovation)
Chair, British Bankers’ Association Bancassurance Group during the Retail Distribution Review

But corporate success didn’t align with my values—so I changed course.

A New Path: People Before Products

In 2012, I founded the Academy of Life Planning—a values-driven alternative to traditional advice, focused on:

Purpose-led planning
Product-free guidance
Holistic life and money alignment

What I Stand For

Ethical financial planning with zero commissions
Holistic wellbeing: money, mind, body, heart, and purpose
Empowering individuals to plan with clarity and confidence

“I don’t sell financial products—I help people design lives of meaning, freedom, and peace.”

What I Do As Your Coach

Help you clarify what matters most
Support you through tough transitions
Equip you with tools you control
Guide you without managing your money
Teach you how to plan your life before your money

Credentials & Awards

Chartered Financial Planner & Chartered Insurer
Fellow – Chartered Insurance Institute & Personal Finance Society
Registered Life Planner – Kinder Institute
Accredited GAME Plan Mentor – Academy of Life Planning
BSc Mathematics, University of Manchester
Author – Your Money or Your Life
Transparency Trophy Winner – Transparency Task Force
Elite Speaker – Professional Speakers Academy
Global Ambassador – Transparency Task Force

Leading a Movement for Change

I continue to advocate for a financial industry built on:

Transparency and fiduciary duty
Clear separation between advice and product sales
Planning that serves the person, not the system

My Qualifications

1986-1989

FCII, DipPFS

Chartered Insurance Institute

Member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Insurance Institute. Fellowship via Pensions Route.

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.