On this episode of the Money Matters podcast Danni and Laura discuss the issue of childcare costs. With inflation shooting up and options hard to come by after lockdowns pushed a number of providers to quit or close, prices are at an all-time high. We hear from a number of mums about how they’re coping by using family to fill in or by quitting work altogether. We talk through the help that’s available and discuss why many parents aren’t accessing what they’re entitled to, particularly when it co...
Jul 25, 2022•37 min•Ep. 20
This episode of the Money Matters podcast digs into student finances, how much debt will you end up with, when do you start to pay it back and how do you support yourself whilst you’re studying? The latest figures from the Student Loans Company show the total national student debt is valued at £161 billion. Danni talks to two graduates from the University of Leeds, Bronwen Jones and Connie Steen, who are just setting out on what they hope will be successful careers, but they talk about how they ...
Jul 11, 2022•30 min•Ep. 19
On this episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura talk about the big choices being faced by millions of school leavers. Whilst many will choose to stay in full-time education, others will be thinking about applying for their first job or considering an apprenticeship. They discuss the financial implications of those decisions and Laura catches up with Paula Wharrier, AJ Bell’s recruitment manager and asks what makes someone stand out in a job interview and how a tight labour market h...
Jun 27, 2022•42 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Laura chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, which has helped over 20,000 women return to work. That includes Sam Gilbert, who tells Danni how the charity helped her start a new job this spring. The Money Matters team also discuss the barriers of getting back into the workplace, particularly if you’ve been out of work for a long time – whether that’s because of studying or travel, or childcare issues or other caring responsibilities. With a tight labour market and the c...
Jun 13, 2022•39 min•Ep. 17
On this episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura tackle an issue on a lot of listeners minds right now – how do you go about asking for and getting a pay rise? With the labour market so tight, it might seem like the perfect time to push your employer for more money. And as inflation soars, a bit of extra cash in pay packets would certainly help. Laura chats to one Money Matters listener, Zoe Warren, who has first-hand experience of asking the question and getting the answer she want...
May 23, 2022•34 min•Ep. 16
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni strip investing back to its bare bones with the help of two fantastic guests. Prerna Khemlani, founder of This Girl Invests, breaks down investing jargon with Laura, and Danni chats to Abby Glennie, fund manager at Abrdn, about how she builds and runs a fund.
May 09, 2022•44 min•Ep. 15
This episode of the Money Matters podcast tackles the thorny issue of investing mistakes. Danni Hewson and Laura Suter share their regrets about their money journeys and hear from members of the AJ Bell team about things they wish they’d done differently. But perhaps the most common investing mistake is not getting started soon enough – or not investing at all. To learn more, Danni chats with co-founder of Female Invest, Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, who says women can’t just sit on the sidelines if t...
Apr 25, 2022•27 min•Ep. 14
In this week’s AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura chats with Chanelle Pattinson, a financial planner, about the differences between financial planning, coaching and advice. And Danni catches up with Charlene Young, an AJ Bell pensions expert, who delves into all the other options and resources out there to help you get in control of your finances.
Apr 11, 2022•28 min•Ep. 13
On this AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura break down the chancellor’s Spring Statement and the changes taking place at tax year end. They’re also joined by Rachel Vahey, our resident pensions expert, who’ll help explain some of the more complicated rules and allowances.
Mar 28, 2022•36 min•Ep. 12
On this episode of AJ Bell’s Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura celebrate International Women’s Day. Though there’s still much to do to narrow the gender investment gap, we’ve seen many positive changes which have made it easier for women to mix career and family. Laura chats to Amy and Phyl, two women at very different points in their career, about their experiences of working in finance. And Danni catches up with Jodie Hill, the founder of Thrive Law, to talk about what’s changed over the ...
Mar 14, 2022•41 min•Ep. 11
For this special episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura have put together a crack team of experts to help you navigate the current cost of living crunch. Rising interest rates might bump up your mortgage, but Gemma Bennett from Mortgage Mum is on hand with some tips on what to look out for. We also talk to Tash Jackson from Energy Helpline about those price cap changes, and if there's anything you can do to keep bills down. Katie Royals from The Twenty Percent joins us to ...
Feb 28, 2022•35 min•Ep. 10
In this special episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni chats to rugby legend Katy Daley-McLean. Katy discusses life after captaining the England women’s rugby union team to World Cup glory, and why becoming a mum played a big part in her decision to retire. She also talks openly about getting to grips with her finances as she juggled childcare and coaching Sale Sharks Women, and why she’s not ruled out a return to the international stage. While Katy’s story is unique, her decision to change...
Feb 11, 2022•33 min•Ep. 9
Laura and Danni delve into the pros and cons for women of hybrid working. Will working flexibly help you get back on your career path while juggling childcare responsibilities? Laura talks to Jill Cotton, who thinks working from home has made a big difference to the jobs she can do and the money she can earn. So what are your rights if your company wants you back in the office? Danni catches up with Clare McCartney from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to find out....
Jan 26, 2022•35 min•Ep. 8
This week, Danni speaks to Sara Davison, also known as 'The Divorce Coach', who explains how she had to follow her own advice to manage her unexpected divorce. Plus Laura hears some top tips on how to prepare yourself financially for a divorce from chartered financial adviser Fiona Sharp.
Jan 14, 2022•33 min•Ep. 7
On this special episode Laura Suter and Danni Hewson are joined by Money Matters team member Jenny Owen. They talk through tips to help you make the most of the New Year by taking a fresh look at your finances. From simply writing down your incomings and outgoings to cancelling rogue subscriptions, tracking down lost pension pots and finally signing up and using those cash back reward schemes, there’s something to get everybody financially fitter. Small steps can make a big difference, especiall...
Dec 29, 2021•30 min•Ep. 6
On episode five of the Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni talk about how your financial situation can impact your relationship. This Christmas, there’s more pressure than usual to make the festivities go with a bang – but if that bang sends you way over budget, it can create tension. Particularly if one of you earns more than the other, or if one’s a saver and the other a spender. We hear from Peter Saddington from Relate about what couples can do about this, and why it’s important both part...
Dec 13, 2021•29 min•Ep. 5
In episode four we meet Rachel Peru and Annie Stirk: the ladies who created 'Silver and Sassy' to help change people’s perceptions about women of a certain age. They talk candidly about navigating pension minefields, and the importance of thinking about the life you want to live when you retire. We also talk to AJ Bell’s senior technical consultant Rachel Vahey about some of the pinch points you need to look out for, and ways to help maximise your pension pot.
Nov 30, 2021•32 min•Ep. 4
In episode three we meet maths teacher Bobby Seagull. Hear why he thinks it's society holding back our financial education, how it's changing and his golden hour for financial management success. We also talk to two students and hear how they navigate their first financial responsibilities, how they got financially educated and the taboos we all still face when it comes to talking about money. If you'd like to watch the recording of our podcasts and interviews, head over to the Money Matters vid...
Nov 15, 2021•32 min•Ep. 3
We talk to Georgia Taylor-Brown about her Olympic triumphs and what it's meant for her financial future being self-employed. You'll also get pension tips for the self-employed, as well as what you should think about if you're planning a family, and how saving for your pension could save you tax. If you'd like to watch the recording of our podcasts and interviews, head over to the Money Matters video hub where you'll find all recordings of our podcasts to watch back....
Oct 29, 2021•31 min•Ep. 2
In our first episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast we talk to Baroness Helena Morrissey, AJ Bell's chair-elect and the woman spearheading our Money Matters campaign. She tells us what it's like to make a career in the male dominated world of finance, and why the gender investment gap exists. We also meet some first time investors and find out what was stopping them, why they're confident with investing. If you'd like to watch the recording of our podcasts and interviews, head over to the ...
Oct 29, 2021•34 min•Ep. 1
