On the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast this week, Danni and Charlene discuss how the gender pension gap varies from state pension to private pensions, and why this matters for your retirement planning. We also speak to Chair of The 30% Club, Pavita Cooper, about how to get ahead in the workplace. She shares her top tips to gaining a promotion, insightful observations about social media's influence on our careers, and how she has sculpted a fulfilling career led by ambition and balanced with family commitments.
On this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss a whopping gender gap when parents gift money to their children, and why this strangely might not be such bad news. We also hear from Liz Dimmock, CEO and founder of mentoring enterprise Moving Ahead. From a corporate life to following her instincts, and now supporting women across the UK get the help they need to succeed, Liz shares her top tips plus some great money confessions. As a single mum, Liz also explains how she's learnt to let go of rigid planning and embrace change.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss common financial changes in the summer months with both of them on the cusp of big life events. We also speak to Anna Hemmings, chief executive of our charity partner Smart Works. The mission? To support unemployed women across the UK who need help getting into work through coaching, clothing and confidence. Anna shares how she got the job herself and how to set yourself up for career success.
This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss parental leave with a focus on paternity pay as the government plans an overhaul that benefits not only the economy, but also women's wallets. We're also joined by our guest Funmi Olufunwa, a financial educator, qualified mortgage adviser and finance lawyer, who recently gave evidence to the Treasury Committee about the Lifetime ISA. We walk through the main features of the account, as well as recommendations from the Government on how it could be improved to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss how to spot an investing scam and when a finfluencer's posts online are too good to be true. We also speak to best-selling author and life coach Linda Davies about her extraordinary life. She shares how she started out on Wall Street in the world of investment banking to save up to become a best-selling author, as well as how she overcame a kidnapping and breast cancer to fulfil her dream of becoming a life coach. Linda also shares her top tips to building a healthy view of money.
This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss new legislation being proposed around Buy Now Pay Later schemes. As these loans become increasingly popular, do consumers really understand what they're signing up for, and why has it taken so long for regulators to step in? We also hear from Troy Asset Management's Charlotte Yonge as we talk through how to focus on long-term views when markets (and headlines) are panicked. From doing your homework to diversification, Charlotte shares her top tips.
In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we talk about all things art with Jennifer Conner, UK Regional MD of the Affordable Art Fair. Jennifer shares her top art-buying tips, explains the story behind the Affordable Art Fair, and shares her one rule when buying art as an investment - you have to love it! Laura and Danni also de-jargon interest rates, breaking down the basics and explaining how the recent cut affects mortgages and savings.
On this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters, Danni and Laura are celebrating World Earth Day with an episode all about investing for positive change. You might have heard the term ESG it stands for Environmental, Social and Governance but what does that actually mean when it comes to your money? From the basics of what ESG actually means to understanding what a sustainable fund manager weighs up when building their portfolio, we're peeling back the layers with the help of Schroder's Roberta Barr. The team also discuss the good news stories... plus a pension error which means some women are owed thousands.
In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura hear from the team's children spanning from four to eighteen. We know money habits start early in life, so how do they feel about money, do they have any worries, and are we teaching good habits? Find out which kind of account grandparents and relatives can pay into to help boost your child's long-term finances. We also breakdown recent news of markets spiralling following President Trump's tariffs, and how to avoid making rash decisions which could impact your financial future.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni is joined by Charlene Young and Rachel Vahey for a tax year end special. The team are breaking down jargon to help you understand what is changing and how to make the most of your money. Tax year end can be daunting and complicated, but it can also be a brilliant time to reset your finances. We're covering ISA allowances, tax thresholds, pensions and more with our friendly experts. The team also touch on the £100,000 cliff edge which is generating a lot of interest on TikTok and talk you through some of the benefits you might be missing out on.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura walk through the changes hurtling towards us in April including energy price caps, broadband and council tax. We also hear from AJ Bell's sales director Alison Mollard and business development team leader Georgia Swallow who are mentor and mentee respectively. When Alison began her career, the financial services sector looked particularly different as she was often the only woman in the room. Both Alison and Georgia share their stories and insights, plus why mentoring is still essential.
On this special episode of the podcast which coincides with International Women’s Day 2025, Danni and Laura talk through our new research which sheds light on the £6.6 billion gender ISA gap. Lots of women have ISAs but they tend to keep their savings in cash which means the growth potential is likely to be lower. Simplifying ISAs, ditching jargon and helping women become more confident with their financial choices are all part of the solution which will hopefully help close the wider gender investment gap. We’ve also got a very special guest. Jenny Halpern Prince is the founder of charities the Lady Garden and Access Aspiration, plus she runs her own PR and brand company and just in case she’s got a few hours spare, she’s also a mum of three. We also hear about the lessons she’s learned over the years and how she feels we can all #AccelerateAction which of course is the theme of this year’s IWD.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss love and money. Often taboo in relationships, they share their own money stories as well as top tips for those managing joint finances and for people experiencing the single tax. We also hear from husband-and-wife Matt & Claire Towe who set up a business together. Meet Margo's mission is to make mortgages easy with a focus on women's finances; set up at Matt & Claire's dining table, the couple chat about balancing work and personal lives, managing finances, and creating a company around flexible working. https://meetmargo.uk/
On this episode of the pod, Danni and Laura discuss trends from the latest Unemployment Index curated by our charity partner Smart Works. We also speak to Georgina Taylor from Invesco who walks us through the key things to consider for those preparing to take pension payments, as well as top retirement tips for all ages. Georgina also explains what 'lifestyling' is, and talks about buying an annuity vs taking money in drawdown (and if you can use them together). Plus how she nearly turned down becoming a fund manager at 40.
This week on the pod, Danni and Laura review the financial wins from last year and resolutions for 2025 from the Money Matters team. It's important to celebrate any money goal achieved, no matter how big or small. From building an emergency fund and quashing lifestyle creep to filing paperwork on time and fixing energy tariffs, we share our successes. We also dive into financial resolutions and setting achievable money habits. Our experts discuss top tips to start 2025 on the right foot, and maybe give you some ideas to feel good about your finances. Sign up for the #dontfearyourfuture free webinar here to put your questions to Baroness Helena Morrissey and Jacynth Bassett: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1683069072008430942 We’ll see you at 12:30pm on 29th January!
On the first pod of 2025, we're joined by award-winning founder of Ageism Is Never In Style, Jacynth Bassett. Having created a vibrant community of people often ignored by society, we ask Jacynth how to breakdown stereotypes around ageing and enjoy preparing for your future. We also talk through the inspiration for the AJ Bell Money Matters & Ageism Is Never In Style collaboration. Sign up for the #dontfearyourfuture free webinar here to put your questions to Baroness Helena Morrissey and Jacynth Bassett: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1683069072008430942 We’ll see you at 12:30pm on 29th January! Danni and Laura take on self assessments for their "one big thing", as around 40,000 Brits took to HMRC's website in the festive period. They walk through the basics and remind you of those important deadlines.
In the last pod episode of 2024, Danni and guest host Charlene discuss how male and female AJ Bell customers have differed in 2024 (as well as some surprising similarities). From the most popular shares and funds to how often we log in online, we examine why we have different habits to our male counterparts. Danni and Charlene also walk through the events in 2024 which have shapes our investing decisions. The past 12 months have been filled with elections, conflicts, and a budget that shook up financial definitions, which our experts chat through without the jargon.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss imposter syndrome: the little voice that tells you you’re not good enough. A lack of confidence is often cited by women as they reason they don’t ask for pay rises or promotions, don’t apply for senior leadership positions, or don’t feel able to return to the workplace after taking time out. We’ve got some top tips from Zoe Hayden Jones, podcaster and founder of the online platform Jobs for Women, about how to deal with imposter syndrome and why it’s something that impacts women more than men. Plus, if you thought inflation was last year’s problem, Laura and Danni explain why higher prices might be on their way back and why an interest rate cut by the Bank of England doesn’t mean that all mortgages are getting cheaper.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss “Equal Pay Day” - the point in the year that women stop earning relative to men because of the gender pay gap. They speak to Alesha De Freitas from The Fawcett Society, which is a charity that has been campaigning for years to reach a point when the day no longer exists because pay parity has finally been reached. They also discuss the US election which has put women and women’s issues front and centre. Whether the next President will be a woman or not, having such strong role models at the forefront of campaigns is something to celebrate.
On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we hear from Susannah De Jager and Patsy Day who set up The Wobbly Middle. Navigating change in work/life balances can be stressful but also reinvigorating, and when Susannah and Patsy found themselves on the same journey, they teamed up to share their stories and top tips. Danni and guest host Jenny also discuss Labour's employment rights bill and which changes could affect the Money Matters community including sick pay, parental leave and mandatory action plans to tackle the gender pay gap.