In this episode, Steve is joined by Neil Bage, Co-Founder of Shaping Wealth, for a powerful conversation about understanding people as the core of great financial planning. Steve and Neil explore the psychology behind money and the emotional challenges that both clients and advisers face. Neil explains how our brains, designed for survival thousands of years ago, struggle to navigate a world built on numbers, screens, and long-term financial commitments. From emotional reactions to markets, t...
In this thought-provoking episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess unpack one of the most overlooked forces shaping our financial lives — time. Why do we put off things we know are important — from car services to pension contributions? Why do some people rush decisions, while others delay them endlessly? Drawing from behavioural science and financial psychology, Steve and Jess explore how our distorted sense of time drives procrastination, poor decisions, and lost opportunities.&nb...
In this episode, Steve and Jess take on one of life’s most avoided topics — protection. From life insurance to income and health cover, they explore why people delay or dodge these crucial safeguards, even when they know better. Steve and Jess break down the invisible barriers that keep people unprotected. They also explore why the “abstract future” always loses to the “tangible present” — holidays feel real, insurance doesn’t. You’ll also learn a powerful visualisation exercise that he...
Most people would rather insure their phone than spend money on financial protection for themselves. And who can blame them? Those products feel dull, complicated, and like money down the drain… until the worst happens. In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve Rowe and co-host Keely (stepping in while Jess is away) tackle the essential but often ignored subject of financial protection. With wit, real-world examples, and a few sharp warnings, they reveal why protection is the unshakab...
Why does inheritance tax (IHT) spark so much anger yet so little action? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dig into the mix of rage, fear, and procrastination that stops families from tackling one of life’s least comfortable money topics. From the awkwardness of talking about death to the emotional baggage of “perceived fairness” among siblings, Jess explains the psychological sludge that keeps us stuck. Steve shares practical tools — from gifting rules and trus...
Losing a job is more than losing a paycheck — it can feel like losing a piece of who you are. In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle the messy mix of emotions, identity shifts, and financial worries that come with redundancy. With their usual mix of humour and honesty, they explore how to cope with the awkward “So, what do you do?” moments, rebuild confidence, and find purpose beyond the job title.
Six months down, decades to go. In this episode, Steve and Luke explore why mid-year investment reviews rarely change the big picture – and why no one (yes, no one) can predict the markets. From Trump’s “game show” tariff policies to the bond market’s behind-the-scenes influence, they break down global events shaping your portfolio. Plus: why the government wants your pension in private equity, what wars mean for markets, and how socks can improve your mood.
Ever feel like investing is just one big gamble? In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle why our “caveman brains” freak out over market dips and what we can do to stay calm. From diversification and long-term thinking to quirky tricks like “worry monsters”, they explore practical ways to manage financial fear while keeping life fun. They dive into how our brains are wired for survival, not the stock market – explaining why risk feels more dangerous than it really is. You’ll learn how ...
Grief is never just about death — it’s about loss, love, and the messiness of being human. In this episode, Steve and Jess unpack the emotional and financial layers of death and grief, offering insights on how to navigate loss without losing yourself. From managing inherited money to knowing when to seek support, this conversation blends humour, honesty, and practical advice. You’ll hear why anger and relief are both valid emotions, how grief can show up years later, and why giving while you...
What’s investing really for? In this episode, Steve Rowe is joined by Keely Woods to unpack the truth behind investments – beyond jargon, headlines, and hype. From beating inflation and funding dream holidays to helping loved ones and retiring early, they explore the real-life reasons people choose to put their money to work. They tackle the fears that hold people back, explain why “boring” portfolios tend to win, and reveal how diversification and compound growth quietly build wealth over ti...
Inheritance Tax affects more families than ever — yet too many leave it to chance. In this episode, we explore the key tools for effective estate planning, including gifting, trusts, and life cover. Whether you want to support your children, give to charity, or simply keep more of your wealth in the family, this is a conversation worth having.
Pensions might not sound thrilling, but this episode of Juggling Mind and Money proves otherwise. Lucent Financial Planning’s very own Luke James steps in alongside host Steve Row—and brings a healthy dose of enthusiasm, insight, and dinosaur-themed sock humour to the mic. They unravel the mystery of pensions—from the flexibility of Defined Contribution schemes to the predictability of Defined Benefit plans—breaking down the jargon and mental barriers that often stop people from engaging with...
In this heartfelt episode, Steve Row is joined by Teresa Meredith – a long-time client of Lucent Financial Planning – who steps in as guest co-host. Theresa shares the story of how she and her husband Phil made the leap into early retirement, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right support made all the difference. From their first nervous meeting to navigating personal loss, serious illness, and big life transitions, their journey highlights the real impact of ...
They’ve done the hard part — worked, saved, and built a sizeable nest egg. So why are so many retirees paralysed when it comes to spending their own money? In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess dive into the strange reality of retirement underspending — where even millionaires struggle to loosen the purse strings. It’s not about maths; it’s about mindset. We explore the psychological blocks that stop people enjoying what they’ve earned: - fear of running out, ...
Is retirement a recipe for relaxation—or social isolation? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dive into the less talked about side of retirement: losing the social buzz that comes with the 9-to-5. From awkward silences to watercooler withdrawals, we explore why making friends as an adult is harder than it sounds—and what you can actually do about it. Plus, how money plays a role in staying connected and why a solid financial plan might just buy you more than security…...
You’ve clocked out for the last time, said goodbye to spreadsheets and staff meetings… but now what? In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess unpack the surprisingly tricky reality of retirement – and the sneaky sense of purposelessness that can creep in when the calendar’s wide open. Steve shares his own post-retirement slump, while Jess diagnoses the deeper issue: a lack of purpose. Together, they explore how meaning—not money—is often the real currency of a happy retire...
You’ve worked hard, raised a family, built a life together — so why does retirement suddenly feel… tense? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve (Chartered Financial Planner) and Jess (Psychologist) dive into a topic that catches many couples off guard: why retiring together can be more emotionally and financially challenging than expected. From clashing visions of “the good life” to unequal pension pots, and from lost identities to the awkward reality of spending all day, every da...
Retirement – it’s the golden dream, right? No alarms, no meetings, just endless freedom. But here’s the twist… for many, it’s not all Pimm’s in the garden and spontaneous holidays. In fact, 1 in 3 retirees struggle with the transition, facing everything from identity crises to financial fears. In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve (your financial planning expert) and Jess (our resident psychologist) break down the highs, the lows, and the ‘what do I do now?’ moments that come wi...
💰 Greed, Money & The Never-Ending Chase for More 🤑 Why do we always want more? More money, more success, more stuff—yet somehow, it never feels like enough. In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, financial expert Steve Rowe and psychologist Jessica Schlupp-Taylor dive into the psychology of greed, overspending, and the sneaky ways our desires can lead us down a dangerous path. From keeping up with the Joneses to chasing the next big thing, we explore why our brains are wired for mo...
Ever felt like you might have ADHD, but you’re not quite sure? Or maybe you just keep procrastinating on that one important financial task? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Jess Schlupp-Taylor and Steve Rowe welcome their first-ever guest—Sarah Morgan, a coach and expert on ADHD. Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and a deep dive into ADHD—the strengths, the struggles, and the surprisingly sneaky ways it can mess with your finances. From impulse spending to the never-...