The penny drops

In the first ever episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox speaks to TV and radio presenter, author, stand-up comedian and founder of self-help money website MoneyMagpie, Jasmine Birtles. We’re kicking off the podcast series with a look at the UK’s most asked money questions.   How can you find more information?   Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.   You can also find lots of helpful general financial information on the following sites:   Money Advice Service Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Telephone: 0800 138 7777   Citizen’s Advice Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk Telephone: 03444 111 444   Money Advice Trust Website: www.moneyadvicetrust.org Telephone: 0808 808 4000   Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances and investments can go down as well as up, meaning you could get back less than you invest. Tax relief could also change and depends on individual circumstances (read the Which! guide on tax reliefs for more information). Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording (October 2019).

In this month’s episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox speaks to Sarah Pennells, money expert, author and creator of the UK's leading women’s money website SavvyWoman. Covering everything from contributions to taxes, we’re going back to basics on pensions.   How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.   You can also find lots of helpful information about pensions and retirement on the following sites:   Pensions Advisory Service Website: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk Telephone: 0800 011 3797   Pension Wise Website: www.pensionwise.gov.uk Telephone: 0800 138 3944    Age UK Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/pensions Telephone: 0800 055 6112   Money Advice Service Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/pensions-and-retirement Telephone: 0800 138 7777   And you can read more about the difference between men and women’s pensions in this report from the Chartered Insurance Institute.   Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and the value of your pension investments can go down as well as up. Tax relief could also change and depends on individual circumstances (read the Which! guide on tax reliefs for more information). Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording (October 2019).

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox talks to personal finance journalist and savings whizz Emma Lunn. This month we're finding out everything you need to know about how to save money. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information about saving on the following sites: Money Advice Service Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/how-to-save-money Telephone: 0800 138 7777   StepChange Website: www.stepchange.org/debt-info/your-financial-situation.aspx Telephone: 0800 138 1111 Which! Website: www.which.co.uk/money/savings-and-isas Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and the value of investments or savings can go down as well as up. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording (October 2019).

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins finance journalist and BBC broadcaster Guy Kilty to talk end-of-life planning and why it’s important to think about it early on. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information about end-of-life planning on the following sites: Dying Matters Website: www.dyingmatters.org/page/planning-ahead Telephone: 08000 21 44 66 Age UK Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/end-of-life-planning Telephone: 0800 055 6112 NHS Website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care Cruse Bereavement Care Website: www.cruse.org.uk Telephone: 0808 808 1677 Bereavement Advice Centre Website: www.bereavementadvice.org Telephone: 0800 634 9494 Royal London Money Guides: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/money-guides Bereavement Hub: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/bereavement Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording (October 2019).

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox speaks to Bola Sokunbi, a certified financial education instructor and founder of Clever Girl Finance, an educational platform and personal finance website designed for women. We talk about everything from financial goals and money management to relationships, careers and family finances. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information about the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites: Women’s finances Insuring Women’s Futures, Financial Wellbeing Guide: www.insuringwomensfutures.co.uk Good Money Week: www.goodmoneyweek.com/women Financially Fabulous Newsletter: www.financiallyfabulous.co.uk Family planning Royal London Guides: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/family-financial-planning Managing money with a partner Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/should-we-manage-money-jointly-or-separately Saving and budgeting Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/how-to-save-money Investing Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/investing-beginners-guide Debt StepChange: www.stepchange.org General support Royal London: www.royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/news-and-insights/where-to-get-information-about-your-finances Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and savings and investments can go up and down. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording (January 2020).

Determination and motivation is something we can all struggle with, whether it's to do with our work, health, personal life or our finances. In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins Mikael Lawal to talk about his journey from poverty to professional boxing, and how he’s managed personal and financial struggles along the way. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information about the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites: Self-employment GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment Budgeting and saving Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/beginners-guide-to-managing-your-money Money worries Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money National Debtline: www.nationaldebtline.org  StepChange Debt Charity: www.stepchange.org Mental health support Mind: www.mind.org.uk NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines  Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and savings and investments can go up and down. This episode was recorded in January 2020 before the release of any UK Government guidance or restrictions put in place in relation to coronavirus. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox talks to fashionpreneur and mental health campaigner George David Hodgson and Brian Semple, Head of External Affairs at the independent charity Money & Mental Health. This month we look at how our finances can affect our mental health, and vice versa, with lots of helpful tips on everything from employee rights to where to go for support. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information about finances and mental health, some of which are mentioned in this episode, on the following sites: General support Mind: www.mind.org.uk Rethink Mental Illness: www.rethink.org Young Minds: youngminds.org.uk Work and employment Mind: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/discrimination-at-work/telling-my-employer Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/sick-pay/getting-money-when-youre-off-work-sick Debt Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money StepChange Debt Charity:www.stepchange.org Health services and support groups Mind: www.mind.org.uk/about-us/local-minds/local-minds NHS, GP Services: www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/gps NHS, Mental Health and Wellbeing: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression Urgent help If you need to speak to someone, you can call the Samaritans anytime, day or night, on 116 123. This month’s episode was recorded in February 2020, before any Government restrictions were put in place in relation to coronavirus. For more information on the new measures and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins Rob Harrison, founder of Ethical Consumer – a not-for-profit organisation focused on ethical consumption, trade justice and companies’ social, ethical and environmental behaviour. This month we speak about the different ways we can be more ethical and sustainable with our money, from day-to-day spending to financial products. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites: Insurance Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/insurance Pensions Pensions Advisory Service: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk Saving and investing Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/saving-and-investing Utilities Ofgem: www.ofgem.gov.uk Simple Energy Advice: www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk General information Friends of the Earth: friendsoftheearth.uk WWF: www.wwf.org.uk Ethical Consumer: www.ethicalconsumer.org Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk This month’s episode was recorded in February 2020, before any Government restrictions were put in place in relation to coronavirus. For up-to-date information on travel and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

In this bonus episode of 'The penny drops', recorded as an official part of Royal London’s title sponsorship of One-Day International Cricket, our host Andrea Fox speaks to two English cricket stars. Jonny Bairstow plays domestically for Yorkshire and internationally for England, and was part of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup winning team. Also a World Cup winner, Ebony Rainford-Brent – now retired – was captain of the Surrey women’s team and the first black woman to play for the England team. We talk about career highs and lows, lessons learned, challenges overcome, and ambitions and goals for the future, as well as initiatives such as the African Caribbean Engagement Programme, and creating more opportunities for women and children in cricket. Recorded during the coronavirus outbreak, we also discuss how life has changed in lockdown, staying mentally and physically healthy, and at-home training tips for active or aspiring cricketers. This month’s episode was recorded in May 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak. For up-to-date information and guidance offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox talks family finances with Rich Edwards, one half of the hugely popular Two Dads in London blog, and Becky O’Connor, a Personal Finance Specialist at Royal London. This month we discuss the financial implications of having a family, from planning your first child to growing your family and preparing for the long term. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on family finances on the following sites: Planning a family Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/having-a-baby Royal London: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/family-financial-planning Adoption Adoption UK: www.adoptionuk.org GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/child-adoption Saving and budgeting Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/baby-costs-calculator Time off work, maternity and paternity leave GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/browse/working/time-off Childcare costs Childcare Choices: www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/childcare-costs GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-and-education-for-2-to-4-year-olds GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare Benefits Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/child-benefit Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/benefits-and-entitlements-to-claim-when-you-have-a-baby Protecting your family Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/making-a-will Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/life-and-protection-insurance Saving for your children Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/childrens-savings-options Family support charities Family Lives: www.familylives.org.uk Family Action: www.family-action.org.uk Care for the Family: www.careforthefamily.org.uk This month’s episode was recorded in May 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For up to date information on benefits and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins Paralympian Sam Ruddock to talk sports, big ambitions, managing finances as an athlete and living with a disability. Born with a form of cerebral palsy that impacts his flexibility, coordination and balance, Sam has gone on to become a track, field and cycling athlete for Great Britain, and made his international sporting debut at the London 2012 Paralympics.   How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.   You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:   Financial support for people with disabilities GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/work-and-disability Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/charitable-grants-for-ill-or-disabled-people   Disability charities Scope: www.scope.org.uk Disability Grants: www.disability-grants.org The Disabilities Trust: www.thedtgroup.org   Saving, budgeting and money management Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/budgeting-and-managing-money Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting   Self-employment GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment Turn2Us: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Self-employment-and-benefits/Self-employment-and-benefits-Frequently-asked-ques   Support for athletes Sports Aid: www.sportsaid.org.uk TASS: www.tass.gov.uk   This month’s episode was recorded in May 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For up to date information on benefits and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.   Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

How to make and stick to a budget When it comes to your personal finances, what does the word ‘budget’ mean to you? And would you know where to start if you had to put one together? In this episode, our host Andrea Fox talks to Kalpana Fitzpatrick, finance editor at Hearst UK for brands like Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima magazine, money expert on the BBC’s Money 101 podcast, and founder of Mummy Money Matters, an award-winning website that helps families with money.   How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:   Budgeting Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting   Bills and expenses Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/how-to-cut-your-bills Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk   Debt StepChange: www.stepchange.org Royal London: www.royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/prioritising-your-debts   Benefits Turn2Us: benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou Royal London: www.royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/jargon-buster-state-benefits   Employment and redundancy Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/leaving-a-job Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/work-and-redundancy   Coronavirus and your finances Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/money-navigator-tool   This podcast was recorded remotely in July 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.

Death isn’t something we often like to talk about. But it impacts everyone – emotionally, practically and financially – so it’s a topic that we all should all take more time to think about. For some, this year’s coronavirus pandemic may have prompted these thoughts already and now, more than ever, it’s important we talk. On this episode, Andrea Fox is joined by two special guests, TV presenter and published author Jeff Brazier and photographer and filmmaker Rankin, to have an open conversation about death and how we can all feel more comfortable discussing it. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. Listen to our podcast on ‘Why planning for death is so important’, released in February 2020, for more information on financially preparing for death. You can also find lots of helpful guidance and support on the following sites: Making a will Will Aid: www.willaid.org.uk Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/making-a-will Planning a funeral Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/help-paying-for-a-funeral Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/funeral-services/arranging-a-funeral Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/bereavement/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/paying-for-a-funeral Power of attorney GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/power-of-attorney End of life care NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care Bereavement support and benefits Cruse Bereavement Care: www.cruse.org.uk Mind: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/bereavement-benefits When someone dies Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/when-someone-dies Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/what-to-do-after-a-death Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/when-someone-dies This podcast was recorded in September 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.  Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

What sort of lifestyle do you want in retirement? Are you already taking steps to get there, or do you feel there are more important things to worry about right now? In this episode, our host Andrea Fox joins Sarah Pennells, head of financial capability and guidance at Royal London, for the second time to discuss why retirement planning is so important – covering everything from what you need to think about before you retire, to budgeting in retirement and your options when you reach pension age. To hear more from Sarah, listen to our episode from December 2019 where we go back to basics on pensions. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on retirement on the following sites: Saving for retirement Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/saving-for-retirement Retirement planning Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/pensions-and-retirement/retirement-planning-tools Retirement Living Standards: www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk Which: www.which.co.uk/money/pensions-and-retirement/starting-to-plan-your-retirement/how-to-plan-for-retirement-a9tzg1h766h9 Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/retirement Pension options Pension Wise: www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en/pension-pot-options The Pensions Advisory Service: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/about-pensions/retirement-choices Budgeting in retirement Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/budgeting Coronavirus support Royal London: www.royallondon.com/coronavirus/your-finances Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/hub/coronavirus-money-guidance This episode was recorded in July 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and the value of investments can go down as well as up (meaning you could get back less than you pay in). Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

Any one of us can experience financial hardship because of an unexpected life shock. Things like losing a job, becoming ill or losing a loved one can have a huge impact on our finances and our lives. On this episode of ‘The penny drops’ Andrea Fox speaks to Duncan James, singer, actor and TV presenter best known for being part of the boyband Blue, who shares his personal story of financial hardship. Joining him is Jo Kerr, Director of Impact and Innovation at Turn2us, who guides us through the options and support available for people in need. About Turn2us Royal London has partnered with national charity Turn2us to help more people prevent a life shock from becoming a crisis. Turn2us helps millions of people in financial hardship each year, supporting them to get access to benefits, grants and support services. You can find out more about their services by visiting the website – www.turn2us.org.uk – or you can call the free helpline on 0808 802 2000 (open 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday). How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions, if you are able to. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. For more support and information on the topics discussed in this episode, including financial help and guidance and mental health support, visit the following websites:  Mental health support Mind Website: www.mind.org.uk Telephone: 0300 123 3393 Help with debt StepChange Website: www.stepchange.org Telephone: 0800 138 1111 General financial information and support Citizens Advice Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk Telephone: 0800 144 8848 (England), 0800 702 2020 (Wales) Money Advice Service Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Telephone: 0800 138 7777 (England), 0800 138 0555 (Wales) This episode was recorded remotely in November 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

Whether you’re one for making resolutions or not, the start of a new year is a good time to take stock of your finances. In this episode, host Andrea Fox joins Georgie Frost, award-winning financial journalist and radio presenter, and Josh Widdicombe, comedian, writer and co-host of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, to talk about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, self-employment and managing your finances in uncertain times, and how to set and stick to your money goals in the year ahead. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites: Saving and budgeting Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/savings-calculator Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting Cutting your bills Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-save-money-on-household-bills Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home Paying off debt StepChange: www.stepchange.org Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/debt Managing your finances when you’re self-employed GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment Coronavirus support Royal London: www.royallondon.com/coronavirus/your-finances Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/hub/coronavirus-money-guidance This episode was recorded in December 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you could get back less then you pay in. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

Millions of people are affected by financial fraud and scams every year – whether it’s online, over the phone, by post or in person. In this episode, host Andrea Fox speaks to Marilyn Baldwin OBE, founder of Think Jessica, about how we can spot financial scams and protect ourselves from them. Marilyn spent five years trying to help her elderly mother Jessica who fell victim to numerous scammers and set up Think Jessica, an organisation committed to protecting people from financial fraud, shortly after she died. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on recognising, avoiding and reporting financial scams on the following sites: General information and support Think Jessica: www.thinkjessica.com Take Five: takefive-stopfraud.org.uk Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/scams Royal London: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/avoiding-scams Preventing postal fraud Mail Preference Service: www.mpsonline.org.uk Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/post/stop-getting-junk-mail Preventing telephone fraud Telephone Preference Service: www.tpsonline.org.uk Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phone-internet-downloads-or-tv/stop-getting-nuisance-calls-and-texts Preventing online fraud Nation Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk Reporting a scam Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk This episode was recorded in January 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Andrea Fox joins working parents and comedy duo The Scummy Mummies, also known as Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson, and Helen Morrissey, a personal finance expert from Royal London. In this episode, we discuss some of the challenges of being a woman in the workplace, as well as the impact of being a parent on your career and finances. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed on the following sites: Employment and flexible working Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/work-and-redundancy Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/flexible-working/flexible-working-what-is-it Career planning National Careers Service: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk Family financial planning Royal London: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/family-financial-planning Maternity leave and pay Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/maternity-pay-and-leave Returning to work Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/know-your-rights-when-you-go-back-to-work-after-having-a-baby Financial support for parents GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/financial-help-children Turn2us: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Beginner-s-Guide-to-Benefits/Checking-benefit-entitlement This episode was recorded in February 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

There’s a lot to think about when you buy a property, from mortgages and deposits to homebuying schemes and hidden costs. This month Andrea Fox joins Andy Webb, broadcaster, money expert and founder of personal finance blog Be Clever With Your Cash, to find out everything you need to know. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area. You can also find lots of helpful information on mortgages and home buying on the following sites: Preparing to buy HomeOwners Alliance: hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/the-hoa-step-by-step-guide-to-buying-a-home Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/saving-money-for-a-deposit GOV.UK: gov.uk/lifetime-isa Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-improve-your-credit-rating Homebuying schemes Help to Buy: helptobuy.gov.uk/help-to-buy-isa/how-does-it-work Shared Ownership: helptobuy.gov.uk/shared-ownership Equity Loans: helptobuy.gov.uk/equity-loan/equity-loans Mortgages  Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/mortgages Other housing costs Royal London: royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/the-hidden-costs-of-buying-a-house GOV.UK: gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax This episode was recorded in March 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.

From life insurance and income protection to critical illness cover, protection insurance can be a great way to help to protect your financial future or that of your loved ones. But how do we work out what cover is right for us? On this episode Andrea Fox speaks to Kara Gammell, award-winning personal finance journalist and founder of money-saving blog ‘Your Best Friend's Guide to Cash’ to find out everything you need to know. How can you find more information? Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website. You can also find lots of helpful information on protection insurance on the following sites: Life insurance Do you need life insurance: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/do-you-need-life-insurance Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/life-insurance-choosing-the-right-policy-and-cover Income protection insurance Do you need income protection insurance: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/do-you-need-income-protection-insurance Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/income-protection-insurance-choose-the-right-policy-and-cover Critical illness cover Do you need critical illness cover: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/critical-illness-insurance-do-you-need-it Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/critical-illness-insurance-choose-the-right-policy-and-cover General information and guidance Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/insurance Association of British Insurers: abi.org.uk British Insurance Broker’s Association: biba.org.uk This episode was recorded in March 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.