Explore every episode of the podcast AJ Bell Money Matters

Financial journalist Hannah Duncan joins the Money Matters podcast to discuss why personal finance isn't always as straightforward as the experts make it sound.

From breaking traditional budgeting rules to making difficult financial decisions, Hannah shares her own experiences of freelancing, dealing with tax bills, managing financial stress and prioritising personal goals over conventional money wisdom.

The conversation explores why financial plans should be built around the life you actually want to live, how to recover from money mistakes, the realities of managing finances as a couple and why being honest about your financial situation is often the most important step towards improving it.

Topics covered:

• Why many traditional money rules don't work for everyone
• Adapting budgeting guidance to modern life
• Recovering from financial mistakes
• Managing money in relationships
• The realities of self-employment and irregular income
• Setting meaningful financial goals
• Balancing financial decisions with personal values

Many savers want better returns than cash but aren't comfortable taking stock market risk. So what are the alternatives?

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni Hewson is joined by Alex Farrell from the AJ Bell Investments team to explain cash alternatives that can be held within a Stocks & Shares ISA.

They discuss what money market funds are, how short-dated bonds work, how these investments compare with cash savings, and why some investors use them as a stepping stone between saving and investing.

You'll learn:

• What a money market fund is

• How short-dated bonds work

• The key differences between cash savings and investments

• Risks and potential benefits of cash alternatives

• How money market funds can be used within a Stocks & Shares ISA

• Whether cash alternatives could suit short-term savings goals

• Why confidence can be a barrier to investing, particularly for women

If you've ever wondered where to keep cash inside a Stocks & Shares ISA or want to understand low-risk investment options, this episode explains the basics in clear, straightforward language.

This week, Danni and Rachel reveal how retirees are really spending their pension pots and explore how it changes as you get older. From tax-free cash and pension freedoms to tracking down lost pensions and making the most of workplace contributions, they share practical tips to help you take control of your retirement future.

Whether retirement feels a long way off or is fast approaching, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you understand your pension, plan ahead and make your money work harder for your future.

Fancy buying a fixer-upper, renovating your home, or investing in a buy-to-let? This week, Danni and Sarah share their own renovation stories and explore whether property can really be a profitable investment.

They discuss how first-time buyers can get on the housing ladder, the costs you need to factor into renovation projects, and why it's very easy to spend more than you planned. Plus, they cover the realities of buy-to-let investing, from mortgage costs and taxes to changing rules for landlords, and explain why it's important not to neglect your ISAs and pension while focusing on property.

Bills are rising, budgets are stretched, and making your money go further can feel tough. This week, Danni and Charlene are joined by Mortgage Free Leigh, who shares how her family overpaid their mortgage by more than £27,000 while juggling maternity leave, childcare costs and family life.

Leigh shares the practical money habits, budgeting techniques and quick wins that helped her make progress, as well as the lessons she's learned about investing, building financial confidence and using social media to become more financially savvy.

Plus, Leigh reveals the £4,000 purchase she made after being influenced online and why it taught her an important lesson about trying to "buy a feeling".

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Jenny explore why more couples are having conversations about protecting their finances before (and after) tying the knot.

They’re joined by family law expert Susie Barter, partner at Burgess Mee, who explains what prenups are, who might benefit from them, and how they work in practice. From protecting family house deposits and inheritances to navigating pensions, property and even pets, Susie tells us all the financial conversations we should be having before and during marriage.

Prompted by the buzz around growing social media interest in prenups and Belle Burden’s book Strangers, they discuss why younger generations are increasingly considering them and whether they’re becoming part of sensible financial planning rather than a sign of distrust.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura take a closer look at the growing trend of solo travel, particularly among women, and what it tells us about changing attitudes to money, independence and life priorities.

They discuss how to plan financially for travel at different stages of life – whether you're building a savings pot for a short-term trip or making sure your retirement plans leave room for adventure.

Joining the conversation is Jen Atkinson, founder of Travel Seen and Club Avandra, who explains why more women are choosing to travel alone, how the industry is evolving, and the realities of costs, confidence and finding like-minded travel companions.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Sarah are breaking down how global events affect the prices you see in day-to-day life. Inflation and interest rates fluctuate with both global and national turbulence, and whether you're seeing rising fuel prices or changes to your weekly shop, our experts remove the jargon.

We're also joined by Rachel Springall from MoneyFacts to understand how mortgages and cash savings rates are directly impacted by geopolitical changes.

On this week’s episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast Danni is joined by a new member of the team Eve Maddock-Jones to dig into alternative investments.

From handbags to art, property to precious metals, alternative investments are one way to make sure your hard-earned nest eggs don’t sit in just one basket. With gold becoming a popular choice as its price hit a record high earlier in the year, they are joined by Stuart O’Reilly from the Royal Mint to discuss the different ways of investing in precious metals, when the price of gold might stabilise and why the Spice Girls featured on a recent coin.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni is joined by AJ Bell experts Rachel Vahey and Charlene Young to share their thoughts on our new gender pension gap report.

We explore the financial pressures women face in their late 20s and 30s, from childcare and career breaks to part-time work and pension blind spots. We look at why retirement savings often take a back seat, plus practical tips on boosting your pension, making the most of tax relief, and how even small contributions can make a huge difference later in life.

In this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Charlene are joined by Georgina Brittain from JP Morgan as they discuss how to keep a cool head when markets get choppy. As a fund manager who has worked through several stock market crashes, Georgina shares her wisdom and tips to look after your investments with a long-term view.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura break down how to start the new tax year by investing. We're diving into allowances, key dates, debt, emergency funds, budgeting and building a long-term view with the right types of accounts to look after future-you.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura are joined by Olivia Bowen from Castlefield to talk about wills. We're determined to break down taboos around money, and talking about finances in relation to death is both generally seen as a no-go and also one of the most important decisions you can make.

March is Free Wills month so what better time to discuss common mishaps, pensions, how much a will costs to make and how long it tends to take. We also touch on inheritance tax and how to avoid leaving it "messy" for your loved ones.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we're joined by tech start-up CEO Victoria Smith and tech recruiter Claire Simpson to share their career tips.

Both finance and tech are still male-centric sectors, so how can women help shape company policies and boost their career prospects? We also discuss the key role of a good mentor and why a battle with confidence can hold women back.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura are joined by financial psychotherapist and author Vicky Reynal.

With couples mainly arguing about overspending and not saving for the future*, and younger couples having more disagreements about finances than those in retirement, we wanted to get to the bottom of the trend. Understanding why emotions are heavily linked to money, and importantly how to break cycles makes this a must-listen episode, for those coupled up or not.

*Survey conducted for AJ Bell by Opinium of 2,000 nationally representative Brits of which 1,291 were in couples. Survey completed between 6-10 February 2026.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura are joined by financial planner Kat Lowers, to discuss the sneaky effects of lifestyle creep.

It may not be obvious at first, but when given a pay rise, many find the extra cash each month is disappearing as lifestyle creep takes hold. So how can you be aware of it and also enjoy good spending and saving habits?

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura are joined by AJ Bell expert Hannah Williford as they share simple habits that make a big difference to your wallet.

Whether you fall foul of auto-renewals for things like insurance, forget how many subscriptions you've signed up to, or keep forgetting to pay future-you at the start of the month, no matter your level of financial knowledge, we have top tips to help build your confidence.

On this week's AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we are celebrating our 100th episode! Laura and Danni are reflecting on their financial journeys and setting new year's resolutions.

We hear from some of our most popular podcast guests and hear how their finances have changed since their interviews including Laura Ann Moore, Kalpana Fitzpatrick and Rachel Peru. The team also reveal that there are some changes coming to the podcast in 2026.

On the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast this week, Danni and Laura reveal that more than half of Brits in relationships are keeping some spending secret from their partner - find out what they’re buying.

We also hear from Abbie Glew, accountant at The Orenda Collective - as 2025 comes to an end, the deadline for self-assessment tax returns draws closer. But how do you know if you need to file one? We break down all the key dates and share Abbie's top tools to set yourself up for a great 2026.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura explain how finances have changed in the past 50 years for women in the UK.

We also speak to Elena Assimakolpoulos, a social media influencer with thousands of followers, who shares her top tips on making money from side hustles. From starting with selling books and then clothes in 2021, she's been able to make it her full time job and start investing for her future.

In this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss how taxes could change in this month's Budget, and break down what they actually mean for your finances.

Ahead of International Men's Day, we also hear from Lee Chambers from Male Allies UK, who helps challenge systems and barriers that historically elevate men and leave women behind. He shines a light on how men need to be involved in creating equitable workplaces, and what steps men can take to support our cause.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Charlene discuss rumours about the upcoming budget and how they could affect your finances.

We also hear from Alex Farrell from the AJ Bell Investments team as we answer one of our listeners' questions. We're all about removing jargon, so what does active investing and passive investing mean? We're breaking down firstly what ETFs and funds are, and how they can be used to build a portfolio based on your long-term financial goals.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura share tips on how to keep your finances safe from cyber attacks. With M&S and Jaguar Land Rover facing cyberattacks, what steps can you take to look after your money?

We also hear from ex-wealth manager Zoe Burt as she helps de-jargon economics. The UK economy is frequently in the news and impacts our household finances, but with terms like 'GDP' and 'fiscal drag' hitting the headlines, it can be tricky to stay in the loop. Zoe and Danni walk through these financial terms to boost your knowledge and help you feel better about your finances.

This week Danni and Laura simplify the complicated rules and thresholds around inheritance tax.

We also speak to Lisa Webster, AJ Bell's senior technical consultant, about how to prepare for retirement considering women tend to have longer lives than men. The gender pension gap affects single women the most, so what steps can you take now to look after future-you? Life has a particular way of throwing us curve balls, so hear our experts share their actionable tips, no matter your circumstances.

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.

On this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we speak to our Founding Ambassador, Baroness Helena Morrissey, about how she manages her family finances with nine children. With tips for people with or without children, Helena shares her biggest learnings and how she has balanced a career and family life.

Danni and Laura also flag up an important date for women who have taken time out of the work place and might have gaps in their national insurance contributions - something which could stop them getting the full state pension in retirement. Plus they delve into why so many women put off managing their pension despite living for longer than men on average.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni dip into the murky world of scams. They break down jargon like “push payments” and highlight some of the ways people are being taken in, as well as how the regulator is planning to trip up scammers and reimburse victims.

Danni also chats to The Sun newspaper’s “Consumer Champion” Laura Purkess about the art of complaining, and why more people should follow through with enquiries. From incorrect goods being delivered, to lack of compensation for delayed flights and the furore around “dynamic pricing” for concert tickets, Laura explains how to fight for your rights and the sense of accomplishment she gets from helping people win their battles.

As requested on our Instagram page, on this AJ Bell Money Matters pod, Laura and Danni share little financial wins. From switching current accounts and energy providers, to cashback deals, combining pensions and budgeting, the Money Matters team explain how small changes to your personal finance habits can make a big difference.

Our guest this week is Joy Foster, founder of TechPixies, who tells us how investing in yourself and learning new skills shouldn't stop after school. Career breaks, which women take more than men, can leave us feeling left behind as technologies change, so Joy's advice to keep learning and top tips in this episode are invaluable.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni walk through a beginner’s guide to mortgages. From the differences between fixed rates and trackers, to how the Bank of England’s interest rate decision plays into what you pay, the pair discuss how rates have changed over the years and what might happen next.

Plus, we’ve drafted in Kalpana Fitzpatrick, financial journalist and author of “Get to Know Money”, to breakdown the best ways to talk to children about managing money. She explains top tips to help you answer your kids’ money questions, whatever their age.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss why the UK economy couldn’t shake off the Taylor Swift effect. Spending by fans on hotels, travel and tickets to the singer’s Eras tour helped UK inflation hold steady in June, although the impact is expected to be short lived.

We also hear from Mind, Money and Soul’s Laura Ann Moore about why language plays a huge part in women’s attitude to risk. With almost half of all women telling us they aren’t comfortable with any investment losses, we discuss why understanding risk is such an important part in the journey to narrow the gender investment gap.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura chat to two mums who launched a biscuit bakery that allowed them to work around their children’s lives. Saskia Roskam and Lisa Shepherd started “The Biskery” during the pandemic with the aim of creating a business that worked around school hours for them and their employees.

Plus, as a new government gets its feet under the table, we dig into what a Labour landslide might mean for your finances and the workplace with plans for menopause policies and enhanced gender pay reporting. The Biskery have also given all AJ Bell Money Matters podcast listeners an exclusive 20% discount sitewide, so head to their website and used the code "MoneyMatters20" to stock up on their sweet treats or send a gift to someone special.