Explore every episode of the podcast Keep The Change

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Ruth Handcock OBE, CEO of Octopus Money. Ruth’s had a pretty extraordinary career – working in Sierra Leone, leading a fast-growing financial wellbeing business, and now shaking up how millions get money advice. She talks about how growing up in a single-parent household shaped her views on money, why she’s so determined to close the UK’s “advice gap”, and what really went through her mind when she opened the letter about her OBE. They get into financial equality, making big calls, and the small changes that can make a huge difference to your future.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom chats with Ola, founder of All Things Money, a platform that helps young people take charge of their finances with relatable and practical content. They discuss the UK’s financial literacy gap and why many young people leave school without the basic money skills they need. Ola explains how this lack of education can affect money decisions down the road and shares how we can start closing that gap with easy-to-understand resources and honest conversations about money.

They also dive into why investing often feels confusing or out of reach, bust some common myths, and explore ways to make investing more approachable. Plus, they cover everyday money topics like saving, budgeting, building wealth, and gaining confidence when it comes to managing your finances.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Kristian Manton, chartered financial adviser at Octopus Money and the youngest person in the UK to pass the highest level of adviser exams. Together, they explore one of Britain’s most beloved yet misunderstood savings products: Premium Bonds.

Are they a smart way to grow your money, or just a feel-good financial illusion? Tom and Kristian unpick the myths and the maths behind Premium Bonds, examining why so many people still hold onto them and why they may not be the best option for your savings.

Whether you have Premium Bonds gathering dust or are just starting to think about saving, this episode offers clear insights to help you make more informed financial decisions—no luck required.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom sits down with Mooka Maboshe, one of our financial coaches at Octopus Money. Mooka shares her experience of moving from Zambia to South Wales and reflects on how both cultures have shaped her perspective on money. They explore the cultural influences on financial habits, the challenges faced when settling in a new country, and the importance of finding a personal approach to money.

From the power of open conversations to the unique considerations that come with cultural context, Mooka offers thoughtful and practical insights for anyone working toward a healthier relationship with money. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, setting financial goals, or simply trying to get better at budgeting, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom is joined by Gemma Bird, better known as Money Mum, to talk about her journey to becoming a money-saving influencer. With nearly 500,000 Instagram followers and appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and Loose Women, Gemma has become a trusted voice for families looking to manage their family finances more effectively. She opens up about the realities of parenting on a budget, the money lessons she learned growing up, and why honest conversations about finances are more important than ever. 

Plus, Tom and Gemma dive into the common pressures new parents face, like figuring out what you really need to buy and what you can skip. If you're after practical tips, check out Formula Fog Hub by Bonya, a helpful resource full of advice and support.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with financial influencer Jessie Leong, founder of How I Fund This. They dive into Jessie’s personal finance journey, how she built a supportive community and the mindset shifts that helped her rethink her relationship with money. Jessie opens up about navigating financial anxiety, the never ending nature of money education, the role of influencers in the finance space, and getting started with investing. Plus, Jessie and Tom answer your money questions in this week’s Dear Tom segment.

Send us a text

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with journalist and author Elle Hunt to unpack her viral money diary that sparked headlines—and the public reaction that followed. From avocado toast debates to the hidden costs of single life, Elle reflects on navigating her 20s and 30s, shifting her money mindset, and the cultural baggage we all carry around cash. They dive into the hurdles of homeownership, what Martin Lewis taught her, and why she wouldn’t write the diary again. Plus, why her cat might just be her best ever purchase.

Send us a text

When it comes to building financial confidence, women face a unique set of challenges.

In this episode of Keep the Change, Elsie Garvey chats with Octopus Money’s very own money coach, Sula Armstrong, for a deep dive into financial empowerment for women. They unpack the highs, lows, and curveballs of managing money, explore why the gender wealth gap still exists, and how we can take charge of our financial futures.

We cover: 

• Sula’s journey into money coaching, and tips to kickstart planning your financial future
• The barriers holding women back from investing and how to break through them
• The rise of the ‘trad wife’ trend (is it really as dreamy as it sounds?)
• How to plan for life’s major milestones, from parenthood to retirement

Plus, Sula and Elsie answer your burning money questions in our Dear Sula segment.

Send us a text

Money is emotional. And when love enters the picture, it gets even more complicated.

In this episode of Keep the Change, Laura Whateley – award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and all-around money simplifier – joins Tom to talk about the surprising ways money shapes our relationships, careers and financial confidence.

We cover:

• Why so many of us feel lost with our finances—even finance experts!
• What Laura has learned from interviewing people for her new book 
• The hidden ways money affects love and relationships
• Should you split the bill on a first date? 🤔

Plus, Laura and Tom answer listener questions in our Dear Tom segment.

Send us a text

The number of "ISA millionaires" in the UK has skyrocketed – from just a handful a decade ago to 5,000 in 2024. So, how are people quietly turning their ISAs into million-pound fortunes? And could you do the same?

In our debut episode, we discuss the rise of the ISA millionaire, the strategies behind their success and the myths that might be holding you back. We’ll explore:

• Who are these ISA millionaires – and how did they do it?
• Could you follow the same path – and should you?
• Is an ISA really the best tool for hitting a million – or are there better moves?
• Is a million the right goal? Or is there a better way to think about financial freedom?

Send us a text