In this episode of The Wallet, Emilie is joined by Mary and Ken Okoroafor, founders of The Humble Penny and authors of The Wealth Habit. They break down what actually builds wealth, from shifting your identity with money to setting up simple systems like paying yourself first, increasing income intentionally, and avoiding common patterns like lifestyle inflation and emotional spending.

This conversation focuses on what moves the needle: small actions, repeated consistently, that compound into long-term financial security.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Wealth starts with habits, not money

One of the core ideas from the conversation is simple but often misunderstood: wealth does not begin with money, it begins with behaviour.

Many people assume wealth comes from a pay rise, inheritance, or a big financial opportunity. In reality, it is the small, repeated actions that compound over time.

“Wealth doesn’t begin with money, it begins with a habit.”

This also requires an identity shift. If someone does not see themselves as a “wealth builder,” their actions will not align with long-term wealth creation.

The beliefs that hold people back

Before systems or strategies, mindset plays a critical role.

“Working hard is important, but it’s not the only way to build wealth.”

Common limiting beliefs include:

• Wealth is only for certain people

• You have to trade time for money

• Wanting more money is wrong or selfish

“It might actually cause some sort of self-sabotage when opportunities arise.”

These beliefs are often invisible, but they shape behaviour, decisions, and ultimately outcomes.

From awareness to action

Mindset alone is not enough. It becomes a problem when it replaces action.

You can listen to podcasts, read books, and understand the theory, but without action, nothing changes.

“If you’ve listened to 20 podcasts… and you still haven’t taken action, then there’s clearly something going on.”

The shift is simple: do one small thing.

• Automate a transfer

• Open an account

• Make a decision

Small actions reduce friction and build momentum.

The systems that make wealth inevitable

The episode highlights a few practical systems that can be implemented immediately:

“One of the biggest dominoes when it comes to systems is paying yourself first.”

1. Pay yourself first
Live on what remains after saving and investing, not the other way around.

2. Use simple frameworks
A structure like 80% spending, 20% saving and investing creates consistency over time.

“The compounding effect over time is really powerful.”

3. Automate everything
Remove decision-making and rely on systems instead of motivation.

4. Build financial rhythms
Regular check-ins, clear cash flow, and intentional planning.

Systems make wealth-building repeatable and reduce reliance on willpower.

Behaviour matters more than income

Earning more does not automatically lead to wealth.

Common patterns that slow progress:

• Lifestyle inflation

• Over-reliance on one income

• Emotional spending

“We’ve all been there… we’ve had a really long day.”

One of the most powerful insights is how environment shapes behaviour.

“I noticed… I used to fall into emotional spending around 11pm at night.”

The solution is not discipline, but design.

“Design the environment that helps you fight that battle.”

Adding friction, such as limiting access to apps or introducing a pause before purchasing, creates space between impulse and action.

“Put a gap between intention and action.”

Small habits, repeated daily

Wealth-building does not require drastic change. It is built through small, consistent behaviours.

Examples include:

• Checking your accounts regularly

• Reviewing subscriptions

• Creating weekly money check-ins

These habits build awareness, and awareness changes behaviour.

Over time, they reinforce identity: you start to see yourself as someone who is in control of their finances.

Earning more starts with a shift in identity

Increasing income is not only about career progression.

“The very first thing to do is to make your first £1.”

That first step, however small, changes how you see yourself.

“See yourself as a value creator.”

This can start with simple, service-based ideas using skills you already have. From there, it can grow into something more scalable.

The key is not scale at the beginning, but proof.

Using AI to accelerate action

AI is changing how quickly ideas turn into reality.

“AI is helping us reduce the gap between ‘I want to do something’ and actually doing it.”

Tasks that once took months can now be done in hours.

AI can be used to:

• Test ideas quickly

• Build scenarios

• Challenge assumptions

• Improve productivity

“Any way that you can buy back time is a win.”

The advantage is not just knowledge, but speed and execution.

The reality of trade-offs

Building wealth requires trade-offs.

“You sometimes have to say more no’s than you might normally do.”

This can mean:

• Spending less in the short term

• Letting go of status-driven choices

• Making different lifestyle decisions

“These things are not visible, but they give life a lot of meaning.”

Real wealth is often quiet. It shows up as time freedom, optionality, and peace of mind, not visible signals.

Key takeaways

• Wealth is built through habits, not events

• Identity shapes financial behaviour

• Systems make progress consistent

• Small actions compound over time

• Income grows when you shift to value creation

• Trade-offs are part of long-term financial security

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. With investing, your capital is at risk.

Resources

Order your copy of The Wealth Habit

The Humble Penny Website

Instagram: @thehumblepenny and @financialjoyacademy

LinkedIn: Ken and Mary

Partnership

AD |  This episode is sponsored by Wealthify.

Wealthify makes investing simple by managing your investments for you. And if you deposit or transfer into their Stocks and Shares ISA, you could earn between £50 and £1,000 in cashback. Open your account at Wealthify.com.

T&Cs and minimum investments apply. Registration closes on 31st May 2026. Cashback varies by total investment amount. With investing, your capital is at risk. Wealthify is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

In this episode of The Wallet, Emilie Bellet speaks with Nicole Michler, founder of Phase 20, a career strategy and negotiation platform that helps women navigate competitive corporate environments.

Nicole shares how she went from earning around £27,000 a year to building financial independence, and explains how salary negotiation, career strategy, and mindset shifts can help women ask for a pay rise and grow their income over time.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

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Why career strategy matters more than working harder

Nicole explains that many ambitious professionals are taught that the way to progress is simple: work harder, prove yourself, and wait to be recognised.

In reality, this approach often keeps people stuck.

Instead of focusing purely on effort, Nicole argues that careers benefit from **intentional strategy**. That includes understanding how organisations reward performance, positioning your work visibly, and actively managing conversations about promotion and compensation.

Without this strategic lens, many people deliver strong results but remain underpaid or overlooked.

The beliefs that quietly limit income

A major theme in the conversation is the need to “uncondition” limiting beliefs around money and career progression.

Nicole describes how many people grow up with messages such as:

• good work will automatically be rewarded

• asking for more money is uncomfortable or risky

• promotions should be offered rather than requested

• negotiation may damage relationships at work

These beliefs often go unquestioned for years. But once challenged, they can open the door to very different outcomes.

Unlearning these assumptions was one of the most important steps in Nicole’s own financial journey.

Why a £5k pay rise matters more than it seems

One of Nicole’s most striking points is that a £5,000 increase in salary is rarely just £5,000.

Salary increases compound over time. A higher base salary affects:

• future pay rises

• bonus structures

• pension contributions

• negotiation starting points for future roles

Over the course of a career, small increases negotiated early can translate into hundreds of thousands of pounds in additional lifetime earnings.

This is why salary conversations matter far more than many people realise.

Why so many people avoid negotiating

Even when they know they are underpaid, many professionals hesitate to negotiate.

Nicole sees several recurring barriers, particularly for women:

• fear of appearing difficult or ungrateful

• uncertainty about how negotiation works

• lack of salary transparency

• perfectionism and the desire to feel fully “ready” before asking

These psychological barriers often keep people from initiating conversations that could significantly improve their financial situation.

The biggest mistake in salary negotiations

Nicole highlights one mistake she frequently sees when people approach negotiation.

They frame the conversation around personal needs, rather than business value.

Successful negotiations are rarely about explaining why someone deserves more money. Instead, they focus on demonstrating the impact, responsibility, and measurable value the person brings to the organisation.

Reframing the conversation in terms of contribution often leads to much stronger outcomes.

The internal shift before leadership happens

Interestingly, Nicole notes that leadership often begins before the job title changes.

People who move into leadership roles typically start thinking and acting differently first. They take ownership of outcomes, communicate their ideas more clearly, and position themselves as decision makers rather than task executors.

Once that internal shift happens, external recognition often follows.

From higher salary to financial independence

Increasing income was an important step in Nicole’s journey, but it was not the entire story.

Financial independence required a broader shift in perspective.

Rather than thinking only about earning more in the short term, Nicole began thinking about:

• long term financial security

• investing and wealth building

• career decisions that increase future optionality

The goal moved from simply progressing at work to building a life with greater autonomy and choice.

Strategy or identity?

A powerful question explored in the episode is whether this kind of career transformation is mostly about strategy or identity.

Nicole believes it is both.

Practical strategies like negotiation tactics and career planning are essential. But lasting change often requires an identity shift. People need to see themselves as someone who can lead, negotiate, and create opportunities.

Without that shift, many people continue to play smaller than their capabilities.

Quick fire Questions

One belief she had to unlearn about money

Hard work alone guarantees financial success.

The bravest career move she made

Actively advocating for her own progression and compensation.

One sentence to remember about asking for a pay rise

If you do not ask, the system usually assumes you are satisfied.

The bigger message

Careers rarely change direction overnight. But small decisions, negotiating one salary increase, reframing a limiting belief, or approaching work more strategically, can quietly reshape a financial future.

For many people, the biggest step is simply recognising that career growth and financial independence are not only about effort. They are about clarity, strategy, and the willingness to challenge the stories we have been taught about money and success.

Resources

Instagram @phase.20

Nicole’s FREE: 60 Day Career Plan - in minutes!

Website Phase 20

In this conversation, Emilie Bellet is joined by Iona Bain, award-winning broadcaster, columnist, and author, following her Panorama investigation Maxed Out: The Credit Card Trap. Together, they explore how credit card debt really builds up, why so many people get stuck paying it for years, and what makes this problem so common.

This is not a story about being “bad with money”. It is about how credit products are designed, how human behaviour works, and how life rarely stays predictable.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

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What is the “credit card trap”?

Iona explains that most people take out credit cards with good intentions. They might want:

• consumer protection on purchases

• to borrow for a specific, short-term cost

• to build their credit score

• or simply to manage cash flow

At the start, many people do pay their balance in full. The problem comes when life changes. A job loss, illness, divorce, or rising living costs can slowly push more spending onto the card. The balance grows. What once felt under control starts to drift.

This is how people end up in what is known as persistent credit card debt, where they are only able to make the minimum payments over a long period of time. In the UK, around 2.8 million people are in this situation. They are not really paying the debt off, they are just keeping their head above water.

Why minimum payments are such a big problem

One of the strongest themes in the episode is the danger of minimum repayments.

Seeing a “minimum payment” on your statement creates a powerful psychological effect. It feels like the amount you are supposed to pay. This is known as anchoring. When a number is suggested to us, we naturally treat it as a guide.

The issue is that minimum payments are not designed to clear your debt quickly. They are designed to keep the account running.

If you only pay the minimum:

• interest keeps building

• the balance falls very slowly

• the total cost of the debt rises

• the repayment period can stretch into many years, sometimes decades

Statements do usually warn about this, but many people still underestimate what it means in real life, especially when money is tight and paying more feels impossible.

Credit card debt is increasingly about essentials

Another important point from Iona’s investigation is how people are using credit cards today.

There is a common idea that credit card debt comes from overspending on treats or impulse purchases. In reality, more and more people are using credit cards to pay for essentials, including:

• food

• energy bills

• everyday living costs

Some people are also moving “buy now, pay later” balances onto credit cards, which can hide the true size of their debts.

This changes the story. For many households, this is not about lack of discipline. It is about pressure on incomes and rising costs making credit feel like the only option.

Credit limits quietly make debt harder to escape

One of the biggest risk factors Iona saw in her research was rising credit limits.

Many credit card providers automatically increase limits after a period of on-time payments. It can feel like a reward, or a sign that the lender thinks you can afford more.

But higher limits:

• make it easier to spend more

• make balances harder to clear

• increase the chance of getting stuck paying interest long-term

Iona explains that lenders do not want customers to pay off their balance in full every month, because that means no interest. But they also do not want people to default. The profitable “sweet spot” is when customers keep carrying a balance and paying interest.

This is why opting out of automatic credit limit increases can be such a smart defensive move, even for people who consider themselves careful with money.

Are 0% balance transfers really the solution?

Balance transfer deals often get presented as the fix for credit card debt. And they can help, in the right circumstances.

But Iona is clear that they are not a cure-all.

Many people:

• do not clear the balance before the 0% period ends

• underestimate how much they need to repay each month

• experience life changes during the 18 to 24 month window

• end up back on interest and stuck again

Without a realistic repayment plan and a budget that supports it, a balance transfer can become a pause rather than a way out.

Do you actually need a credit card to build a credit score?

A common myth is that you must have a credit card to get a good credit score or a mortgage.

In reality, your credit history can also be built by:

• being on the electoral register

• paying bills on time

• managing a phone contract or similar commitments

A credit card can help some people, but it is not the only route. This matters, especially for people who are wary of credit because of past experiences with debt.

That said, credit cards do have legitimate uses. One example discussed in the episode is Section 75 protection, which gives extra consumer protection on purchases over £100. For some people, credit cards are also a practical cash flow tool. The key is having clear rules for how you use them and a plan to clear the balance.

The emotional cost of long-term debt

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is about shame.

Many people feel embarrassed about debt. They avoid opening letters. They keep it to themselves. They feel isolated. This emotional weight can be as heavy as the financial cost, and it often keeps people stuck for years.

Iona stresses that needing help is not a failure. Persistent minimum payments are a sign that the debt may be unaffordable. Getting support, from a debt charity or an adviser, can be the turning point, even if it feels frightening at first.

The simplest protection is also the least exciting

There is no clever trick that beats the basics.

The habit that protects most people is simple visibility:

• knowing what comes in

• knowing what goes out

• knowing what your credit card spending is really doing

Budgeting is not about perfection. It is about staying aware, so “manageable” does not quietly turn into something that follows you for years.

The bigger message

Credit cards are powerful tools. But they are designed in a way that makes long-term debt easy to fall into, especially when life gets harder.

Understanding how minimum payments, credit limits, and interest really work is not about fear. It is about staying in control before the trap closes slowly and quietly around you.

Resources

Instagram @ionajbain

Website Iona Bain

Partner

MoneyWeek gives you a clear weekly roundup of the stories, trends and market moves that matter, written by expert journalists and delivered in print or on the app. You can try six issues for free, then enjoy an exclusive £5 discount on a quarterly subscription for The Wallet community at moneyweek.com/wallet with the code WALLET.

This year, the UK is expected to spend £2.38 billion on Valentine’s Day, which would be a record and a 7% increase compared to last year.

That headline number is eye-catching, but, as always, there’s more behind the clickbait. So let’s break down what’s actually going on.

1) The UK is spending big, and a lot of it is happening online

Parcelhero’s research suggests Brits will send around 25 million cards, 22 million gifts, and 4 million floral bouquets this Valentine’s Day. It also points to Valentine’s being a major online shopping moment: around 75% of people in the UK buy Valentine’s gifts online. 

So if it feels like your feed is full of “last chance delivery” marketing, that’s not in your head.

2) The “average spend” is doing the thing averages do: being a bit misleading

One source says people who give a Valentine’s gift are expected to spend an average of £107.52 on items like jewellery and clothing. But another dataset puts the average closer to £52 per person, with men spending around £63 and women around £40.

And a separate survey of over 1,000 UK consumers suggests most people typically spend £10–£50, with the most common bracket being £10–£30.

The difference comes down to who’s being counted. Higher averages reflect a smaller group spending a lot on gifts, while most people spend far less, typically between £10 and £50.

So don’t let yourself feel pressured into spending triple digits on a gift because of one survey result. Everyone’s situation and budget is different. 

3) Classics still win (flowers, chocolates, fragrance), but people say they want meaning

Multiple sources point to the same staples:

• Chocolate and confectionery spending is expected to hit around £85 million. 

• Flowers are still in the lead: CRBE notes 4 million bouquets sold and 8 million roses imported into the UK each year around Valentine’s. 

But here’s the interesting part: in a 2026 survey, 58.4% said they’d prefer a personalised gift over a generic one. And when people talked about the best gifts they’d received, they remembered the sentimental ones: letters, thoughtful gestures, and experiences.

So while some people spend over £100 on gifts, perhaps buying a £10 bead bracelet making kit and creating a customised gift or cooking their favourite meal at home is a better route to take in some cases.

4) Valentine’s isn’t only for couples anymore

In that same survey:

• Over 90% buy gifts for partners

• But Valentine’s gifting also goes to:

• Children (16.5%)

• Friends (9.8%)

• Pets (5.7%)

• And 7.1% even buy something for themselves

Parcelhero’s research also highlights that around one in four UK pet owners plans to buy their pet a Valentine’s gift.

So if you’re seeing “Galentine’s” plans, pet treats, and friendship cards, the data backs it up. And obviously this all contributes to that whopping £2.38 billion figure for this year.

5) Pressure is the hidden cost (and it’s showing up in behaviour)

One piece framed it plainly: when you add a card, gift, flowers, and a dinner, it’s easy to “accidentally” spend £100+.

CBRE’s consumer research also suggests some people are pulling back: 35% of Brits planned to reduce overall gift spending, with many switching to cheaper alternatives. 

And it makes sense in context:

• CBRE reported that 35% felt worse about their personal finances than the year before 

• and around 70% had seen outgoings rise, with an average increase of 6.3% 

Translation: people still want the moment, but they’re trying to make it work inside real budgets, rather than sacrificing said budget.

A more thoughtful way to spend this Valentine’s Day

It’s only human to find yourself stressed out around Valentine’s Day. The whole thing has a way of turning into an emotional performance review with a price tag.

Maybe you’ve got a partner you’d like to surprise. Maybe you’re in a friendship group that treats Valentine’s like an excuse to do something special. Maybe you’re single and planning a well-deserved self-date. Maybe you’re just going to the Wuthering Heights premiere and treating yourself to a cocktail or two.

Either way, the chances of spending a bit more than usual are high.

It can feel awkward when the cost of a gift starts to feel more important than the meaning behind it. When price tags become a sign of effort or commitment, the day can quickly turn into a sort of spending competition - and nobody needs that.

Of course, we can all admit that money has an important role. It pays for experiences, covers everyday life, and supports your future security. But it isn’t a measure of love, and it most certainly doesn’t define the value of a relationship.

A more thoughtful approach is to treat Valentine’s Day like any other money decision. Instead of asking “how much should we spend?”, it can help to ask “what are we actually trying to express?”

A few guiding questions that can help:

• What would feel meaningful here, rather than just traditional or expected?

• What can we spend without stress or post-event regret?

• If we look back in a year, what would we be glad we did?

• Does this plan reflect our values, or just the price tag?

The gifts people remember most aren’t always the expensive ones. They’re the ones that feel personal and considered.

So if this year looks more like a homemade dinner and a thoughtful card than a Soho night out menu and jewellery, that still counts. Actually, it might count more. Because it fits your life, your finances, and the relationship you’re actually in, not the one Valentine’s Day marketing imagines for you.

In this episode of The Wallet, Vestpod founder Emilie Bellet is joined by Caroline Brady, Head of Partnerships at Net Purpose and former BlackRock impact investor, to break down how portfolios work in practice.

They cover the difference between stocks and funds, how to think about risk without fear, and how sustainability and impact fit into investing without turning it into a specialist project.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Asset allocation vs portfolio construction, explained simply

Caroline’s simplest framing is a house analogy.

Asset allocation is the structure of the house: how many “rooms” you need, and what each room is for. In investing terms, it is your mix across broad building blocks like equities (shares), fixed income (bonds), and other assets such as commodities or gold.

Portfolio construction is the interior: what you put inside those rooms. That might mean choosing regions, themes, and deciding whether you hold individual companies or funds that contain many companies.

This is a helpful reframe because it stops investing from feeling like one big decision. It is two layers, structure first, then content.

Risk is not a moral judgement, it is volatility

Many people hear “risk” and think “bad outcome.” Caroline frames risk more accurately: it is the volatility in price, the ups and downs you will experience along the way.

Volatility can lead to gains as well as losses. Over long periods, equities have historically grown more than lower-volatility assets, but they fluctuate more in the short term. That is why time horizon matters so much. The closer you are to needing the money, the less useful big swings become.

Caroline also makes a simple point people often miss: taking too little risk can also be risky, because it can leave you failing to outpace inflation.

You are probably already an investor

If you have a pension, you already invest. The first step is not opening a new app, it is understanding what you already own.

Caroline suggests asking your pension provider for:

• Your current equity vs bond allocation

• The fund holdings inside your default fund(s)

• Any concentration you might not realise you have (for example, heavy exposure to US tech)

This matters because people often add new investments without realising they are duplicating the same exposure they already have in their pension.

Funds vs stocks, and why most people should start with funds

Stocks are individual companies. Funds are baskets of many companies (and sometimes bonds too), designed to diversify risk.

Caroline explains two main fund types:

• Index (passive) funds that track an index, like a global equity index. These tend to be low cost and diversified.

• Actively managed funds where a professional team selects investments. These tend to cost more, and you are paying for research, access, and oversight.

For most people, the simplest start is a global index fund. It puts you in the market, spreads risk across hundreds of companies, and reduces the impact of any single company doing badly.

Active vs passive, how to think about fees

Passive investing is often cheaper because it is designed to track a market index with minimal human decision-making.

Active investing costs more because the work is the product: analysts, portfolio managers, company meetings, and a formal risk process that monitors what the fund is doing.

The right question is not “which is best,” it is “what am I paying for, and do I understand it?” If you choose active, you are choosing a person and a process, and you need a reason to believe that process can be worth the higher fee.

If you want to pick individual stocks, use a simple filter

Stock picking becomes overwhelming when people try to analyse everything. Caroline keeps it grounded.

Start with companies you understand and can follow. The goal is not excitement, it is staying informed enough to hold through volatility. She suggests focusing on:

• Whether you understand the product and business model

• Whether the company has stable earnings over time

• Whether the company carries high debt relative to earnings, especially when interest rates are high

• Whether you can tolerate meaningful short-term swings in value

A useful rule here is: only invest an amount you can watch fall sharply without panic selling.

Diversification in one sentence

Do not put all your eggs in one basket.

This applies at every level: across asset classes, across funds, and across individual companies if you choose to own them.

When to sell, and why long-term tends to win

The hardest part of investing is not buying, it is holding.

Caroline describes market drops as moments that feel urgent, but often correct and recover. She points out a structural change in behaviour: holding periods have shortened from years to weeks and months, largely because investing is now always visible and always accessible.

Her practical approach:

• Decide your maximum acceptable loss before you invest

• Look at how the investment behaved historically so you are not surprised by normal volatility

• Default to a long holding period unless something fundamental changes

• Buy and hold over 5 to 15 years is still one of the most reliable strategies for long-term outcomes.

ESG vs impact investing, the difference that matters

Sustainable investing language can be confusing because terms are used interchangeably.

Caroline draws a clear line:

• ESG looks at how a company operates: governance, people practices, emissions management, and risk controls. A company can score well on ESG while still operating in a traditionally “unsustainable” sector.

• Impact investing focuses on what the company’s products and services do in the world: outcomes for people or planet. The emphasis is on measurable real-world change.

Her view is that ESG was a starting point, and the industry is moving toward outcome-based impact.

Where Caroline sees the next big impact opportunities

Caroline highlights areas that are structural, long-term, and underappreciated:

• Energy efficiency, helping homes and businesses do more with less energy

• Education platforms expanding access regardless of location

• Healthcare innovation

• More efficient cooling and refrigeration as temperatures rise

These themes are not short-term trades. They are needs that are likely to grow over decades.

Quickfire takeaways to remember

Investing is not just for professionals, it can be simple and accessible.

Starting matters more than timing the perfect entry point.

A useful personal test is longevity: will this product or service still matter when you retire?

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. We are not regulated financial advisers. Always do your own research or seek independent advice before making financial decisions. When investing, your capital is at risk.

Resources

Instagram: Impact by Caroline Brady

LinkedIn Caroline Brady

Partner

MoneyWeek gives you a clear weekly roundup of the stories, trends and market moves that matter, written by expert journalists and delivered in print or on the app. You can try six issues for free, then enjoy an exclusive £5 discount on a quarterly subscription for The Wallet community at moneyweek.com/wallet with the code WALLET.

Financial news is everywhere. Markets, interest rates, crypto, AI, pensions, gold, recessions, bubbles. For many people, it creates more stress than clarity, and often leads to reactive money decisions they later regret.

In this episode of The Wallet, Vestpod founder Emilie Bellet is joined by Kalpana Fitzpatrick, Digital Editor at MoneyWeek, to unpack how financial news is made, why it can feel overwhelming, and how to consume it without panic.

Together, they explore how headlines shape emotions, how click-driven content fuels fear and urgency, and how to separate useful information from noise, hype, or manipulation, so you can make better long-term money decisions.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Why money news feels overwhelming

Kalpana explains that the problem is not just the volume of news, but how we now consume it. Financial stories no longer come from one trusted source. They appear on social media, podcasts, apps, and feeds, often repeated and amplified.

Once you show interest in a topic, algorithms push more of it at you, usually in its most emotional form. Fear, urgency, and drama travel faster than nuance. That is why money news can feel relentless and anxiety-inducing.

But Kalpana is clear: avoiding money news entirely is not the answer. Some stories genuinely matter, especially those that affect savings rules, pensions, ISAs, taxes, and long-term planning.

The key is learning to filter.

Clickbait, fear, and the problem with headlines

One of the biggest drivers of confusion is how headlines are written. Sensational language, fear of missing out, and urgency are often used to attract clicks, not to help people make decisions.

Kalpana explains that if a headline makes you feel panicked, rushed, or like you are about to miss out, it is usually a sign to slow down, not act. Real financial journalism is about context, not pressure.

A simple rule she shares is this:

If it makes you feel like you need to act now, step away.

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How to research investments without getting overwhelmed

For people starting out, Kalpana strongly advises against picking individual stocks straight away. Instead, she encourages thinking in themes. Technology, healthcare, regions, or global markets, and using funds to gain diversified exposure.

Reading long-form journalism is part of that research. Not to act instantly, but to understand how industries, companies, and markets actually work.

As she puts it, “Don’t invest in anything you don’t understand.”

Why social media and AI can distort decisions

The episode also explores the risks of getting financial information from social media, family, or AI tools. Kalpana warns that while short-form content can be useful, it is also where misinformation spreads fastest.

She highlights that using AI tools for investment advice is dangerous, with research showing a large proportion of generated information can be inaccurate. Journalism, she explains, is about speaking to experts, analysing data, and putting information in context, not producing instant answers.

How to stay informed without reacting

A central theme of the episode is this: news should inform, not dictate your decisions.

Kalpana shares that most financial news should not change your portfolio at all. Long-term investing is about consistency, not reacting to daily headlines. Ups and downs are normal.

Instead, she suggests using news to ask better questions:

• Does this actually matter for me?

• Is this short-term noise or a long-term shift?

• Does this affect my savings rules, taxes, or pension?

• If the answer is no, it is often safe to do nothing.

The biggest myths about investing

In a quick-fire round, Kalpana debunks some of the most common investing myths:

• Investing is gambling

• You need a lot of money to start

• You need to constantly change your portfolio

• You need to understand everything before you begin

In reality, investing can start small, be simple, and grow over time through consistency.

One question to ask before acting on any headline

Kalpana leaves listeners with a filter for money news: “Does it really matter?”

Most of the time, the answer is no. And that is often the most calming financial decision you can make.

Resources

Instagram @kalpanafitz

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In this episode of The Wallet, Vestpod founder Emilie Bellet is joined by Stephanie Sword-Williams, founder of F*ck Being Humble and author of Career Comedown, to explore why ambition can start to feel heavy, and how to rethink work, money, and success without blowing everything up.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

What is a career comedown?

A career comedown is the moment many people experience after years of striving. You climb the ladder only to realise the next step is not something you actually want.

Stephanie describes it as the slow realisation that what is ahead no longer matches what you value. The problem is not a lack of ambition - it’s just that the version of success you were working towards no longer fits.

Early signs can include:

• Feeling like you are “settling” rather than choosing

• Staying in a role because you feel you should, not because you want to

• Believing the next title or pay rise will fix how you feel

• Thinking “I just need to stick it out” and not really living in the moment.

Why the career ladder no longer works

For many women, the traditional career ladder promises clarity and reward. In reality, it often delivers more pressure and less day-to-day joy.

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Stephanie shares how many people discover that the roles above them are not aspirational once they see them up close. Status and titles are often “rented”, they look impressive from the outside but come with costs that are rarely discussed.

This is why portfolio careers, side projects, reinvention, and redefining ambition are becoming more appealing. Not because people are lazy or ungrateful, but because they want their work to support their life, not consume it.

Care-out, gratitude guilt, and why women stay stuck

The episode also explores two particular experiences that affect women:

• Care-out describes the exhaustion that comes from years of caring for everyone else. Children, partners, parents, teams, clients. Eventually, many women reach a point where they want to put themselves first, often for the first time.

• Gratitude guilt keeps people in roles that no longer fit. Feeling grateful for an opportunity can make it harder to admit that you want something different. Stephanie makes it abundantly clear that it’s possible to be grateful and still want more or something else.

Where money fits into career decisions

Money matters in every career decision. This episode does not ignore that reality.

Stephanie emphasises that career change should never happen without understanding your financial position. Before making any move, she recommends:

• Having a clear financial audit

• Understanding your non-negotiables

• Knowing how much finances you need

• Being honest about trade-offs.

Sometimes, staying put for financial reasons is the right choice. The key is making that decision consciously, rather than staying stuck out of fear or habit.

Redefining success and healthy ambition

For Stephanie, success is no longer about titles or milestones. It is about a calm nervous system, feeling connected to herself, and experiencing daily joy.

Healthy ambition, she explains, is setting intentions without attaching your worth to outcomes. Wanting to grow, create, or contribute without burning yourself out in the process.

As she puts it, ambition does not need to disappear. It just needs to be redefined.

One question to sit with

If you are questioning your career, Stephanie leaves listeners with a simple but powerful line:

“I deserve to find what is right for me.”

Resources

Connect with Stef at F*ck Being Humble

Instagram @fbeinghumble

Order Career Comedown

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MoneyWeek gives you a clear weekly roundup of the stories, trends and market moves that matter, written by expert journalists and delivered in print or on the app. You can try six issues for free, then enjoy an exclusive £5 discount on a quarterly subscription for The Wallet community at moneyweek.com/wallet with the code WALLET.

Feeling organised with money but still unsure or overwhelmed? This guide shares a simple 90-day framework to build a money system that brings clarity, control, and confidence, without jargon or overwhelm.

Most people aren’t bad with money.

They’re trying to do their best.

You probably have the accounts, the savings pots, maybe a personal pension. You’ve read the articles, downloaded budgeting apps, and jotted down financial plans. And yet, somehow, money still feels elusive. Complicated. Frustrating.

This isn’t because you’re doing something wrong. It’s because you don’t have a system that works for you.

We hear this frustration all the time. And no, it’s not from people who are careless with money or haven’t got a clue. We hear it from those who are “doing the right things”, yet still feel like they’re behind.

Here, we outline the key ideas shared in our recent Vestpod Live session, introducing a simple 90-day framework designed to help money feel clearer and calmer. It’s not perfect - but it should make your financial life a lot less stressful.

Why money feels so hard

Money stress rarely comes from a lack of effort. It usually comes from ambiguity.

• You’re saving, but not sure if you’re directing your money in the right way

• You track spending, but still feel like you’re behind

• You want to invest, but don’t know where to start

• You avoid looking at the numbers, because you feel shame and overwhelm.

Then there are real-life constraints: rising costs of living, single incomes, caring responsibilities, or volatile income. All of these things compound and have a profound effect on our finances.

A good money system doesn’t pretend that these issues don’t exist.

A good money system helps you make clearer decisions despite them.

The four pillars of a money system that works

We recommend the use four simple pillars. These aren’t about ‘quick fixes’ or ‘money hacks’. They’re about structure.

1) Awareness

Understanding your money and your habits calmly, without judgement. This is where everything starts. Not with fixing or changing, but with seeing. Numbers, patterns, behaviours, avoidance. Calm awareness comes before action. If looking at your money feels stressful, every decision feels heavier than it needs to be.

2) Everyday money

This is how money shows up in day-to-day life. It’s everything from spending, cash flow, and the small decisions you make all the time. When everyday money feels chaotic, long-term plans become very hard to stick to.

3) Priorities

What your money is designed to do - either now and later. This is where money connects to life. Short-term needs. Longer-term goals. Trade-offs. When priorities are clear, decisions stop feeling like guesses. Money without purpose creates anxiety.

4) Consistency

Actively building wealth through simple systems that support the life you want. This is where money stops being a project and starts fitting into real life. Habits, routines, and reviews matter more than intensity. Consistency is what turns clarity into progress.

Why a 90-day framework works

You don’t need to fix your entire financial life at once. Money moves in cycles. Monthly pay, bills, saving, reviewing. Ninety days is long enough for things to start feeling different, but short enough to feel manageable.

Month 1: Understand

You need to have clarity before change

• In the first phase, very little needs fixing.

• Gather the accounts. See everything in one place. Notice where money feels messy or stressful. Stop guessing.

• The goal here is not a perfect bank balance - it’s clarity.

Month 2: Organise

Make fewer decisions, enjoy more ease

• Once things feel clearer, organisation becomes possible.

• Saving becomes automatic. Spending reflects priorities more closely. Fewer decisions are up for debate.

• Money takes up less headspace.

Month 3: Grow

Progress you can sustain

• Only then does growth make sense.

• That might mean learning about investing, checking a pension, or starting with a small, repeatable amount. Nothing dramatic. You know you can review and adjust later.

• The focus is not speed but consistency.

Different starting points, same system

Most people recognise themselves in one of these places:

• Organised, but anxious.

• Avoiding money because it feels heavy.

• Saving consistently, but not growing.

Support helps systems stick

Money systems work better when they aren’t built in isolation.

That support might come from a partner, a community, an adviser, or a structured programme. Support is not a weakness. It is part of designing systems that hold up when life gets busy.

Turning clarity into action with Bootcamp

The live session was about all clarity and structure. If you would like support applying this framework step by step, the Vestpod Money Bootcamp builds directly on what we covered. It focuses on guided implementation, accountability, and building habits that last, without pressure or jargon.

Find out more here:

https://www.vestpod.com/bootcamp

This applies whether you’re self-employed, running a side hustle, earning rental income, or managing a more complex setup.

In this episode of The Wallet Podcast, Emilie Bellet speaks with Maike Currie, VP of Personal Finance at PensionBee, about what actually matters when it comes to Self Assessment. This guide summarises the key takeaways as the 31 January 2026 deadline approaches.

This episode is for general information only and does not constitute personal tax or financial advice.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Who needs to complete a Self Assessment tax return?

You generally need to file a Self Assessment tax return if you have income that is not fully taxed at source. This can include:

• Self-employment or freelance income

• Side hustles or casual trading above the trading allowance

• Rental income, including overseas property

• Dividend income above the dividend allowance

• Foreign income

• More complex arrangements, such as multiple income streams.

A common misconception is that once you file a return, you must do so every year. In practice, you only need to file in years when your circumstances require it. If your situation changes, you can ask HMRC to stop issuing returns.

Common myths that cause confusion

Many people over- or under-report because of assumptions rather than clear guidance. Maike highlights several areas that frequently cause confusion:

• Side hustles and casual selling
  Not all additional income automatically requires a return. Once allowances are exceeded, or there is a clear intention to make a profit, reporting may be required.

• Multiple jobs
  PAYE does not always capture everything correctly if you have more than one employer.

• Crypto, platforms, and online income
  Income from international platforms such as Etsy, Fiverr, or Patreon still needs to be reported.

• Rent-a-Room versus property income
  These are treated differently for tax purposes and are often misunderstood.

Key deadlines to know

Missing deadlines is one of the most common mistakes.

• You must tell HMRC by 5 October if you need to complete a tax return for the previous year

• Paper filing has an earlier deadline than online filing: HMRC must receive your paper tax return by 11:59pm on 31 October 2025 or you’ll get a late filing penalty.    

• Online filing deadline: 31 January 2026

• Payment deadline: 31 January 2026

• Payments on account are often due in January and July.

You don’t need to wait until January to file. Filing earlier can give you clarity on what you owe and time to plan.

Why so many people leave it until January

For many, the barrier is not technical. It’s psychological.

Self-Assessment can feel overwhelming, particularly if finances have been irregular. Maike suggests breaking the process down:

• Gather documents early

• Set aside a short admin window

• Tackle the return in stages.

Avoiding it doesn’t make it easier. It usually adds pressure later.

What happens after you file?

Once your return is submitted:

• HMRC calculates your tax bill

• You may need to make a lump-sum payment or payments on account

• If you cannot pay in full, contact HMRC as soon as possible to discuss options.

If the amount comes as a surprise, the first step is to review the figures and understand what’s driving the bill.

How pensions can reduce your tax bill

Pension contributions are one of the most effective but least understood tools in tax planning.

• Contributions can reduce your taxable income

• Higher-rate taxpayers can claim additional tax relief

• In some cases, you can still top up late in the tax year.

Maike explains how pension contributions can support both short-term tax planning and long-term financial security.

Maike also highlights why this matters so much in practice, particularly for women. She explains that by their 50s, women hold on average around £100,000 less in their pension pots than men, and that career breaks, more than the gender pay gap alone, are the biggest driver of this difference. Taking time out of paid work without continuing pension contributions can create a gap that is difficult to close later.

Traps for higher earners

For those earning above certain thresholds, several rules commonly catch people out:

• The £100,000 income threshold, where personal allowance is gradually withdrawn

• The High Income Child Benefit Charge

• Frozen tax thresholds, which increase effective tax over time.

Maike describes this as a form of “stealth tax.” Because thresholds are frozen, more people are gradually being pulled into higher tax bands even when their real spending power has not increased. She notes that the share of higher-rate taxpayers is rising from around one in five towards one in four, making Self Assessment and proactive planning relevant for a much wider group than in the past.

What counts as reportable income (and what does not)

Reportable income can include:

• Dividends

• Property income

• Foreign income

• Benefits in kind

• Earnings from online platforms.

Knowing what doesn’t need to be reported matters too. Over-reporting can be just as problematic as under-reporting.

What if your income drops?

If your income changes significantly, you may be able to adjust payments on account. Many people continue paying based on previous years without realising they can update their figures.

Making Tax Digital: what changes in 2026?

From April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) will apply to some taxpayers.

In practice, this means:

• More frequent digital reporting

• Quarterly updates instead of one annual return

• Less reliance on paper-based processes.

Maike explains who will be affected first and how to prepare without overcomplicating things.

Quick-fire takeaways

• One thing to do now: Start early. Even gathering documents reduces the mental load.

• One pension myth: Pensions are not only for later life. They are also a practical tax tool

• One habit that helps: Regular money check-ins make future returns easier.

Final thoughts

Self-Assessment doesn’t need to dominate your January (or your mind!). With clearer information and a few simple habits, it becomes a manageable part of your financial life.

If you’re looking for more structure and support to feel confident with your money, this is exactly the kind of guidance we focus on inside the Vestpod community.

Resources

Check official Self Assessment guidance on the HMRC website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax/self-assessment 

This article is for general information only and does not constitute personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules can change. If you are unsure about your situation, please check HMRC guidance or speak to a qualified adviser.

Partner

Thank you to our partner PensionBee. With PensionBee, you can combine your old pensions, add money when it suits you, and make withdrawals (from age 55, rising to 57 from 2028). It’s a straightforward way to take control of your retirement savings and join a community of over 300k customers. 

Its monthly podcast, The Pension Confident Podcast, aims to help listeners better understand the world of personal finance and pensions. Listen or watch the full episodes on YouTube. And if you’re already a PensionBee customer, you can listen in the PensionBee app!

When investing, your capital is at risk.

To understand why this happens, we spoke to psychotherapist Holli Rubin in this episode of The Wallet podcast about the psychology behind holiday spending. We unpacked what is really going on in the brain during December, why spending can bring short-term relief, and how shame, family expectations, and old money stories shape our choices more than we realise.

Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts

This conversation is not about cutting back for the sake of it or doing Christmas “right”. It is about understanding your responses, setting kinder boundaries, and approaching the festive season with more awareness and less pressure.

1. Christmas Pressure Comes From a Fantasy We’re Sold

“We’re sold this idea of the perfect Christmas.”
From mid-November onwards, we’re surrounded by images of how Christmas should look. Sparkle, generosity, abundance, joy. The pressure comes from trying to live up to a version of Christmas that rarely matches real life. That gap between fantasy and reality is where a lot of emotional and financial stress begins.

2. Stress Spending Is a Nervous System Response

“We go straight into the limbic system.”
When we shop under pressure, the rational part of the brain steps aside. Stress activates cortisol and adrenaline, and spending becomes a way to release that energy. The dopamine hit from buying brings short-term relief, even if it does not last.

3. Dopamine Can Create a Spending Loop

“There is a little bit of an addictive component to it.”
That quick relief can make spending feel tempting to repeat, especially during an intense season. This is not about weak willpower. It is about how our brains respond to stress, excitement, and urgency when everything is happening at once.

4. Your Body Often Knows Before You Do

“If your heart is racing or your hands are clammy.”
Emotional spending often shows up physically. Feeling rushed, tense, or panicky before buying is a sign the purchase may be driven by stress rather than intention. Calmer purchases tend to feel more grounded and connected to the person you are buying for.

5. Planning Protects Joy, It Does Not Ruin It

“Preparing is the key.”
Budgets, lists, and limits can feel unromantic, but they prevent regret, self-criticism, and January stress. Planning helps avoid relying on credit or buy now, pay later to get through December, which many people underestimate until it is too late.

6. Price Is Not the Same as Care

“We don’t attach a price tag to a gift.”
There is a strong cultural link between spending and showing love. In reality, thoughtfulness, time, and connection matter more than cost. Expensive gifts are often forgotten, while meaningful or shared experiences tend to last.

7. Shame Thrives When Money Stays Taboo

“Whenever we talk about money, there’s shame attached.”
Overspending often comes with guilt and embarrassment, especially when money feels hard to talk about. Recognising how seductive marketing is can reduce self-blame. Emotional spending is human. The problem starts when it leads to harm later.

8. Our Childhood Shapes How We Give

“That’s where we learn.”
Early experiences with money and holidays shape how we approach gifting as adults. Talking about these differences with partners or family can reduce tension and help align expectations before emotions run high.

9. Clear Boundaries Create Calm

“People understand it when there are rules.”
Approaches like Secret Santa or agreed spending limits reduce comparison and anxiety. Clear boundaries give people relief because expectations are shared. Creativity and thought tend to stand out more when the rules are simple.

10. Compassion Changes the Pattern

“Be compassionate towards yourself.”
If you overspend, harsh self-criticism rarely helps. Looking at what drove the behaviour with curiosity and kindness makes it less likely to repeat. A simple pause helps too. Asking “will this still matter in January?” can interrupt stress-driven spending before it happens.

RESOURCES

• Connect with Holli Rubin at https://www.hollirubin.com/
  

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A post shared by Money Talks by Emilie Bellet (@vestpod)

Who the 2025 Budget affects and how

💸 Working people, higher tax by stealth

The freeze on tax thresholds is being extended to 2031.

Thresholds are the income levels where you move into a higher tax rate.

When wages rise but thresholds do not, more of your income is taxed at higher rates. This is called fiscal drag. You can feel worse off even if your pay technically increases, because more of it is being taxed.

This affects:

• Income tax

• Inheritance tax

• Capital gains tax

Anyone earning above the personal allowance will pay more tax over time, even if the cost of living is rising faster than their pay.

💷 Salary sacrifice, less tax efficiency over time

From 2029, a yearly cap will be introduced on how much you can put into your pension through salary sacrifice before National Insurance applies.

Anything above £2,000 a year will attract National Insurance from both you and your employer.

Salary sacrifice means giving up part of your salary and paying it straight into your pension before tax. It usually lowers both income tax and NI, making pensions more efficient.

This change quietly reduces one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth through work.

💛 Pensioners, a rise with a catch

The state pension rises by 4.8% under the triple lock.

If you receive the full new state pension, that equals roughly £550 a year more. Those on the older scheme receive about £440.

The full state pension becomes £12,547. The personal allowance remains frozen at £12,570. If the pension rises again but tax-free income does not, some pensioners will pay income tax on the state pension for the first time. That could happen as early as 2027.

🌱 People on benefits, more support in daily life

Several measures increase support for lower-income households:

• The two-child benefit limit is removed

• Universal Credit, PIP and Child Benefit rise by 3.8% from April

• Free school meals extend to all families on Universal Credit by September 2026

• Help to Save becomes available to all UC claimants

With Help to Save, the government adds 50p for every £1 saved over four years. Save the full £2,400 and you receive a £1,200 bonus.

This is one of the few areas where help flows directly into family budgets.

💼 Low-paid workers, genuine increases

The National Minimum Wage rises by 4.1% in April 2026 to £12.71 an hour.

That equals roughly £700 extra per year for a full-time worker.

For 18 to 20 year olds, pay rises 8.5% to £10.85 an hour.

The apprentice rate increases to £8.

This is one of the clearest wins in the Budget.

🏡 High-value homeowners, more council tax coming

A new council tax band starts in 2028 for homes worth over £2 million.

Properties worth more than £5 million will sit at the top of the scale.

Council tax has not been updated since 1991. This is the first major shake-up in over thirty years.

For homeowners in these bands, annual costs will rise.

💰 Savers, cash becomes less attractive

The overall ISA allowance stays at £20,000. What changes is how much of that you can hold in cash.

From the new rules:

• You can put up to £12,000 into a Cash ISA

• The remaining £8,000 must go into a Stocks and Shares ISA if you want to use your full allowance

• Over-65s keep the ability to hold the full £20,000 in cash

Everything outside an ISA will also face higher tax from 2027:

• Basic rate rises to 22%

• Higher rate rises to 42%

• Additional rate rises to 47%

This does not remove ISAs, but it pushes savers away from cash and toward investing.

🚆 Train passengers, a freeze on pain

Regulated rail fares will not rise in 2026.

Most season tickets and standard peak fares are included.

Prices remain high, but for commuters this brings temporary relief.

📈 Investors, higher taxes outside ISAs

Dividend tax rises from April on income above the dividend allowance. The dividend allowance is £500 for everyone. Dividends above this are taxed at your marginal dividend rate based on your income band.

Previous dividend tax rates in the UK, before this change:

• Basic rate: 8.75%

• Higher rate: 33.75%

• Additional rate: 39.35%

New rates from April:

• Basic rate: 10.75%

• Higher rate: 35.75%

• Additional rate: 47% (if you are including the top band)

So this is a 2 percentage point rise across the board.

🚗 Drivers, the cost of moving rises

Fuel duty rises next September for the first time in fifteen years.

From 2028, electric car drivers pay per mile:

• 3p per mile for EVs

• 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrids

At 8,500 miles a year, that is around £255 for EV drivers.

This is how petrol taxes are replaced as usage declines.

🏘️ Landlords, pressure increases

Property income tax rises by two percentage points from April 2027.

New rates:

• 22% basic

• 42% higher

• 47% additional rate

This adds pressure to landlords already facing higher mortgage costs and may filter through into rents.

🌿 The story underneath the numbers

This Budget quietly reshapes pensions, pay, savings, housing and transport. Small changes add up fast when the system already feels tight. Understanding the rules before they bite is how financial confidence is built.

Disclaimer

This article is for information and education only. It is not financial advice. Budget measures may change as they are implemented. Check government updates or consult a regulated financial adviser for support specific to your situation.

Check the OBR for full release.

Here’s something nobody tells you while you’re out smashing career goals and juggling life: there’s a silent money gap growing in the background.

Scottish Widows just dropped their annual Women and Retirement Report 2025 report and, honestly, it’s jaw-dropping — women are retiring with £113,000 less than men. Yep, that’s six figures missing from our future selves.

And before you think “retirement’s miles away,” here’s the kicker: more than a third of women are heading towards poverty in retirement. That’s not a future-you problem. That’s a right-now problem.

Why the gap exists

We know the usual suspects, but it’s worth spelling them out clearly:

• Career breaks for maternity leave or caring for family

• Part-time work, meaning smaller paycheques and smaller pension contributions

• The gender pay gap that refuses to disappear

• Unpaid care, which still falls largely on women

These aren’t small things — they’re decades of decisions shaped by life, family, and circumstance.

Scottish Widows found that 58% of women close to retirement took a career break, compared with just 12% of men.

Women in their 50s have often spent five to seven fewer years in paid work than men — and those missing years compound into a huge financial gap.

A single five-year career break in your 30s can mean around £70,000 less in your pension by your late 60s.

And menopause is emerging as another turning point, with many women reducing hours or stepping back during peak earning years.

Each break, each pay gap, each unpaid hour — it all chips away at your pension pot. This isn’t a money-management issue. It’s a system built around uninterrupted careers, which simply isn’t how most women work or live.

The age factor no one talks about

At 25, retirement feels theoretical.
At 35, you’re thinking about childcare, mortgages, ageing parents.
At 45, it suddenly feels close enough to touch.

And here’s the kicker: women live longer than men, so we actually need more money to last through retirement — yet we’re saving less. It’s the financial equivalent of running a marathon in heels.

What you can do right now

It’s not too late. A few small moves can make a big difference later:

• Find your pensions. If you’ve switched jobs, you probably have a few scattered around. Track them down.

• If you’re in work, ask whether your employer offers enhanced contributions after parental leave or if they’ll match a higher rate.

• Check your balance (and try not to panic — awareness is power).

• Top up if you can. Even a 1–2% increase in contributions can snowball over decades. A £1,000 investment at age 20 could be worth about £2,500 (today’s money) by age 65 — versus ~£1,700 if started at age 40.

• Ask your employer about contributions. Some offer enhanced contributions after parental leave or will match a higher rate — but you often have to ask.

• And have the conversation at home. Your partner can contribute to your pension during career breaks or lower-earning years. It’s one of the fairest (and simplest) ways to keep savings on track when life isn’t split 50/50.

• If you’re self-employed or not currently working, you can still open a pension. A personal pension lets you keep saving in your own name, and the government still adds tax relief.

💬 The real power? Talking about it.

Talking about pensions might not feel thrilling, but it’s quietly powerful. Your future self is counting on you — and she deserves security, freedom and peace of mind. Every small step — tracking pots, asking questions, conversations, nudging up contributions — pushes the gap in the right direction.

From budgeting apps to chatbots that explain investing, more people are turning to AI for financial guidance. What once felt intimidating is now at our fingertips. But as artificial intelligence reshapes how we manage money, it’s worth asking: is it helping us feel more confident, or just adding to the noise?

Here’s how AI is changing the way people learn about money – and how to use it safely and confidently.

How AI is changing financial habits

Aqua’s Financial Learnings and Mistakes 2025 report found that nearly two-thirds of young Brits now use AI tools for financial guidance.

Here’s what stands out:

• Among 25–34-year-olds, 67% turn to platforms like ChatGPT for advice – compared with just 10% of those aged 55 and over.

• Millennials, who grew up alongside online banking, are most comfortable blending tech and money management.

• 80% of millennial eToro users are open to – or already using – AI to help manage investments.

Digital tools may also be helping boost confidence. Despite economic uncertainty, 46% of UK adults say they feel more confident about their finances than last year. The most common emotions? “Stable”, “content”, and “happy.”

But AI has its limits

AI can be brilliant for sorting information and explaining complex topics in plain English. What it can’t do is see your full picture – your goals, responsibilities, or emotions around money.

It can’t tell you why saving feels harder this year or how to prioritise between bills and long-term goals. That’s where human judgement still matters most.

The confidence gap and the new kind of advice

Not everyone feels at ease. Around 10% of UK adults say they feel anxious about money, and 9% feel stressed – both slightly higher than last year.

Younger generations are turning to where they feel heard:

• Among 21–24-year-olds, 22% get money advice from TikTok;

• 15% turn to banks;

• Only 7% speak to professional advisers.

This shift brings opportunity and risk – more access to information, but also more misinformation. Transparency matters.

A CRIF 2025 study found that while 74% of people expect to manage all their finances online by 2030, one in five say they’ll choose providers based on ethics, values and transparency – not just convenience.

Still, AI tools don’t always get it right. Investing Insiders (2025) found that:

• AI gets financial answers right only 56% of the time;

• 27% of responses were misleading;

• 17% were incorrect – often around ISA limits, pension rules, or country-specific tax details.

Why younger generations are embracing AI

AI fits naturally into how we already live – filtering choices, tracking spending and simplifying decisions.

Researchers at The University of Virginia call this “augmented decision-making”: AI takes on admin and analysis, helping people feel calmer and more in control.

For millennials juggling careers, families and rising costs, that’s powerful. Gen Z is even more comfortable blending money and tech – 40% of students in one international study said they’d trust AI to manage investments (Yugo, 2025). 

But trust is fragile. Confidence fades when AI seems to serve companies rather than customers. That’s why it’s safest to use AI that’s built within regulated platforms – such as banks, budgeting apps, or FCA-regulated robo-advisers – rather than general-purpose tools.

Safe ways to use AI for your finances

When it comes to money, keep AI inside trusted environments.

Here’s how to stay secure:

• Use in-app tools like Monzo, Starling or Revolut to track spending – they’re regulated and built for this purpose.

• Budgeting apps like Emma or Snoop use Open Banking (not data scraping), so they’re generally safer.

• If you’re investing, look for FCA-regulated robo-advisers such as Moneyfarm, Wealthify or InvestEngine.

These tools let you harness AI safely – without putting personal data at risk.

How to build confidence with AI (without losing control)

AI can simplify money management – but it should never replace human judgement.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Stay curious, not passive. Use AI to learn, not to decide. Always double-check before acting.

2. Choose tools that reflect your values and explain how they use your data.

3. Blend digital with human advice. Talk to an adviser, coach or friend before big decisions.

4. Keep learning through podcasts, newsletters and trusted sources that make money topics feel approachable.

5. Notice how you feel. Financial confidence comes as much from emotion as information.

How people are safely using ChatGPT for money learning

• Getting organised: List your bills and income. ChatGPT can group them into fixed and variable costs to help you spot patterns – without sharing bank statements.

• Understanding your pension: Share only the names of your funds. ChatGPT can explain what each invests in, its markets and typical risks – but never tell you to switch.

• Clarifying your goals: ChatGPT can ask reflective prompts to help you organise your thinking about saving and risk.

Used safely, it’s a tool for understanding – not action.

The future of money confidence

AI isn’t replacing financial literacy – it’s reshaping how we learn. Used wisely, it can make money feel clearer and less overwhelming.

Financial confidence still comes from human context and clarity. AI can help by handling admin and analysis, but not by making the final call.

So… should you trust AI with your finances?

AI can be a great assistant – like a helpful, sometimes overconfident friend. But it’s not regulated, and it doesn’t know your full story.

So use it to learn, compare and clarify. Then, when it’s time to make real decisions about savings, investments or pensions, check in with a qualified expert.

Think of AI as the first step in the conversation, not the last word.

But here’s the truth: your pension is probably the biggest financial asset you’ll ever own (apart from your home). Understanding how it works now could mean the difference between a relaxed, confident retirement and one that feels a little too tight for comfort.

What Is a Pension, Exactly?

A pension is simply a long-term savings pot for your future self. You (and often your employer) pay in throughout your working life, that money gets invested, and eventually it funds your retirement.

Think of it as a locked savings account with benefits. You can’t touch it until you’re 55 (rising to 57 in 2028), but in return, the government rewards you with generous tax breaks.

How Money Gets In

There are three ways your pension grows — and this is where it gets powerful:

1. Your contributions:
A slice of your salary goes into your pension before tax. If you earn £30,000 and contribute 5%, that’s £1,500 a year.

2. Employer contributions:
By law, employers must contribute too — at least 3% if you put in 5%. Many offer more, matching your contributions pound-for-pound. It’s free money you don’t want to miss.

3. Tax relief:
For every £80 you contribute, the government adds £20 if you’re a basic-rate taxpayer. Higher-rate taxpayers can claim even more back.

Together, these three — you, your employer, and the government — supercharge your savings in a way no other account can.

What Happens to Your Money

Your contributions aren’t sitting still — they’re invested in things like shares, bonds, and property. Over decades, those investments grow through returns and compound interest (interest on your interest).

That’s where time becomes your biggest advantage. A 25-year-old saving £200 a month (with employer match and tax relief included) could build a pot of roughly £400,000 by age 65, assuming 5% annual growth after fees. Start at 40, and you’d have less than half that.

The Different Types of Pensions

Workplace pensions:
Your employer sets one up, and both you and they contribute automatically. Since 2012, auto-enrolment has made this the default for most employees.

Personal pensions:
If you’re self-employed or want to save beyond your workplace scheme, you can set up your own pension and still get tax relief.

Final salary (defined benefit) pensions:
These are rare now, but valuable. They promise a fixed income in retirement, based on your salary and years of service.

The State Pension:
Paid by the government once you reach State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67). You’ll need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full amount — about £11,500 a year.

When You Can Access Your Pension

You can usually access private pensions from age 55 (57 from 2028) — even if you keep working part-time. You can take 25% tax-free, and the rest is taxed as income when you withdraw it.

You can choose to take it all at once, draw it gradually, or buy an annuity (a guaranteed income for life). The State Pension comes later, from your state pension age.

Why It Matters

Because your pension isn’t just a savings account — it’s your financial freedom fund.

• It’s tax-efficient — you get relief when you pay in, tax-free growth while invested, and a 25% tax-free slice when you take it out.

• You’ll likely need more than you think — experts suggest aiming for around 70% of your pre-retirement income.

• We’re living longer, which means your money needs to last longer.

• And starting early makes everything easier — a small contribution now beats a big one later.

💬 The Bottom Line

Pensions aren’t glamorous. They won’t trend on TikTok or make small talk exciting. But they’re one of the smartest, most reliable ways to build long-term security.

So check your latest pension statement. Make sure you’re getting your employer’s full contribution. Increase your percentage if you can. And if you’ve got old pensions from past jobs, track them down — billions of pounds are sitting in forgotten pots.

Because your future self deserves the payoff for all the quiet, consistent saving you’re doing today. 💛

Big changes are coming to how children learn about money. For the first time in more than a decade, England’s national curriculum is set for an update — and this time, money is finally on the list. Under the new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, financial education would become a core part of learning from primary school onwards.

If approved, every state school (including academies) will be required to teach key money topics — giving pupils a fairer start in life.

What might be changing 

Here’s what’s being proposed:

• Citizenship lessons made mandatory in primary schools

• Real-world money topics — from budgeting and mortgages to pensions

• Financial numeracy built into maths — so percentages and interest rates actually make sense

These changes aim to help children understand everyday money decisions before they face them as adults.

Financial education is expected to officially become part of the primary school curriculum in England in the 2028/2029 academic year.

Who’s behind it

This milestone follows years of campaigning to make financial literacy part of every child’s education.

Among the key voices:

• Martin Lewis and the MoneySavingExpert.com team, long-time advocates for financial education for all

• Louise Hill and GoHenry, whose tools and research have shown the lifelong impact of early money habits

• Money Ready, a free classroom platform already used by hundreds of UK schools to teach real-world finance

• Young Enterprise’s chief executive, Sarah Porretta

• Recommendations from Professor Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review (November 2025)

Their shared goal: make financial confidence a basic skill, not a privilege.

What young people are saying

GoHenry’s Kids’ Eye View survey of 2,000 UK children aged 6–18 found that 84% want or already have more financial education at school — and rate it as equally or more important than Maths, English or Science.

Among older teens, 68% of 18-year-olds said they were worried about leaving school without any money skills, while over half (52%) of 6–10-year-olds said they’d like to start learning about money in primary school.

When asked what topics they want covered:

• 46% said saving money

• 34% said mortgages and home buying

• 34% said earning money and building a career

• 31% said budgeting and managing a bank account

Those priorities mirror what adults often say they wish they’d learned earlier — practical, everyday money knowledge.

Why it matters

As Martin Lewis put it: “Intention’s not without proper implementation – teacher training, resources and enthusiasm matter.”

Right now, only 1 in 3 primary-school-aged children receive any form of financial education.

GoHenry’s research suggests that effective financial education could add £6.98 billion to the UK economy each year, and help individuals build up to £70,000 more in retirement savings.

Early money confidence doesn’t just shape wallets — it shapes wellbeing.

What children will actually learn

The curriculum could include:

• Budgeting basics: how to plan spending and saving

• Everyday finance: mortgages, rent, pensions and taxes

• Money mindset: how emotions and decisions shape habits

• Digital literacy: safe online payments and avoiding scams

The goal isn’t to turn children into investors — it’s to help them feel at ease with money.

The bigger picture

At Vestpod, we’ve seen how early money conversations change everything.

Financial education shouldn’t begin with your first payslip — it should start when money first becomes real: pocket money, saving for something small, or understanding interest.

This update is long overdue. While there’s still work ahead — training teachers, creating resources, ensuring consistency — it signals that financial wellbeing is finally being taken seriously.

A generation that understands money better can make smarter choices, avoid common pitfalls, and feel more in control.

💡 Ready to build your own money confidence?

Explore our free guides at vestpod.com/start-here to learn the basics of saving, budgeting and investing — because financial education doesn’t stop at school.

Let’s be honest — “start investing” has probably been sitting on your to-do list for months (or years). You know it’s important, but it can feel confusing, risky, or just… something future-you will figure out.

The truth? You don’t need thousands of pounds or a finance degree to begin. You can start investing with as little as £100 — and doing it today can make a real difference to your financial future.

This is your simple, no-jargon guide to getting started.

1. Why Investing Matters

Saving is essential for short-term goals and emergencies — but cash left sitting in the bank loses value over time due to inflation.

Investing, on the other hand, helps your money grow. It’s how your money starts working for you instead of the other way around.

Even small amounts invested regularly can snowball through compound growth — where your returns start earning their own returns.

Think of saving as safety and access. Think of investing as growth and freedom.

2. Are You Ready To Invest?

Before diving in, make sure your foundations are solid. You’re ready if:

• High-interest debts are paid off or under control

• You have an emergency fund (ideally 3–6 months of expenses)

• You can leave your money invested for at least 5 years

• You’re using spare cash — not money you’ll need soon

3. Choose the Right Platform & Account

You’ll need a home for your investments — called a platform or broker.

There are three main options:

• 🤖 Robo-advisers: Automated platforms that build and manage a portfolio for you (perfect for beginners).

• 📱 DIY platforms: Choose your own funds or ETFs and manage them yourself.

• 💬 Financial advisers: Offer personalised guidance and holistic planning.

Start with a Stocks & Shares ISA — it’s simple, flexible, and your returns grow tax-free (up to £20,000 a year) or a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension).

4. What To Invest In With £100

Skip the complicated stock-picking.

Begin with a diversified fund — like a global index fund or a ready-made portfolio that spreads your money across hundreds of companies worldwide.

These are low-cost, low-stress, and ideal for learning the ropes.

🏁 Example: Invest £100 in a global tracker fund or through a robo-adviser. Then set up an automatic £25–£50 monthly top-up. Consistency beats perfection.

5. The Power of Starting Small

Starting small builds confidence and habits.

Even £100 can teach you how markets move, how platforms work, and how investing feels in real life.

Over time, small steps compound into big results — and more importantly, financial confidence.

Small steps build big change.

6. Your Next Step: Download the Free Vestpod Guide

Ready to begin?

We’ve created a free, step-by-step guide — “How To Make Your First £100 Investment” — that walks you through everything from setting goals to choosing your platform and building smart habits.

👉 Download your free guide here

(It’s designed for beginners, UK-friendly, and completely jargon-free.)

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wait for the perfect time. The market will rise and fall, but time in the market beats timing the market — every single time.

So start with what you have, where you are, and watch your confidence grow.

Because investing isn’t about chasing quick wins — it’s about creating freedom, choice, and opportunity for your future self.

✨ You’ve got this.

What’s a credit score? 

A credit score is a number that shows how trustworthy you look to a lender. It reflects your financial habits — how you borrow, repay, and manage credit over time.

Lenders, landlords and even utility providers use it to decide whether you’re likely to make payments on time.

In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each one calculates your score slightly differently.

How is a credit score calculated? 

Your score comes from the information in your credit report — a record of your borrowing and repayment history. It’s based on things like:

• Payment history: whether you pay bills and credit on time

• Credit use: how much of your available credit you’re using (called utilisation)

• Length of credit history: older, stable accounts can help

• Types of credit: a healthy mix (credit card, loan, mortgage) shows responsible use

• Recent applications: too many new requests can look risky

These factors are combined into one number — a higher score suggests a lower risk to lenders.

Who has a credit score?

Most adults who’ve ever borrowed money or paid a bill in their name have one. If you’ve used a credit card, taken out a loan, or paid for a mobile contract or utilities, you’ll have a credit record.

If you’re new to credit — for example, a student, renter, or newcomer to the UK — you might have a “thin file”. That just means there’s less data available, which can make your score lower at first.

What’s new from Experian?

Experian has updated its UK scoring system — the range now goes up to 1,250 (previously 999) — and it includes more day-to-day financial data.

The biggest change? Rental payments now count.

If you pay rent regularly and on time, it can now help build your credit profile. Until now, renters didn’t benefit from one of their most consistent financial habits.

The new model also considers things like overdraft use, bill payments and repayment patterns — giving a fairer picture of how people really manage money.

Will your score change?

Don’t worry if your number moves. A wider range and new data sources mean your score might shift even if your behaviour hasn’t.

• Renters who report payments could see a boost

• Those who don’t may see smaller movements until their rent is included

Consistency is key — keep managing money well and your score will adjust over time.

Why your credit score matters

Your credit score affects your:

• Access to loans, credit cards and mortgages

• Rates — higher scores can mean better deals and lower interest

• Opportunities — some landlords or phone providers check it too

Experian’s update aims to make scoring fairer by recognising responsible money management beyond borrowing.

How to improve and maintain your score

You can’t control the algorithm — but you can control your habits:

✅ Pay on time, every time (late payments hurt most)
✅ Register your rent via CreditLadder or The Rental Exchange if it’s not reported
✅ Keep credit-card balances below 30% of your limit
✅ Check your credit report for mistakes or signs of fraud
✅ Keep older accounts open to show long-term stability

Does checking my score affect it?

No — checking your own score or report doesn’t impact it.

When you look at it through Experian, Equifax or TransUnion, it’s a soft check — visible only to you. Only hard checks (formal credit applications like loans or mortgages) appear to lenders and might slightly lower your score temporarily.

The bigger picture 

Experian’s changes are part of a wider shift towards fairer, more inclusive credit scoring — one that reflects real financial lives.

For renters, freelancers and anyone building independence, this is good news. It finally recognises everyday financial consistency, not just borrowing.

But inclusion only truly works if it’s automatic — renters shouldn’t have to opt in to prove reliability.

At Vestpod, we see this as a reminder that small, steady habits — paying bills on time, budgeting, managing credit — all compound into financial confidence.

Ready to take control of your financial confidence?

Explore more guides and tools at vestpod.com/start-here to learn how to build credit, invest, and make your money work for you.

I’ve followed Shane Parrish’s work for years. His podcast The Knowledge Project is packed with conversations that stick with you. And his latest book Clear Thinking gave me something I didn’t realise I was missing: a framework for better decision-making.

Not just for high-stakes business moves or “life-changing” moments. But for the everyday stuff. The little yeses that cost you energy. The habits that shape your week. The voice in your head that says just push through when what you really need is to pause.

Shane’s background as an intelligence agent turned investor gives him a unique lens. People often call him “the spy who helps Wall Street think smarter.” But what he really teaches is how to think more clearly — in a noisy, reactive world.

Here are 10 takeaways that stayed with me:

1. Start with agency
You can’t control every outcome — but you can control how you respond. Focus on your process, not the result. That’s where your power lies.

2. Make room to think
Busy schedules lead to scattered thinking. Clarity needs space. Block time to step back, reflect, and actually think.

3. Don’t say yes too fast
“Let me think about it” is a full sentence. Most urgency is performative. Build buffers between input and decision.

4. Fix your defaults
We don’t rise to our goals — we fall to our habits. Your reactions when you’re tired, stressed, or under pressure? That’s your real default. Start there.

5. Know your internal enemies
There are four: ego, emotion, social pressure, and inertia. Learn to spot them when they hijack your thinking. Name them. Move anyway.

6. Build clarity through discipline
Clear thinking isn’t just about mindset — it’s about reducing noise. Routines help. Think: morning walks, screen-free time, fewer tabs open (literally and mentally).

7. Write your own rules
Friction eats energy. Create personal policies like “no meetings before 10am” or “don’t make decisions on the spot.” Fewer decisions = fewer regrets.

8. Be radically accountable
Accountability isn’t just about fixing mistakes. It’s about claiming your strengths and your blind spots. No outsourcing. No excuses.

9. Remember memento mori
We avoid thinking about mortality — but that’s what gives life clarity. When you remember it’s all temporary, the noise fades. What matters gets sharper.

10. Clear thinking is a skill
You weren’t taught how to think — but you can learn. Like any muscle, it gets stronger with practice. Read, reflect, repeat.

Why this matters

So much of modern life is reaction. Notifications. Meetings. Opinions. Pressure. We’re taught to perform, not to think. But good decisions come from clarity — not hustle.

What I love about Shane Parrish’s approach is that it’s not about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming more conscious. Learning to pause. Choosing better, one small moment at a time.

Whether you’re navigating your career, your finances, or just your Monday morning, learning how to think clearly is one of the most underrated skills you can build.

If you’ve ever avoided checking your bank balance, felt a wave of guilt after spending, or panicked about your financial future, you’re not alone. For many women, money doesn’t feel empowering — it feels overwhelming, confusing, or even scary.

According to HSBC, 69% of women in the UK don’t feel confident about investing. One in four say they simply don’t know enough to start. But this isn’t just about investing — it’s about how money makes us feel. And the truth is, most of us were never taught how to manage those emotions.

In this article, we’ll explore what money anxiety really is, where it comes from, and five simple steps to start feeling more in control of your finances.

What Is Money Anxiety?

Money anxiety is the stress, fear or unease that shows up when you think about your finances. It might hit when bills are due, when you think about the future, or even when someone brings up money in conversation. It’s not always tied to how much you earn or save — even people who are doing “well” on paper can experience it.

In many ways, this anxiety is logical. In our world, money often equals safety, access, and autonomy. So when we feel financially insecure, it can trigger deep emotional responses — fear, guilt, shame, or even avoidance.

Common Signs of Money Anxiety

You might not call it anxiety, but if any of these sound familiar, you might be feeling the effects:

• Avoiding your bank account after a weekend of spending.

• Putting off financial tasks like budgeting or setting up savings.

• Feeling guilty every time you spend, even on essentials.

• Constantly worrying about the future, even when your finances are stable.

• Arguing with your partner or avoiding money conversations altogether.

Why Do So Many Women Feel Financial Stress?

There’s no single cause of money anxiety, but for many women, it’s a mix of:

• Financial trauma or instability growing up.

• Lack of education or transparency about money.

• Social conditioning to be cautious, not take risks, or wait until we’re “ready”.

• Systemic barriers to building wealth, from the gender pay gap to the cost of childcare.

We’re told to save, but not taught how to invest. We’re encouraged to budget, but rarely shown how to feel confident doing it.

How to Overcome Money Anxiety  

You don’t need to fix everything overnight. Managing money anxiety is about taking small, intentional steps — and knowing you’re not alone. At Vestpod, we’re here to help you feel more confident, one step at a time.

1. Acknowledge how you feel

Stress, guilt, avoidance — these are real, valid responses to money. Naming them is the first step toward feeling more in control.

2. Understand your money story

Think about how you grew up around money. What were you taught — or not taught — about saving, spending, or success? Your past might be shaping your habits more than you realise.

3. Make space for regular check-ins

We love the idea of a “money date” — even 10 minutes with a cup of tea to look at your finances without judgement. It’s not about fixing everything. Just noticing what’s there.

4. Find resources that speak to you

Whether it’s our Investing Bootcamp, a short podcast episode, or a blog post on setting financial goals — we’ve created tools that make money feel less scary, and more supportive.

5. Reach out when you need support

Money can feel isolating, but you’re not in this alone. Join a community like Vestpod where it’s safe to ask questions and learn without judgement.

Ready to take your first step toward overcoming money anxiety?

👉 Download our free worksheet to help you pause, reflect, and feel more in control of your finances.

Freelancers, welcome to Episode 10 — the final episode of our Finances for Freelancers series. We’ve broken down the essentials every freelancer or solopreneur needs to feel confident with money — from budgeting and taxes to pensions and pricing.

Today, we’re wrapping up with a punchy roundup — each of our expert guests shares one final, powerful tip to help you stay on track with your finances.

You can listen (12min) and subscribe here:

Now available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podlink

***

Key Takeaways:

1. Janet Knapton — Keep Business and Personal Separate

“So you don't need to have a limited company to ensure that you use a separate bank account from your personal spending.”
Mixing personal and business finances causes chaos — and often, tax trouble. Janet’s advice? Set up a separate business account from day one. It saves you time, tax, and stress.

2. Lucy Wheeler — Contracts Are Protection, Not Admin

“Think of them as boundaries... they’re designed to support both sides.”
Contracts set expectations for both you and your client. They’re not just legal safety nets — they clarify what’s included, what’s not, and how (and when) you get paid.

3. Zoe Brett — Think of Insurance as a Gift

“You're giving your future self security, you're giving your family security.”
Don’t view insurance as just another bill. Zoe reframes it as something generous: a gift of peace of mind that protects your income and your people when life gets messy.

4. Emma Hardwick — Track It All (From Day One)

“If you know what profit you're making, hopefully you can then forecast how much you need to save.”
Even in your earliest freelance days, tracking profit and tax is key. Emma recommends cloud tools like Xero to simplify invoicing, tax saving, and seeing where your money’s actually going.

5. Sara Dalrymple — Don’t Charge for Time, Charge for Value

“We can do things a different way and we should.”
Sara’s message is clear: pricing shouldn’t be about time on the clock — it’s about the results you deliver. Know your value, and set prices that reflect the transformation you offer.

6. Lisa Picardo — Don’t Ignore Your Future Self

“There are things you can do… even if money feels tight.”
Lisa’s been self-employed — and she gets it. Pensions may feel low priority, but even small steps now build big security later. Have the conversation, take action, and future-you will thank you.

7. Emilie Nutley — Automate Everything You Can

“As soon as you can automate your goals… it takes a lot of the mental accounting out of it.”
Make your systems work for you. Emilie recommends setting up digital bank ‘spaces’ or automating percentages for tax, savings, or big purchases — to remove stress and make things sustainable.

8. Lara Sheldrake — Work Smart, Not Hard

“This goes back to working smart, not hard… business doesn’t need to be complicated.”
Where’s your energy flowing — and what’s the easiest win? Lara encourages you to simplify, tune in, and make offers that align with your zone of genius. Less friction, more flow.

9. Victoria Nabarro — Shift from Short-Term to Long-Term

“Start thinking as a business owner. Start thinking long term.”
Move beyond month-to-month thinking. Victoria urges freelancers to shift into a longer horizon — using good months to invest in freedom, passive income, and goals that stretch beyond your next invoice.

10. Emilie Bellet — You Don’t Need to Hustle Harder

“You just need to build smarter.”
There will be ups and downs. Mistakes. Wins. Learning. But you don’t need to do more — you need to do things better. Find support, set up systems, and take time to rest. Your energy and your money both matter.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real — freelancing is liberating, but it’s also a lot. One month you’re flush with client work, the next you’re chasing invoices and refreshing your banking app like it owes you something.

But here’s what these ten experts have shown us: you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start treating your freelance work like the real business it already is.

Set boundaries (yes, contracts count). Track your money. Pay yourself. Protect your future. And most importantly, don’t wait to feel ready — none of us ever do.

PARTNER

• Thank you to our partner PensionBee. With PensionBee you can combine, contribute and withdraw online. Take control of your pension, so that you can enjoy a happy retirement and join over 265,000 customers saving with PensionBee.

RESOURCES

• Connect with Emilie:

  • Sign up to The Edit newsletter

  • Follow Vestpod on Instagram

  • Enroll in our upcoming bootcamps

  • Get Emilie’s book: You’re Not Broke, You’re Pre-Rich