AJ Bell Money Matters

Why mentoring really matters

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura walk through the changes hurtling towards us in April including energy price caps, broadband and council tax.

We also hear from AJ Bell's sales director Alison Mollard and business development team leader Georgia Swallow who are mentor and mentee respectively. When Alison began her career, the financial services sector looked particularly different as she was often the only woman in the room. Both Alison and Georgia share their stories and insights, plus why mentoring is still essential.

Accelerating Action on International Women's Day

On this special episode of the podcast which coincides with International Women’s Day 2025, Danni and Laura talk through our new research which sheds light on the £6.6 billion gender ISA gap. Lots of women have ISAs but they tend to keep their savings in cash which means the growth potential is likely to be lower. Simplifying ISAs, ditching jargon and helping women become more confident with their financial choices are all part of the solution which will hopefully help close the wider gender investment gap.  

We’ve also got a very special guest. Jenny Halpern Prince is the founder of charities the Lady Garden and Access Aspiration, plus she runs her own  PR and brand company and just in case she’s got a few hours spare, she’s also a mum of three. We also hear about the lessons she’s learned over the years and how she feels we can all #AccelerateAction which of course is the theme of this year’s IWD. 

Married with a business

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss love and money. Often taboo in relationships, they share their own money stories as well as top tips for those managing joint finances and for people experiencing the single tax.

We also hear from husband-and-wife Matt & Claire Towe who set up a business together. Meet Margo's mission is to make mortgages easy with a focus on women's finances; set up at Matt & Claire's dining table, the couple chat about balancing work and personal lives, managing finances, and creating a company around flexible working. 

https://meetmargo.uk/

Saving for retirement and taking pension payments

On this episode of the pod, Danni and Laura discuss trends from the latest Unemployment Index curated by our charity partner Smart Works.

We also speak to Georgina Taylor from Invesco who walks us through the key things to consider for those preparing to take pension payments, as well as top retirement tips for all ages. Georgina also explains what 'lifestyling' is, and talks about buying an annuity vs taking money in drawdown (and if you can use them together). Plus how she nearly turned down becoming a fund manager at 40.

Financial wins and resolutions

This week on the pod, Danni and Laura review the financial wins from last year and resolutions for 2025 from the Money Matters team. It's important to celebrate any money goal achieved, no matter how big or small. From building an emergency fund and quashing lifestyle creep to filing paperwork on time and fixing energy tariffs, we share our successes.

We also dive into financial resolutions and setting achievable money habits. Our experts discuss top tips to start 2025 on the right foot, and maybe give you some ideas to feel good about your finances.

Sign up for the #dontfearyourfuture free webinar here to put your questions to Baroness Helena Morrissey and Jacynth Bassett: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1683069072008430942

We’ll see you at 12:30pm on 29th January!

Don't fear your future with Ageism Is Never In Style

On the first pod of 2025, we're joined by award-winning founder of Ageism Is Never In Style, Jacynth Bassett. Having created a vibrant community of people often ignored by society, we ask Jacynth how to breakdown stereotypes around ageing and enjoy preparing for your future. We also talk through the inspiration for the AJ Bell Money Matters & Ageism Is Never In Style collaboration. 

Sign up for the #dontfearyourfuture free webinar here to put your questions to Baroness Helena Morrissey and Jacynth Bassett: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1683069072008430942

We’ll see you at 12:30pm on 29th January!

Danni and Laura take on self assessments for their "one big thing", as around 40,000 Brits took to HMRC's website in the festive period. They walk through the basics and remind you of those important deadlines.

2024 investing trends

In the last pod episode of 2024, Danni and guest host Charlene discuss how male and female AJ Bell customers have differed in 2024 (as well as some surprising similarities). From the most popular shares and funds to how often we log in online, we examine why we have different habits to our male counterparts.

Danni and Charlene also walk through the events in 2024 which have shapes our investing decisions. The past 12 months have been filled with elections, conflicts, and a budget that shook up financial definitions, which our experts chat through without the jargon.

How to combat imposter syndrome

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss imposter syndrome: the little voice that tells you you’re not good enough. A lack of confidence is often cited by women as they reason they don’t ask for pay rises or promotions, don’t apply for senior leadership positions, or don’t feel able to return to the workplace after taking time out.

We’ve got some top tips from Zoe Hayden Jones, podcaster and founder of the online platform Jobs for Women, about how to deal with imposter syndrome and why it’s something that impacts women more than men. Plus, if you thought inflation was last year’s problem, Laura and Danni explain why higher prices might be on their way back and why an interest rate cut by the Bank of England doesn’t mean that all mortgages are getting cheaper.

Why we should (or shouldn't) celebrate Equal Pay Day

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni discuss “Equal Pay Day” - the point in the year that women stop earning relative to men because of the gender pay gap. They speak to Alesha De Freitas from The Fawcett Society, which is a charity that has been campaigning for years to reach a point when the day no longer exists because pay parity has finally been reached.

They also discuss the US election which has put women and women’s issues front and centre. Whether the next President will be a woman or not, having such strong role models at the forefront of campaigns is something to celebrate.

How do you navigate "The Wobbly Middle"?

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we hear from Susannah De Jager and Patsy Day who set up The Wobbly Middle. Navigating change in work/life balances can be stressful but also reinvigorating, and when Susannah and Patsy found themselves on the same journey, they teamed up to share their stories and top tips.

Danni and guest host Jenny also discuss Labour's employment rights bill and which changes could affect the Money Matters community including sick pay, parental leave and mandatory action plans to tackle the gender pay gap.