AJ Bell Money Matters

School’s out – what next?

On this episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura talk about the big choices being faced by millions of school leavers. Whilst many will choose to stay in full-time education, others will be thinking about applying for their first job or considering an apprenticeship.

They discuss the financial implications of those decisions and Laura catches up with Paula Wharrier, AJ Bell’s recruitment manager and asks what makes someone stand out in a job interview and how a tight labour market has changed things. 

Danni also talks to global communications specialist Heather Hansen about her new book “Unmuted” and asks how young people can make an impact in their workplace from day one to set them up for future success

Working smart with Smart Works

In this episode, Laura chats to Kate Stephens, the CEO of Smart Works, which has helped over 20,000 women return to work. That includes Sam Gilbert, who tells Danni how the charity helped her start a new job this spring.

The Money Matters team also discuss the barriers of getting back into the workplace, particularly if you’ve been out of work for a long time – whether that’s because of studying or travel, or childcare issues or other caring responsibilities.

With a tight labour market and the cost of living skyrocketing, women are returning to the workplace. But just because there are lots of jobs out there doesn’t mean it’s straightforward to walk into one. Laura explains the financial things you need to think about if you’re about to start a new full or part time job.

How to negotiate a pay rise

On this episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura tackle an issue on a lot of listeners minds right now – how do you go about asking for and getting a pay rise? With the labour market so tight, it might seem like the perfect time to push your employer for more money. And as inflation soars, a bit of extra cash in pay packets would certainly help.

Laura chats to one Money Matters listener, Zoe Warren, who has first-hand experience of asking the question and getting the answer she wanted. And Danni picks the brains of Alice Draper, founder of ‘In a Pickle Careers’, who helps women find their confidence to get back into the workplace, move jobs, start businesses, and – yes – ask for pay rises.

Taking investing back to basics

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura and Danni strip investing back to its bare bones with the help of two fantastic guests. Prerna Khemlani, founder of This Girl Invests, breaks down investing jargon with Laura, and Danni chats to Abby Glennie, fund manager at Abrdn, about how she builds and runs a fund.

Why the biggest investing mistake is not getting started

This episode of the Money Matters podcast tackles the thorny issue of investing mistakes. Danni Hewson and Laura Suter share their regrets about their money journeys and hear from members of the AJ Bell team about things they wish they’d done differently.

But perhaps the most common investing mistake is not getting started soon enough – or not investing at all. To learn more, Danni chats with co-founder of Female Invest, Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, who says women can’t just sit on the sidelines if the gender investment gap is ever going to narrow.

Everything you need to know about financial advice

In this week’s AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Laura chats with Chanelle Pattinson, a financial planner, about the differences between financial planning, coaching and advice. And Danni catches up with Charlene Young, an AJ Bell pensions expert, who delves into all the other options and resources out there to help you get in control of your finances.

The Spring Statement and tax year end

On this AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura break down the chancellor’s Spring Statement and the changes taking place at tax year end. They’re also joined by Rachel Vahey, our resident pensions expert, who’ll help explain some of the more complicated rules and allowances.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

On this episode of AJ Bell’s Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura celebrate International Women’s Day. Though there’s still much to do to narrow the gender investment gap, we’ve seen many positive changes which have made it easier for women to mix career and family. 

Laura chats to Amy and Phyl, two women at very different points in their career, about their experiences of working in finance. And Danni catches up with Jodie Hill, the founder of Thrive Law, to talk about what’s changed over the last forty years and what still needs to improve.

Negotiating the cost of living crisis

For this special episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura have put together a crack team of experts to help you navigate the current cost of living crunch.

Rising interest rates might bump up your mortgage, but Gemma Bennett from Mortgage Mum is on hand with some tips on what to look out for. We also talk to Tash Jackson from Energy Helpline about those price cap changes, and if there's anything you can do to keep bills down.

Katie Royals from The Twenty Percent joins us to talk issues particularly affecting younger listeners, including changes to student loan repayments. And Sara Williams from the blog Debt Camel explains the importance of budgeting and how to know when to ask for help.

Changing careers with rugby legend Katy Daley-McLean

In this special episode of the Money Matters podcast, Danni chats to rugby legend Katy Daley-McLean. Katy discusses life after captaining the England women’s rugby union team to World Cup glory, and why becoming a mum played a big part in her decision to retire. She also talks openly about getting to grips with her finances as she juggled childcare and coaching Sale Sharks Women, and why she’s not ruled out a return to the international stage. 

While Katy’s story is unique, her decision to change career to spend more time with her daughter will resonate with many women. Laura talks through some of the financial issues to consider if you too are making big changes because of family circumstances.