Informed Choice Radio Personal Finance Podcast

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the government’s auto-enrolment policy. Since its introduction in 2012, more than 10 million people have been automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme. But, with a cost of living crisis and challenging economic times ahead, what are employers and pension providers able to do to support continued saving? My guest today is Jason Green, Head of Research at Benefits Guru, an independent technical resource to support advisers and employers. We chat about how auto-enrolment works, things employers need to consider about their workplace pension schemes, and why financial wellness is becoming a key part of the pensions conversation. Here’s my conversation with Jason Green from Benefits Guru in episode 587 of Informed Choice Radio.

What happened when a GP went on a mission to learn about money management? My guest today is Dr Nikki, aka The Female Money Doctor, a financial empowerment coach for women. As a Certified Money Coach, Nikki is helping women from all over the world to improve their mental health and well-being, through getting organised with their finances and building wealth for the future they truly deserve. Dr Nikki is also a GP with over 13 years of experience as an NHS doctor and women’s health specialist, and in that role she sees first hand the impact poor money management skills have on the mental health of her patients and colleagues. During this conversation, we chat about the link between money management and our health, the impact of the current cost of living crisis, and some steps we can all take to boost our incomes during these difficult times. Here’s my conversation with Dr Nikki aka The Female Money Doctor, in episode 586 of Informed Choice Radio.

Welcome to the Metaverse. You may have come across augmented reality before, but what happens when this cutting edge technology becomes an ordinary part of our daily lives? My guest on the podcast today is Marcel Stotzel, portfolio manager of the FTSE 250 listed Fidelity European Trust PLC. Marcel covers European Software and IT Services as an analyst, and we have a good conversation about investment opportunities in the emerging Metaverse space. Did you know that 10% of luxury sales are forecast to be entirely digital by 2030? It seems clear that the world is changing, and Europe is conveniently positioned to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Metaverse. Here’s my conversation with Marcel Stotzel, portfolio manager of the Fidelity European Trust PLC, in episode 585 of Informed Choice Radio.

With 60% of UK adults not having a valid Will in place, a charity campaign coming up later this year is more important than ever. Will Aid is a special partnership between the legal profession and nine of the UK’s best-loved charities. Together, they raise vital funds for these wonderful causes, while ensuring that people in the UK gain the reassurance of knowing they have a professionally written Will. I’m joined today by Lauren Smith, a solicitor at Taylor Bracewell, and supporter of the Will Aid scheme. Here’s my conversation with Lauren in episode 584 of Informed Choice Radio.

We need to get smarter about home energy consumption. With rising wholesale prices and concerns about the capacity of the National Grid, could your battery electric vehicle be part of the solution to a smart energy future? In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Mark Harrison from dcbel, who are bringing to Europe their smart home energy technology. dcbel sits at the nexus of residential solar power, electric vehicle charging and prosumer-centric energy systems. Its AI-driven sustainable energy technology puts the power into the hands of customers to fuel their car, home, and lifestyle with solar energy. I’m fascinated by new technology, especially where it has the prospect to save money, lead to a more sustainable future, and secure access to energy in an increasingly uncertain world. Here’s my conversation with Mark Harrison from dcbel in episode 583 of Informed Choice Radio.

The world of energy is changing, with a dramatic shift towards sustainability. At the same time, the price of wholesale energy went through the roof as the economy returned to normal levels of activity post-pandemic. Joining me for this episode is Tom Holl, co-manager of the BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust plc and a member of BlackRock's Natural Resources team. Tom is responsible for the nutrition strategy, the gold and mining sectors, and co-manages a number of the team's gold and mining portfolios as well as income strategies. Mining and energy companies lie at the heart of the global economy, helping fuel economic activity. Mining companies provide the resources to build new infrastructure, while energy companies drive growth. In this conversation, I chat with Tom about the factors behind current high prices, the three transition 'buckets' in the energy sector, and why the UK has some amazing opportunities during this transition. Here's my conversation with Tom Holl, co-manager of the BlackRock Energy and Resources Income Trust, in episode 582 of Informed Choice Radio.

How can we make our lives easier? My guest on the podcast today is Chris Westfall, a business coach, author and speaker. In his latest book, Chris writes about ways to make your work life work for you. Easier is the hold-your-handbook on coaching, leadership and resilience, offering insights on creating the future of work, finding connection and guidance, and finding ways to make everything in life easier. Chris Westfall is one of the most sought-after coaches and keynote speakers in the world. He has helped launch over five dozen businesses and has appeared on ABC News, NBC TV, and CNN. His clients have appeared on Shark Tank, Dragons Den in Canada and Shark Tank - Australia. In our conversation today, we talk about turning frustration into transformation, why service and creation are our purpose on earth, and what makes self-leadership essential. Here's my conversation with Chris Westfall, author of Easier, in episode 581 of Informed Choice Radio.

Anyone who began working 20 or 30 years ago has witnessed astonishing changes in the workplace during their career. When the global pandemic hit, older workers fortunate enough to retain their jobs once again had to navigate enormous upheaval, virtually overnight. Working from home, often in isolation, over-fifties found themselves facing daunting technological and social challenges. My guest on the podcast today is Kerry Hannon, author of In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work. Kerry Hannon is a leading authority and strategist who has spent more than three decades covering all aspects of careers, business, personal finance, and retirement as a columnist, editor, and writer for leading media companies. In her new book, In Control at 50+, Kerry illustrates how COVID-19 changed the nature of work, provides a compellingly optimistic vision of the future, and highlights opportunities and specific action steps for achieving success. Here’s my conversation with Kerry Hannon, author of In Control at 50+, in episode 580 of Informed Choice Radio.

Private equity was once an investment niche. Today, the wealth controlled by its leading firms surpasses the GDP of some nations. My guest on the podcast today is Sachin Khajuria, author of the first true insider’s account of private equity, revealing what it takes to thrive among the world’s hungriest dealmakers. A former partner at Apollo, Sachin gives readers an unprecedented view inside this opaque global economic engine, which plays a vital role underpinning our retirement systems. He brings the traits, culture, and temperament of the industry’s leading practitioners to life through a series of vivid and unvarnished deal sketches. Here's my conversation with Sachin Khajuria, author of Two and Twenty: How the Masters of Private Equity Always Win, in episode 579 of Informed Choice Radio.

What part should gold play in your investment portfolio? My guest today is Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault, the world’s largest online marketplace for gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Looking after £3 billion of precious metal for more than 100,000 customers, BullionVault offers private investors access to the whole bullion market with online trading, instant settlement, and low-cost storage in secure vaults. Winner in April 2022 of a third Queen’s Award for Enterprise, BullionVault has been a full member since 2008 of professional trade body the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and was chosen in 2017 as online vaulted bullion partner of the mining-industry backed World Platinum Investment Council. During our conversation today, we talk about the factors influencing the price of gold, why silver is called The Devil’s Metal, and what Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means for the palladium market. Here’s my conversation with Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault, in episode 578 of Informed Choice Radio.