Making Money

Steve Clapham, an ex-hedge fund analyst and founder of Behind the Balance Sheet, dives into the complexities of active versus passive investing. He highlights the pitfalls of passive strategies, such as overpaying for stocks, and stresses the importance of investor education. Clapham contrasts the experiences of professional and private investors, advocating for informed decision-making and tailored portfolios. He also discusses the evolving dynamics of stock investments and emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of financial advice in today’s information-rich landscape.

Naomi Greatorex, Managing Director of Heath Protection, dives into the essential world of insurance. She discusses the often-ignored significance of various insurance types and shares shocking personal risk statistics that highlight the unpredictable nature of life. Naomi clarifies the differences between critical illness insurance and income protection, while also emphasizing the importance of honesty in health disclosures. She encourages listeners, especially new parents, to reassess their coverage and explore the advantages of using brokers for better deals.

Vicky Reynal, a financial psychotherapist and author of 'Money on Your Mind,' dives deep into the emotional complexities of our relationship with money. She discusses how childhood experiences shape adult financial behaviors and the psychological issues like financial anorexia and self-sabotage that arise. Reynal also addresses the guilt and shame associated with financial success, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds, and emphasizes the importance of teaching children about money responsibly.

Discover strategies for purchasing property for children and why some financial practices aren't widely encouraged. Delve into a comparative analysis of premium bonds versus high-interest savings accounts, weighing their risks, rewards, and tax implications. Learn about the unique lottery aspect of premium bonds and how they function as a government-backed investment option. Gain insights on why premium bonds may not be the best choice for savings, emphasizing the need for personal research and informed financial decisions.

Dive into the financial world as the hosts explore whether to funnel surplus cash into workplace pensions, ISAs, or SIPs. They share what percentage they save each month and compare long-term strategies with the whims of lifestyle inflation. Personal anecdotes and humorous insights make the discussion relatable, touching on the balance between enjoying life now and saving for the future. Expect lively debates on financial habits, the risks of holding too much cash, and the value of finding personalized financial guidance.

In this discussion, Linda Yueh, a Professor of Economics at London Business School and Fellow at Oxford, unpacks the telltale signs of impending global crashes. She examines how emotional factors like FOMO contribute to financial bubbles, drawing parallels to historical downturns such as the dotcom bubble. Yueh also highlights the consequences of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis, the complexities of China’s economy, and the intertwined risks of climate change and economic stability, offering lessons from the past for a resilient future.

Professor Philip Roscoe, a Management expert at the University of St Andrews and author of 'How To Build A Stock Exchange,' dives into how finance shapes our lives. He reveals the chaotic interplay between shareholder value and public welfare, and discusses the historical ties between finance and imperialism. Roscoe reflects on lessons from the dot-com era, advocating for personal responsibility in investing. Moreover, he emphasizes the evolving nature of finance as a social technology, urging a reevaluation of its moral implications.

Sir Paul Collier, a distinguished development economist and former UK government advisor, dives into the pressing issue of economic inequality in the UK. He discusses how the UK ranks as the most unequal high-income country, highlighting the stark disparities shaped by geography and social conditions. Sir Paul critiques the government's approach to inequality and emphasizes the need for long-term investment in neglected regions. He also examines the impact of Brexit on Northern communities, advocating for local empowerment and effective tax reforms to foster a fairer society.

Emilie Bellet, CEO of Vestpod, discusses closing the gender wealth gap through financial education and strategic investing. Topics include retirement savings, promoting women in business, personal finance habits, and investing in global index funds.

Finance Professor Alex Edmans discusses how even facts can mislead you with money. Topics include navigating misinformation in finance, social media bias, pitfalls of data mining in investments, balancing data and intuition in decision-making, diversified cryptocurrency investment, and investing with a slow and informed approach.