The Finance Geeks Podcast
by thefinancegeekspodcast
Two financial planners shoot the breeze, while sharing tips for making the most of your money and living your best life. Expect a lot of laughs and genuine insights that might just transform the way you look at your finances.
Episodes
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The Sandwich Generation – PART 2 - Practical Strategies for Planning Family Finances
Following on from Part 1, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth move from understanding the challenges of the sandwich generation to exploring practical ways of managing them. From prioritising your own financial wellbeing to balancing the needs of children, ageing parents and retirement, they discuss…
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S4:E12 - The Sandwich Generation - PART 1 - Funding your retirement whilst supporting your family
Supporting children while caring for ageing parents has become a reality for many families. This is the first of a two-part series. In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth unpack the growing challenges faced by the sandwich generation, exploring how more people than...
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S4:E11 - The 2027 Pensions & IHT Shake-up - PART 2 - The knock-on effects you need to know
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth continue the conversation in part two of their deep dive into the 2027 pension and inheritance tax changes. If part one set the scene, this episode explores what happens when those changes start to interact — and where the real...
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S4:E10 - The 2027 Pensions & IHT Shake-up - PART 1 - Big changes are coming, are your prepared?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth kick off the first part of a two-part conversation, unpacking the upcoming pension and inheritance tax changes arriving in April 2027 and why they matter more than many people realise. With the rules around pensions and estate...
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S4:E9 - Markets at All-Time Highs: Should Investors Be Worried?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth climb aboard the markets at cruising altitude to tackle a question that always comes up when things are flying high: should investors be worried? With headlines shouting about record levels, it’s easy to feel like a drop could…
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S4:E8 - The Money Map - What Money Really Means to Us
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore how financial planning goes far beyond numbers. They discuss the importance of aligning wealth with what truly matters to clients, helping them build a life of purpose, not just a bigger portfolio. Whether someone is…
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S4:E7 - Should Financial Planners Be Using AI? Is It a Friend or a Foe?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore how artificial intelligence is starting to reshape the financial planning profession. From speeding up research to improving efficiency, they break down where AI is already making an impact and why it’s becoming harder…
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S4:E6 - Accumulation to Enjoyment - The Hardest Transition in Finance
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren dive into what is described as one of the hardest challenges in financial planning: helping people move from building wealth to actually enjoying it. While accumulation is often driven by clear goals, structure and habit, the shift to spending...
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PFS Power Webinar - Beyond £1 Million: Building a Business That Truly Matters
In this special episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren bring a live session recorded in collaboration with the Personal Finance Society, delivering the kind of high-energy, practical discussion they’re known for. Drawing on decades of experience building successful financial planning...
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S4:E4 - Why do smart people make bad money decisions? Understanding the formula
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth break down the formula behind why intelligent people often make poor financial decisions. They explore the key ingredients, including ego, overconfidence and hindsight bias, and how these can distort even the most rational...
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S4:E3 - Financial planning in a world that keeps changing the rules
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren and Paul explore one of the ongoing challenges of financial planning: trying to create long-term strategies in a world where the rules keep changing. From shifting tax policies to evolving pension legislation, the conversation looks at how advisers can...
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S4:E2 - Beyond Financial Freedom: What Really Matters Next?
What happens when you’ve trained for years, crossed the finish line of financial freedom… and realise the road keeps going? In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore what comes next after the traditional markers of success have been ticked off. If income…
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S4:E1 - Will I Be OK? A Guiding Light in Financial Planning
In the first episode of Season 4, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth tackle the question clients are always asking, even when they don’t say it out loud: “Will I be OK?” This isn’t a spreadsheet question. It’s an emotional one. Clients don’t want certainty or perfect predictions. They want…
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Episode 08: Budget Aftermath - Weathering the Fiscal Storm
In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth deliver a post-Budget forecast tailored for financial planners. With the dust settling after Rachel Reeves’ first Autumn Budget, they break down what’s changing — and what isn’t — across taxation, pensions, welfare, and public spending. It’s not…
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Episode 07: Planning for Inheritance Tax - How to help clients reduce the bill
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth unpack the often-overlooked world of inheritance tax planning. With IHT thresholds frozen and the value of estates rising, they explore the real impact this has on clients — and the critical role advisers play in helping reduce...
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Episode 06: Clients Sitting on Too Much Cash: How Do You Get Them Comfortable With Investing?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren explore the treasure-filled dungeons of client finances — where large cash reserves are tucked safely away, guarded by caution and a desire for security. With interest rates offering a short-term haven and market headlines often sounding alarm...
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Episode 05: Autumn Budget 2025 - Rumoured changes & how to prepare
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute fire up the speculation engine ahead of the Autumn Budget 2025. With the economic pressure mounting and a fiscal gap to fill, they explore the rumours and forecasts swirling around Rachel Reeves’ first major fiscal statement —…
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Episode 04: Going the Distance: Are We Ready to Plan for 100-Year Lives?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren pull on their running shoes and take on the longevity challenge — asking what it really means to financially plan for clients who might live to 100 (or beyond). The traditional retirement playbook is being stretched, and planners can’t assume...
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Episode 03: Keeping the client on track - Has the annual review run out of steam?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren climb aboard the topic of annual reviews and ask whether this long-standing part of the planning timetable is still on the right track — or whether the whole process is starting to run out of steam. Are these meetings still a valuable stop on...
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Episode 02: The Art of Being Seen – Should Every Planner Become a Content Creator
In this episode, Paul and Warren step into creative territory, asking a big question that’s facing more and more financial planners: should content creation be part of your role in 2025? With digital platforms becoming the first place clients look for credibility and connection, planners are...
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Episode 01: Are we Advisers or Coaches? Rethinking the role of a Modern Financial Planner
In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth take to the riverbank to explore the evolving role of the modern financial planner. Like a great rowing coach, today’s adviser isn’t just there to shout instructions — they’re guiding from the sidelines, helping clients find their own rhythm, set…
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Episode 19: What to expect when you first meet with a Financial Planner
In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth walk you through what really happens in a first client meeting — and how to make sure yours feels less like a cold sales pitch and more like the start of an empowering journey. Think of it as your client’s first step onto the Yellow Brick Road — and...
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Episode 18: Client Magnetism - How to Attract Your Ideal Clients
In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth share what it really takes to attract the right clients to your financial planning business—without resorting to pushy tactics or broad marketing blasts. They unpack how getting crystal clear on who you want to serve helps you become a magnet for…
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Episode 17: How to Level Up from a Solo Planner to a Financial Planning Practice
Leap into this retro platformer–inspired episode with Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth as your pixelated protagonists. Starting in the “Solo Start” world, you dash across blocks labelled “Capacity Limits” and collect “Client Coins". Discover why a single character can’t conquer every level alone…
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Episode 16: Quakeproof Your Planning - Top 10 Financial Planner Faults to Avoid
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute survey the seismic fault lines that can undermine even the most seasoned advisory practices. They uncover the top ten mistakes—such as assumptions that skip proper discovery, communication cracks that widen client doubts, and…
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Episode 15: One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Crafting Your Income Plan in Retirement
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth roll out the measuring tape on retirement income planning—proving that the best strategies are tailored to fit, not pulled straight off the rack. They explore how personalised planning, shaped around an individual’s goals,...
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Episode 14: Market Mayhem & The Tariff Effect - Navigating Risk vs Volatility Like a Geek
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on market volatility and the broader economic landscape. They unpack the difference between risk and volatility, highlighting why investors often confuse short-term market fluctuations with...
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Episode 13: The Vault of Legacy - Inheritance Tax Planning Strategies
Dust off your pixelated fedora and light your tax-saving torch—because in this epic 8-bit adventure, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth set off on a quest to uncover the hidden treasures of Inheritance Tax planning. From ancient gifting scrolls to the mystical artefacts of trusts and insurance, they...
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Episode 12: End of Tax Year Planning - The Great Tax Detective’s Playbook
Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth scrutinise every clue in this timely investigation of year-end tax planning. Like master sleuths hot on the scent, they bring to light strategies ranging from maximising ISA contributions and refining pension allocations to making the most of charitable donations....
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Episode 11: Mission: Secure Retirement – Strategies and Insights in Securing Retirement Income
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute set forth on a mission to unravel the art of securing retirement income. With a clear and methodical approach, they explore the fundamentals of retirement planning—delving into cash flow management, optimal withdrawal…
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Episode 10: The Golden Quest - Understanding Retirement and the Secrets to Financial Freedom
Embark on a legendary journey into the realm of retirement planning with Warren and Paul in this epic episode of The Finance Geeks. In "The Golden Quest," our hosts reveal the ancient secrets behind building a secure and prosperous future. Discover how every element of your pension plan can be...
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Episode 9: Investing Uncovered – Behind the Scenes of Portfolio Management
In this revealing episode of The Finance Geeks, the curtain is pulled back on the portfolio management control room. Warren and Paul kick off by exploring the meaning of portfolio management and why transparency is key in the world of investing. Each introduces his core investment...
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Episode 8: Turbocharge Your Efficiency - Accelerating Your Business Performance
In this high-speed episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren and Paul rev up your business efficiencies. Just like fine-tuning a race car for peak performance, they delve into essential methods to streamline your operations and eliminate inefficiencies. From streamlining processes and reducing task...
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Episode 7: Charting Your Business Plan - Setting Sail for Success in 2025
In this episode, Warren and Paul draw on client insights to show that robust financial and business planning is like the detailed charting of a sea voyage. Just as a seasoned captain plots a route with waypoints and contingency plans, you need to plot your business and financial objectives to…
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Episode 6: Blueprint for 2025 - Planning Your Best Year Yet!
This episode delves into the meticulous process of designing your personal and professional goals for the upcoming year. Discover how to draft a comprehensive blueprint that outlines your aspirations, sets actionable milestones, and builds a solid foundation for success. Whether you're aiming to...
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Episode 5: Real Life Financial Success Stories
Warren Shute & Paul Cleworth highlight inspiring financial success stories from their clients. From conquering complex tax problems to building a secure retirement plan, they break down the strategies that helped turn financial chaos into clear, achievable wins. These stories aren’t just numbers…
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Episode 4: Wrestling Retirement Planning - Smackdown Strategies for a Winning Future
Step into the ring with Paul and Warren as they grapple with the heavyweight challenge of retirement planning. In this episode, our financial tag team breaks down the moves you need to pin down your retirement strategy. From the early-game tactics of auto-enrolment and salary exchange to the...
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Episode 3: Budget Fallout - Weighing the Aftermath
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute dig into the aftermath of the UK’s Autumn Budget, one of the biggest tax-raising budgets since 1993. With the government targeting £40 billion in taxes, they break down the key changes, including rises in employer National...
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Episode 2: Wrangling Bulls & Bears - Insights for a Steady Financial Ride
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute bring you on a journey through the unpredictable world of bull and bear markets. Just like wrangling powerful forces in the wild, navigating market shifts requires skill, patience, and a clear strategy. Paul and Warren dive into...
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Episode 01: Autumn Budget 2024 - The Geeky Guide to What’s Coming
After a summer break full of travels and downtime, Paul and Warren are back with The Finance Geeks! In this episode, they get straight to business, tackling the upcoming UK Budget on October 30th. The Geeks discuss the potential tax changes on the horizon and how they could affect everything from...
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Episode 013: Raising Money Smart Kids - Conquering the Financial Playground
In this episode, financial experts Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth share their experiences and practical tips to help you equip your kids with the skills to navigate the financial ups and downs of life with confidence. Discover why financial literacy is a must-have superpower for your kids, and...
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Episode 012: Love and Money - Navigating Finances with Your Partner
This episode tackles the ultimate two-player challenge: Love and Money! We're delving into the pixelated world of couples' finances, guiding you through your financial journey together. We'll decode the secrets of managing your money together, dodge hidden traps of financial infidelity, and…
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Episode 011: Financial Wellbeing - Find Your Balance, Achieve Financial Nirvana
Join finance gurus Paul and Warren on a journey to financial nirvana! This episode tackles the essential question: what truly defines your financial wellbeing? The Finance Geeks unpack the key aspects that could help you to achieve financial peace of mind. They'll discuss the core pillars of what...
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Episode 010: Property vs Pensions - Showdown at the Retirement Corral
Saddle up, partners, for "The Showdown at the Retirement Corral". How do you wrangle in that perfect nest egg for your golden years? We'll be bustin' broncs of confusion surrounding property and pension investments. On one side of the corral, we've got the familiar ranch hand, Property. It's a...
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Episode 009: 12 golden rules of investing - Paul's nerdy nuggets get decoded by Warren
In this episode of "The Finance Geeks," get ready to embark on an epic quest as Paul unveils his twelve golden rules of investing. Each rule is a powerful tool in your arsenal, meticulously honed to guide you through the treacherous dungeons of financial decision-making. But fear not, fellow...
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Episode 008: Mastering Money with Financial Rules of Thumb
A financial heuristic is a mental shortcut you use to make financial decisions quickly and easily. These are also known as financial rules of thumb, and can guide your financial choices without requiring extensive analysis and avoiding information overload. In this episode of The Finance Geeks,...
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Episode 007 : The "Enough" Enigma - Cracking the Code to Financial Fulfilment
Feeling like you're constantly chasing more money? In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren and Paul crack the code to financial fulfilment! We delve into the "Enough" Enigma, revealing why clarity is key to achieving financial peace. Learn why knowing your desired lifestyle and values is...
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Episode 006: Your Financial Force Field - Plan for the unknown and protect yourself
Does life sometimes feel like a rogue asteroid hurtling towards your financial well-being? Don't panic! This episode equips you with the tools to build a Financial Force Field, deflecting the unexpected financial blows that can send your budget into a black hole. We explore the importance of an...
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Episode 005: Action Man vs. the Taxman - Become a tax efficient investment geek!
In the ever-present battle for financial dominance, a new challenger emerges! Forget the stock market swings and the endless ticker tape scrolls. Today's fight is against a familiar foe – the Taxman. But fear not, fellow investment geeks! Here at the Finance Geeks Podcast, we're arming you with…
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Episode 004: Unmasking the Mystery of Investment Risk
Have you ever wondered what lurks behind the cryptic phrase "investment risk"? It might sound like a financial boogeyman, shrouded in mystery and ready to pounce on your hard-earned cash. But fear not, as today on The Finance Geeks, we're unmasking the mystery of investment risk. We will be…
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About this show
Two financial planners shoot the breeze, while sharing tips for making the most of your money and living your best life. Expect a lot of laughs and genuine insights that might just transform the way you look at your finances.
Hosted by
thefinancegeekspodcast