Keep The Change

Most parents want to give their kids a financial head start.But Junior ISAs come with a catch. At 18, the money becomes theirs, no conditions.So would you still save the same way if you knew you couldn’t control how it’s used?In this episode, Tom is joined by Octopus Money adviser and parent Molly to break it all down. How Junior ISAs work, when they make sense, and the trade-offs most people miss.Got ideas for upcoming episodes? Send a textSend us Fan Mail

Midlife can feel like a financial juggling act: supporting children, helping parents and trying not to fall behind yourself.In this episode, Tom talks to Faith Archer about how to navigate it without running out of money or energy. They explore: How much support is too much  Where people get boundaries wrong  What a 100-year life means for your finances  The most common false assumptions about later life  Where to focus if you want long-term impact And importantly, how to build a plan that works for you, not just everyone else.Send us Fan Mail

Money isn’t a level playing field. For many people experiencing neurodiversity, managing it comes with extra stress, admin and time: a hidden cost often called the neurodiversity tax.In this episode, Octopus Money adviser Chantelle Elmi shares her story of growing up with dyslexia and finding her place in one of the most complex professions out there. We talk about what the neurodiversity tax really means, how financial advice can be more inclusive, and why good money systems should work for every brain.Send us a text with suggestions for future episodes.Important information: This podcast is for general information only and isn’t personal advice. All investments carry risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance isn’t a reliable guide to the future.References to tax or Inheritance Tax are based on current UK legislation, which can change, and the value of any tax relief depends on your individual circumstances.Send us Fan Mail

For this International Women’s Day episode, we’re joined by Erin Platts, CEO of Octopus Investments.We chat about why women still face more barriers to investing, even though they often outperform over time. Erin shares lessons from a career in banking, venture capital and tech, and we dig into what risk really means, how confidence gets built, and why representation matters when it comes to wealth.Got ideas for upcoming episodes? Send a textSend us Fan Mail

The tax year ends on 5 April, which means that many of the tax-free limits on how much you can pay into things like ISAs and pensions start again from zero.In this episode, we explain what tax year end actually means, walk through ISAs, pensions and general investment accounts, and share a simple way to decide whether you should act before the deadline. Practical, clear and designed to help you make one smart move before 6 April.Send us Fan Mail

Over £5 trillion is set to move between generations in the coming years, but most families aren’t talking about it. In this episode, Tom and Octopus Money adviser Tim dig into the reality of passing on wealth: inheritance tax, care costs, gifting myths and awkward dinner-table conversations. They explore what silence could cost and how having honest conversations can protect your future while helping the next generation.Send us Fan Mail

Christmas is meant to feel joyful, but between gifts, travel, food, and family plans, December can quickly turn a bit manic. Tom is joined by Tynah Matembe, founder of MoneyMatix, to share simple ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending. Expect honest chat on setting a Christmas budget, having “awkward” money conversations, cheaper gift ideas (including the Boxing Day trick), and how to reset in January by taking stock and setting one clear intention.Send us Fan Mail

The Autumn budget landed yesterday: the headlines were noisy and the detail was confusing, so we pulled it apart.Tom and Kristian break down the Autumn Budget in plain English: What changed, what stayed frozen, and what this means for your money. We also took some of your questions to bring the changes to life.Got ideas for our next episode? Send us a textSend us Fan Mail

Kids are pricey. But the hidden costs hit harder: not in your trolley, but in your payslip, pension and career.Tom is joined by two female CEOs to unpack the parenthood penalty and how to fight it. Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut and author of It Takes a Village, shares what new mums really face. Ruth Handcock, CEO of Octopus Money, explains why childcare is an investment in your career and how planning early changes outcomes. You’ll hear honest talk on parenthood and how two leaders are rewriting the rules on work, family and finance.Send us Fan Mail

The Autumn Budget always grabs attention. This year’s, on 26 November, has sparked plenty of speculation about what it could mean for pensions, property and investing. But what really matters for your money?In this solo episode of Keep the Change, Tom Francis, Head of Personal Finance at Octopus Money, takes a look at the Autumn Budget rumours: what’s realistic, what’s just noise and how to prepare your finances before any changes land.This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personal advice. Send us Fan Mail

Divorce can be messy. Not just emotionally, but financially too. Legal fees, two sets of lawyers, two homes: the costs rack up fast.After going through it herself, Kate Daly co-founded Amicable to prove there’s a better way and help people separate without the stress. She joins Elsie to talk about the real price of splitting up, the financial traps people don’t see coming, and how to get back on your feet without staying stuck in survival mode.And stick around for this week’s Dear Elsie, where Kate tackles your money questions.Send us Fan Mail

Buying a home has never felt harder: high interest rates, confusing mortgage jargon, and rising costs are pushing first-time buyers to the brink. But is it still possible?In this episode, Tom is joined by Octopus Money Mortgage Adviser Ramneet Bains to unpack the reality of buying in 2025. They explore what most people get wrong about mortgages, how much you really need to save, and why fixed vs variable rates are about more than just interest. Ramneet also shares his take on renting vs buying, whether it ever makes sense to invest your deposit, and what he’d change if he were Prime Minister for a day.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Ruth Handcock OBE, CEO of Octopus Money. Ruth’s had a pretty extraordinary career – working in Sierra Leone, leading a fast-growing financial wellbeing business, and now shaking up how millions get money advice. She talks about how growing up in a single-parent household shaped her views on money, why she’s so determined to close the UK’s “advice gap”, and what really went through her mind when she opened the letter about her OBE. They get into financial equality, making big calls, and the small changes that can make a huge difference to your future.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom chats with Ola, founder of All Things Money, a platform that helps young people take charge of their finances with relatable and practical content. They discuss the UK’s financial literacy gap and why many young people leave school without the basic money skills they need. Ola explains how this lack of education can affect money decisions down the road and shares how we can start closing that gap with easy-to-understand resources and honest conversations about money.They also dive into why investing often feels confusing or out of reach, bust some common myths, and explore ways to make investing more approachable. Plus, they cover everyday money topics like saving, budgeting, building wealth, and gaining confidence when it comes to managing your finances.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Kristian Manton, chartered financial adviser at Octopus Money and the youngest person in the UK to pass the highest level of adviser exams. Together, they explore one of Britain’s most beloved yet misunderstood savings products: Premium Bonds.Are they a smart way to grow your money, or just a feel-good financial illusion? Tom and Kristian unpick the myths and the maths behind Premium Bonds, examining why so many people still hold onto them and why they may not be the best option for your savings.Whether you have Premium Bonds gathering dust or are just starting to think about saving, this episode offers clear insights to help you make more informed financial decisions—no luck required.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom sits down with Mooka Maboshe, one of our financial coaches at Octopus Money. Mooka shares her experience of moving from Zambia to South Wales and reflects on how both cultures have shaped her perspective on money. They explore the cultural influences on financial habits, the challenges faced when settling in a new country, and the importance of finding a personal approach to money.From the power of open conversations to the unique considerations that come with cultural context, Mooka offers thoughtful and practical insights for anyone working toward a healthier relationship with money. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, setting financial goals, or simply trying to get better at budgeting, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom is joined by Gemma Bird, better known as Money Mum, to talk about her journey to becoming a money-saving influencer. With nearly 500,000 Instagram followers and appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and Loose Women, Gemma has become a trusted voice for families looking to manage their family finances more effectively. She opens up about the realities of parenting on a budget, the money lessons she learned growing up, and why honest conversations about finances are more important than ever. Plus, Tom and Gemma dive into the common pressures new parents face, like figuring out what you really need to buy and what you can skip. If you're after practical tips, check out Formula Fog Hub by Bonya, a helpful resource full of advice and support.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with financial influencer Jessie Leong, founder of How I Fund This. They dive into Jessie’s personal finance journey, how she built a supportive community and the mindset shifts that helped her rethink her relationship with money. Jessie opens up about navigating financial anxiety, the never ending nature of money education, the role of influencers in the finance space, and getting started with investing. Plus, Jessie and Tom answer your money questions in this week’s Dear Tom segment.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with journalist and author Elle Hunt to unpack her viral money diary that sparked headlines—and the public reaction that followed. From avocado toast debates to the hidden costs of single life, Elle reflects on navigating her 20s and 30s, shifting her money mindset, and the cultural baggage we all carry around cash. They dive into the hurdles of homeownership, what Martin Lewis taught her, and why she wouldn’t write the diary again. Plus, why her cat might just be her best ever purchase.Send us Fan Mail

When it comes to building financial confidence, women face a unique set of challenges.In this episode of Keep the Change, Elsie Garvey chats with Octopus Money’s very own money coach, Sula Armstrong, for a deep dive into financial empowerment for women. They unpack the highs, lows, and curveballs of managing money, explore why the gender wealth gap still exists, and how we can take charge of our financial futures.We cover: Sula’s journey into money coaching, and tips to kickstart planning your financial futureThe barriers holding women back from investing and how to break through themThe rise of the ‘trad wife’ trend (is it really as dreamy as it sounds?)How to plan for life’s major milestones, from parenthood to retirementPlus, Sula and Elsie answer your burning money questions in our Dear Sula segment.Send us Fan Mail

Money is emotional. And when love enters the picture, it gets even more complicated.In this episode of Keep the Change, Laura Whateley – award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and all-around money simplifier – joins Tom to talk about the surprising ways money shapes our relationships, careers and financial confidence.We cover:Why so many of us feel lost with our finances—even finance experts!What Laura has learned from interviewing people for her new book The hidden ways money affects love and relationshipsShould you split the bill on a first date? 🤔Plus, Laura and Tom answer listener questions in our Dear Tom segment.Send us Fan Mail

The number of "ISA millionaires" in the UK has skyrocketed – from just a handful a decade ago to 5,000 in 2024. So, how are people quietly turning their ISAs into million-pound fortunes? And could you do the same?In our debut episode, we discuss the rise of the ISA millionaire, the strategies behind their success and the myths that might be holding you back. We’ll explore:Who are these ISA millionaires – and how did they do it?Could you follow the same path – and should you?Is an ISA really the best tool for hitting a million – or are there better moves?Is a million the right goal? Or is there a better way to think about financial freedom?Send us Fan Mail