Skint

I have to say, the chemistry is off the charts... This week we've got a very special guest. Brenda, who some of you might know as Mik's partner, joins the pod to share her money story from the very beginning.She opens up about growing up when money was tight, the habits that came from that, and why saving became non-negotiable for her. She also breaks down her personal money rules, including the all-important F Off Fund.Mik takes the back seat for once and plays interviewer, asking Brenda about everything from pensions to how they approach raising kids with good money habits.It's honest, it's personal, and it's one of those episodes that might make you rethink how your own upbringing shaped the way you handle money.New episodes every Wednesday.For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

What do the world's most successful investors actually know that we don't? Mik walks us through some of the most famous quotes in investing, and goes deep on what each one really means, why it matters and how it actually applies to you!Together they get into the good and the bad. Where following this advice could genuinely pay off, and where it could all go horribly wrong.And yes, Connie finds a way to compare most of it to her dating life. Repeatedly - but it makes more sense than you'd think...Whether you're just starting to think about investing or you've been curious for a while, this one's a good place to start.This is not financial advice !

Hmm... I wonder if Connie is absolutely loving every single second of this challenge.Mik kicks things off by breaking down exactly how Cash Bootcamp works and the thinking behind it. The rules, the reason, and what it actually takes to survive a skint challenge.Connie gets checked in on... is she sticking to the budget or quietly bending the rules? And more importantly, how much did she spend on that t-shirt?If you've ever tried to sort your finances out but life keeps getting in the way, this one's for you. For education and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice.

Checked your student loan balance recently ? ...Mik opens with the recent campaigns pushing for change, and breaks down what’s actually going on with Plan 2 specifically -the headlines, the noise, and what it could mean if you’re one of the millions still chipping away at yours.Connie takes a trip down memory lane to her own student loan days, and asks the question everyone’s secretly wondering… what on earth is going on with those interest rates?If you’ve ever looked at your student loan balance and felt your soul leave your body, this episode is for you. Simple, honest, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

As of the 6th of April, how we report tax has changed 🥲Mik outlines what’s actually changing and why this could affect a lot of you. The way we report tax is moving online, more regularly, and with less room for “I’ll sort it later”.Connie asks the practical questions. How do people actually do this, who does it affect, and what it means day to day if you are self-employed or earning outside a standard salary.If you have heard about Making Tax Digital and thought it sounded important but unclear, this episode keeps it simple, practical, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Cash just hits different.Mik outlines the idea behind the initiative and it turns out when people have tried this before, they often end up spending less without even trying.They also touch on why cash still matters more than people think. Like the Milan blackout, where digital payments suddenly stopped working and cash became essential again.If you have ever checked your bank account and wondered where your money actually went, this introduces a simple, practical challenge to help you take back control.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Cash just hits different.Mik outlines the idea behind Cash Bootcamp and how people have tried this before, they often end up spending less without even trying!Connie is, understandably, a bit reluctant. But that is kind of the point. Physically handing over cash forces you to think twice, whereas contactless makes it dangerously easy to spend without noticing.They also talk about why cash still matters more than people think. From everyday spending habits to situations like the Milan blackout - digital payments suddenly stopped working and cash became essential again.If you have ever checked your bank account and wondered where your money actually went, we hope this introduces a simple, practical challenge to help you take back control.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Strap in, it’s tax season, and yes, there’s a lot of it.Mik runs through some of the key changes from the latest budget, including the freeze on tax thresholds and why that matters more than it sounds. Yes, technically nothing has changed, but somehow you might still end up paying more.Connie and Mik unpack how things like salary sacrifice and dividend tax fit into the picture, what they mean in practice, and where people can easily overlook how the rules affect them.They also talk through what to actually pay attention to this tax year, what might impact your take-home pay, and how small changes can quietly add up over time.If you have seen headlines about the budget or the new tax year and thought “I should probably understand this,” this episode keeps it simple, practical, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Gold, that shiny metal - and yes, Trump is involved.Mik opens with why gold is back in the spotlight and how political decisions, including Trump’s tariffs, can push investors toward it when uncertainty rises. Turns out when things feel unstable, people tend to like things that have been around for a few thousand years.Connie and Mik unpack what actually drives the price of gold. Why it goes up and down, how it reacts to inflation, interest rates, and global events, and why it is often seen as a “safe haven” even if it does not always behave that way.They also talk through what it means for everyday people, whether gold is something worth paying attention to, and the different ways you can get exposure to it without needing a vault.If you have heard people talking about gold again and wondered what is actually going on, this episode breaks it down simply, practically, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

You owned the flat but not the ground under it? ... sounds silly - (it's real, and on its way out)For the first time in a long while, the idea of owning your home without also renting the ground beneath it might actually become normal. Revolutionary, we know.Connie and Mik talk through how commonhold works, what the reforms are trying to fix, and why the current leasehold system has been criticised for so long. Yes, this does involve some creative tactics from property developers along the way.They also touch on how leasing structures have been used in the past, why reforms are being pushed now, and what could happen to the property market if ownership gradually shifts toward freehold and commonhold models instead.If you have ever wondered why someone can technically “own” a flat but still pay ground rent, service charges, and lease extensions, this episode breaks it down simply, practically, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Universal Credit - the system designed to simplify benefits… results may vary.Mik opens with why Universal Credit was created in the first place. The idea behind it, what problem it was meant to solve, and how bringing several benefits into one system was supposed to make support simpler.Connie and Mik unpack what Universal Credit actually is and how it works in practice. Who it was designed for, how eligibility is decided, and the situations where people might qualify without realising it. .They also talk about how Universal Credit is meant to work alongside employment, why the system was introduced in the first place, and how it fits into the wider welfare system today.If you have heard the term Universal Credit and thought it sounded important but never quite understood how it works or whether it applies to you, this episode explains it simply, practically, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Renting just got new rules, because housing was so simple before.Mik outlines the key changes in the Renters’ Rights Act. What is actually changing, how it could affect your finances, and what it means in practice for both tenants and landlords. It turns out housing policy is a lot more connected to everyday money than most people realise.Connie brings in what is happening with rent levels right now, and Mik connects the dots between current market pressures and how the new rules might shape behaviour, supply, and prices going forward. Yes, this does involve the uncomfortable reality that housing decisions affect everyone, whether you rent, own, or are just trying to move out at some point before retirement.If you have been hearing about the Renters’ Rights Act and wondering what it actually means for you, your costs, or the housing market more broadly, this episode keeps it clear, practical, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

You’re telling me we can’t predict what’s going to happen… even with all the experts?Mik explains who actually sits behind major economic decisions. The advisors whose job it is to analyse the numbers before policies are announced. It turns out there are a lot more spreadsheets involved than most of us imagine.Connie and Mik unpack how government forecasting works, and why even with experts in the room things can still go wrong. Yes, we talk about Liz Truss, briefly. It would feel strange not to. If you have ever wondered who is really steering the ship, how much control governments actually have, or whether economic mistakes can be avoided in advance, this episode makes it clear, practical and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Tariffs – trade wars, price rises, and why soyabeans have somehow become politically important.Mik opens with Trump’s tariff plans and how one policy decision can ripple through global trade faster than you can say “supply chain”. Yes, we really are talking about crops, cargo ships, and economics in the same breath.Connie and Mik get into what a tariff actually is. Not just a tax on imports, but who really pays it, how it moves through businesses, and why it can quietly show up in everyday prices long before anyone notices.They chat through how tariffs affect the supply chain, what it could mean for the wider economy, what it might mean for us here in the UK, and what has already happened in markets as trade tensions have escalated.If you have ever heard the phrase trade war and thought “that sounds dramatic” without knowing why - this episode breaks it down simply, practically, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Private assets - big money moves, and investing off the stock market.Mik tries to explain how companies can buy other companies for a living which sounds fake at first, but is in fact a real job. Think less dragons and castles, more spreadsheets and debt.Connie and Mik get into the world of private equity and private assets. What they actually are, how firms buy, fix, and sell businesses behind the scenes.They chat through how private equity works, the trends shaping the space, and why it has become such a big deal in recent years. Most importantly, what it all means for the rest of us who do not have a spare few million lying around.If you have ever heard terms like private equity, private markets, or private assets and just nodded along pretending you understood, this episode breaks it down simply, practically, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice. ❤️

The AI Bubble - big promises, big opinions, and a lot of hype.Connie has a moment of realisation that AI hype feels a bit like looking back at old photos and thinking you actually looked good at the time, confusing, flattering, and slightly misleading.This episode covers the potential risks of investing around AI, the possible rewards if it really does change everything, and how to think about investing with AI in mind without panicking or going all in on the buzz.If you are unsure whether AI is the future, a bubble waiting to pop, or something in between, this episode keeps it practical, calm, and very normal-person friendly.Oh, and yes, Mik does attempt to talk about AI without making it sound like the robots are either about to save us or take over. Results may vary.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice. ❤️

What IS a divident? This week, Connie and Mik break down dividends - what they actually are, how they work, and why some people get weirdly excited about being paid for… doing nothing.Connie learns exactly what a dividend is (spoiler: it’s not free money falling from the sky, sadly), how dividends show up on fund platforms, and why people talk about them so much when investing for the long term.They also dig into how dividends can be used alongside the so-called 8th wonder of the world - compounding - and why reinvesting those small, boring payments can quietly turn into something much bigger over time.If you’ve ever wondered why investors care about dividends, how they fit into funds, or whether they’re worth paying attention to at all, this episode makes it simple, practical, and very normal-person friendly.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice ❤️

Cash. The stuff we barely think about until we really need it. From power cuts and dead phones to being stranded with no way to pay, Connie shares why she now keeps emergency cash at home.Mik breaks down the two big questions everyone avoids. Why cash still matters in day-to-day life, and how much of it you should actually be holding as part of your savings or investments.They cover rainy day money, emergency buffers, savings accounts, gilts, ISAs, and why selling investments at the wrong time can cost you far more than you think. For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

This week, Connie and Mik break down how spreading your investments can help protect you from bad luck, bad timing and bad decisions. In other words, diversification. They discuss how much cash to keep, why putting all your eggs in one basket is risky, and how normal people can build a 'diversified portfolio' without needing lots of money or a finance degree. If you have savings, a pension or even just a few quid set aside, this is one of the most important money basics to get right.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Want to know what happens after you decide to invest? Where does the money go, how do you buy shares, and what are all these platforms people keep talking about? This week, Mik explains how investment platforms work, from opening an account and moving your money in, to buying funds, shares, ISAs and pensions. They look at fees, how to choose a platform, and why some are better for small pots while others suit bigger ones.We'll unpack how to get started, how much you really need, why it's easier than it sounds and how to avoid panicking when the numbers go up and down.New to investing? Start here. For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

If you've ever heard the term “bond” and thought it was related to spy movies, this episode is for you. This week, Connie and Mik explain how large companies borrow money, what corporate bonds are, and how you (yes, YOU) can get paid for lending to them.They cover why some companies pay more interest than others, what makes a bond safer or riskier, and how this kind of investing can fit into a normal person’s finances.It's an essential guide to one of the most confusing bits of the money world, without the jargon or the stress.For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Connie and Mik explain what gilts are and why they have nothing to do with feeling bad about something you did or said. Mik breaks down how lending money to the government works, how you get paid interest, and how you get your money back at the end. They cover what “coupon” and “maturity” mean, how they're are priced, and why some can be an efficient (and legal) way to pay less tax. If you have ever wondered how the government borrows money and how you can earn from it, this episode is a good starting point. For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Connie has crypto FOMO. Her friends are all seemingly making small fortunes trading digital currencies and wants to know if she has missed the chance.Mik explains what crypto and blockchain really are, why people trade them, and why it's more of a gamble than a real investment. They also look at tax on crypto profits, how HMRC tracks trades, and what happens if you make money.It is a clear, honest chat about the risks, the hype and the often under-reported realities of crypto.If you've ever wondered whether to jump in on the latest alt-coin or stay well away, this episode will help you decide. For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

“Tractors, taxes, and tricky inheritances.”This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik dig into inheritance tax - why farmers are fuming, what it actually means, and how money rules can get a little muddy. No advice, just laughs and straight talk.

“Funds, family, and the fine print.”This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik chat all things funds & inheritance - from passing down pennies to what happens when politics and property mix (yep, that Angela Rayner story in the news). No financial advice, just good chat and real talk.

“Funds, family, and the fine print.”This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik chat all things funds & inheritance - from passing down pennies to what happens when politics and property mix (yep, that Angela Rayner story in the news). No financial advice, just good chat and real talk.

“Why do I feel broke… even when I’m not?” (or vice versa)This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik unpack money dysmorphia - that weird feeling when your bank balance and your brain don’t match. Funny, real, and painfully relatable.This is not financial advice! Just fun times.

This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik dive into your juiciest TikTok questions and comments - unfiltered and totally relatable. No advice here, just honest chat and a lot of laughs.

Let's be honest everyone, what on earth is the Bank of England?!Who are they? What do they do? - And why does inflation HAVE to stay at 2%?Well Mik is here to save us all! Have a listen as Connie (and yourself) learn fundamental financial things etc!Stay learning, peace out <3

“The budget is extreme.” ... “Rachel Reeves declined my selfie.”This week on SKINT, Connie and Mik spill the tea on the latest Budget rumours - what’s real, what’s hype, and how it could hit your wallet. Listen to find out more !

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, - 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we’re breaking down mega pensions and the pension dashboard - what’s planned, what’s rumoured, and what it could mean for your future money. Plus, Connie shares the story of how she recently “met” Rachel Reeves ! Tune in and check out our other episodes too!Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance, our new segment where we unpack the money stuff no one bothered to explain.In this episode, we’re diving into your payslip - what all those confusing numbers mean, how to actually read it, and the key things to check so you know where your money’s really going. Think of it as a payslip tutorial, minus the corporate jargon and with slightly fewer tears than payday.Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances, especially when it comes to holidays? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we’re breaking down what a fund actually is, how it works, the different types of investment funds available, and how they can fit into your money goals. Spoiler: it’s not about starting a GoFundMe for your brunch habit.Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances, especially when it comes to holidays? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we’re unpacking Buy Now, Pay Later - how it works, why it’s tempting, and what to watch out for so you don’t end up paying way more than you planned. Tune in and check out our other episodes too!Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances? Same.That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we’re talking student loans, budgeting basics, and how to make your money last longer than your lecture attention span. Tune in and check out our other episodes while you're at it.Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we're diving into everything you need to know about ISAs and how to actually make your savings work harder. Tune in and check out our other episodes too!Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances, especially when it comes to holidays? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we're diving into everything you need to know before you file: understanding what counts as income, avoiding last-minute stress, and making the most of your allowable expenses. Tune in and check out our other episodes too!Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Still feel like you have no idea what's going on with your finances, especially when it comes to holidays? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving, called 30 Flirty & Learning Finance.In this episode, we're diving into everything you need to know before you jet off: getting the best exchange rates, understanding travel insurance, and making your holiday money go further. Tune in and check out our other episodes too!Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice, just mildly responsible fun.

Do you still feel like you don't know what the heck is going on with your finances ? Same. That's why we've launched a new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving - welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance! In this episode, we're exploring scams, money mules and ways to prevent being scammed! Listen in and check out our other episodes !Disclaimer: This is not financial advice - just mildly responsible fun.

Do you still feel like you don't know what the heck is going on with your finances ? Same. That's why we've launched a brand new segment of 30 Flirty & Not Thriving - welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance! In this episode, we're exploring different ways to save, pros and cons - and taking a closer look into gilts. Listen in and check out our other episodes !Disclaimer: This is not financial advice - just mildly responsible fun.

Do you feel like you still don't know what the heck is going on with your finances? Same. That's why we've launched a brand new segment from 30 Flirty and Not Thriving —welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance!In this episode, we're diving into the key differences between Cash and Stocks & Shares ISAs - the pros, cons, and general rules for each. It's light-hearted, judgment-free, and might just help you finally understand how to save up !Disclaimer: This is not financial advice-just mildly responsible fun.

Do you feel like you still don’t know what the heck is going on with your finances? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a brand new segment from 30 Flirty and Not Thriving—welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance!In this episode, we’re diving into the world of credit—what your credit score actually means, how credit cards impact it, and why Connie is still proudly riding her family’s EE plan. It’s light-hearted, judgment-free, and might just help you finally understand how to build (or fix) your credit.Disclaimer: This is not financial advice—just mildly responsible fun.

Do you feel like you still don’t know what the heck is going on with your finances? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a brand new segment from 30 Flirty and Not Thriving—welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance!In this episode, we’re joined by expert Mik to explain all things ISAs and Pensions, what they are and the differences. It’s light-hearted, judgment-free, and might just help you finally understand what your'e saving.Disclaimer: This is not financial advice—just mildly responsible fun.

Are you in your 30s (or late twenties) and feel like you still don’t know what the heck is going on with your finances? Same. That’s why we’ve launched a brand new segment from 30 Flirty and Not Thriving—welcome to 30 Flirty & Learning Finance!In this debut episode, we’re joined by expert Mick to break down tax allowances and all things taxes in a way that won’tmake you want to cry. It’s light-hearted, judgment-free, and might just help you finally understand your payslip.Disclaimer: This is not financial advice—just mildly responsible fun.