Switch Your Money On

In this episode, Emma Wall and Sarah Coles unpack the latest bout of global market volatility and what it means for investors. They discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions, from Greenland and Venezuela to renewed focus on Trump, tariffs and trade risks – and how these forces are shaping global stock markets. The episode looks at why gold and defence stocks are back in focus, what recent client...

In this episode, Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey explore the hidden financial risks that can catch people out in mid-life. They talk about job losses among older workers, the financial impact of ill health and divorce, and why many people discover gaps in their emergency savings and pensions later than they expect. This episode also covers how to build financial resilience by reviewing the protect...

In this episode, Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey explore how much debt UK households are really carrying and why borrowing can quietly spiral out of control, even for higher earners. They also share practical steps for tackling debt, including prioritising repayments, choosing between the avalanche and snowball methods, cutting costs, and using balance transfers carefully, alongside the importance...

In this episode, Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey look ahead to what 2026 could hold for your finances. They discuss key dates to watch in the year ahead, including the rise in the state pension, higher dividend tax and the continued freeze on income tax thresholds. The episode also explores what this means for savers, investors and pensioners and the outlook for household financial resilience. Thi...

In this episode, Emma Wall and Sarah Coles look ahead to 2026 and the key themes set to shape investment markets. They discuss where interest rates could be heading in the UK and US, the risks around inflation, government debt and high market valuations, and what this could mean for investors. The episode also explores opportunities across bonds, emerging markets and quality shares, before reveali...

In this end-of-year special, Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey look back at the key money themes of 2025 and what they mean for savers, investors and retirees. They discuss how market volatility following global trade tensions tested pension investors’ nerves and why taking a long-term investing approach matters. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financi...

In this investment special, Emma Wall and Sarah Coles take stock of what the events of 2025 mean for investors: from the market records set to the performance of stocks like Nvidia, and why it’s worth considering the balance of investments in their portfolio right now. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Pension and tax rules can change...

Emma Wall and Sarah Coles discuss how the stock markets are faring after the Budget, the importance of the golden quarter for businesses, and explore a market pattern known as a ‘Santa rally’ that could be approaching this month. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Investments can fall as w...

Explore what the Autumn Budget 2025 means for you, from tax freezes and ISA cuts to changes in savings, dividends, pensions and key investor updates. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Pension and tax rules can change, and benefits depend on personal circumstances. Investments can fall as well as rise in value, so you could get back le...

Rumoured Budget tax changes are putting new pressures on the self-employed. Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey explore what rising taxes could mean for freelancers, why lumpy income makes saving harder, how insurance for the self-employed can help and how people can build their financial resilience. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Pens...

Emma Wall and Sarah Coles take a closer look at what’s behind recent market volatility in the US. They discuss concerns surrounding the AI boom, what the Federal Reserve might do next, the government shutdown and the importance of diversification amid uncertainty. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Investments can fall as well as rise...

Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey dive into what it really means to be wealthy in today’s world and why a million pounds isn’t what it used to be. From the impact of inflation on lottery jackpots to how wealth builds across generations, they explore who actually qualifies as “wealthy,” and why many people still don’t feel it. They unpack how property, pensions and savings all contribute to your over...

As spooky season arrives, Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey explore the financial fears haunting households, from Budget rumours to “zombie” savings and pensions quietly eating through your cash. They unpack the latest updates on income tax, National Insurance, Capital Gains Tax and pension tax relief, explaining what might change in the next Budget and what steps you can take now to shelter your mo...

Sarah Coles and Emma Wall unpick the forces shaping global markets, focusing on tech stocks and the impact of AI on the US economy. They discuss warnings from Andrew Bailey and the IMF about stretched valuations and what this could mean for investors. They also cover strong US GDP revisions, the Federal Reserve’s next moves, and what is happening to gold prices. Plus, they look at the ongoing US g...

Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey break down key questions around the state pension - who gets it, when you can claim, and how much you might receive. They look at how the triple lock affects payments, why now is a crucial time of year, and how rising state pension ages could impact your retirement plans. They also explain how your National Insurance record affects what you get, what to do if there...

Sarah Coles and Emma Wall look at the factors moving markets around the world. They discuss the US government shutdown, strong economic data, and why both equities and gold are rising, despite usually pointing in opposite directions. They also delve into global market trends and UK economic concerns. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice....

With the Budget date now confirmed, speculation is swirling. From tax hikes to potential ISA rule changes and pension tax tweaks. Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey break down the rumours ahead of the Autumn Statement and what they could mean for your finances. They explore concerns around ISA limits, the future of the Lifetime ISA, pension tax relief, capital gains, inheritance tax and income t...

Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey delve into data from the latest HL Investor Confidence Index and explore why confidence is slipping across major markets, even as Wall Street hits fresh highs. They unpack what could be driving the disconnect, from weak economic data in the UK and US to interest rate moves and AI-fuelled optimism. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for...

Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey join Nathan Long, senior analyst at HL, to discuss the latest HL Savings and Resilience Barometer findings. They explore why the UK’s pension gap is widening, especially among higher earners, and how income, location, and home ownership affect financial resilience. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek financial advice. Inve...

Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey unpack the latest HL Savings and Resilience Barometer findings, revealing significant investment gaps across UK households, especially among single women, and the challenges facing retail investors today. They explore how inflation and UK economic growth concerns are impacting investor confidence, why building an emergency fund remains essential, and the importance...

Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles explore how property has become less rewarding as an investment, with more tax on landlords, rising costs of new legislation and higher mortgage interest. They also cover the latest Budget rumours affecting property, including speculation on changes to stamp duty, CGT, and NI on rent. Helen Morrissey discusses the issues with being a landlord in retirement, questi...

Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles look at how professional investors are reacting to recent market volatility and what DIY investors can take from their approach. They explore changing attitudes to US stocks, rising interest in UK and European markets, and why doing nothing can sometimes be the smartest move. This podcast isn’t personal advice. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, seek fina...

Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles unpack the rising cost of raising children and how the whole family can prepare financially. They cover maternity leave, building up emergency savings and getting your kids off to the right start with saving and investing. Helen Morrissey joins to explain why it's vital not to overlook your pension and how parents and even grandparents can protect and boost family...

Join Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles as they explore what’s been moving markets, from major trade deals and new tariffs to a busy earnings season led by tech giants. They unpack results from Meta and Microsoft, Apple and Amazon, look at the surge in gold demand, and assess the latest investor confidence data. They also explain what the recent interest rate cut means for savers, investors and pen...

Join Susannah Streeter and Sarah Coles as they answer your holiday money questions, such as how to pay for your trip, get the best exchange rates and avoid overspending while you’re away. They also look at the real cost of holidays and how to plan ahead so you don’t come home with debt. Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, explains why holidays are a good time to th...