A Little Bit Richer

There’s been lots in the news about workplace pensions recently. In this episode, our host lona Bain is joined by L&G's CEO of DC and workplace savings, Paula Llewellyn. They unpack changes in the pipeline and what you can do to help your pension savings grow. From the government’s push to simplify pensions and tackle the issue of multiple small pots, to a change which could s...

Money talk can be awkward and vulnerable, but it doesn’t have to kill the romance. In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by financial adviser and author Bola Sol to unpack the dos and don’ts of managing money with your partner. From combining accounts to spotting red flags, Bola shares practical advice for couples at every stage, whether you've just started dating or planning f...

Digital payments have become the norm in managing our money but why has there been a boost in cash spending? In this episode, our host Iona Bain sits down with financial advisor, author and content creator Emmanuel Asuquo to unpack our evolving relationship with money in a cashless world. Emmanuel explores the psychological impact of contactless spending, why so many are returning to cash, and how...

Debt has become a fact of life for many, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to navigate or talk about. In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. Together, they tackle the reality of debt among young people in the UK - from student loans and credit cards to the rise of buy now, pa...

No matter how much you have to invest, setting good and solid foundations is vital. In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by friend of the show and financial adviser Rotimi Merriman Johnson, aka Mr. MoneyJar, to demystify the world of investing. From choosing the investment platform to understanding index funds, stocks and tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs, Rotimi shares clear, pr...

It can be hard to look beyond managing your money from one payday to the next. But if you have dreams for your life in the future, you’ll need a plan on how to fund this. In this episode our host Iona Bain is joined by financial adviser, author and money columnist Bola Sol to unpack what it really takes to be in the best position to afford it. From budgeting with purpose, deciding what your...

Do you feel like you’re working hard but hardly moving up the career ladder? Is success only achievable through promotion? What will give you satisfaction? In this episode our host Iona Bain is joined by Helen Tupper, co-founder of Amazing If and co-author of The Squiggly Career, to explore why success doesn't always mean a straight line to the top. They discuss how to rethink promotions, bu...

Do you spend more than you should? Or maybe the opposite and you’ve a tendency to be frugal? ? In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal to explore the emotional undercurrents behind our money habits. From childhood experiences and family dynamics to social media and FOMO, Vicky unpacks the complex psychology that shapes how we think, feel, and b...

Whether you're looking for some extra income, creative fulfilment, or a path to financial independence, side hustles are a great way to do this. In this episode, financial advisor Emmanuel Asuquo and our host Iona Bain dive into the world of side hustles— from what you could offer, when you might need to pay tax and ideas to generate business. They explore the highs and lows, the myths and r...

In a post-pandemic world, with the rise of working from home and flexible hours, there’s a whole new meaning to work life balance. In this episode, Joe Ryle from the Four Day Week Foundation joins our host Iona Bain to discuss how changing work patterns can lead to a healthier work culture with increased productivity and reduced burnout. They dive deep into the role of technology in blurring...

With endless inspiration online, home improvements have never been more tempting - but is reality living up to the "property porn" hype? In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by Paula Higgins from the HomeOwners Alliance to explore the smartest ways to transform your home without breaking the bank. From deciding between a doer-upper and a move-in-ready home to prioritising renovations that...

Have you ever wondered what happens to some of the money you save in your pension? Beyond securing your financial future, your pension could be helping to build better communities, fund affordable housing and invest in innovative health technologies. In this episode, our host Iona Bain sits down with Legal & General’s Pete Gladwell to explore how pension funds can be used for social inve...

In this special season opener of A Little Bit Richer , we turn the tables on our brand-new host, Iona Bain! Pension expert Kim Brown from Legal & General takes the interviewer’s seat to dig into Iona’s personal finance journey— from unexpected money lessons to navigating the challenges of millennial finances. They discuss everything from getting on the property ladder to bala...

We’ve got an exciting announcement for you. In this new series we're delving deeper to help you with smart money choices. To guide us through we're thrilled to be welcoming Iona Bain to the team. Listen and follow on your favourite podcast app. Now you can also watch the full episodes on our  YouTube channel And watch behind the scenes content on our   TikTok  and  I...

Moving in with someone is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a big decision that requires careful planning. In this episode our host Kia Commodore sits down with family lawyer Yasmin Khan-Gunns to uncover what you should consider before taking the plunge - whether you’re renting or buying with a partner, friend or family member. From financial considerations and tenancy agreements to...

The new year is here and while we often focus on resolutions like fitness or dry January, what about setting yourself up for a brighter financial future? In this episode, our host Kia Commodore welcomes Sean Philip from Legal & General, who shares some great tips to improve your personal finances for the longer term. From rethinking financial sacrifices as ‘badges of honour’, the &...

Step into the new year armed with pearls of financial wisdom from A Little Bit Richer!  In this special episode, our host Kia Commodore goes through the archives to share her top ten favourite money tips from the series so far. From building financial discipline to smart investing, tackling debt and planning for your dream retirement, this episode is packed with actionable advice from some of...

Credit reports and scores play a vital role in your access to future credit. In this episode, our host Kia Commodore is joined by Experian’s John Webb to bring some clarity to this important topic. They cover where to check the information on your report, how credit scores are calculated, what impacts them, and how to improve yours. They also tackle common myths, explore how ‘Buy Now,...

Everyone’s career journey is different and there are lots of ways you can get more experience and training to help with this. Our host, Kia Commodore, chats with Legal & General’s Sarah Evans about lifelong learning, qualifications vs experience and how you can upskill with a busy schedule.  Some small simple strategies can propel you career forward, give you great experience and help get you...

Our feelings around money can have a big impact on how we manage it. Whether we stick our heads in the sand, overspend when feeling overwhelmed or are afraid of spending, it’s helpful to understand our behaviours around money and what drives them. Financial coach and the author of Real-Life Money and Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing, Clare Seal joins our host Kia Commodore. They discuss the conne...

Nowadays, weddings can come with a pretty hefty price tag and with higher living costs, it can be hard to make the day of your dreams a reality. But with proper planning and realistic research, you can build a budget to reduce financial stress and focus on the fun of your wedding day. Here to help navigate the cost of weddings is author and founder of ‘This Girl Talks Money’, Ellie Austin-Williams...

In this episode we’re focusing on pension savings again, to help you make the most of this important investment. This time we’re covering where your money can be invested. Here to help explore this is Jesal Mistry. He works in asset management at Legal & General and is part of the team who decide the best places to invest people’s pension savings. Jesal chats with our host Kia Commodore about...

Is there ever a right time to have a baby? With living costs high, many people postpone parenthood until they’re in a more secure position. But there are plenty of ways to prepare your finances and plan for your future family. Financial educator and mom of two, Charlotte Jessop from Looking After Your Pennies, is back to give money tips for new parents and anyone thinking of starting a family. Cha...

In previous episodes, we’ve taken you through why pension savings matter so much and helped you get to grips with your investment. And now we’re taking you one step further, for a masterclass.  Taking us on this deeper dive into pension savings and what to consider if you want to take a more active role is Legal & General’s Michael Porter. Michael talks with our host Kia Commodore about how wo...

With higher living costs, it can be hard to feel in control of your budget. But there are clever ways to rethink your spending and save cash. Here to the rescue is financial educator Charlotte Jessop from Looking After your Pennies. Charlotte joins our host Kia Commodore to talk through easy ways to trim your day-to-day spending, good budgeting habits and what to do if you overspend. Cutbacks big...