Retirement Lounge Podcast

The pension inheritance tax changes coming in April 2027 are some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in years—but many people still aren't sure what they actually mean. In this episode, Nick explains the new rules in plain English, looks back at how pension freedoms changed retirement planning in 2015, and explores why these latest changes matter for anyone with a pension. You'll learn:...

Following their appearance together on the Martin Lewis Money Show Pensions Special, Nick is joined by Charlene Young, Senior Pensions and Savings Expert at AJ Bell and the Telegraph's "Pensions Doctor". With major changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pensions due from April 2027, many people are questioning whether their retirement plans still make sense. In this episode, Nick and Charlene...

The latest Retirement Living Standards report suggests millions of people across the UK could be under-saving for retirement. In this episode, Nick breaks down the latest findings, explores what a minimum, moderate and comfortable retirement actually costs in 2025, and discusses why so many people may be underestimating both how much they need and how long their money needs to last. Nick also shar...

Following on from last week's episode, Pension Truths I Couldn't Explain On The Martin Lewis Show , Nick returns to answer some of the biggest pension and retirement questions submitted after the broadcast. With thousands of questions sent into the Martin Lewis Money Show Live , there simply wasn't enough time to cover everything properly on air. In this follow-up episode, Nick explores: How much...

This week, Nick reflects on his appearance on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live and shares the pension conversations he didn't have time to fully explain on air. With only short, concise answers possible during the live ITV broadcast, this episode dives deeper into three of the biggest pension mistakes Nick regularly sees people make approaching retirement. A practical and thought-provoking episode...

Most people spend years focusing on how to build their pension. Far fewer spend time thinking about how to turn that pension into an income that lasts. In this episode, Nick is joined by Joanne Coan from L&G to explore one of the most important and often most overlooked, parts of retirement planning: decumulation . It's a practical, thoughtful conversation for anyone approaching retirement and won...

Most people think a dementia diagnosis means life has to become smaller. In this episode, Nick is joined by Fiona Pettit , who leads Dementia Adventure , a charity helping people with dementia and their carers stay connected to the outdoors, to nature, and to a sense of possibility. They explore: Why dementia can make the world feel smaller. How outdoor experiences can support wellbeing, confidenc...

Power of Attorney is something many clients have in place, but how well is it really understood? In this episode, Nick sits down with solicitor Anne Call from Blandy & Blandy Soliccitors to explore the key differences between older and newer Powers of Attorney, where things can go wrong, and what advisers should be aware of when supporting clients through these decisions. This episode is part of o...

With headlines dominated by geopolitical tension and dramatic market reporting, it can feel like markets are in constant crisis. But are they really? In this short "in-between" episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick takes a step back from the noise and examines how headlines can distort reality. After seeing reports claiming "$6 trillion wiped off global markets" , Nick looks at the actual numbers...

After nearly a year of The Retirement Lounge, Nick introduces a new Educational Series,  designed to simplify financial concepts that are often misunderstood. In this first instalment, he tackles one of the most confused terms in investing: What's the difference between risk and volatility? They're often used interchangeably, by investors, the media, even regulators. But they are not the same thin...

Most retirement conversations focus on what you should be doing. In this episode, Nick flips the script. He shares the most common and costly mistakes people make before and during retirement. Nick also explains why small oversights from pension charges to outdated nomination forms, can have a significant long-term impact. If you're approaching retirement (or already there), this episode is a prac...

One of the most common questions Nick is asked as a financial planner is: Should you consolidate your pensions? In this episode of  The Retirement Lounge , Nick walks through the pros and cons of pension consolidation , helping you understand when it can make sense and when it could be a costly mistake. This episode isn't advice, but it will help you ask better questions and understand what to loo...

Every year, financial analysts, commentators, and experts make bold predictions about markets, the economy, and what's coming next. But how accurate are they really? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge , Nick is joined by three rock wealth advisers, Tim Horrocks, Chris Wallsgrove, and David Bowen,  to make their own tongue-in-cheek predictions for the year ahead. From stock markets to sportin...

Generation X is approaching retirement differently from any generation before them. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge , Nick is joined by Martin Lines , Development and Events Director at Just, to explore how Gen X is navigating retirement while balancing work, family, and caring responsibilities. This is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about what retirement really looks like today...

Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but for many people, it's the start of a completely new chapter. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge , Nick is joined by Jane Parslow , co-founder of Retirement Pathways , to explore the emotional and psychological side of retiring, the part that often gets overlooked. Together, they discuss why retirement can feel disorientating after the initial "h...

Talking about death isn't easy, but planning for it can be one of the kindest things you ever do. In this episode, Nick shares how creating a  When I Die File can give your loved ones comfort, clarity, and practical support when they'll need it most. He walks through what to include, from wills and bank accounts to personal letters and funeral wishes, and why this simple act of preparation can sav...

What do people regret most about retirement and how can you avoid the same mistakes? In this episode, Nick unpacks findings from a recent  Which? survey revealing the most common retirement regrets. From not saving early enough to leaving work too soon (or too late), he explores what these lessons mean for anyone approaching retirement today. This episode blends numbers, real stories, and experien...

Not everyone is racing to retire, in fact, more people than ever are choosing to keep working beyond pension age. In this solo episode, Nick asks the question: Is retirement really for you? He explores why more baby boomers are working into later life, what's driving the rise in "flexi-retirement," and how pension freedoms have made it easier to work on your own terms. Whether you're dreaming of f...

Retirement is often described as the golden years, but the reality isn't always so simple. In this solo episode, Nick explores the real challenges of retiring, from the financial and emotional to the practical and psychological. He discusses why "not getting paid anymore" can cause more anxiety than expected, how to avoid running out of money (or worrying that you will), and the often-overlooked c...

We like to think our financial decisions are logical, but our brains often have other plans. In this solo episode, Nick dives into behavioural biases, the mental shortcuts and emotional habits that influence how we invest, often without us realising it. From loss aversion and herd behaviour to confirmation bias and the Dunning-Kruger effect , Nick explains how these biases can quietly sabotage you...

Retirement is one of life's biggest transitions, and it doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge , Nick speaks with Pete Matthew, Chartered Financial Planner, author, and founder of the Meaningful Money podcast and YouTube channel. Pete shares his journey into financial services, why he started creating content to make money simple, and his insights from decades of...

What does it really mean to have enough ? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick speaks with Paul Armson, financial planner, author of Enough? and creator of the Inspiring Adviser programme. Together, they explore the shift from product-driven advice to planning that's about life, not just money. Topics include: Why traditional "financial advice" often misses the point How to focus on livi...

Moving house is always stressful — but in later life, it's rarely just about the property. It's about memories, identity, independence, and big life transitions. In this conversation, Nick speaks with Susan from Turner's Oak , an estate agent who specialises in supporting older homeowners and their families through some of the most emotional moves they'll ever make. Whether you're approaching a mo...

What happens when a high-performing sales exec trades spreadsheets for stage scripts? In this episode, Nick Holbrook shares his personal journey through retirement, from trial and error to finding new purpose in writing, audiobook narration, and comedy. We explore the emotional shifts, identity challenges, and redefining what 'retirement' truly means.  It's honest, relatable, and full of practical...

In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick speaks with Jane Finnerty, Chair of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), about the importance of good financial advice in later life and what makes SOLLA-accredited advisers different. They explore what SOLLA is, how it came about, and why accreditation matters when navigating complex decisions around care, estate planning, and vulnerability. J...