Retirement Lounge Podcast

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...

In this episode, Nick speaks with Sarah Davies, who shares her deeply personal journey from financial insecurity to confidence. Starting serious financial planning in her 40s, Sarah reflects on how advice changed her mindset and her retirement. Together they explore emotions around money, the importance of financial education, and why taking control later in life is not too late. A heartfelt conve...

When COVID hit, Rupe had just ended a long career in IT sales. What followed wasn't a traditional retirement; it was reinvention. In this warm and witty episode, Rupe shares his unexpected post-career path: from shelf-stacking at Tesco to running village events and helping others find purpose. A candid, often humorous look at how retirement can be a beginning, not an end.

When a loved one needs care, the decisions can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Nick speaks with Gemma Locke from Trinity Homecare about navigating care options, at home or in a care home and how families can make confident choices before crisis hits. Learn how early planning, live-in care, and emotional support can ease the journey for everyone involved.

Paying for care in later life can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge , Chartered Financial Planner Nick Hutchings explains how care is funded in the UK, covering: Local authority assessments Care fees annuities (immediate and deferred) Self-funding thresholds and asset limits The value of specialist financial advice Whether you're supporting ageing p...

What do you do when life throws you a curveball in your 50s or 60s? In this episode, Nick talks with coach and broadcaster Sheila Docker about midlife reinvention, maintaining your identity, and building the strength, physical and emotional, to move into your next chapter with more purpose and clarity.   Whether you're thriving or reassessing, this episode offers straight-talking guidance for what...

Should you buy an annuity or stick with drawdown? In this episode, Nick Hutchings breaks down the pros and cons of both, explains how your values and lifestyle affect your choice, and shares real-world examples to help you make a more confident decision. No one-size-fits-all, just clear, calm insight for your retirement planning.

Retirement isn't just a financial milestone—it's an emotional journey. In this episode, Nick Hutchings explores the often-overlooked emotional aspects of retirement and why planning for them is just as crucial as budgeting or investment. From identity loss and shifting routines to changing relationships and mental health challenges, Nick shares heartfelt insights and personal stories that help you...

In this episode, Nick shares practical steps to help you feel more confident and deliberate in planning for retirement - whether you're just starting to think about it or already living it. From financial foundations to emotional preparation, Nick covers: Why a good financial plan is like having a sat-nav for your future The importance of "elegant simplicity" in managing your finances How your spe...

Before we dive into the how-tos of retirement planning, there's a more important question to ask: what does retirement actually mean to you? In this opening episode, host Nick Hutchings reflects on how the meaning of retirement has evolved over the past few decades—and why defining it for yourself is the most powerful first step you can take. You'll hear about the diverse ways people describe reti...