Making Money

Al Miles, an investment actuary who models pension systems, explains why millions of UK workers face retirement shortfalls. She outlines who is most at risk and why late starts, part-time work and opt-outs matter. The conversation explores reforms, Iceland-style guarantees, household saving ideas and political hurdles to fixing pensions.

Jim Reid, Global Head of Macro Research at Deutsche Bank and author focused on long-term returns, shares big-picture lessons from 200 years of market data. He highlights US and tech concentration in global trackers. He traces past tech booms, explains valuation-driven long low-return stretches, and discusses equal-weight vs market-cap approaches and practical portfolio choices.

Sam Grice, CEO of Octopus Legacy and founder focused on estate planning after personal loss. He talks about why wills matter, common misconceptions, intestacy risks, trusts for children, choosing executors, handling digital assets and crypto, and practical tips on gifting and funeral wishes. Short, clear guidance on simplifying messy post-death processes.

They debate the ‘Die With Zero’ idea and whether saving too much costs life experiences. They explore timing age-limited adventures and treating health as a compounding asset. They discuss gifting while alive, memory-rich parenting moments, and practical tools like annuities and spending plans. They question privilege’s role in financial advice and argue for balance between saving and living.

Timothy Armoo, founder who sold Fanbytes and author of a practical startup guide. He talks about shifting from survival drive to designing a fulfilling life. He outlines building a personal board of directors, using AI to emulate mentors, practical networking (STIRS), and choosing projects that actually serve you. He warns against overreacting and urges founders to accept life-changing exits, not just enrich others.

Marianna Hunt, a retirement specialist at Fidelity who researches pensions and longevity. She explores the uncertainty of living much longer than expected. She discusses inflation’s quiet erosion of savings. She highlights who is most at risk and practical steps to check pensions, adjust contributions and consider annuities or working longer.

Amlan Roy, a demographer who advises governments and wrote Demographics Unravelled, explores how shifting population structures reshape pensions, work and the economy. He discusses flexible, life-expectancy‑linked retirement, means‑tested state pensions, fertility trends, migration and boosting female labour participation. Short, provocative takes on why traditional retirement ages may no longer fit.

Vicky Pryce, economist and former senior civil servant and author of Mismanaged Decline, explains why politicians spin economic stories. She discusses low real incomes, weak business investment, productivity failures and Brexit’s cost. Vicky also tackles energy pricing, regional inequality and what a true industrial strategy should aim to do.

Tarun Ramadorai, a financial economics professor and adviser to central banks, outlines how product design and weak rules let firms profit from everyday mistakes. He digs into teaser mortgages, insurance price-walking, and why the middle class gets squeezed. He champions plain-vanilla starter products, stronger guardrails, and learning from Denmark, India and Brazil.

Glen Arnold, an expert on Warren Buffett and author of The Deals of Warren Buffett, delves into the incredible investment strategies of the legendary investor. He reveals Buffett's three core rules: thorough research, realistic return expectations, and maintaining a margin of safety. Glen discusses how Buffett's disciplined approach evolved through key influences like Charlie Munger and his focus on durable brands. Listeners will love insights on Buffett's early investments, his venture into the insurance float, and how he assesses potential acquisitions for long-term success.