The Meaningful Money Personal Finance Podcast
Pete Matthew
Pete Matthew discusses and explains all aspects of your personal finances in simple, everyday language. Personal finance, investing, insurance, pensions and getting financial advice can all seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and easy-to-follow action steps, Pete will help you to get your money matters in order.
Each show is in two segments: Firstly, everything you need to KNOW, and secondly, everything you need to DO to move forward on the subject of that episode.
This podcast will appeal to listeners of MoneyBox Live, Wake Up To Money, Listen to Lucy, Which? Money and The Property Podcast.
To leave feedback or ask a question, go to http://meaningfulmoney.tv/askpete
Archived episodes can be found at http://meaningfulmoney.tv/mmpodcast
Each show is in two segments: Firstly, everything you need to KNOW, and secondly, everything you need to DO to move forward on the subject of that episode.
This podcast will appeal to listeners of MoneyBox Live, Wake Up To Money, Listen to Lucy, Which? Money and The Property Podcast.
To leave feedback or ask a question, go to http://meaningfulmoney.tv/askpete
Archived episodes can be found at http://meaningfulmoney.tv/mmpodcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 25, 2026 • 32min
QA43 - Listener Questions, Episode 43
Step-by-step investing priorities for UK beginners in 2026, including when to build a buffer, tackle expensive debt and use employer pension matching. Clear guidance on choosing between a Stocks and Shares ISA and a pension. Practical warnings about common beginner mistakes to avoid so you can invest calmly and stay the course.
8 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 31min
QA42 - Listener Questions, Episode 42
They debate whether self-employed savers should base targets on gross or net pay and how to prioritise pension contributions. They unpack inheritance planning and upcoming pension tax rule changes. They clarify how dividends behave inside pension drawdown and SIPPs. They weigh salary sacrifice effects, recycling tax-free cash, and whether to overpay a mortgage or invest in ISAs.
Mar 11, 2026 • 41min
QA41 - Listener Questions, Episode 41
They answer listener questions on UK pensions, tax and retirement planning. Discussions compare SIPP versus Lifetime ISA choices and access rules. There is guidance on junior pensions and balancing contributions. They cover gifting company shares, IHT and CGT implications. They explain UFPLS versus drawdown and practical withdrawal sequencing in retirement.
32 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 35min
No Bullsh*t Money with Andy Hart
Andy Hart, a financial adviser and communicator with around 20 years in the industry and author of No Bullsh*t Money Advice, offers straight-talking personal finance ideas. He discusses why behaviour beats access, practical financial levers like spending and earning, the danger of lifestyle creep, splitting big decisions to reduce regret, and focusing on planning over chasing returns.
Feb 25, 2026 • 37min
QA40 - Listener Questions, Episode 40
Listeners ask about where to keep emergency cash and whether premium bonds or taxed savings make more sense. They explore inheritance tax risks around beneficiary SIPPs and practical gifting strategies. The discussion covers when to rebalance pension contributions between partners and what to check before retiring abroad. There is also guidance on defined benefit pension transfers and cross-border pension taxation using the UK–Denmark treaty.
21 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 49min
How to Spot a Good or Bad Financial Adviser
They run through clear green and red flags to watch for when choosing financial advice. Practical checks include transparent fees, written recommendations and verifying credentials. Tips cover listening skills, plain English explanations, evidence-based investing, calm professionalism and avoiding pressure tactics. The episode highlights what to ask at the first meeting and how to spot evasive or sloppy advisers.
5 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 36min
QA39 Listener Questions, Episode 39
Listeners get practical guidance on using a General Investment Account alongside ISAs and the mechanics of the bed-and-ISA approach. They tackle ways to reduce dividend and capital gains exposure. Cross-border tax rules for US 401(k)s and Australian pensions for UK residents are explained. Strategies to avoid the £100k adjusted-income trap and managing a £2M portfolio under Power of Attorney are discussed.
Feb 4, 2026 • 56min
Becoming A Financial Adviser - Part Two: The SOFT Stuff
A deep dive into the human side of financial advice. They explore listening, empathy and how to interpret unspoken client needs. The conversation covers behavioural coaching to prevent poor decisions and when to challenge or refuse instructions. They discuss judgement, responsibility, ethics and how soft skills combine with technical know-how to build trust.
18 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 51min
How To Become A Financial Adviser, Part 1
They debunk myths about financial advisers and explain how the profession shifted from sales to planning. The modern firm’s three core roles and what each does are outlined. Paths into the career, from academies to learning on the job, are compared. They cover qualifications, regulation, fee models and why advice costs what it does.
8 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 46min
Listener Questions, Episode 38
This episode dives into the £100k tax trap, where listeners grapple with how to optimize pension contributions to stay below the tax cliff. It explores using AI for tax queries, with a reminder to double-check answers with professionals. The hosts discuss rules around gifting to reduce inheritance tax, and the complexities of splitting pensions during divorce. They also cover safe investment platform switching and the trade-offs between taking a lump sum from DB pensions versus maintaining income. Educational and practical advice abounds!
