New Year’s Day 2026. The motivation is high, the To-Do list is long, and reality is quietly waiting round the corner. In this episode Steve and Jess explore why New Year’s resolutions so often start strong and fade fast, and how to approach goals in a way that feels more realistic, more sustainable, and far less punishing. They touch on the psychology behind “fresh starts”, the difference between being pushed by discomfort versus pulled by something meaningful, and how small, repeatable...

In Episode 28, Steve is joined by Michael Kothakota, co-founder of Wolf Bridge Wealth, for a grounded conversation on the real value of financial advice beyond returns. Mike shares how he and his wife launched the firm in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, and how years of work with clients navigating major life events shaped his view of what good advice actually does for people day to day. They also explore Mike’s teaching work at Columbia University, and why ethics, judgement, and clear comm...

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve is joined by Chartered Financial Planner Luke James for a clear and grounded conversation about the recently released Budget. With Jess away, Luke steps in to help unpack the announcements that matter most to listeners and clients. They cut through the pre-Budget rumours, explore the psychology behind fear-driven financial decisions and discuss the major changes around salary sacrifice, dividend tax, ISAs, VCTs, property income and the newly i...

In this episode Steve and Jess unpack a question many of us think about but rarely admit out loud: When is it smart risk-taking… and when is it simply gambling? The conversation begins with confessions, before diving into the psychology behind risk, excitement and the chase for dopamine. From thrill-seeking behaviour to escapism and social pressure, they explore why gambling can be so compelling… even when we know the odds are stacked against us. But what about the other side? Why do so...

In this episode, Steve is joined by Neil Bage, Co-Founder of Shaping Wealth, for a powerful conversation about understanding people as the core of great financial planning. Steve and Neil explore the psychology behind money and the emotional challenges that both clients and advisers face. Neil explains how our brains, designed for survival thousands of years ago, struggle to navigate a world built on numbers, screens, and long-term financial commitments. From emotional reactions to markets, t...

In this thought-provoking episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess unpack one of the most overlooked forces shaping our financial lives — time. Why do we put off things we know are important — from car services to pension contributions? Why do some people rush decisions, while others delay them endlessly? Drawing from behavioural science and financial psychology, Steve and Jess explore how our distorted sense of time drives procrastination, poor decisions, and lost opportunities.&nb...

In this episode, Steve and Jess take on one of life’s most avoided topics — protection. From life insurance to income and health cover, they explore why people delay or dodge these crucial safeguards, even when they know better. Steve and Jess break down the invisible barriers that keep people unprotected. They also explore why the “abstract future” always loses to the “tangible present” — holidays feel real, insurance doesn’t. You’ll also learn a powerful visualisation exercise that he...

Most people would rather insure their phone than spend money on financial protection for themselves. And who can blame them? Those products feel dull, complicated, and like money down the drain… until the worst happens. In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve Rowe and co-host Keely (stepping in while Jess is away) tackle the essential but often ignored subject of financial protection. With wit, real-world examples, and a few sharp warnings, they reveal why protection is the unshakab...

Why does inheritance tax (IHT) spark so much anger yet so little action? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dig into the mix of rage, fear, and procrastination that stops families from tackling one of life’s least comfortable money topics. From the awkwardness of talking about death to the emotional baggage of “perceived fairness” among siblings, Jess explains the psychological sludge that keeps us stuck. Steve shares practical tools — from gifting rules and trus...

Losing a job is more than losing a paycheck — it can feel like losing a piece of who you are. In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle the messy mix of emotions, identity shifts, and financial worries that come with redundancy. With their usual mix of humour and honesty, they explore how to cope with the awkward “So, what do you do?” moments, rebuild confidence, and find purpose beyond the job title.

Six months down, decades to go. In this episode, Steve and Luke explore why mid-year investment reviews rarely change the big picture – and why no one (yes, no one) can predict the markets. From Trump’s “game show” tariff policies to the bond market’s behind-the-scenes influence, they break down global events shaping your portfolio. Plus: why the government wants your pension in private equity, what wars mean for markets, and how socks can improve your mood.

Ever feel like investing is just one big gamble? In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle why our “caveman brains” freak out over market dips and what we can do to stay calm. From diversification and long-term thinking to quirky tricks like “worry monsters”, they explore practical ways to manage financial fear while keeping life fun. They dive into how our brains are wired for survival, not the stock market – explaining why risk feels more dangerous than it really is. You’ll learn how ...

Grief is never just about death — it’s about loss, love, and the messiness of being human. In this episode, Steve and Jess unpack the emotional and financial layers of death and grief, offering insights on how to navigate loss without losing yourself. From managing inherited money to knowing when to seek support, this conversation blends humour, honesty, and practical advice. You’ll hear why anger and relief are both valid emotions, how grief can show up years later, and why giving while you...

What’s investing really for? In this episode, Steve Rowe is joined by Keely Woods to unpack the truth behind investments – beyond jargon, headlines, and hype. From beating inflation and funding dream holidays to helping loved ones and retiring early, they explore the real-life reasons people choose to put their money to work. They tackle the fears that hold people back, explain why “boring” portfolios tend to win, and reveal how diversification and compound growth quietly build wealth over ti...

Inheritance Tax affects more families than ever — yet too many leave it to chance. In this episode, we explore the key tools for effective estate planning, including gifting, trusts, and life cover. Whether you want to support your children, give to charity, or simply keep more of your wealth in the family, this is a conversation worth having.

Pensions might not sound thrilling, but this episode of Juggling Mind and Money proves otherwise. Lucent Financial Planning’s very own Luke James steps in alongside host Steve Row—and brings a healthy dose of enthusiasm, insight, and dinosaur-themed sock humour to the mic. They unravel the mystery of pensions—from the flexibility of Defined Contribution schemes to the predictability of Defined Benefit plans—breaking down the jargon and mental barriers that often stop people from engaging with...

In this heartfelt episode, Steve Row is joined by Teresa Meredith – a long-time client of Lucent Financial Planning – who steps in as guest co-host. Theresa shares the story of how she and her husband Phil made the leap into early retirement, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right support made all the difference. From their first nervous meeting to navigating personal loss, serious illness, and big life transitions, their journey highlights the real impact of ...

They’ve done the hard part — worked, saved, and built a sizeable nest egg. So why are so many retirees paralysed when it comes to spending their own money? In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess dive into the strange reality of retirement underspending — where even millionaires struggle to loosen the purse strings. It’s not about maths; it’s about mindset. We explore the psychological blocks that stop people enjoying what they’ve earned: - fear of running out, ...

Is retirement a recipe for relaxation—or social isolation? In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dive into the less talked about side of retirement: losing the social buzz that comes with the 9-to-5. From awkward silences to watercooler withdrawals, we explore why making friends as an adult is harder than it sounds—and what you can actually do about it. Plus, how money plays a role in staying connected and why a solid financial plan might just buy you more than security…...

You’ve clocked out for the last time, said goodbye to spreadsheets and staff meetings… but now what? In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess unpack the surprisingly tricky reality of retirement – and the sneaky sense of purposelessness that can creep in when the calendar’s wide open. Steve shares his own post-retirement slump, while Jess diagnoses the deeper issue: a lack of purpose. Together, they explore how meaning—not money—is often the real currency of a happy retire...