Christmas is meant to feel joyful, but between gifts, travel, food, and family plans, December can quickly turn a bit manic. Tom is joined by Tynah Matembe, founder of MoneyMatix, to share simple ways to enjoy the festive season without overspending. Expect honest chat on setting a Christmas budget, having “awkward” money conversations, cheaper gift ideas (including the Boxing Day trick), and how to reset in January by taking stock and setting one clear intention. Send us a text

The Autumn budget landed yesterday: the headlines were noisy and the detail was confusing, so we pulled it apart. Tom and Kristian break down the Autumn Budget in plain English: What changed, what stayed frozen, and what this means for your money. We also took some of your questions to bring the changes to life. Got ideas for our next episode? Send us a text Send us a text

Kids are pricey. But the hidden costs hit harder: not in your trolley, but in your payslip, pension and career. Tom is joined by two female CEOs to unpack the parenthood penalty and how to fight it. Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut and author of It Takes a Village, shares what new mums really face. Ruth Handcock, CEO of Octopus Money, explains why childcare is an investment in your career and how planning early changes outcomes. You’ll hear honest talk on parenthood and how two leaders are...

The Autumn Budget always grabs attention. This year’s, on 26 November, has sparked plenty of speculation about what it could mean for pensions, property and investing. But what really matters for your money? In this solo episode of Keep the Change, Tom Francis, Head of Personal Finance at Octopus Money, takes a look at the Autumn Budget rumours: what’s realistic, what’s just noise and how to prepare your finances before any changes land. This podcast is for informational purposes only a...

Divorce can be messy. Not just emotionally, but financially too. Legal fees, two sets of lawyers, two homes: the costs rack up fast. After going through it herself, Kate Daly co-founded Amicable to prove there’s a better way and help people separate without the stress. She joins Elsie to talk about the real price of splitting up, the financial traps people don’t see coming, and how to get back on your feet without staying stuck in survival mode. And stick around for this week’s Dear Elsie, wh...

Buying a home has never felt harder: high interest rates, confusing mortgage jargon, and rising costs are pushing first-time buyers to the brink. But is it still possible? In this episode, Tom is joined by Octopus Money Mortgage Adviser Ramneet Bains to unpack the reality of buying in 2025. They explore what most people get wrong about mortgages, how much you really need to save, and why fixed vs variable rates are about more than just interest. Ramneet also shares his take on renting vs buyi...

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Ruth Handcock OBE, CEO of Octopus Money. Ruth’s had a pretty extraordinary career – working in Sierra Leone, leading a fast-growing financial wellbeing business, and now shaking up how millions get money advice. She talks about how growing up in a single-parent household shaped her views on money, why she’s so determined to close the UK’s “advice gap”, and what really went through her mind when she opened the letter about her OBE. They get ...

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom chats with Ola, founder of All Things Money, a platform that helps young people take charge of their finances with relatable and practical content. They discuss the UK’s financial literacy gap and why many young people leave school without the basic money skills they need. Ola explains how this lack of education can affect money decisions down the road and shares how we can start closing that gap with easy-to-understand resources and honest conversation...

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Kristian Manton, chartered financial adviser at Octopus Money and the youngest person in the UK to pass the highest level of adviser exams. Together, they explore one of Britain’s most beloved yet misunderstood savings products: Premium Bonds. Are they a smart way to grow your money, or just a feel-good financial illusion? Tom and Kristian unpick the myths and the maths behind Premium Bonds, examining why so many people still hold onto the...

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom sits down with Mooka Maboshe, one of our financial coaches at Octopus Money. Mooka shares her experience of moving from Zambia to South Wales and reflects on how both cultures have shaped her perspective on money. They explore the cultural influences on financial habits, the challenges faced when settling in a new country, and the importance of finding a personal approach to money. From the power of open conversations to the unique considerations that c...

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom is joined by Gemma Bird, better known as Money Mum, to talk about her journey to becoming a money-saving influencer. With nearly 500,000 Instagram followers and appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and Loose Women, Gemma has become a trusted voice for families looking to manage their family finances more effectively. She opens up about the realities of parenting on a budget, the money lessons she learned growing up, and why honest conversations about finances ...

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with financial influencer Jessie Leong, founder of How I Fund This. They dive into Jessie’s personal finance journey, how she built a supportive community and the mindset shifts that helped her rethink her relationship with money. Jessie opens up about navigating financial anxiety, the never ending nature of money education, the role of influencers in the finance space, and getting started with investing. Plus, Jessie and Tom answer your money...

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with journalist and author Elle Hunt to unpack her viral money diary that sparked headlines—and the public reaction that followed. From avocado toast debates to the hidden costs of single life, Elle reflects on navigating her 20s and 30s, shifting her money mindset, and the cultural baggage we all carry around cash. They dive into the hurdles of homeownership, what Martin Lewis taught her, and why she wouldn’t write the diary again. Plus, why ...

When it comes to building financial confidence, women face a unique set of challenges. In this episode of Keep the Change, Elsie Garvey chats with Octopus Money’s very own money coach, Sula Armstrong, for a deep dive into financial empowerment for women. They unpack the highs, lows, and curveballs of managing money, explore why the gender wealth gap still exists, and how we can take charge of our financial futures. We cover: Sula’s journey into money coaching, and tips to kickstart plan...

Money is emotional. And when love enters the picture, it gets even more complicated. In this episode of Keep the Change, Laura Whateley – award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and all-around money simplifier – joins Tom to talk about the surprising ways money shapes our relationships, careers and financial confidence. We cover: Why so many of us feel lost with our finances—even finance experts!What Laura has learned from interviewing people for her new book The hidden ways money ...

The number of "ISA millionaires" in the UK has skyrocketed – from just a handful a decade ago to 5,000 in 2024. So, how are people quietly turning their ISAs into million-pound fortunes? And could you do the same? In our debut episode, we discuss the rise of the ISA millionaire, the strategies behind their success and the myths that might be holding you back. We’ll explore: Who are these ISA millionaires – and how did they do it?Could you follow the same path – and should you?Is an ISA really...