What is happiness – and can you buy it? In this special festive episode, Dr. Tom is joined by positive psychologist, Jon Dunckley, and human skills expert, Angela Heise, to explore what happiness really means. Together they unpack the power of social connection, why food and emotions are so intertwined, and how to build joy that lasts – because happiness isn’t bought, it’s built. Tune in for practical tips and insights on how to make the holiday season (and beyond) more meaningful.

What’s the real price of parenthood – and can you really ‘have it all’? In this episode, host Dr. Tom joins family therapist, Ashley Quamme, and financial adviser, Martin Banerjee, to explore the true cost of parenting. Together (and as fellow parents) they share candid stories, unpack the motherhood tax and reveal how to manage money as a family – without sacrificing what matters most. Listen now and discover how to rewrite the rules for modern parenthood. Considerations  Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast.  Want to know more? Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple.  Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools. Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Get to know Dr. Tom Dr. Thomas Mathar (or Dr. Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.  Dr. Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.' Follow Dr. Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn. And a huge thank you to our guests, Ashley Quamme and Martin Banerjee Ashley Quamme is a marriage and family therapist, as well as a certified financial behaviour specialist. She’s the owner and founder of a company called Beyond the Plan. You can follow Ashley on LinkedIn. Martin Banerjee is a chartered financial planner and leads a network of financial advisers in Scotland for National Advice firm, Origen. You can follow Martin on LinkedIn, or visit Origen’s website and LinkedIn page for more information. Listen to Alain de Botton's TED talk: 'A kinder, gentler philosophy of success'.

Ever wondered why Black Friday makes us click ‘buy now’? In the first episode of series two, Dr. Tom is joined by behavioural finance expert, Greg Davies, and Emmy-winning stylist, David Zyla, to explore the emotional triggers behind shopping sprees. From creating pause points to avoid costly mistakes, and understanding why our feelings drive decisions, they share how to shop smarter (and win). Tune in and rethink how Black Friday isn’t just about bargains, it’s about behaviour.

You might have been told never to talk about money while you’re on a date – but, why is that? With each partner, comes a different money story. Different money beliefs, myths and emotional reactions to finances. And yes, it could come with tensions of its own. Sometimes it does feel awkward when it comes to getting the bill, after all… In this episode, Dr. Tom chats to psychotherapist and financial coach, Emma Boardwell, about the impact that money has on couples, making it a powerful season finale. But the question still remains: should talking about cash be so taboo on a date?

It’s OK to indulge in joy and adventure – no matter how old you are. But how much does work get in the way? In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom hears from sabbatical coach, Lyndall Farley (who now has 12 sabbaticals under her belt!), about the importance of taking time off. Alongside travel blogger, Sarah Blinco – who’s sabbaticals have been inspired by pet sitting across the world – they uncover what freedom and flexibility from the 9-5 looks like. Join us and discover not just what a sabbatical costs, but what the cost to yourself would be if you didn’t do one.

Money worries: we’ve probably all had them. Money and emotions are intrinsically interlinked, so it’s natural to feel all sorts of feelings when it comes to finances. Emotions like shame, regret, or even fear. In this episode, Dr. Tom chats to financial coach and author, Catherine Morgan, about how to worry about money in a way that works for you - not how to worry less. Discover how understanding your own relationship with money could unlock your relationship with other parts of your life.

We’re often told how to save money, but never how to spend it. Plus, what does spending money wisely even look like? In this episode, Dr. Tom is joined by author, financial planner and fellow podcast host, Dan Haylett, to try and answer just that. Join Dr. Tom and his guests as they challenge us to rethink what is really *worth* spending money on - and how joy, purpose and making memories should be at the forefront of it all. Not just material possessions.

In the fourth episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, host Dr. Tom Mathar delves into the challenges of comparison and the emotional rollercoaster it can trigger. Joined by behavioural expert, Neil Bage, the duo explores the intricacies of envy, social media’s impact and the importance of focusing on personal values over superficial success. Discover how to redefine your benchmarks of success and embrace a fulfilling life that prioritises living well, over being well-off. Tune in to shift your perspective and unlock how to live a happier, more contented life.

There’s a chance that we could live until 100 – but how do we plan for that? Is there a rulebook? In this episode, Dr Tom is joined by Dr Anne Karpf, award-winning journalist and author of How to Age. Anne challenges us to rethink ageing, highlighting that it’s not just about defying numbers or succumbing to stereotypes. Join us as we explore the possibility of living until 100, navigating the gender wealth gap, challenging the anti-ageing industry, and planning our futures both financially and emotionally. Tune in to imagine your future self not with fear, but with excitement and curiosity.

In this episode Dr. Tom and Christine Benz talk about why retirement isn’t just a maths problem. It’s more than numbers and savings – it’s about relationships, purpose and redefining what this next chapter can look like. Rather than seeing retirement as the end of work, what if we saw it as the beginning of something new? Tune in to rethink retirement – it’s not just a financial milestone but a meaningful life transition.

What does it mean to be good with money? In our very first episode of The Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr. Tom is joined by Dr. Daniel Crosby to unpack this question. Together they chat about the quirks of life – exploring the three B’s, how to buy happiness, and how to make good easy and make bad hard. Listen now to rethink what it means to be good with money.