Want to know more about your money? The penny drops podcast is here to help you understand your money and make better informed financial decisions. Presenter and Broadcast Journalist Andrea Fox will be grilling financial experts on your behalf to get the best tips on topics such as savings, pensions, budgeting, debt and retirement. This podcast series is brought to you by Royal London, the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company.
Episodes
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Living, growing and thriving with a disability
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
In this episode of 'The penny drops', our host Andrea Fox joins Paralympian Sam Ruddock to talk sports, big ambitions, managing finances as an athlete and living with a disability. Born with a form of cerebral palsy that impacts his flexibility, coordination and balance, Sam has gone on to become a track, field and cycling athlete for Great Britain, and made his international sporting debut at the London 2012 Paralympics.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:
Financial support for people with disabilities
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled
NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/money-work-and-benefits/work-and-disability
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/charitable-grants-for-ill-or-disabled-people
Disability charities
Scope: www.scope.org.uk
Disability Grants: www.disability-grants.org
The Disabilities Trust: www.thedtgroup.org
Saving, budgeting and money management
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/budgeting-and-managing-money
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting
Self-employment
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment
Support for athletes
Sports Aid: www.sportsaid.org.uk
TASS: www.tass.gov.uk
This month’s episode was recorded in May 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For up to date information on benefits and financial support being offered by the Government, please visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
How to make and stick to a budget
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
Tuesday Sep 01, 2020
How to make and stick to a budget
When it comes to your personal finances, what does the word ‘budget’ mean to you? And would you know where to start if you had to put one together? In this episode, our host Andrea Fox talks to Kalpana Fitzpatrick, finance editor at Hearst UK for brands like Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima magazine, money expert on the BBC’s Money 101 podcast, and founder of Mummy Money Matters, an award-winning website that helps families with money.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:
Budgeting
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting
Bills and expenses
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/how-to-cut-your-bills
Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk
Debt
StepChange: www.stepchange.org
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/prioritising-your-debts
Benefits
Turn2Us: benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/jargon-buster-state-benefits
Employment and redundancy
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/leaving-a-job
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/work-and-redundancy
Coronavirus and your finances
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/money-navigator-tool
This podcast was recorded remotely in July 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Why we should all be talking about death
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Death isn’t something we often like to talk about. But it impacts everyone – emotionally, practically and financially – so it’s a topic that we all should all take more time to think about. For some, this year’s coronavirus pandemic may have prompted these thoughts already and now, more than ever, it’s important we talk.
On this episode, Andrea Fox is joined by two special guests, TV presenter and published author Jeff Brazier and photographer and filmmaker Rankin, to have an open conversation about death and how we can all feel more comfortable discussing it.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
Listen to our podcast on ‘Why planning for death is so important’, released in February 2020, for more information on financially preparing for death. You can also find lots of helpful guidance and support on the following sites:
Making a will
Will Aid: www.willaid.org.uk
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/making-a-will
Planning a funeral
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/help-paying-for-a-funeral
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/funeral-services/arranging-a-funeral
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/bereavement/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/paying-for-a-funeral
Power of attorney
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/power-of-attorney
End of life care
NHS: www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care
Bereavement support and benefits
Cruse Bereavement Care: www.cruse.org.uk
Mind: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement
Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/bereavement-benefits
When someone dies
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/when-someone-dies
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/death-and-wills/what-to-do-after-a-death
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/when-someone-dies
This podcast was recorded in September 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Monday Nov 23, 2020
Everything you need to know about retirement planning
Monday Nov 23, 2020
Monday Nov 23, 2020
What sort of lifestyle do you want in retirement? Are you already taking steps to get there, or do you feel there are more important things to worry about right now? In this episode, our host Andrea Fox joins Sarah Pennells, head of financial capability and guidance at Royal London, for the second time to discuss why retirement planning is so important – covering everything from what you need to think about before you retire, to budgeting in retirement and your options when you reach pension age. To hear more from Sarah, listen to our episode from December 2019 where we go back to basics on pensions.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on retirement on the following sites:
Saving for retirement
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/saving-for-retirement
Retirement planning
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/learn/pensions-and-retirement/retirement-planning-tools
Retirement Living Standards: www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/retirement
Pension options
Pension Wise: www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en/pension-pot-options
The Pensions Advisory Service: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/about-pensions/retirement-choices
Budgeting in retirement
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/budgeting
Coronavirus support
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/coronavirus/your-finances
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/hub/coronavirus-money-guidance
This episode was recorded in July 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances, and the value of investments can go down as well as up (meaning you could get back less than you pay in). Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Getting through financial hardship
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Thursday Dec 10, 2020
Any one of us can experience financial hardship because of an unexpected life shock. Things like losing a job, becoming ill or losing a loved one can have a huge impact on our finances and our lives. On this episode of ‘The penny drops’ Andrea Fox speaks to Duncan James, singer, actor and TV presenter best known for being part of the boyband Blue, who shares his personal story of financial hardship. Joining him is Jo Kerr, Director of Impact and Innovation at Turn2us, who guides us through the options and support available for people in need.
About Turn2us
Royal London has partnered with national charity Turn2us to help more people prevent a life shock from becoming a crisis. Turn2us helps millions of people in financial hardship each year, supporting them to get access to benefits, grants and support services. You can find out more about their services by visiting the website – www.turn2us.org.uk – or you can call the free helpline on 0808 802 2000 (open 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday).
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions, if you are able to. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
For more support and information on the topics discussed in this episode, including financial help and guidance and mental health support, visit the following websites:
Mental health support
Mind
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Help with debt
StepChange
Website: www.stepchange.org
Telephone: 0800 138 1111
General financial information and support
Citizens Advice
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 144 8848 (England), 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
Money Advice Service
Website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 138 7777 (England), 0800 138 0555 (Wales)
This episode was recorded remotely in November 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus. Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Getting your financial year off to the right start
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Sunday Jan 10, 2021
Whether you’re one for making resolutions or not, the start of a new year is a good time to take stock of your finances. In this episode, host Andrea Fox joins Georgie Frost, award-winning financial journalist and radio presenter, and Josh Widdicombe, comedian, writer and co-host of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, to talk about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, self-employment and managing your finances in uncertain times, and how to set and stick to your money goals in the year ahead.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed in this episode on the following sites:
Saving and budgeting
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/savings-calculator
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/budgeting
Cutting your bills
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-save-money-on-household-bills
Energy Saving Trust: energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home
Paying off debt
StepChange: www.stepchange.org
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/articles-guides/your-money/debt
Managing your finances when you’re self-employed
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/self-employment
Coronavirus support
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/coronavirus/your-finances
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/hub/coronavirus-money-guidance
This episode was recorded in December 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you could get back less then you pay in. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Protecting yourself against financial scams
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Monday Feb 08, 2021
Millions of people are affected by financial fraud and scams every year – whether it’s online, over the phone, by post or in person. In this episode, host Andrea Fox speaks to Marilyn Baldwin OBE, founder of Think Jessica, about how we can spot financial scams and protect ourselves from them. Marilyn spent five years trying to help her elderly mother Jessica who fell victim to numerous scammers and set up Think Jessica, an organisation committed to protecting people from financial fraud, shortly after she died.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on recognising, avoiding and reporting financial scams on the following sites:
General information and support
Think Jessica: www.thinkjessica.com
Take Five: takefive-stopfraud.org.uk
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/scams
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/avoiding-scams
Preventing postal fraud
Mail Preference Service: www.mpsonline.org.uk
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/post/stop-getting-junk-mail
Preventing telephone fraud
Telephone Preference Service: www.tpsonline.org.uk
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phone-internet-downloads-or-tv/stop-getting-nuisance-calls-and-texts
Preventing online fraud
Nation Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk
Reporting a scam
Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk
This episode was recorded in January 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Navigating your career as a woman or parent
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
In celebration of International Women’s Day, host Andrea Fox joins working parents and comedy duo The Scummy Mummies, also known as Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson, and Helen Morrissey, a personal finance expert from Royal London. In this episode, we discuss some of the challenges of being a woman in the workplace, as well as the impact of being a parent on your career and finances.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on some of the topics discussed on the following sites:
Employment and flexible working
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/work-and-redundancy
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/flexible-working/flexible-working-what-is-it
Career planning
National Careers Service: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Family financial planning
Royal London: www.royallondon.com/media/good-with-your-money-guides/family-financial-planning
Maternity leave and pay
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/maternity-pay-and-leave
Returning to work
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/know-your-rights-when-you-go-back-to-work-after-having-a-baby
Financial support for parents
GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting/financial-help-children
Turn2us: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Beginner-s-Guide-to-Benefits/Checking-benefit-entitlement
This episode was recorded in February 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Your guide to mortgages and home buying
Monday Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
There’s a lot to think about when you buy a property, from mortgages and deposits to homebuying schemes and hidden costs. This month Andrea Fox joins Andy Webb, broadcaster, money expert and founder of personal finance blog Be Clever With Your Cash, to find out everything you need to know.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website, or visit Unbiased to find a trusted professional in your area.
You can also find lots of helpful information on mortgages and home buying on the following sites:
Preparing to buy
HomeOwners Alliance: hoa.org.uk/advice/guides-for-homeowners/i-am-buying/the-hoa-step-by-step-guide-to-buying-a-home
Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/saving-money-for-a-deposit
GOV.UK: gov.uk/lifetime-isa
Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-improve-your-credit-rating
Homebuying schemes
Help to Buy: helptobuy.gov.uk/help-to-buy-isa/how-does-it-work
Shared Ownership: helptobuy.gov.uk/shared-ownership
Equity Loans: helptobuy.gov.uk/equity-loan/equity-loans
Mortgages
Money Advice Service: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/mortgages
Other housing costs
Royal London: royallondon.com/about-us/members/understanding-your-finances/your-personal-finances/the-hidden-costs-of-buying-a-house
GOV.UK: gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
This episode was recorded in March 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Why is protection insurance so important?
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
From life insurance and income protection to critical illness cover, protection insurance can be a great way to help to protect your financial future or that of your loved ones. But how do we work out what cover is right for us? On this episode Andrea Fox speaks to Kara Gammell, award-winning personal finance journalist and founder of money-saving blog ‘Your Best Friend's Guide to Cash’ to find out everything you need to know.
How can you find more information?
Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. You can learn more about the value of financial advice on our website.
You can also find lots of helpful information on protection insurance on the following sites:
Life insurance
- Do you need life insurance: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/do-you-need-life-insurance
- Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/life-insurance-choosing-the-right-policy-and-cover
Income protection insurance
- Do you need income protection insurance: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/do-you-need-income-protection-insurance
- Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/income-protection-insurance-choose-the-right-policy-and-cover
Critical illness cover
- Do you need critical illness cover: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/critical-illness-insurance-do-you-need-it
- Choosing a policy: moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/critical-illness-insurance-choose-the-right-policy-and-cover
General information and guidance
- Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/insurance/insurance
- Association of British Insurers: abi.org.uk
- British Insurance Broker’s Association: biba.org.uk
This episode was recorded in March 2021 during the coronavirus outbreak. For the latest information on financial support and benefits, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.
Please note that all topics discussed in this episode can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Any figures quoted were accurate at the time of recording.