Her Fabulous Financial Future

You've got a lump sum sitting in your account, and instead of feeling excited, you feel pressure. In this episode of Financial Dilemmas, Penny has around £50,000 after selling a property and clearing some credit card debt. She wants to travel the world, but she also wants to make smart choices for her future. So what do you do with a lump sum like this: spend some now, invest some for later, or keep it safe in cash? Sam talks Penny through a simple decision-making framework based on when you'll need the money, why Premium Bonds feel reassuring (but are not a long-term growth plan), and how to use ISAs and pensions properly so more of your returns stay yours. What we cover The emotional side of lump sums, and the fear of "getting it wrong" Travel vs investing, and how to do both without guilt A clear rule of thumb: cash for money you'll need soon, invest for 5+ years Why leaving money in cash can still be risky (it is your buying power that takes the hit) The takeaway to steal: give every pound a purpose Important: This episode is general information and education, not personal financial advice. Tax rules can change. Investments can go down as well as up. About your host: Sam Secomb is a Chartered Financial Planner and Telegraph columnist. Resources: If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us… 🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth 📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call 🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

You work hard, build the business, finally start earning decent money… and then you can't shake the fear it might not last. In this episode of Financial Dilemmas, Helen talks to Sam about the very real "self-employed money wobble" – the instinct to keep a big cash safety net, even when it's driven more by fear than by the numbers. Together they unpack how to balance short-term security with long-term progress, including why leaving too much in cash can quietly chip away at your future buying power. What we cover Why the "one bad month" feeling is so common when you're self-employed A simple way to organise your money into short-term, mid-term and long-term pots How to give every pound a job, so cash isn't sitting there "just because" Why cash can feel safe, but still be risky if it's the default forever If you're self-employed and you've been keeping cash close because investing feels scary, this episode will help you find a calmer, clearer way forward. Important: This episode is general information and education, not personal financial advice. Tax rules can change. Investments can go down as well as up. About your host: Sam Secomb is the founder of Women's Wealth, an award-winning Chartered Financial Planner and Telegraph columnist. Resources: If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us… 🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth 📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call 🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

What happens when you earn well, do "all the right things", and still get caught out by an unexpected tax bill? In this episode of Her Fabulous Financial Future, Money Mentor Selena Flavius is joined by Women's Wealth client Annabelle, a senior supply chain director and working mum, who shares her honest experience of getting financial advice for the first time. After returning from maternity leave and facing a shock self-assessment tax bill, Annabelle realised something wasn't quite working. As she puts it: "I'm not rich, but I wanted to feel sorted. If something went wrong, I wanted to know I'd be okay." That moment became a turning point. Together, Selena and Annabelle talk candidly about what it really means to take control of your money when life, career and family responsibilities collide. In this episode, they cover: Why a good salary doesn't automatically equal financial confidence The reality of navigating tax, pensions and childcare costs after becoming a mum How salary sacrifice can reduce tax and protect access to childcare support The relief that comes from having an emergency fund and a clear plan Why financial independence matters, even when you're happily partnered This episode is for women who earn well but feel uneasy about tax, pensions, or whether they're "doing it right", those returning to work after having children, and anyone who wants to feel calmer, more confident, and genuinely in control of their financial future. Annabelle's story is a powerful reminder that financial advice isn't about being wealthy, it's about feeling secure, informed, and supported. Resources: If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us… 🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth 📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call 🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

"Live well, die poor" – Emily's unapologetic approach to money When Emily first came to Women's Wealth, she had a high-pressure job and a good income - but no real structure to her finances. She was great at spending, unsure about saving, and had a simple but bold goal: "I want to live well and die poor." Fast forward a few years, and Emily's now managing her money with clarity, investing with confidence, and navigating life's big changes - from marriage and maternity to moving house and merging finances - with a financial plan that actually fits her life. In this funny, honest and wildly relatable episode, Emily shares: What changed when she and her husband finally started talking (really talking) about money and why they needed help to do it How she shifted from chaotic spending to a calm, structured investment strategy Why she specifically searched for female financial advisers (and found Women's Wealth) What it's like working with a financial planner who actually knows your life How she stopped beating herself up for being "a bit scatty" and started trusting that her money could work even when she didn't have it all together "It's not rocket science - but I wouldn't have done it without you." "You've helped us make decisions we didn't even know we needed to talk about." "You're like our best friend when it comes to money." Whether you're the financial decision-maker in your household, or the one who usually sits quietly and lets the other half take the lead - Emily's story will resonate. It's proof that financial advice doesn't have to feel cold, complicated, or out of reach. 👉 Listen now - and hear what's possible when you stop putting it off and start taking control. Resources: If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us… 🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth 📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call 🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

"I want to live like I'm on holiday." That was Rachel's starting point - and what a journey it's been. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Rachel shares how she went from anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure about her finances… to confident, clear, and in control. With honesty and humour, she opens up about the fears she faced, the myths she let go of (spoiler: paying off the mortgage isn't always the holy grail), and the standout moments that changed everything - including hearing the words: "Rachel, you're going to be OK." Together with Sam Secomb, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Women's Wealth, they unpack: Why shame keeps so many women stuck - and how to shake it off The moment a podcast helped Rachel take the leap What it really means to have a "best financial friend" How reframing her mortgage shifted her entire retirement plan Why honesty, not perfection, is the key to financial progress From fearing the admin and dodging pension statements, to logging into her financial portal with ease, Rachel's transformation is nothing short of inspiring. As she puts it: "I sleep better at night now. Even if we drew a line here, I know I have enough - and that changed everything." If you've ever felt behind, embarrassed, or intimidated by your money, this episode is for you. Resources: If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us… Explore more at → Women's Wealth Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call Join our free → Enable Membership Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.