From Wall Street to kidnap survivor: how a best-selling author became a life coach

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss common financial changes in the summer months with both of them on the cusp of big life events. We also speak to Anna Hemmings, chief executive of our charity partner Smart Works. The mission? To support unemployed women across the UK who need help getting into work through coaching, clothing and confidence. Anna shares how she got the job herself and how to set yourself up for career success.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss parental leave with a focus on paternity pay as the government plans an overhaul that benefits not only the economy, but also women's wallets. We're also joined by our guest Funmi Olufunwa, a financial educator, qualified mortgage adviser and finance lawyer, who recently gave evidence to the Treasury Committee about the Lifetime ISA. We walk through the main features of the account, as well as recommendations from the Government on how it could be improved to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss how to spot an investing scam and when a finfluencer's posts online are too good to be true. We also speak to best-selling author and life coach Linda Davies about her extraordinary life. She shares how she started out on Wall Street in the world of investment banking to save up to become a best-selling author, as well as how she overcame a kidnapping and breast cancer to fulfil her dream of becoming a life coach. Linda also shares her top tips to building a healthy view of money.

This week on the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura discuss new legislation being proposed around Buy Now Pay Later schemes. As these loans become increasingly popular, do consumers really understand what they're signing up for, and why has it taken so long for regulators to step in? We also hear from Troy Asset Management's Charlotte Yonge as we talk through how to focus on long-term views when markets (and headlines) are panicked. From doing your homework to diversification, Charlotte shares her top tips.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, we talk about all things art with Jennifer Conner, UK Regional MD of the Affordable Art Fair. Jennifer shares her top art-buying tips, explains the story behind the Affordable Art Fair, and shares her one rule when buying art as an investment - you have to love it! Laura and Danni also de-jargon interest rates, breaking down the basics and explaining how the recent cut affects mortgages and savings.

On this week's episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters, Danni and Laura are celebrating World Earth Day with an episode all about investing for positive change. You might have heard the term ESG it stands for Environmental, Social and Governance but what does that actually mean when it comes to your money? From the basics of what ESG actually means to understanding what a sustainable fund manager weighs up when building their portfolio, we're peeling back the layers with the help of Schroder's Roberta Barr. The team also discuss the good news stories... plus a pension error which means some women are owed thousands.

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura hear from the team's children spanning from four to eighteen. We know money habits start early in life, so how do they feel about money, do they have any worries, and are we teaching good habits? Find out which kind of account grandparents and relatives can pay into to help boost your child's long-term finances. We also breakdown recent news of markets spiralling following President Trump's tariffs, and how to avoid making rash decisions which could impact your financial future.

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni is joined by Charlene Young and Rachel Vahey for a tax year end special. The team are breaking down jargon to help you understand what is changing and how to make the most of your money.  Tax year end can be daunting and complicated, but it can also be a brilliant time to reset your finances. We're covering ISA allowances, tax thresholds, pensions and more with our friendly experts. The team also touch on the £100,000 cliff edge which is generating a lot of interest on TikTok and talk you through some of the benefits you might be missing out on. 

On this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni and Laura walk through the changes hurtling towards us in April including energy price caps, broadband and council tax. We also hear from AJ Bell's sales director Alison Mollard and business development team leader Georgia Swallow who are mentor and mentee respectively. When Alison began her career, the financial services sector looked particularly different as she was often the only woman in the room. Both Alison and Georgia share their stories and insights, plus why mentoring is still essential.

On this special episode of the podcast which coincides with International Women’s Day 2025, Danni and Laura talk through our new research which sheds light on the £6.6 billion gender ISA gap. Lots of women have ISAs but they tend to keep their savings in cash which means the growth potential is likely to be lower. Simplifying ISAs, ditching jargon and helping women become more confident with their financial choices are all part of the solution which will hopefully help close the wider gender investment gap.   We’ve also got a very special guest. Jenny Halpern Prince is the founder of charities the Lady Garden and Access Aspiration, plus she runs her own  PR and brand company and just in case she’s got a few hours spare, she’s also a mum of three. We also hear about the lessons she’s learned over the years and how she feels we can all #AccelerateAction which of course is the theme of this year’s IWD.