Smart Money Moves: Financial Planning Tips Every Woman Needs

In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, we chat with Olivia Shipstone, a Chartered Financial Planner and founder of OCS Financial Planning. Olivia shares her expert insights on financial planning, saving, investing, and how mums (and everyone!) can take control of their money to achieve financial freedom.What We Cover:Olivia’s journey from big banks to running her own financial planning businessCommon financial mistakes and why starting early mattersHow to set meaningful financial and life goalsSaving vs. investing: what you need to knowTax-free childcare, funded hours, and child benefit tipsSupporting your child through education, from nursery to universityHow financial planning is for everyone, not just the “rich”Key Takeaways:Start early: Even small steps matter—know where you are now.Set goals with purpose: Focus on lifestyle outcomes, not just numbers.Automate savings: Make it out of sight, out of mind.Plan around life stages: Childcare, career changes, and family needs shift over time.Financial advice is for everyone: Tailored planning helps anyone achieve their version of financial security.Why Listen: Whether juggling kids, a career, or both, this episode gives practical strategies for building wealth, reducing financial stress, and making your money work for your life, no matter your starting point.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Olivia on LinkedIn Here Visit Olivia's Website Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this week’s episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Jo Langley. She opens up about her experience of joining Utility Warehouse (UW) as a partner and how she’s built it alongside family life and her existing marketing business.Jo talks about the reality of starting something new, from hitting her Fast Start bonus in her first month to juggling priorities as a mum, and how UW has given her an extra income stream, peace of mind, and new opportunities.We also chat about the bigger shift in how people work today, with more than 20 million people in the UK running side hustles — and why multiple income streams are fast becoming the norm.What you’ll hear in this episode:The moment Jo realised she needed another income streamHow rising costs (mortgage, car, kids!) pushed her to look for solutionsWhy UW felt like a natural fit and how she got startedThe training, support and mentoring that helped her succeed quicklyIncentives big and small – from family holidays to pizza nightsThe diversity and support within the UW partner communityKey Takeaways:Flexibility is everything: UW allows you to work around family life and existing commitments.Fast results are possible: Jo earned £2,300 in her first month with just 15 hours of work.Training and support make the difference: Mentoring and structured guidance help you start confidently.Side hustles aren’t just about money: They give your family peace of mind, security, and opportunities.Anyone can do this: With the right tools and mindset, UW can work for a wide variety of people and backgrounds.Diversity and community matter: The supportive team and diverse partner network are key to ongoing motivation and success.Incentives make it fun: The rewards keep you focused and motivated, from family holidays to small treats.Why Listen:Whether you’re curious about UW, exploring a side hustle, or want to hear a real and honest story of balancing family and business, this episode is for you.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Joanna on LinkedIn Here Learn More About Joining UW HereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week on the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Maria Hvorostovsky — leadership coach, host of The Anatomy of a Leader, and one of Europe’s top executive search consultants. With 20+ years of placing senior leaders (including the first CEO of JW Anderson), Maria knows what makes leaders thrive and where founders stumble.She shares her journey from a family of musicians in Russia to running her own business, launching a podcast, and building a leadership ecosystem. We dive into reinvention, the messy middle of motherhood and business, and why creating space for yourself, even a solo night away, is non-negotiable.💡 What We CoverMaria’s journey from psychology student to top headhunter & entrepreneurWhy she founded Anatomy of a Leader and her mission to inspire changeWhat founders often get wrong when hiring (and how to get it right)How to make your CV & LinkedIn stand out to recruitersThe three emotional skills every great leader needsWhy creating space, from meditation to “joy creators”, is vital for womenHow saying no, outsourcing, and boundaries protect your energy✨ Key TakeawaysLeadership starts with self-leadership: regulate, name & channel your emotions.Hire for tomorrow: great founders recruit teams, not just one “fix-it” hire.Your CV is just the start: your reputation and relationships carry the most weight.Creating space isn’t selfish: even 10 minutes of stillness can fuel clarity & confidence.Redefine success: joy, boundaries, and purpose matter as much as career titles.🎧 Why ListenThis episode is a masterclass in reinvention, leadership, and permission to put yourself first — while still chasing big ambitions.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Maria on LinkedIn Here Visit Maria's Website Here Follow Maria on Instagram HereListen to Her Podcast Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

On this week's Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we’re joined by Emma Thomas, executive coach, consultant, and podcast host, who helps people unlock potential and navigate big life transitions. After 30 years in academic publishing, Emma was made redundant in 2022. Instead of returning to corporate life, she reinvented herself. Now she coaches clients, runs her own podcast, and leads Managing the Menopause, helping employers create menopause-supportive workplaces.We discuss the messy middle of midlife — when work, parenting, ageing parents, and health collide. Emma shares her redundancy story, why she turned to podcasting during the pandemic, and how menopause can be a catalyst for growth rather than decline.💡 What We CoverHow redundancy sparked reinvention.Why podcasting is easier than you think.The juggle of work, kids, and ageing parents.Menopause vs. “everything else” stress — and how to tell the difference.Stopping people-pleasing and embracing boundaries.Why letting go of perfection matters.✨ Key TakeawaysMidlife is a turning point — overwhelming, but also a chance to reset.Redundancy can be the start of something better.You don’t need perfect plans to begin — progress beats perfection.Boundaries create space for what matters most.Let go of impossible standards — you’ll gain energy and freedom.🎧 Why ListenIf you’ve ever felt like life is “lifing” too hard, or wondered whether it’s too late to pivot, this conversation will remind you that it’s never too late to start again. Emma’s story is proof that reinvention is possible, podcasting is accessible, and midlife can be a time of joy, boundaries, and brave new beginnings.Show Links:Connect With Our Host, Elizabeth Willetts HereConnect With Emma on LinkedIn Here Visit Emma’s Website, The Triple Shift Here  Visit the Managing the Menopause Website HereListen to The Middling Along Podcast Here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

This week, we're joined by Carmen Powell, CEO of ISC Group — the global network advancing women in the insurance sector and beyond. With over 20 years’ experience across industries and continents, Carmen knows what it takes to reach the top and bring others with you.We talk candidly about the “silent sacrifice” so many women make, why guilt still shadows working mums in 2025, and how to rewrite the script so your career and wellbeing thrive side-by-side. Carmen also lifts the lid on the exciting side of insurance, the power of community, and why it’s time we rebranded working motherhood.What You’ll Learn:How to grow a global career without losing yourselfThe truth about networking, mentorship, and asking for what you needWhy working motherhood deserves a positive rebrandPractical ways to share the load and drop the guiltWhy self-care is a career investment, not a luxury✨ Key TakeawaysCommunity is a game-changer – Surround yourself with people who understand your challenges.Guilt isn’t a given – You can rewire your thinking and set boundaries that work for you.Work needs a rebrand – A career can bring confidence, independence, and fulfilment, not just stress.Partnership is teamwork – Share responsibilities like co-founders running a business.Self-care fuels success – Making time for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s strategic.🎧 Why ListenIf you’ve ever felt stretched thin by the demands of work, family, and everything in between, this episode will leave you feeling seen and armed with strategies to change the narrative. Carmen shares real-world insight from leading a 10,000-strong global women’s network and practical ways to protect your ambition and wellbeing.Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Carmen here Visit the ISC Group website here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum podcast, our very own founder, Elizabeth Willits, goes solo to share 18+ years of recruitment know-how. She’ll walk you through how to write a CV that opens doors, master LinkedIn so opportunities come to you, and ace interviews with confidence, keeping your career momentum strong, even in the quieter months.Summer break is around the corner, and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and assess your career progress.This is the first session of our Momentum Masterclass Series, a six-week programme designed to help you maintain momentum in career growth and job search throughout the slower-paced summer months.📌 What She CoversCV essentials: what to include, how to write a standout profile, and turn duties into achievementsGrouping roles to show progression, plus highlighting education and key winsKeyword tactics to beat ATS and avoid common mistakesLinkedIn optimisation: profile tweaks, network building, and smart postingResearching companies and interviewersInterview prep: STAR method, presentation tips, and thank-you follow-ups💡 Key TakeawaysLead with value — show how you’ll make a difference.Keep it clear, skimmable, and results-focused.Use numbers to prove your impact.Build your network before you need it.Prep like a pro to boost confidence.Follow up to stay top of mind.Plus:Real-world examples from Elizabeth’s clients and candidatesAdvice for handling career changes, employment gaps, maternity leave, and voluntary rolesHow to avoid common pitfalls in cover letters and follow-up messages💡 “Strive not to be of success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert EinsteinStay motivated. Stay seen. Stay on track.Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereVisit the Investing in Women Website here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this inspiring episode of the Work it Like a Mum Podcast, I’m joined by Anaïs Comot, career strategist and founder of Her Code. Anaïs shares her personal journey from burnout in the corporate world to finding her calling in coaching. Her mission? To empower 100,000 women by 2035 to build careers they’re truly passionate about.We talk about the importance of aligning your work with your values, navigating big transitions (like motherhood or moving abroad), and how Anaïs is building community and impact through her coaching and her membership platform, Her Circle.We discuss:Anaïs’ early career burnout and the lightbulb moment that led her to coachingWhy she left procurement to pursue purpose-driven workHow becoming a mother reshaped her perspective on ambition, boundaries, and impactThe messy reality of taking maternity leave while self-employedThe power of networking and how to do it without feeling awkwardWhy women need to redefine success on their own termsKey Takeaways:Burnout can be a breakthrough – Anaïs’ story proves that hitting rock bottom can lead to powerful transformation.Your values matter – She shares how identifying her number one value (growth!) changed everything.Motherhood shifts your mindset – From working smarter to prioritising legacy and impact, Anaïs explains how becoming a parent made her even more focused and driven.Success isn’t one-size-fits-all – Titles and salaries aren't the only benchmarks. Anaïs encourages listeners to ask: What does success mean to me, now?Networking is like gardening – It's not about instant results. It’s about planting seeds, nurturing relationships, and being consistent.Seasonality matters – Whether it’s sleepless nights or shifting priorities, Anaïs shares why recognising the “seasons” of life and career is key to staying resilient.Why You Should Listen: Juggling motherhood and career? This episode is your reminder that it’s possible to build a career around your values, your family, and your definition of success. Whether you're returning to work, considering a pivot, or just need a boost, this conversation offers the clarity and encouragement you’ve been looking for. Show Links:Connect with Anaïs hereVisit her website here Find Anaïs on Instagram hereConnect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereSupport the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this week's Work it Like a Mum Podcast episode, we speak with Karen Arndt, an accomplished media, tech, and marketing leader turned legal tech disruptor. Karen co-founded WhatWouldAJudgeSay.com, a groundbreaking platform helping couples in England and Wales get clear, judge-led insight into how their finances would be split in a divorce, without going to court or paying extortionate legal fees.With a career that’s taken her from Amsterdam to Tokyo, New York to Berlin, and now back to Yorkshire, Karen shares how her professional journey and personal experience inspired her mission to modernise and humanise divorce.What We CoverWhy court should be your last resortHow to handle financial disclosure without a meltdownWhat’s actually in the marital pot (yes, even gifts)Why your solicitor isn’t your strategyHow to build your “Team You”Keeping kids and cash separateWhat to do right now to protect yourselfKey TakeawaysYou don’t need a £500/hr solicitor- you need clarity and calmForm E is brutal- but doable with supportPensions, crypto, debt- it all countsCourts are slow, expensive, and traumatic- avoid if you canMost divorces take 12–18 months- longer if you wing itGet a grip on your finances spending, and credit nowDon’t try to do it alone- build your teamDivorce is emotional and financial chaos. This episode cuts through the noise with straight-talking advice on what really matters when separating: money, mindset, and staying out of court.🎧 Listen if you're lying awake wondering:“Am I protected?” “How do I start?” “Am I being too kind... or too harsh?”Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Karen here Visit the ‘What a judge would say’ website here Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this bonus episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by brilliant career advancement coach Leanne Cooper to help you raise your profile, grow your influence, and unlock opportunities—whether you’re ready for a new challenge or laying the groundwork for a future move.Summer break is around the corner, and while the pace of life slows down for many, it can be the perfect time to pause and assess your career progress.This is the third session of our Momentum Masterclass Series, a six-week programme designed to help you maintain momentum in career growth and job search throughout the slower-paced summer months.In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:- Create a standout LinkedIn profile that positions you for promotion or your next role- Network with intention—online and offline—without feeling awkward or salesy- Build a powerful personal brand that opens doors to opportunities (without burnout)- Position yourself as the go-to expert in your field- Take control of your visibility and influence in the job marketA few key takeaways:Building a Purposeful Network and why it matters. How to Craft Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn and Why it's the foundation of your career success. Unlocking Hidden Opportunities with the power of networking. Transform Your Mindset for the key to a show-stopping career. Surround Yourself with Success. You can't be what you can't see, so get inspired!Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Leanne hereLearn more about Leanne’s work here  Boost your career with Investing in Women's Career Coaching! Get expert CV, interview, and LinkedIn guidance tailored for all career stages. Navigate transitions, discover strengths, and reach goals with our personalised approach. Book now for your dream job! Use 'workitlikeamum' for a 10% discount.Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!

In this episode, Sarah Rugg shares her journey from working mum to founder of a national VA business and how she's built a flexible, scalable company that empowers other women to do the same.She discusses the mindset shifts required to grow a business, including stepping into a CEO role, letting go of perfectionism, and trusting others to carry the baton (even if they don’t do things exactly your way).Sarah also offers practical advice for anyone interested in becoming a Virtual Assistant, including what mindset and skills are essential, realistic earning potential, and the difference between building your own VA business and joining as an associate.We also talk about:Delegating sales calls (and the fear of letting go)Why entrepreneurs are constantly evolvingMoving from “everyone’s friend” to confident leaderRedesigning systems for scaleWhat makes a great VA (hint: it’s not just admin skills)Flexible work for parents  on your own termsWhere to start if you’re curious about the VA pathKey TakeawaysYou can't grow if you don't let goDelegation is uncomfortable, but essential.Step into your CEO mindset - Stop managing. Start leading.Evolve or stay stuck - Business growth = personal growth.Fix the foundations- Scaling needs solid systems, not quick fixes.Being a VA = ultimate flexibility - Great for self-starters (and parents).No PA background? No problem - t’s all about attitude, initiative, and learning on the fly.Clients want “can-do” - Positivity and problem-solving beat perfection.Not just admin- Project managers make brilliant VAs too.Get support, not just clients - My VA Business offers both training and ready-to-go work.Thinking about growing your business without burning out? Curious about creating a flexible career as a Virtual Assistant? Listen now, this one's for you!Show Links:Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts hereConnect with Sarah hereLearn more about VI-VA here Learn more about starting your own VA business here Support the showSign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode!Follow us on Instagram. Join over 1 million customers and counting who are saving money on their household bills with Utility Warehouse. Discover how much you can save here. And here's your invite to our supportive and empowering Facebook Group, Work It Like a Mum - a supportive and safe networking community for professional working mothers. Our community is full of like-minded female professionals willing to offer support, advice or a friendly ear. See you there!