Money on Tap: Why Easier Isn’t Always Better

Digital payments have become the norm in managing our money but why has there been a boost in cash spending? In this episode, our host Iona Bain sits down with financial advisor, author and content creator Emmanuel Asuquo to unpack our evolving relationship with money in a cashless world. Emmanuel explores the psychological impact of contactless spending, why so many are returning to cash, and how to create ‘friction’ in your finances to avoid mindless purchases. They also dive into emotional spending, creating strong financial habits and how tech can help you take back control. Get ready for some practical and empowering advice for modern money management. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our TikTok and Instagram Follow Emmanuel Asuquo on Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from L&G’s take on things. They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debt has become a fact of life for many, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to navigate or talk about. In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by Claer Barrett, Consumer Editor at the Financial Times and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. Together, they tackle the reality of debt among young people in the UK - from student loans and credit cards to the rise of buy now, pay later. Claer breaks down how credit scores work, the traps of high interest borrowing, and why ‘negative wealth’ is an emerging issue for millennials. You’ll learn practical advice on managing repayments, understanding your options, and where to turn for help when things feel overwhelming. So get ready to feel on top of your finances and stay there. Claer mentioned a free guide and organisations which offer support on debt. More details are here. Watch ALBR episodes on L&G’s YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on L&G’s TikTok and Instagram Follow Claer Barrett on Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No matter how much you have to invest, setting good and solid foundations is vital. In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by friend of the show and financial adviser Rotimi Merriman Johnson, aka Mr. MoneyJar, to demystify the world of investing. From choosing the investment platform to understanding index funds, stocks and tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs, Rotimi shares clear, practical advice without the jargon. They also discuss the psychology of investing, the importance of diversification, and how to stay focused on long-term growth, especially when the markets get bumpy. Get ready to be empowered to take those first steps towards building a future you’ll thank yourself for. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Follow Rotimi Merriman-Johnson on Instagram Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be hard to look beyond managing your money from one payday to the next. But if you have dreams for your life in the future, you’ll need a plan on how to fund this. In this episode our host Iona Bain is joined by financial adviser, author and money columnist Bola Sol to unpack what it really takes to be in the best position to afford it. From budgeting with purpose, deciding what your work-life balance is, building solid money habits and managing setbacks with compassion, Bola shares her no-nonsense, empathetic approach to long-term financial wellbeing. Whether you're dreaming of buying a home, starting a family, or simply trying to get your head around credit and emergency funds, you’ll hear practical wisdom to help you turn financial stress into strategy. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Follow Bola Sol on Instagram @Bola_Sol Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel like you’re working hard but hardly moving up the career ladder? Is success only achievable through promotion? What will give you satisfaction? In this episode our host Iona Bain is joined by Helen Tupper, co-founder of Amazing If and co-author of The Squiggly Career, to explore why success doesn't always mean a straight line to the top. They discuss how to rethink promotions, build confidence and find purpose in a working world that’s increasingly non-linear. You’ll learn how to identify your values, grow your network with purpose and create a career that works for you. Whether you’re climbing, pivoting, or staying put in your career, there are so many ways you can rewrite the rules of your success. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Follow Amazing If on Instagram @AmazingIf Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from L&G’s take on things. They give information for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you spend more than you should? Or maybe the opposite and you’ve a tendency to be frugal? ? In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal to explore the emotional undercurrents behind our money habits. From childhood experiences and family dynamics to social media and FOMO, Vicky unpacks the complex psychology that shapes how we think, feel, and behave with money. You’ll hear about the subtle difference between overspending and self-sabotage, how scarcity mindsets can quietly drive our decisions, and why our financial habits are often less about numbers—and more about feelings.  Whether you're a frugal saver or a spontaneous spender, there’s lots of practical insights and empowering advice to help you better understand your relationship with money and how to start building healthier habits today. Follow Vicky on Instagram @vickyreynalpsychotherapy You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on L&G’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from L&G’s take on things. They give information for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're looking for some extra income, creative fulfilment, or a path to financial independence, side hustles are a great way to do this. In this episode, financial advisor Emmanuel Asuquo and our host Iona Bain dive into the world of side hustles— from what you could offer, when you might need to pay tax and ideas to generate business. They explore the highs and lows, the myths and realities, and strategies to balance it with your full-time job. Because taking time to develop a side hustle you’re passionate about, can go a long way to making you a little bit richer. Follow Emmanuel on Instagram @theemaneffectuk You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on Legal & General’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things.  They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a post-pandemic world, with the rise of working from home and flexible hours, there’s a whole new meaning to work life balance. In this episode, Joe Ryle from the Four Day Week Foundation joins our host Iona Bain to discuss how changing work patterns can lead to a healthier work culture with increased productivity and reduced burnout. They dive deep into the role of technology in blurring boundaries and offer practical advice on how you can begin advocating for more balance in your work life. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on Legal & General’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give information for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With endless inspiration online, home improvements have never been more tempting - but is reality living up to the "property porn" hype? In this episode, our host Iona Bain is joined by Paula Higgins from the HomeOwners Alliance to explore the smartest ways to transform your home without breaking the bank. From deciding between a doer-upper and a move-in-ready home to prioritising renovations that actually add value, Paula shares expert advice on budgeting, managing tradespeople and making the most of your space. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, there are plenty of ways to refresh your home - sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint and a little creativity! For more on the Homeowners Alliance visit hoa.org.uk You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on Legal & General’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer   Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give information for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered what happens to some of the money you save in your pension? Beyond securing your financial future, your pension could be helping to build better communities, fund affordable housing and invest in innovative health technologies. In this episode, our host Iona Bain sits down with Legal & General’s Pete Gladwell to explore how pension funds can be used for social investments, while still delivering strong financial returns. Learn how your pension savings contribute to projects that shape towns and local communities and how you can make more informed investment choices. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel And see behind the scenes content on our  TikTok and Instagram You can play the podcast and find other useful content on Legal & General’s website: https://www.legalandgeneral.com/podcasts/a-little-bit-richer Iona and her guests share their own personal thoughts and opinions in this podcast. These might be different from Legal & General’s take on things. They give financial guidance for a UK audience that’s relevant at the time of recording. It’s general best practice, not the kind of personalised advice you’d get from a financial adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.