The Money:Mindshift podcast

You've probably planned your next holiday. But have you planned your financial future?
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, host Dr Tom explores how to build a financial plan – without getting lost in spreadsheets or sacrificing the life you want to live now.
He's joined by financial planner Pete Matthew, who shares practical tips for understanding your finances and putting good habits on autopilot, and Oliver Noelting, whose journey towards financial independence at 40 took some unexpected turns.
Together, they unpack why financial planning isn't about perfection or predicting the future. It's about giving yourself more options, more flexibility and more freedom to live the life you want.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcaster, and financial wellbeing speaker – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to Fund a Happy and Long Life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Pete Matthew and Oliver Noelting
Pete Matthew is an author, podcaster, financial planner and CEO of Jacksons Wealth Management in Cornwall. You can follow Pete on LinkedIn, and find out more about MeaningfulMoney by visiting meaningfulmoney.tv.
Oliver Noelting is a software engineer and author of Frügalisten.de. Read more about how Oliver’s plan to retire and be financially independent by 40 changed in his blog.
Resources
Find out more about how to build a financial life plan by downloading Dr Tom’s planning template, made in collaboration with Pension Geeks.
Want to talk about how money makes you feel, but not sure where to start? Check out our money conversation starters guide – full of useful prompts and tips about how to begin that conversation (with both yourself, and others).

Dreaming of retiring abroad? You’re not alone – but turning that dream into a reality isn’t always straightforward.
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, host Dr Tom explores what it really takes to build a life overseas. From the exciting possibilities, to the practical (perhaps even boring) details many people forget about.
He’s joined by relocation expert, Federica Grazi, who shares how to approach the decision with clarity and confidence, and David Richardson, who’s actually made the move himself. David offers an honest look at what works, what doesn’t, and what he wishes he’d known before making the move overseas.
Together, they unpack how to balance lifestyle dreams with real-world considerations – and how to decide whether moving abroad is the right move for you.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and financial wellbeing speaker – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to Fund a Happy and Long Life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Federica Grazi and David Richardson
Federica Grazi is a relocation expert and the founder of Mitos Relocation Solutions – a firm designed to help people move abroad in retirement. You can follow Federica on LinkedIn, and find out more by visiting www.mitosrelocation.com.
David Richardson is an Aegon UK customer, and retired to Charente, in the southwest of France.

What does it really mean to live well – without feeling like you need more?
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom explores how to spend in line with your values, not expectations – and why living well doesn’t have to mean consuming more.
He’s joined by social psychologist and author, Dr Elizabeth Dunn, who shares how making more joyful decisions could help shape a better future – not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.
Then Justine Palefsky, co-founder of home-swapping community Kindred, explains what she’s learned about connection, consumption and choosing differently.
Together, they explore how small shifts in how we spend, live and prioritise can help us feel more fulfilled – and a little freer. For both us, and the world around us.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and financial wellbeing speaker – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Dr Elizabeth Dunn and Justine Palefsky
Dr Elizabeth Dunn is an author, social psychologist and professor at the University of British Columbia. She’s co-authored a book titled: ‘Leave the lights on: How joyful decisions can save our species’, which is available to order now.
Justine Palefsky is the co-founder of Kindred, a home swapping and exchange community with more than 300,000 members in 150+ cities globally. You can follow Justine on LinkedIn, and find out more about Kindred on Instagram, and at their website: www.livekindred.com.

Why do so many of us feel awkward talking about money? And what are we really saying when we avoid it?
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom explores why money conversations feel so uncomfortable – and why they’re rarely just about numbers. He’s joined by financial therapist and Sunday Times columnist, Vicky Reynal, who unpacks how our beliefs, behaviours and emotions shape how we earn, spend and save.
Then financial wellbeing coach and ADHD money expert, Abby Birch, shares why money can feel even more complex for neurodivergent folks – from the ADHD tax to cycles of guilt and shame – and why traditional advice doesn’t work for everyone.
Together, they explore how small shifts in how we talk about money can help us feel more in control – and much less awkward.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser.
Research conducted by Opinium on behalf of Aegon’s Money:Mindshift campaign. The survey polled 2,000 UK adults between 14 and 17 April 2026.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and financial wellbeing speaker – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Vicky Reynal and Abby Birch
Vicky Reynal is a financial psychotherapist, Times and Sunday Times columnist, and author of award-winning book: ‘Money on your Mind: the Psychology behind your Financial Habits’. You can follow her on both Instagram and LinkedIn.
Abby Birch is an award-winning financial wellbeing and neurodivergent money expert, coach and speaker. You can follow her on LinkedIn and find out more about at her website abbybirch.co.uk.

Why is doing nothing so uncomfortable? And when did rest start to feel like something we have to earn?
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, host Dr Tom explores why humans struggle to sit still – and how our constant urge to act, fix or feel something might actually be working against us. He’s joined by journalist and author, Olga Mecking, who explains why doing nothing without purpose can boost creativity and long‑term decision‑making.
Then global adventurer, Ian Usher – who famously sold his life on eBay and later bought his own island – shares how a serious accident forced him into complete stillness. After a life lived at full speed, Ian reflects on what stopping completely taught him about acceptance, productivity guilt and finding peace (without a goal in mind).
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, ask a question, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and financial wellbeing speaker – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Olga Mecking and Ian Usher
Ola Mecking is a journalist and author of international bestseller ‘Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing’. You can follow her on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Ian Usher is an author, speaker and global sensation who sold his life on eBay to buy an island off the coast of Panama. You can follow him on LinkedIn or find out more at his websites ianusher.com and housesittingmagazine.com.

Between “get rich” headlines and endless money advice, why do so many of us still feel stuck with money? Is it really a lack of knowledge – or the beliefs we absorbed long before our first pay cheque?
In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom is joined by money coach Dennis Harhalakis to explore how childhood conditioning shapes our relationship with earning, saving and self-worth – and why it’s hard to build a life around something you feel conflicted (or even repulsed) by. Then Emily Shipp of the Edinburgh Futures Institute unpacks the hidden forces shaping women’s financial futures and how context influences the plans we make for tomorrow.
Considerations
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast.
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple, or visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for handy articles, tools and resources.
You can also follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift. Or leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you!
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education.
Check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life’, or follow him on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests Dennis Harhalakis and Emily Shipp
Dennis Harhalakis is a Certified Money Coach at the Money Coaching Institute and the founder of Cambridge Money Coaching with over 30 years of experience. You can follow him on LinkedIn, or visit his website cambridgemoneycoaching.uk for more information.
Emily Shipp is an expert in the psychology of prospection and is working with Edinburgh Futures Institutes on the hidden forces shaping women’s financial futures. You can follow her on LinkedIn, or read her report ‘It’s not about confidence’ for more information.

In the final episode of season two, Dr Tom takes on one of life’s toughest subjects and asks how we can prepare for death - not just practically or financially, but emotionally too. He’s joined by Swedish death cleaning coach, Asa Nilsson, who explains how decluttering our homes, finances and digital lives can reduce the burden we leave behind and bring peace in the present. Later, grief communication expert, Kathi Balasek, shares her personal story of loss and unpacks why grief isn’t something to "get over”, but something we learn to live alongside - and how honest conversations can help us and those we love navigate it.
 
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools: aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk.
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Asa Nilsson and Kathi Balasek
Asa Nilsson is a Swedish Death Cleaning coach and founder of More Moss to the People. You can follow her on Youtube and visit her website More Moss to the People for more information.
Kathi Balasek is grief communication expert, speaker, and founder of Grief-Ready Communication. She trains financial advisers and firms to communicate with clarity, empathy, and confidence during loss. You can follow her on LinkedIn or visit her website kathibalasek.com for more information.

Between the hot stock and crypto tips, and big money headlines, is it possible to win big? Or does trying to beat the market just hold us back? This episode explores why trying to beat the market is such a powerful idea, and what influences the way we invest. Dr Tom is joined by former hedge manager, Lars Kroijer, to challenge the stereotypes of investors, before MoneyWeek editor, Kalpana Fitzpatrick, adds a journalist’s perspective on why many people struggle to move from saving to investing – especially women.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and don't necessarily represent the views of Aegon. The value of an investment can fall as well as rise, it isn’t guaranteed and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance of markets and investments shouldn't be taken as a reliable indicator of future performance. 
What’s discussed is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as financial advice. The correct investment strategy for you will depend on your personal circumstances, which you should discuss with a regulated financial adviser. 
AI was used in the editing of this podcast.  
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools at aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift.
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift at linkedin.com/company/aegonuk.
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.
Follow Dr Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Lars Kroijer and Kalpana Fitzpatrick
Lars Kroijer is a former hedge fund manager, investor, and author of two books, including Money Mavericks and Investing Demystified. You can watch his investing series on Youtube, or follow him on LinkedIn. For more information, visit his website at kroijer.com.
Kalpana Fitzpatrick is a financial journalist and digital editor at MoneyWeek, as well as the author of Invest Now and Get to Know Money. You can also follow her on Instagram @kalpanafitz and LinkedIn.
 

What does it really take a build a career that feels meaningful? This episode explores how to navigate career changes with purpose and confidence to help find a job you love. Our host, Dr Tom, is joined by behavioural science expert, Alice Hooper-Scott from The School of Life at Work, to unpack the emotional and financial realities of leaving a job that isn't fulfilling and finding one that aligns with your values. The pair are also joined by Selina Flavius, leading financial coach and founder of Black Girl Finance in exploring why money worries, systemic societal stigma, and self-doubt shape our career decisions more than we realise.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools: aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk.
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guests, Alice Hooper-Scott and Selina Flavius
Alice Hooper-Scott is director of The School of Life at Work, and behavioural science expert. You can find out more at The School of Life at Work website, or follow Alice on LinkedIn.
Selina Flavius is an author, financial coach and founder of Black Girl Finance, a financial coaching and training company. You can find out more on the Black Girl Finance website, or follow them on Instagram. You can also follow Selina on LinkedIn.

Who is your future self to you? Are they a friend – or a total stranger? Chances are, you might not have even thought about them yet. In this episode of the Money:Mindshift podcast, Dr Tom sits down with world‑leading behavioural scientist, Hal Hershfield, to explore why so many of us struggle to plan for the future. They discover how feeling more connected to the person we want to become can transform the choices we make today. Dr Tom also takes the chance to check in with his listeners to hear their hopes and fears for the future, too – with surprising results. Tune in to find out how maximising your future happiness can start by visualising who you want to be.
Considerations 
Please note the views expressed by contributors to this podcast are their own and should not be taken as advice. If you need advice, please speak to a financial adviser. AI was used in the editing of this podcast. 
Want to know more?
Subscribe to The Money:Mindshift podcast on Spotify and Apple. 
Visit Aegon's Money:Mindshift hub for more resources and tools: aegon.co.uk/money-mindshift
Follow Aegon UK on LinkedIn to stay tuned for all things Money:Mindshift: linkedin.com/company/aegonuk.
Get to know Dr Tom
Dr Thomas Mathar (or Dr Tom for short) is not only an author, podcast host, and speaker on all things financial wellbeing – he’s also an expert in financial psychology, behavioural science, and longevity education. 
Dr Tom has a unique drive to help you live a happy, long and rich life. You can pick up positive new habits on the Money:Mindshift podcast, or check out Dr. Tom's new book: ‘Your Path to Prosperity: How to fund a happy and long life.'
Follow Dr Thomas Mathar on LinkedIn.
And a huge thank you to our guest, Hal Hershfield
Hal Hershfield is a Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. He is also the best-selling author of ‘Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today’. You can follow him on LinkedIn, or visit his website: halhershfield.com.
Reference:
Life expectancy calculator. Data source: Office for National Statistics, February 2025.