New Year’s Day 2026. The motivation is high, the To-Do list is long, and reality is quietly waiting round the corner.

In this episode Steve and Jess explore why New Year’s resolutions so often start strong and fade fast, and how to approach goals in a way that feels more realistic, more sustainable, and far less punishing.

They touch on the psychology behind “fresh starts”, the difference between being pushed by discomfort versus pulled by something meaningful, and how small, repeatable actions can beat grand plans.

On the money side, they discuss ways to reduce mental load, build better financial habits, and keep your progress steady even when life gets messy.

It’s thoughtful, practical, and lightly chaotic in the way only New Year’s Day can be.

In Episode 28, Steve is joined by Michael Kothakota, co-founder of Wolf Bridge Wealth, for a grounded conversation on the real value of financial advice beyond returns.

Mike shares how he and his wife launched the firm in the aftermath of the 2008 crisis, and how years of work with clients navigating major life events shaped his view of what good advice actually does for people day to day.

They also explore Mike’s teaching work at Columbia University, and why ethics, judgement, and clear communication matter just as much as technical knowledge.

The discussion then turns to a Vanguard paper from 2025 on the value of advice and what it suggests about reassurance, decision-making, and the human side of planning, especially when markets and emotions are moving at the same time.

Expect practical reflections on trust, client conversations, and the subtle ways great advice can reduce noise and help people make better choices with money.

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve is joined by Chartered Financial Planner Luke James for a clear and grounded conversation about the recently released Budget. With Jess away, Luke steps in to help unpack the announcements that matter most to listeners and clients.

They cut through the pre-Budget rumours, explore the psychology behind fear-driven financial decisions and discuss the major changes around salary sacrifice, dividend tax, ISAs, VCTs, property income and the newly introduced mansion tax.

They also highlight what didn’t change, why many measures are delayed and the practical steps listeners can take while current allowances remain in place.

Tin Foil Hat Contest

This week, the usual Soccology segment is taking a break, and in its place we’re inviting listeners to get creative. If you’d like to take part, send a photo of yourself wearing your best tinfoil hat to: info@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk

In this episode Steve and Jess unpack a question many of us think about but rarely admit out loud: When is it smart risk-taking… and when is it simply gambling?

The conversation begins with confessions, before diving into the psychology behind risk, excitement and the chase for dopamine.

From thrill-seeking behaviour to escapism and social pressure, they explore why gambling can be so compelling… even when we know the odds are stacked against us.

But what about the other side? Why do some people avoid gambling altogether? Financial trauma, fear of loss and moral judgement all play their part. Jess explains how our past experiences shape the way we feel about uncertainty.

Steve draws a sharp line between gambling and investing, breaking down their differences in strategy, purpose and timeline. The pair also discuss the “dark side” of investment apps and the psychological tricks used to encourage rapid buying and selling — often disguised as investing but rooted in gambling behaviour.

The episode closes with practical tools to stay on the right side of the line:

• Money fixes: financial planning, realistic goals and focusing on return on life rather than just return on investment.
• Psychological fixes: managing emotions, knowing your risk profile and seeking help when money becomes an escape rather than a plan.

And in true Sockology style, it all ends with a pair of socks you woudn't want to miss.

A light-hearted conversation with a serious message: long-term wealth is built on patience, not lucky breaks.

In this episode, Steve is joined by Neil Bage, Co-Founder of Shaping Wealth, for a powerful conversation about understanding people as the core of great financial planning.

Steve and Neil explore the psychology behind money and the emotional challenges that both clients and advisers face.

Neil explains how our brains, designed for survival thousands of years ago, struggle to navigate a world built on numbers, screens, and long-term financial commitments.

From emotional reactions to markets, to the identity shifts that come with retirement, this discussion highlights why empathy, awareness, and self-understanding are essential skills for anyone helping others make financial decisions.

💬 Memorable Insight

💡 Takeaway

If you’ve ever felt anxious, impatient, or uncertain about money — you’re not alone.

Our brains were never built for the financial world we live in today, but understanding that can help you make calmer, wiser, and more confident decisions about your future.

🎧 Listen now to discover how understanding yourself can be the most powerful financial skill you’ll ever learn.

📚 Quoted sources:

• Daycart's error - Antonio Damasio

• Life is in the Transitions - Bruce Filer

In this thought-provoking episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess unpack one of the most overlooked forces shaping our financial lives — time.

Why do we put off things we know are important — from car services to pension contributions? Why do some people rush decisions, while others delay them endlessly?

Drawing from behavioural science and financial psychology, Steve and Jess explore how our distorted sense of time drives procrastination, poor decisions, and lost opportunities.

From the optimism bias that tricks us into thinking we have “plenty of time,” to the time bias that keeps us chasing instant gratification, this episode blends research, relatable stories, and practical tools to help you regain control of your most valuable currency — your time.

They also share simple, science-backed strategies to counter time traps. If you’ve ever said “I’ll do it tomorrow” — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Steve and Jess take on one of life’s most avoided topics — protection.

From life insurance to income and health cover, they explore why people delay or dodge these crucial safeguards, even when they know better.

Steve and Jess break down the invisible barriers that keep people unprotected.

They also explore why the “abstract future” always loses to the “tangible present” — holidays feel real, insurance doesn’t.

You’ll also learn a powerful visualisation exercise that helps turn intention into action, and why talking about protection doesn’t invite bad luck — it invites peace of mind.

Don't skip Sockology as there's a fun surprise for Steve and Jess.

With Juggling Mind and Money now ranking among the top 1% of podcasts that make it past 20 episodes, Steve and Jess celebrate with gratitude — and ask listeners to help them grow further with a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review.

🎧 Next Episode: Listener Q&A with Jess

We’re turning the tables for the next episode! Jess will be answering your questions. If there’s something you’ve always wanted her take on, now’s your chance.

👉 Send your questions to steven.rowe@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk and you might hear yours featured on the next Juggling Mind & Money episode.

Don’t wait — get them in this week!

Most people would rather insure their phone than spend money on financial protection for themselves. And who can blame them? Those products feel dull, complicated, and like money down the drain… until the worst happens.

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve Rowe and co-host Keely (stepping in while Jess is away) tackle the essential but often ignored subject of financial protection. With wit, real-world examples, and a few sharp warnings, they reveal why protection is the unshakable foundation of any financial plan.

You’ll hear:

• Why skipping protection is like building a house of cards. Your retirement plans, travel dreams, and goals for your kids all collapse without it.
• The harsh truth about state support. From statutory sick pay to bereavement benefits, the safety net is thinner than you think.
• The four protections every family should understand. Life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, and private medical insurance—what they are, why they matter, and how they actually work when you need them.
• The emotional side of money. Steve shares painful regrets about friends without cover, and why he believes financial planners should never ignore this part of the job.
• The psychology of avoidance. Why we’d rather play ostrich than face up to unpleasant truths—and how that puts loved ones at risk.

With a mix of practical advice and dry humour (including Steve’s take on “death wishes” and Keely’s sharp reminders for ostriches everywhere), this episode makes one thing clear: you don’t need protection because you might die—you need it because the people you love will have to carry on.

Key Takeaway: Protection isn’t glamorous, but it’s the single smartest move you can make to secure your family’s future. Sort it once, review it now and then, and hope it’s money you’ll never need—but if you do, it’ll be the best decision you ever made.