Financial Illumination

Hosted by luminwealth

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Financial Illumination is a podcast which shines a light on all things financial. Brought to you by leading UK Financial Planning firm Lumin Wealth. Please be aware that anything discussed on this podcast should not be regarded as financial advice and when investing your capital is at risk

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23 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 2415 min

Is your "safe" cash quietly losing you thousands?

More people than ever are holding large amounts of cash, often without realising that inflation and taxes can steadily erode its value over time. In this episode, Harvey Armstrong and Alan Pereira explore the hidden costs of keeping too much money in cash and explain why investing can be a powerful tool for building and preserving long-term wealth. They discuss the key differences between cash and investments, how inflation impacts purchasing power, and the potential benefits of putting your money to work in the markets. Whether you're a cautious saver or looking to make your money work harder, this episode provides practical insights to help you make more informed financial decisions. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

May 26, 2026Episode 2316 min

Cut Your Inheritance Tax (IHT) Bill With These Gifting Strategies

Could gifting now save your family thousands in Inheritance Tax (IHT) later? In this episode, hosts James Corcoran and Jack Dudley explore how gifting can form part of an effective Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning strategy. They discuss the different gifting options available, how to assess whether you can genuinely afford to gift, and the impact retirement and long-term care costs, for example, can have on these decisions. They also cover the emotional side of handing over wealth, the potential risks and pitfalls, and the key considerations when deciding whether gifting is the right move for you and your family. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

May 12, 2026Episode 2217 min

Do ESG Investments Really Deliver? Separating Narrative From Data

Investors are increasingly considering whether ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) solutions should form part of their portfolio, drawn by the prospect of having a positive impact on society and the environment. But while these messages are compelling, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction. In this episode of Financial Illumination, host James Corcoran is joined by Investment Manager Jordan Donaldson, to discuss the latest findings of Lumin's latest ESG study. They discuss what ESG is and go on to unpack some commonly cited claims about ESG investing, by assessing the ESG characteristics of low-cost equity Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). To download the full study, visit www.luminwealth.co.uk/downloads/esg-study Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

April 28, 2026Episode 2117 min

Crisis In The Middle East – Should Investors React?

Recent events in the Middle East have understandably unsettled investors. But history consistently reminds us of one important truth: investors who stay diversified and ride out volatility are often the ones who come out ahead. In this episode of Financial Illumination, James Corcoran and Jack Dudley unpack the latest geopolitical developments and the importance of staying invested during uncertain times. They explain why reacting emotionally to headlines can undermine long-term returns and how maintaining a disciplined, long-term strategy has consistently proven to be the more effective approach. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

April 15, 2026Episode 2013 min

Pensions Enter The IHT Net From April 2027. Are You Ready?

Pensions have long been a cornerstone of legacy and estate planning. But with pensions falling into the Inheritance Tax (IHT) net from April 2027, all of that will change. In this episode, host James Corcoran is joined by Israel Babatunde who breaks down what the policy changes in April 2027 will entail, and the solutions people can adopt to protect their pensions and their legacy. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

March 31, 2026Episode 1914 min

How Annuities Work: Securing Income For The Future

What if you could create a paycheck that lasts for life? In this episode, James Corcoran and Jack Dudley dive into the role annuities can play in a retirement plan. They explore how annuities work, why they matter, the risks associated with them and how they can potentially help you build steady, stress-free income throughout retirement. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

March 18, 2026Episode 1813 min

Business Relief And IHT: Strategies For Business Owners

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly impact the wealth tied up in a business, and without proper planning, business owners may find that a large portion of their estate is exposed. However, with the right approach, Business Relief offers a powerful way to reduce that liability and safeguard both your business and personal wealth for future generations. In this episode, hosts James Corcoran and Israel Babatunde explore the role of Business Relief and how it compares to gifting as a strategy for reducing the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

March 3, 2026Episode 1717 min

How Inheritance Tax (IHT) Really Works: Everything You Need To Know

Managing Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a cornerstone of effective estate planning. But what exactly is IHT, and how does it work in practice? In this episode of the 'Financial Illumination' podcast, hosts James Corcoran and Jack Dudley explore the role IHT plays in your overall financial plan, what it could mean for your estate, and the practical steps you can take to manage it effectively. DISCLAIMER Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

February 25, 2026Episode 165 min

5 Tax Year-End Tips: Save Yourself Thousands!

As the end of the tax year approaches, your annual allowances are about to reset – and any you haven’t used will be lost. In this episode, James Corcoran and Jack Dudley focus on the practical steps you can take now to make the most of pension contributions, ISA allowances and Capital Gains Tax exemptions before 5 April. From boosting your pension with valuable tax relief, to maximising your £20,000 ISA wrapper, they explain how a few timely decisions could save you thousands in tax and keep more of your wealth where it belongs – with you, not HMRC. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

February 3, 2026Episode 157 min

Is Your Pension IHT-Proof Or About To Take The Hit?

With pensions falling into the IHT net from April 2027, taking the necessary steps now can help protect your legacy before the changes move against you. In this episode, hosts James Corcoran and Jack Dudley break down what the policy changes in April 2027 will entail, the types of pensions included in the estate and why early financial planning matters when it comes to protecting your legacy. Please note that the content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. As always, your capital is at risk when investing. Lumin is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.