Smile and Save Podcast

Hosted by Serve and Protect Credit Union

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Sep 2026

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About the show

The Smile and Save Podcast is here to make personal finance easier to understand and help you take control of your money with confidence. Through insightful interviews with thought leaders from some of Britain's top financial organisations and charities, we explore ways to boost your financial resilience, tackle common money challenges, and stay informed on the latest financial trends and issues. Each episode is designed to deliver practical advice and financial education that you can apply to your everyday life. Brought to you by Serve and Protect, one of Britain's largest credit unions, our mission is to improve the financial resilience of those working in the police, prison and probation, military, fire, and health services across Britain. If you're ready to improve your finances and feel prepared for anything life might throw your way, tune in to the Smile and Save Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss an episode! Visit our website: serveandprotectcu.co.uk Follow us on socials: bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Listen to episodes

17 recent

September 16, 2026Episode 1636 min

Ep16: Police Pensions Explained w/ Anns & Grange Associates

In this second instalment of our Pensions Awareness Week series, we are joined by Steve Grange from Anns & Grange Associates to break down everything you need to know about your police pension scheme, whether you're just starting out or counting down the years to retirement. Police pension schemes can be confusing, especially with three different schemes in play: the 1987 scheme, the 2006 scheme, and the current 2015 CARE scheme. Steve walks us through the key differences between these schemes, helping you understand what you may be entitled to. We also dig into some of the big decisions officers face along the way. What is pension commutation and when might it make sense for you? How do police pension contributions actually work and is it worth making voluntary contributions? We also tackle what happens if you opt out of your police pension and the long-term implications of doing so. Whether you're early in your career and planning ahead, or close to retirement and considering your options, you'll finish this episode knowing all the key details to get you started. We hope you enjoy! 🔗 Useful links from the episode: Budgeting Calculator: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/budget-planner/ Pension Webinars: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/education/webinars/ Steve's Email: steve.grange@sjpp.co.uk Added Pension Contributions: https://www.mypension.com/police/how-the-scheme-works/paying-in/your-contributions/contributions-2015-scheme#paying-more-added-pension Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode! 🌐 Serve and Protect Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/yt-podcast 📲 Serve and Protect social media: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect Serve and Protect Credit Union Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority & Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 213306. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

September 14, 2026Episode 1544 min

Ep15: Armed Forces Pension Scheme Explained w/ TheSavvySquaddie

In Episode 15 of the Serve and Protect podcast, we sit down with The Savvy Squaddie, the number one online financial wellbeing expert for Armed Forces personnel, for a jargon-free guide to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. We break down the essentials, from how the different schemes work depending on when you joined, to contributions, length of service, immediate pension, and the Early Departure Payment (EDP). You'll also discover how leaving early affects your pension, handy tools for tracking your pot, and the common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're just starting out or planning ahead to retirement, you'll walk away with practical tips to make the most of your pension. 🔗 Useful links from the episode: EDP Explained - https://youtu.be/AXP9IiXOmFQ?si=89OpxHK1YFxM2bLq AFPS Calculator Explained - https://youtu.be/iR97xBpN9GY?si=I1YHdl9pgk2sdZ2E Added Pension Explained - https://youtu.be/dvVD_XjnYz8?si=f7JZyewHpuprMhpx Cam's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thesavvysquaddie/ Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode! 🌐 Serve and Protect Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/yt-podcast 📲 Serve and Protect social media: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect Serve and Protect Credit Union Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority & Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 213306. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

May 13, 2025Episode 1417 min

Ep14: Navigating Problem Debt w/ StepChange Debt Charity

We will all need to borrow at some point in our lives. Whether it is to purchase your first home, make some home improvements, or consolidating existing debt, there are lots of times where borrowing money can be beneficial. However, managing your debt can sometimes be tricky. With the ever increasing cost of living and unexpected expenses occasionally popping up, prioritising your debt can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. In this episode of the Smile and Save Podcast, we are joined by Helen Handzel from StepChange Debt Charity to discuss: The difference between good debt and problem debt. Some of the emerging and worrying trends around problem debt across Britain. Why there is a stigma around debt and the fact we avoid talking about money with loved ones. How employers can be a part of the solution around problem debt. If you are struggling with your existing debt, worried about a loved one, or an employer wanting to support the financial resilience of your workforce, this episode is for you. Useful links: StepChange website: https://www.stepchange.org/ Budget planner: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/... Employer support: https://www.stepchange.org/about-us/p... Call StepChange: 0800 138 11 11 Thank you so much to Helen for joining us for this episode of the Smile and Save Podcast! We really appreciate your time. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

April 16, 2025Episode 1319 min

Ep13: Tackling Gambling Stigma w/ GambleAware

Worried about how gambling makes you feel? Concerned about a loved one's gambling? This episode is for you. Let's open up about gambling. We are delighted to welcome GambleAware's Chief Communications Officer, Alexia Clifford, as our latest guest to the Smile and Save Podcast. In this episode we discuss: Early signs of gambling harms Those who might be more vulnerable to harm than others Some of the reasons behind gambling stigma How to start a conversation about gambling The free, confidential, and personalised support available for anyone struggling Useful links GambleAware website: https://www.gambleaware.org/?utm_source=all&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=stigma2025 Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 Useful tools: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/ Resources for Professionals: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/resources-for-professionals/ A huge thank you to Alexia for your time. It was a pleasure to welcome you to the podcast and we look forward to continuing to support GambleAware in future. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

March 24, 2025Episode 1241 min

Ep12: Debt Awareness w/ Money and Pensions Service

This Debt Awareness Week, we are joined by Paul Fox from the Money and Pension Service to explore the UK's consumer debt problem, why the stigma around debt is so difficult to overcome, and the support available for those struggling with problem debt. This year, Debt Awareness Week is exploring the shame and stigma around debt. Part of this episode explains how to make opening up to loved ones easier: - Clarifying the facts around your problem. - Being clear on the support you need. - Finding the right time and place to talk. - Being totally honest about your situation. Whether you are struggling with your existing debt, know somebody who might be, or are an employer wanting to support the financial resilience of your colleagues - this episode is packed with everything you need to know about debt support. Useful Links: MaPS website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/ Start budgeting: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/budget-planner/ Call MaPS: 0800 138 7777 A big thank you to Paul for your time and joining us for this episode! Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

March 5, 2025Episode 1125 min

Ep11: Loan Sharks Explained w/ Stop Loan Sharks

You may have heard of 'loan sharks' before, but do you know what makes someone a loan shark and the devastating impact they can have on people's lives? Today we are joined by Cath Wohlers from Stop Loan Sharks to explore some common misconceptions around loan sharks, some real stories from those affected, and how you or your organisation can get support to combat these illegal lenders. Useful Links: Been impacted by a loan shark? Visit: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/ Seeking support for your employees? Contact: catherine.wohlers@birmingham.gov.uk Want to learn more? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbAN0e9xWmXAgbyzWurzF6w A huge thank you to Cath for joining us for this episode! We hope you find it useful. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

January 16, 2025Episode 1030 min

Ep10: Money and Mindfulness w/ Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Managing your money can be stressful, especially when making big financial decisions. Approaching these decisions with a more focused mindset can give you the clarity to make managing your money easier. That's where mindfulness comes in! Join the Staff Wellbeing team from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust as we explore what mindfulness is, how it can help you navigate your financial journey, and how you can get started. We even have a short guided exercise you can follow along with at the end. Looking to learn more about mindfulness? Check out the following useful links to get started: Oxford Mindfulness Foundation: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/events-... Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-s... Headspace (free for NHS staff): https://help.headspace.com/hc/en-us/a... Unmind (free for NHS staff): https://unmind.com/nhs You could also speak to your employer's wellbeing team or employee assistance program for further support. A huge thank you to Anna, Sarah, and Anna for joining us. We really appreciate your time to make this such a valuable episode! Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

December 23, 2024Episode 99 min

Ep9: 10 ways to boost your credit score

Your credit score is the single most important number related to your finances. It will impact many financial decisions you make throughout your life. But what is your credit score? And how do you improve it? You may be looking to refresh your finances for the new year going into 2025. Or you may be setting some new year's resolutions focused on your finances. Boosting your credit score is a great place to start. This episode outlines what your credit score is, why having a good credit score is so important, and 10 simple tips to improve your credit score and keep it healthy over time. Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

November 26, 2024Episode 88 min

Ep8: Save smart this Black Friday

It can be easy to fall for clever marketing tactics around Black Friday and you may find yourself spending more than you should, or buying things you don't really need. We have put together 10 simple tips to help you save money the smart way this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Hopefully, these tips will give you some ideas to save money and secure the items you really need. Enjoy! Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

October 23, 2024Episode 710 min

Ep7: 3 Money Habits to Avoid

In this episode, you will discover some of the money habits you may want to consider avoiding to keep your personal finances healthy. We all have our own habits when it comes to money. There are some financial habits which are really good - they may help us to save money or even build our credit scores over time. Then there are habits which you may want to reconsider your use of. The three money habits we discuss in this episode are not necessarily bad for your finances, but using them in the wrong way may impact your finances in the future, such as your ability to borrow should you need to. If you are worried about how gambling makes you feel, GamCare can provide free and confidential support. Find out more at www.gamcare.org.uk Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time! Website: https://sandpcu.co.uk/podcast Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

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