The Pension Confident Podcast

Hosted by PensionBee

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Jun 2026

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We get it, pensions can be overwhelming. But here at PensionBee, we're on a mission to build pension confidence. That's where The Pension Confident Podcast comes in. With the help of financial experts, we dig into topics that really matter - from the basics of how pensions, ISAs and mortgages work, to how you can start to use your money to save for a happy retirement. Subscribe today to hear from some of the best brains in personal finance every month and get expert insights from the PensionBee team.

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June 8, 202610 min

BONUS EPISODE: Should you buy Premium Bonds or save into a Cash ISA?

Premium Bonds and Cash ISAs are two of the most popular savings options in the UK, but which one is right for you? With interest rates fluctuating and the cost of living still a real concern, it's more important than ever to make your savings work as hard as possible. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, Maike Currie as they discuss: how Premium Bonds work, including the odds, limits, and why there's no guaranteed return; how Cash ISAs compare on interest rates, access, and tax efficiency; and who should consider which option, and whether holding both makes sense. Episode breakdown 00:45 How Premium Bonds work 02:41 The catch with Premium Bonds 05:05 How Cash ISAs work 07:00 Tax considerations 07:35 Which is right for you? Further reading and listening: To learn more about Premium Bonds and Cash ISAs, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: How does inflation affect pensions? (Blog) Inflation Calculator (Calculator) What are Premium Bonds? (Article) What is a Cash ISA? (Article) What to do when interest rates rise (Blog) E29: Pensions vs. cash - which is best? (Podcast) Other useful resources Premium Bonds prize rate and odds (NS&I) Tax-free interest on savings (GOV.UK) Barclays Equity Gilt Study 2025 (Barclays) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

May 24, 2026Episode 5029 min

E50: Starting a pension from £0 at 50 years old with Hannah Martin, Simonne Gnessen and Sarah Durber

An estimated 7 million people aged over 50 in the UK have no private pension savings at all. Here's the reality: if you're one of them, it can feel too late to start. It isn't. Whether it's career breaks, the cost of living, a divorce, or simply never getting round to it - millions of people reach 50 with little or nothing put away. So how do you go from £0 to a pot that actually makes a difference? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss starting a pension from scratch at aged 50: Founder of Rich Retiree, Hannah Martin; Founder of Wise Monkey Financial Coaching, Simonne Gnessen; and VP Customer Success at PensionBee; Sarah Durber. Episode breakdown 01:41 When did our panellists start saving? 03:31 Why so many people reach 50 with no pension 06:56 The real cost of opting out 11:16 Pension Sharing Orders and divorce 13:11 How to start from £0 at 50 years old 17:27 Making the most of your workplace pension 19:26 How contributing just a little more adds up 26:26 Property, side hustles, and creative retirement strategies Further reading, listening and watching: To learn more about building your pension later in life, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast) How much should I pay into my pension? (Article) Pension Sharing Order (Article) What is compound interest? (Blog) Six ways to put together your emergency fund (Blog) I'm 40, is it too late to start a pension? (Blog) How to grow your pension in your 40s and 50s (Blog) The power of 1%: how small pension increases can make a big difference (Blog) What is compound interest? (Video) What happens to my pension during a divorce? (Video) Increasing your pension contributions (Video) Other useful resources The Cost of Disengagement (PensionBee) The Carer's Pension Gap (PensionBee Pension Calculator (PensionBee) Almost 7 million over-50s have no private pension (Pensions Age) The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) Pension sharing orders slump despite growing number of divorces (Pensions Age) Four out of five Brits plan to downsize to fund retirement (MoneyWeek) Rent a room in your home: the Rent a Room Scheme (GOV.UK) Proposed benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027 (GOV.UK) Compound Interest Calculator (The Calculator Site) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Rich Retiree (@rich.retiree) on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Pinterest. Follow Wise Monkey Financial Coaching (@simonnegnessen) on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

May 14, 202617 min

BONUS EPISODE: "As soon as I left that job, the pension stopped"

On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Becca. Auto-enrolled into her first workplace pension without a second thought, she assumed retirement saving would always just happen in the background. Then she went self-employed, and for eight years, it didn't happen at all. We explore the self-employed pension gap with the help of pensions expert Dani Skerrett, Head of Content Marketing at PensionBee, covering everything from why Auto-Enrolment leaves millions of freelancers and sole traders behind, to the surprising cost of those years of disengagement. We also share how contributing just £30 a month can make a difference of thousands of pounds by retirement. Episode breakdown 00:34 Meet Becca 03:30 The self-employed pension gap 06:19 What stops self-employed people saving? 09:43 The cost of disengagement 14:26 Becca's belief in teaching kids about money Further reading and listening To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: E8: How to teach kids about money (Podcast) E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast) E40: The ADHD tax - how much is it costing you? (Podcast) 6 pension tips for sole traders (Blog) How to manage pension contributions from multiple incomes (Blog) Private pensions for the self-employed (Article) What is Making Tax Digital and how can sole traders prepare? (Blog) What pension can I get if I'm self-employed? (Article) Other useful resources Pension Calculator (PensionBee) Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) Working for yourself (GOV.UK) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

May 4, 20269 min

BONUS EPISODE: How much can you pay into your pension this tax year?

In this bonus episode of The Pension Confident Podcast, we cover the key pension contribution rules and limits for the new 2026/27 tax year, and what they could mean for your retirement savings. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, Maike Currie, as they break down everything you need to know about: how much you're allowed to pay into your pension this tax year; the contribution limits that apply based on your annual income; making the most of government top-ups; and what the updated rules could mean for your long-term finances. Episode breakdown 01:00 What's the annual allowance? 04:55 Pension Lifetime Allowance scrapped 05:42 Exceeding your annual allowance 06:46 Using your carry forward allowance Further reading and listening To learn more about pension contributions, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Bonus episode: "I stopped paying into my pension for 20 years" (Podcast) Bonus episode: What does the 2026/27 tax year mean for your finances? (Podcast) E43: Who wants to be a pension millionaire? (Podcast) How to check your pension contributions (Article) How to use carry forward to make big pension payments (Blog) Making pension contributions (Article) Pension carry forward rule (Article) What tax changes are coming in April 2026? (Blog) Other useful resources Abolition of the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) (GOV.UK) Carry forward: increase your annual allowance for pension savings (MoneyHelper) The annual allowance for tax relief on pension savings (MoneyHelper) The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

April 26, 2026Episode 4930 min

E49: Can you still make money as a Buy-to-Let landlord? With Anna Pearce and Michael Annis

Becoming a landlord with Buy-to-Let properties has often been seen as a way to build long-term wealth. But with brand new rules, higher taxes and more paperwork, it's becoming harder to turn a profit. Did you know that since 2022, the rental sector is the only area of the housing market to have lost value? So, are Buy-to-Lets still a good bet? And where does this leave existing landlords trying to make sense of a changing market? Today, we're breaking down the real story behind Buy-to-Lets and what you need to know before you think about jumping in. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss Buy-to-Lets: Buy-to-Let Landlord and Content Creator "Property Empress", Anna Pearce; and Mortgage Adviser, Michael Annis. Episode breakdown 01:23 What's happening to the property market? 04:56 The Renters' Rights Act explained 09:06 Are landlords really leaving the market? 11:35 Understanding rental yields 16:28 Eligibility rules for Buy-to-Let mortgages 20:22 Stamp Duty on second properties 22:36 Building a property portfolio 25:44 The risk and reward of buying at auction Further reading and listening To learn more about property, check out these articles, podcasts and videos from PensionBee: E4: Should you pay more into your mortgage or pension? (Podcast) E22: Why is renting so expensive? (Podcast) Buying a property: the basics (Video) Buying a property with someone (Video) How to downsize for retirement (Blog) How to use your property to fund your retirement (Blog) Property inheritance (Video) Renting a property: the basics (Video) Renting in retirement: 3 things to consider for a secure future when you don't own your home (Blog) Other useful resources Do I need a Buy-to-Let mortgage? (MoneyHelper) Guide to the Renters' Rights Act (GOV.UK) Leasehold vs freehold: what's the difference? (MoneyHelper) Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (GOV.UK) Mortgage fees and costs when buying or selling a home (MoneyHelper) Private rent and house prices, UK: March 2026 (ONS) Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents (GOV.UK) Stamp Duty calculator (MoneyHelper) Stamp Duty - everything you need to know (MoneyHelper) Tenants' rights and responsibilities explained (MoneyHelper) What is the landlord licensing scheme? (UK Landlord Tax) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Anna Pearce (@propertyempress) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Follow Michael Annis on LinkedIn. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

April 16, 202621 min

BONUS EPISODE: "A life-changing diagnosis refocused me on my beneficiaries"

On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer, David. He spent years quietly accumulating pension pots across various employers without paying them much attention. That all changed when an unexpected cancer diagnosis forced him to confront his finances head-on, and think hard about what would happen to the people he loves if he wasn't around. We unpack the decisions David has navigated, from consolidating old pots and rethinking his investment risk to naming beneficiaries and having long-overdue conversations with his family, with the help of pensions expert Dani Skerrett, Head of Content Marketing at PensionBee. Plus, we share how increasing your contributions by even 1% or 2% can make a staggering difference to your retirement pot. Episode breakdown 00:43 Meet David 04:19 Assessing his investments and consolidating 09:38 Hindsight on workplace pension contributions 14:41 The diagnosis that changed everything 17:02 Preparing his family for the worst 18:54 David's dream retirement Further reading, listening and watching To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles, podcasts and videos from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast) Estate planning - PensionBee's Milestone Moments (YouTube) Pension beneficiaries (Article) Pension rules after death (Article) Six money conversations you need to have with your family (Blog) Writing a will (Article) Other useful resources Financial Lives 2024 (Financial Conduct Authority) How do I write a will and how much does it cost? (MoneyHelper) Combine your pensions (PensionBee) Pension Calculator (PensionBee) The £500,000 cost of neglecting your pension (PensionBee) Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) The new State Pension (GOV.UK) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

April 6, 202612 min

BONUS EPISODE: What does the 2026/27 tax year mean for your finances?

In this bonus episode of The Pension Confident Podcast, we cover some of the key changes from the new 2026/27 tax year and what they could mean for you and your finances. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, Maike Currie, as they unpack the changes impacting: the National Minimum and Living Wage; statutory sick, parental and bereavement pay; frozen earnings bands and savings limits; the State Pension and personal pensions. Episode breakdown 01:09 What is the tax year? 02:25 Minimum and statutory pay for workers 04:08 The State Pension and 'triple lock' 06:20 Frozen thresholds on earnings and savings 10:46 Pension contributions and compound interest Further reading and listening To learn more about the 2026/27 tax year, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) 4 smart ways to use your ISAs in retirement (Blog) How to use carry forward to make big pension payments (Blog) What is the State Pension? (Article) What is the triple lock on State Pensions? (Blog) What tax changes are coming in April 2026? (Blog) Other useful resources Adoption leave and pay (GOV.UK) Maternity leave and pay (GOV.UK) National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates (GOV.UK) Parental bereavement leave and pay (GOV.UK) Paternity leave and pay (GOV.UK) Shared parental leave and pay (GOV.UK) Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) (GOV.UK) The basic State Pension (GOV.UK) The new State Pension (GOV.UK) The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

March 29, 2026Episode 4829 min

E48: Are you ready for the 'great wealth transfer'? With Niaz Azad, Annaliese Barber, and Dan Stean

Did you know that over the next 30 years, Baby Boomers are expected to pass down an astonishing £5.5 trillion in assets? It's being called one of the largest movements of wealth in British history. So are you ready for the 'great wealth transfer'? Many Millennials are facing tough financial challenges - with lingering student loans, high rent or mortgage costs and expensive childcare. A wealth transfer could be transformative for this generation. But here's the catch: without proper estate and financial planning, many families could face hefty tax bills. And from April next year, pensions will be included in estates for Inheritance Tax purposes, which could push that tax bill much higher! Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss the 'great wealth transfer': Co-Founder of Millennial Money UK, Niaz Azad; Solicitor and Director at Richard Reed Solicitors, Annaliese Barber; and Senior Performance Management Manager at PensionBee; Dan Stean. Episode breakdown 01:55 Planning for an inheritance 03:58 Generational divide between Baby Boomers and Millennials 07:27 From meritocracy, to inheritocracy 10:50 Inheritance Tax (IHT) basics and thresholds 15:07 Wills matter, even when young 18:37 Estate planning conversations create clarity 21:03 Gifting rules and pitfalls 23:56 When family dynamics and money collide Further reading and listening To learn more about intergenerational wealth, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: E20: What to do when someone dies (Podcast) E28: The Bank of Mum and Dad - what's the impact on your pension? (Podcast) Estate planning - PensionBee's Milestone Moments (YouTube) Pension beneficiaries (Article) Pension rules after death (Article) Inheritance Tax guide (Article) What to do with inheritance money? (Blog) Six money conversations you need to have with your family (Blog) Writing a will (Article) Other useful resources 3 million pensioner millionaires (The Intergenerational Foundation) Busting the "wealthy boomers" myth (Centre for Ageing Better) British millennials still bearing scars of 2008 financial crisis, says research (The Guardian) Check who can apply for probate and inherit if someone dies without a will (GOV.UK) How do I write a will and how much does it cost? (MoneyHelper) Inheritance Tax rules on gifts (MoneyHelper) Setting up a trust fund (MoneyHelper) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Millennial Money UK (@MillMoneyUK) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Follow Richard Reed Solicitors (@richardreedsolicitors) on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

March 13, 202612 min

BONUS EPISODE: "I switched my pension so it complies with my faith"

On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer, Sanna. Like so many, she's juggling family life, buying her first home, and trying to save for retirement - all at the same time. Since having her daughter and moving back in with family to save on rent, her pension savings have taken a back seat. We unpack the choices Sanna has faced - from rising living costs and childcare to finding faith-aligned financial products - with the help of pension expert Rachael Oku, VP Brand and Communications at PensionBee. Plus, we share helpful guidance for prioritising your future savings while juggling the more immediate, everyday costs. Episode breakdown 01:06 Homebuying vs. saving for retirement 03:20 Rising costs and financial impact 05:05 Faith-driven investing options 08:39 Exploring multiple income streams Further reading, listening and watching To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) E41: How can multi-generational living save you money? (Podcast) E6: What are Shariah investments? (Podcast) What is an investment account? (Article) What is an ISA? (Article) What is a Stocks and Shares ISA? (Article) How to use your property to fund your retirement (Blog) Other useful resources Check your State Pension age (GOV.UK) Free Childcare for Working Parents (GOV.UK) Pension Calculator (PensionBee) Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) The new State Pension (GOV.UK) The UK Pension Landscape (PensionBee) Britain's Trapped Generation (Skipton) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.

February 22, 2026Episode 4729 min

E47: The 'Singles Tax' - how much is it costing you? With Bobby Seagull MBE, Emma Barnes, and Valentina Adaldo

One in every three households in the UK is now single occupancy. Here's the issue: being single could be costing you more. The so-called 'Singles Tax' is real. Cohabiting couples pay less per person on everything from energy bills to hotel rooms. So if you're single, or living alone, how much extra are you paying and what can you do about it? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss the 'Singles Tax': Maths Teacher turned Broadcaster, Bobby Seagull MBE; Content Creator, Emma Barnes; Senior eCRM Manager at PensionBee; Valentina Adaldo. Episode breakdown 05:18 Flatmates vs. living alone trade-offs 08:02 'Houses before spouses' movement 10:48 Redundancy when single hits harder 14:40 Building your own financial safety net 15:09 Savings hacks for couples vs. singles 18:17 Wedding season costs and pooling gifts 23:42 Saving for retirement while single 25:59 Money tips for savvy singletons Further reading and listening To learn more about the 'Singles Tax', check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) E14: What's the impact of your relationship status on your finances? (Podcast) E27: What's the cost of friendship? (Podcast) E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast) How much should I pay into my pension? (Article) How to tackle your personal finances when you're single (Blog) How to talk to your partner about money (Blog) Six ways to put together your emergency fund (Blog) What is compound interest? (Blog) What's the financial impact of multi-generational living? (Blog) Other useful resources Emergency savings – how much is enough? (MoneyHelper) "Singles tax" leaves half struggling with retirement savings: research (Corporate Adviser) The price of love: how much does dating cost – and who pays the bill? (The Guardian) The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) The single surcharge: single Brits pay extra £3,844 a year for household bills (Uswitch) The 'single tax' revealed: What's the true cost of being single? (Finder) The solo penalty, from rent to holidays: 'Being single is costing me £12,000 extra a year' (The Guardian) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Bobby Seagull MBE (@bobby_seagull) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Emma Barnes (@emmaebarnes) on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.