Level Up Financial

Hosted by Level Up Financial

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Episodes

252

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Money affects all of us, but most of aren't taught how to handle it. Level Up Financial (previously The Woke Finance Podcast) is a personal finance podcast hosted by Jacques and Peter, two friends from Hackney, East London, who are on a mission to change that. Through their social enterprise Level Up Financial Education CIC, they've spent years delivering financial education to young people across the UK and this podcast is that same energy, open to everyone. The conversations demystify money management, budgeting, debt, and investing by breaking down complex concepts into simple, relatable terms. From everyday money mindsets and the psychological effects of scarcity, to handling peer pressure from social media and navigating finances in relationships Level Up Financial covers personal finance at every stage of life, for listeners of all ages. Whether you're 15 or 40, just starting out or navigating the next chapter, there's an episode for you. No jargon. No corporate advice. Just honest conversations about money and real life.

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60 recent

August 10, 202625 min

EPISODE 252 | Thinking of Opting Out of Your Pension? Listen to This First | LEVEL UP FINANCIAL

Thinking about opting out of your pension? 🚨 Listen to this first. In this episode of the Level Up Financial Education Podcast, Jacques and Peter discuss why some people choose to opt out of their workplace pension — and why you may have more options than you realise. From investment choices to understanding how your pension actually works, there are often ways to make your pension work better for you without opting out altogether. We break down the different options available, some of the common misconceptions around pensions, and why it’s worth understanding your choices before making a decision that could affect your future. If you’ve ever thought “I don’t want my pension invested like this” or “I’d rather opt out”, this episode is for you. Don’t opt out before you understand your options. Website: www.levelupfinancial.co.uk Email: contact@levelupfinancial.co.uk Disclaimer: We do not provide financial advice or investment recommendations, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. #LevelUpFinancialEducation #Pensions #PensionPlanning #FinancialEducation #Investing #PersonalFinance #RetirementPlanning #FinancialLiteracy

July 28, 202632 min

EPISODE 251 | LESSONS LEARNED- 10 years of investing in the stock market | LEVEL UP FINANCIAL

It has been 10 years since Jacques and Peter started their own individual investment journeys. Join the Level Up Financial Team as they delve into what has worked, what hasn't, mistakes made and how you can use their experiences to become better investors. Website: www.levelupfinancial.co.uk Email: contact@levelupfinancial.co.uk Disclaimer: We do not provide financial advice or investment recommendations, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.

July 7, 202619 min

250. 250 Episodes Later... Welcome To Level Up Financial Education (previously Woke Finance)

After 250 episodes, it's time for the next chapter. In this special milestone episode, we're revealing the new name of the podcast and explaining why we've decided to rebrand from Woke Finance to Level Up Financial Education. We share the thinking behind the change, what it means for the future of the podcast, and our continued mission to make financial education accessible, practical, and empowering for everyone. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you've only recently joined the community, thank you for being part of the journey. Here's to the next 250 episodes! Logo designers: https://www.instagram.com/builtrightstudio_/ Sign up to our mailing list via our website: https://www.levelupfinancial.co.uk/ Disclaimer: We do not provide financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

June 18, 202635 min

249. Would You Trade Your Pension for a House Deposit?

Would you give up part of your State Pension in exchange for £12,500 today? In this episode, the Woke Finance team reacts to a new proposal aimed at helping young people get onto the property ladder. We explore the potential benefits, the hidden costs, and whether sacrificing future retirement income is a price worth paying for homeownership. Find original article that the team are reacting to here: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-15888225/Young-people-swap-years-state-pension-12-500-cash-property-ladder-new-proposal.html Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

May 4, 202625 min

248. "My Business Makes A Lot Of Money, But I Still Feel Poor"

Many business owners are earning more than ever—but still don’t feel financially secure. Join the Woke Finance team as we unpack why high income doesn’t always translate to real wealth, and the hidden habits, pressures, and blind spots that keep people stuck in a cycle of “earning but not building. Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

April 16, 202639 min

247. New Tax Year- Don’t Miss These Allowances

The new tax year is here—are you making the most of it? In this episode, the Woke Finance team breaks down what’s changed for the new ax year and highlights the key allowances you should have on your radar. From the £20,000 ISA allowance to other valuable tax-efficient opportunities. Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

February 1, 202639 min

246. “Own Nothing, Control Everything.” Should We Be Putting Our Assets Inside A Trust?

Putting assets in a trust can bring about benefits such as avoiding the lengthy and costly probate process, reducing inheritance taxes, controlling how beneficiaries receive their inheritance and more. Join the Woke Finance team as they discuss pros and cons + whether people should be considering using one. Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

January 11, 202631 min

245. "I Was Earning £125,000 But The Financial Stress Was Unbearable"

Happy new year! Join the Woke Finance team as they react to this recent news article of a high earning family expressing they still feel a strong level of financial stress. Hear tips on what we can do to avoid such situations regardless of our income. Original article here: https://www.thetimes.com/money/article/childcare-costs-financial-stress-experience-advice-fpdx0zprc#:~:text=Matthew%20Griffiths%20was%20a%20poster,year%20by%20his%20early%20thirties Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

December 16, 20251 hr 0 min

244. 6 Things You Must Do For 2026 (Financially)

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s the ideal time to reflect on what you’ve achieved in the past 12 months and start planning for the year ahead. Join the Woke Finance team as they share 6 things you should consider doing for 2026. Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.

November 26, 202531 min

243. Tax, Savings, Pensions, Benefits & More! Reaction To Rachel Reeves’s Budget Announcement

Today the UK Chancellor unveiled measures that will affect ISA’s, savings, pensions, and more. Join the Woke Finance team as they respond to some of the changes and what people can do when it comes to their own personal finances. Sign up to our mailing list via our website: www.wokefinance.co.uk Disclaimer; We do not give out financial advice, but rather education and our own opinions. Please do your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any personal finance decisions.