Her Fabulous Financial Future

You've got a lump sum sitting in your account, and instead of feeling excited, you feel pressure.

In this episode of Financial Dilemmas, Penny has around £50,000 after selling a property and clearing some credit card debt. She wants to travel the world, but she also wants to make smart choices for her future. So what do you do with a lump sum like this: spend some now, invest some for later, or keep it safe in cash?

Sam talks Penny through a simple decision-making framework based on when you'll need the money, why Premium Bonds feel reassuring (but are not a long-term growth plan), and how to use ISAs and pensions properly so more of your returns stay yours.

• The emotional side of lump sums, and the fear of "getting it wrong"

• Travel vs investing, and how to do both without guilt

• A clear rule of thumb: cash for money you'll need soon, invest for 5+ years

• Why leaving money in cash can still be risky (it is your buying power that takes the hit)

• The takeaway to steal: give every pound a purpose

Important: This episode is general information and education, not personal financial advice. Tax rules can change. Investments can go down as well as up.

About your host: Sam Secomb is a Chartered Financial Planner and Telegraph columnist.

Resources:

If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us…

🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth

📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call

🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership

Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

You work hard, build the business, finally start earning decent money… and then you can't shake the fear it might not last.

In this episode of Financial Dilemmas, Helen talks to Sam about the very real "self-employed money wobble" – the instinct to keep a big cash safety net, even when it's driven more by fear than by the numbers.

Together they unpack how to balance short-term security with long-term progress, including why leaving too much in cash can quietly chip away at your future buying power.

What we cover

• Why the "one bad month" feeling is so common when you're self-employed

• A simple way to organise your money into short-term, mid-term and long-term pots

• How to give every pound a job, so cash isn't sitting there "just because"

• Why cash can feel safe, but still be risky if it's the default forever

If you're self-employed and you've been keeping cash close because investing feels scary, this episode will help you find a calmer, clearer way forward.

Important: This episode is general information and education, not personal financial advice. Tax rules can change. Investments can go down as well as up.

About your host: Sam Secomb is the founder of Women's Wealth, an award-winning Chartered Financial Planner and Telegraph columnist.

Resources:

If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us…

🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth

📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call

🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership

Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

What happens when you earn well, do "all the right things", and still get caught out by an unexpected tax bill?

In this episode of Her Fabulous Financial Future, Money Mentor Selena Flavius is joined by Women's Wealth client Annabelle, a senior supply chain director and working mum, who shares her honest experience of getting financial advice for the first time.

After returning from maternity leave and facing a shock self-assessment tax bill, Annabelle realised something wasn't quite working. As she puts it:

"I'm not rich, but I wanted to feel sorted. If something went wrong, I wanted to know I'd be okay."

That moment became a turning point. Together, Selena and Annabelle talk candidly about what it really means to take control of your money when life, career and family responsibilities collide.

In this episode, they cover:

• Why a good salary doesn't automatically equal financial confidence

• The reality of navigating tax, pensions and childcare costs after becoming a mum

• How salary sacrifice can reduce tax and protect access to childcare support

• The relief that comes from having an emergency fund and a clear plan

• Why financial independence matters, even when you're happily partnered

This episode is for women who earn well but feel uneasy about tax, pensions, or whether they're "doing it right", those returning to work after having children, and anyone who wants to feel calmer, more confident, and genuinely in control of their financial future.

Annabelle's story is a powerful reminder that financial advice isn't about being wealthy, it's about feeling secure, informed, and supported.

Resources:

If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us…

🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth

📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call

🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership

Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

When Emily first came to Women's Wealth, she had a high-pressure job and a good income - but no real structure to her finances. She was great at spending, unsure about saving, and had a simple but bold goal:

"I want to live well and die poor."

Fast forward a few years, and Emily's now managing her money with clarity, investing with confidence, and navigating life's big changes - from marriage and maternity to moving house and merging finances - with a financial plan that actually fits her life.

In this funny, honest and wildly relatable episode, Emily shares:

• What changed when she and her husband finally started talking (really talking) about money and why they needed help to do it

• How she shifted from chaotic spending to a calm, structured investment strategy

• Why she specifically searched for female financial advisers (and found Women's Wealth)

• What it's like working with a financial planner who actually knows your life

• How she stopped beating herself up for being "a bit scatty" and started trusting that her money could work even when she didn't have it all together

"It's not rocket science - but I wouldn't have done it without you." "You've helped us make decisions we didn't even know we needed to talk about." "You're like our best friend when it comes to money."

Whether you're the financial decision-maker in your household, or the one who usually sits quietly and lets the other half take the lead - Emily's story will resonate. It's proof that financial advice doesn't have to feel cold, complicated, or out of reach.

👉 Listen now - and hear what's possible when you stop putting it off and start taking control.

Resources:

If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us…

🌐 Explore more at → Women's Wealth

📅 Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call

🌟 Join our free → Enable Membership

Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

"I want to live like I'm on holiday." That was Rachel's starting point - and what a journey it's been.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Rachel shares how she went from anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure about her finances… to confident, clear, and in control. With honesty and humour, she opens up about the fears she faced, the myths she let go of (spoiler: paying off the mortgage isn't always the holy grail), and the standout moments that changed everything - including hearing the words: "Rachel, you're going to be OK."

Together with Sam Secomb, Chartered Financial Planner and founder of Women's Wealth, they unpack:

• Why shame keeps so many women stuck - and how to shake it off

• The moment a podcast helped Rachel take the leap

• What it really means to have a "best financial friend"

• How reframing her mortgage shifted her entire retirement plan

• Why honesty, not perfection, is the key to financial progress

From fearing the admin and dodging pension statements, to logging into her financial portal with ease, Rachel's transformation is nothing short of inspiring. As she puts it:

"I sleep better at night now. Even if we drew a line here, I know I have enough - and that changed everything."

If you've ever felt behind, embarrassed, or intimidated by your money, this episode is for you.

Resources:

If this episode struck a chord, here are some ways to take the next step with us…

Explore more at → Women's Wealth

Book your free → 15-minute Discovery Call

Join our free → Enable Membership

Connect with us on [LinkedIn], [Instagram], [Facebook] and [YouTube] for more tips, tools, and conversations about women and money.

In this inspiring episode, Sarah Diamond, founder of Skin Lab, joins Women's Wealth Money Mentor Siafra James to share her journey from burnout in the NHS to building a thriving aesthetic clinic in Kent.

She opens up about:

• Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome

• Starting a business while working full time

• Making financial decisions as a solo founder and breadwinner

• The power of planning, persistence, and passive income

• Why it's never too late to design the life you want

Sarah also reflects on working with Women's Wealth to set up her pension, build a financial buffer, and gain peace of mind as her business grows.

🎧 Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business, juggling finances as a solo founder, or simply looking for real-life money motivation - this one's for you.

Further resources:

Women's Wealth Website

Got questions? Book a free 15-minute chat with one of our Money Mentors.

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Women's Wealth Ltd is an appointed representative of Professional Financial Planning Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority, no. 950921.

Finding herself with a lump sum of money and feeling unsure about how to use it for her future, Polly talks about the stress and overwhelm she felt during this time. She shares how she overcame these challenges, saying, "Educating yourself and building a strong support team is the best way forward." Polly also highlights the importance of leaning on friends and talking through the situation with them.

She reflects on the impact of moving out of the marital home on her children and how they adjusted to the changes.

Polly stresses the importance of reviewing pensions, noting that many women often lose out by not advocating for this in a settlement.

While mediation requires negotiation from both parties, Polly found it unsuccessful in her case, leading her to go through the court process instead.

Now, Polly is rebuilding her life after having had no control over the family finances during her marriage. It has been a challenge, but she shares, "for me, visually seeing the cash flow, knowing how I was going to spend my money, save my money and use my money was so beneficial." Today, Polly feels empowered, with her money secure and working for her.

She has found peace of mind, settled into a new home, and is looking forward to a bright future.

Further resources:

Women's Wealth Website

Book a free 15 minute appointment with one of our Money Mentors.

Women's Wealth Network

Access short courses, downloadable resources and LIVE sessions where you can ask your burning questions to qualified female advisers.

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Women's Wealth Ltd is an appointed representative of Professional Financial Planning Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority, no. 950921.

Savvy Sam talks about how to manage the family finances to get the best deal for everyone. Sharing allowances and ownership of things to be tax efficient and fair, whether that's between adult partners or even putting stuff in the children's name.

We will leave you with our top 3 tips to make sure you are a financially fit family and 3 mistakes that you can avoid.

Further resources:

Women's Wealth Website

Book a free 15 minute chat with one of our Money Mentors.

Women's Wealth Network

Access online learning, blogs, downloadable resources, newsletters, community and podcasts. LIVE sessions where you can ask your burning questions to qualified female advisers.

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Fernanda's Situation

In her 30's, Brazilian and living and working in London for over 9 years, Fernanda is navigating career, relationships, home ownership and managing a lifestyle in an expensive city .

She felt it was time to consider how best to organise things with a view to creating resources for later out of "spare" income available now. She and her long-term partner have 2 cockapoos so the natural progression might lead to children, so any planning needs to be nimble and adaptable.

Challenges:

• Getting the best return possible given the different or uncertain timescales involved for different pots. How to choose? What to expect? Overpay mortgage? Cash in share options? So many choices.
• Wise use of tax allowances and tax efficient investment wrappers ensures best return, but it's complicated and changes every year. How do you know you have got it right?
• Continued earnings is what makes her financial plan manageable, but what if …………. ?

Further resources:

Women's Wealth Website

Book a free 15 minute chat with one of our Money Mentors.

Women's Wealth Network

Access online learning, blogs, downloadable resources, newsletters, community and podcasts. LIVE sessions where you can ask your burning questions to qualified female advisers.

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Madeleine's Situation Madeleine is navigating divorce, freelance career, health challenges and a master's degree, all whilst raising her children. We met this real-life superwoman at the point she was trying to work out if buying a replacement family home was the right use of her divorce settlement or whether there were other options that deserved her attention. Challenges · Now she is dependent on her own earnings alone. How does she build resilience for her family especially as her freelance earnings have been disrupted in the past by health issues? · Is buying a house the best use of her resources? If she doesn't buy will she end up squeezed out of the property market? If not property, then what? · Pensions divorce – complicated, long winded, and very valuable in the long run!

Further resources:

Women's Wealth Website

Book a free 15 minute chat with one of our Money Mentors.

Women's Wealth Network (FREE to join)

Join us on for the 'weekly lives' where you can listen to other women asking their burning questions. Access online learning, blogs, downloadable resources, newsletters, community and podcasts.

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