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.

Women's Wealth Network

Join our free Enable Membership for access to webinars, tools, resources, and expert support - everything you need to build your financial confidence, all in one place.

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Join our free live webinars and Ask the Adviser sessions - practical, supportive events where women get real answers to real money questions.

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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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Jess's Situation Currently working for one of the big tech corporates Jess has a great income, bonus with share incentives, pension and benefits and wanted to be sure she was making the most of her opportunities and being financially responsible.

She also has the substantial costs of living and working in London and had to navigate the 'should I rent or buy a home' dilemma. This is further complicated by a desire to travel and eye on career options that move away from the good corporate earnings she currently enjoys.

Financial planning was key to Jess levelling up her knowledge and gaining confidence as financial decisions became weightier. She sought autonomy over relying on input from friends and family, but also realised this is a specialist area and having an expert on her side is a great way of being sure all options have been considered. Women's Wealth loves taking on the role of BFF (Best Financial Friend) and we have enjoyed watching Jess lean into her financial responsibilities.

Challenges

• Lifestyle creep means high earners can become trapped unless they manage spending to a level that leaves them with choices.
• Benefit packages that include share incentive schemes turn you into an investor whether you are ready or not and learning to manage your stock assets is part of growing into financial maturity.
• Getting familiar with your pension fund, how to choose the right investment, contribution level and when and how best to use the fund in the future because it is likely to become one of the biggest assets you will ever own.
• Buy or rent – it is a big decision with lots of ramifications.

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 for 6 months)

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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Janette's Situation. Having throttled back from full-on work to do only a bit of what she enjoys, Janette is transitioning from earning and accumulating wealth to utilising what she has created to support her lifestyle.

She wants to make the most of what she has got rather than creating a legacy and she has a gap to navigate until her pensions pay out in full.

Challenges

• Outliving our resources is a frightening prospect but making sure we get the most out of them is also a lifetime responsibility – how to tackle the balancing act.
• How to use different pensions at different stages of retirement to gap fill and smooth out your income.
• She has recently come out of a long term marriage and lost her last parent – she felt quite alone and with decisions to make about an inheritance.

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 for 6 months)

Join us on for the 'weekly lives' where you can listen to what others are saying

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