Keep The Change

The Autumn Budget always grabs attention. This year’s, on 26 November, has sparked plenty of speculation about what it could mean for pensions, property and investing. 

But what really matters for your money?

In this solo episode of Keep the Change, Tom Francis, Head of Personal Finance at Octopus Money, takes a look at the Autumn Budget rumours: what’s realistic, what’s just noise and how to prepare your finances before any changes land.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personal advice. 

Send us Fan Mail

Divorce can be messy. Not just emotionally, but financially too. Legal fees, two sets of lawyers, two homes: the costs rack up fast.

After going through it herself, Kate Daly co-founded Amicable to prove there’s a better way and help people separate without the stress. She joins Elsie to talk about the real price of splitting up, the financial traps people don’t see coming, and how to get back on your feet without staying stuck in survival mode.

And stick around for this week’s Dear Elsie, where Kate tackles your money questions.

Send us Fan Mail

Buying a home has never felt harder: high interest rates, confusing mortgage jargon, and rising costs are pushing first-time buyers to the brink. But is it still possible?

In this episode, Tom is joined by Octopus Money Mortgage Adviser Ramneet Bains to unpack the reality of buying in 2025. They explore what most people get wrong about mortgages, how much you really need to save, and why fixed vs variable rates are about more than just interest. Ramneet also shares his take on renting vs buying, whether it ever makes sense to invest your deposit, and what he’d change if he were Prime Minister for a day.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Ruth Handcock OBE, CEO of Octopus Money. Ruth’s had a pretty extraordinary career – working in Sierra Leone, leading a fast-growing financial wellbeing business, and now shaking up how millions get money advice. She talks about how growing up in a single-parent household shaped her views on money, why she’s so determined to close the UK’s “advice gap”, and what really went through her mind when she opened the letter about her OBE. They get into financial equality, making big calls, and the small changes that can make a huge difference to your future.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom chats with Ola, founder of All Things Money, a platform that helps young people take charge of their finances with relatable and practical content. They discuss the UK’s financial literacy gap and why many young people leave school without the basic money skills they need. Ola explains how this lack of education can affect money decisions down the road and shares how we can start closing that gap with easy-to-understand resources and honest conversations about money.

They also dive into why investing often feels confusing or out of reach, bust some common myths, and explore ways to make investing more approachable. Plus, they cover everyday money topics like saving, budgeting, building wealth, and gaining confidence when it comes to managing your finances.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom is joined by Kristian Manton, chartered financial adviser at Octopus Money and the youngest person in the UK to pass the highest level of adviser exams. Together, they explore one of Britain’s most beloved yet misunderstood savings products: Premium Bonds.

Are they a smart way to grow your money, or just a feel-good financial illusion? Tom and Kristian unpick the myths and the maths behind Premium Bonds, examining why so many people still hold onto them and why they may not be the best option for your savings.

Whether you have Premium Bonds gathering dust or are just starting to think about saving, this episode offers clear insights to help you make more informed financial decisions—no luck required.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep The Change, Tom sits down with Mooka Maboshe, one of our financial coaches at Octopus Money. Mooka shares her experience of moving from Zambia to South Wales and reflects on how both cultures have shaped her perspective on money. They explore the cultural influences on financial habits, the challenges faced when settling in a new country, and the importance of finding a personal approach to money.

From the power of open conversations to the unique considerations that come with cultural context, Mooka offers thoughtful and practical insights for anyone working toward a healthier relationship with money. Whether you're navigating family dynamics, setting financial goals, or simply trying to get better at budgeting, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom is joined by Gemma Bird, better known as Money Mum, to talk about her journey to becoming a money-saving influencer. With nearly 500,000 Instagram followers and appearances on ITV’s Lorraine and Loose Women, Gemma has become a trusted voice for families looking to manage their family finances more effectively. She opens up about the realities of parenting on a budget, the money lessons she learned growing up, and why honest conversations about finances are more important than ever. 

Plus, Tom and Gemma dive into the common pressures new parents face, like figuring out what you really need to buy and what you can skip. If you're after practical tips, check out Formula Fog Hub by Bonya, a helpful resource full of advice and support.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with financial influencer Jessie Leong, founder of How I Fund This. They dive into Jessie’s personal finance journey, how she built a supportive community and the mindset shifts that helped her rethink her relationship with money. Jessie opens up about navigating financial anxiety, the never ending nature of money education, the role of influencers in the finance space, and getting started with investing. Plus, Jessie and Tom answer your money questions in this week’s Dear Tom segment.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Keep the Change, Tom sits down with journalist and author Elle Hunt to unpack her viral money diary that sparked headlines—and the public reaction that followed. From avocado toast debates to the hidden costs of single life, Elle reflects on navigating her 20s and 30s, shifting her money mindset, and the cultural baggage we all carry around cash. They dive into the hurdles of homeownership, what Martin Lewis taught her, and why she wouldn’t write the diary again. Plus, why her cat might just be her best ever purchase.

Send us Fan Mail