Skint

The government made a squirrel to fix your finances. Let's talk about it.

The government has launched a new campaign to get the UK investing. It's called Invest for the Future. It's fronted by a cartoon squirrel.

Mik breaks down what the Savvy Squirrel campaign actually is, who's behind it and why it exists. He explains how there are billions of pounds just sitting in cash ISAs and savings accounts doing very little, and why the government thinks getting that money moving could make a real difference for both the economy and for you personally. He also covers what the upcoming changes to your Cash ISA allowance mean and how it all connects.

Connie asks what we're all thinking. If you've never invested before, where do you even start? And should a cartoon squirrel really be the thing that gets you there?

Whether you're already investing or the whole thing feels like it's not for you, this one might change how you look at what your money is actually doing.

New episodes every Wednesday.

For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

What if the way you think about money is the thing holding you back?

This week Mik takes a step back from the numbers and paints a bigger picture. He walks us through the psychology behind how most of us think about earning, spending, status and investing, and why those instincts don't always work in our favour. He breaks down how thinking about risk earlier, understanding probability and spreading your investments can quietly change the direction of your finances over time.

Mik also tries to shift Connie's perspective on what money and status really mean, and whether the two should be as connected as we make them.

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but your relationship with money still feels off, this one might reframe a few things.

New episodes every Wednesday.

For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

Renters... you just got more rights!

Mik breaks down every right renters have gained under the new Renters Rights Act 2026. How it's now easier to hold landlords accountable, and a whole lot harder for them to infringe on your rights as a tenant.

Connie reflects on her own experiences as a renter... and let's just say it's a story worth hearing.

There's a lot to unpack in this one, but don't worry, we keep it simple. If you're renting or thinking about it, this episode is essential listening.

For education and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice.

I have to say, the chemistry is off the charts...

This week we've got a very special guest. Brenda, who some of you might know as Mik's partner, joins the pod to share her money story from the very beginning.

She opens up about growing up when money was tight, the habits that came from that, and why saving became non-negotiable for her. She also breaks down her personal money rules, including the all-important F Off Fund.

Mik takes the back seat for once and plays interviewer, asking Brenda about everything from pensions to how they approach raising kids with good money habits.

It's honest, it's personal, and it's one of those episodes that might make you rethink how your own upbringing shaped the way you handle money.

New episodes every Wednesday.

For entertainment and educational purposes only. Not financial advice.

What do the world's most successful investors actually know that we don't?

Mik walks us through some of the most famous quotes in investing, and goes deep on what each one really means, why it matters and how it actually applies to you!

Together they get into the good and the bad. Where following this advice could genuinely pay off, and where it could all go horribly wrong.

And yes, Connie finds a way to compare most of it to her dating life. Repeatedly - but it makes more sense than you'd think...

Whether you're just starting to think about investing or you've been curious for a while, this one's a good place to start.

This is not financial advice !

Hmm... I wonder if Connie is absolutely loving every single second of this challenge.

Mik kicks things off by breaking down exactly how Cash Bootcamp works and the thinking behind it. The rules, the reason, and what it actually takes to survive a skint challenge.

Connie gets checked in on... is she sticking to the budget or quietly bending the rules? And more importantly, how much did she spend on that t-shirt?

If you've ever tried to sort your finances out but life keeps getting in the way, this one's for you.

For education and entertainment purposes only. Not financial advice.

Checked your student loan balance recently ? ...

Mik opens with the recent campaigns pushing for change, and breaks down what’s actually going on with Plan 2 specifically -the headlines, the noise, and what it could mean if you’re one of the millions still chipping away at yours.

Connie takes a trip down memory lane to her own student loan days, and asks the question everyone’s secretly wondering… what on earth is going on with those interest rates?

If you’ve ever looked at your student loan balance and felt your soul leave your body, this episode is for you. Simple, honest, and very normal-person friendly.

For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

As of the 6th of April, how we report tax has changed 🥲

Mik outlines what’s actually changing and why this could affect a lot of you. The way we report tax is moving online, more regularly, and with less room for “I’ll sort it later”.

Connie asks the practical questions. How do people actually do this, who does it affect, and what it means day to day if you are self-employed or earning outside a standard salary.

If you have heard about Making Tax Digital and thought it sounded important but unclear, this episode keeps it simple, practical, and very normal-person friendly.

For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Cash just hits different.

Mik outlines the idea behind the initiative and it turns out when people have tried this before, they often end up spending less without even trying.

They also touch on why cash still matters more than people think. Like the Milan blackout, where digital payments suddenly stopped working and cash became essential again.

If you have ever checked your bank account and wondered where your money actually went, this introduces a simple, practical challenge to help you take back control.

For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.

Cash just hits different.

Mik outlines the idea behind Cash Bootcamp and how people have tried this before, they often end up spending less without even trying!

Connie is, understandably, a bit reluctant. But that is kind of the point. Physically handing over cash forces you to think twice, whereas contactless makes it dangerously easy to spend without noticing.

They also talk about why cash still matters more than people think. From everyday spending habits to situations like the Milan blackout - digital payments suddenly stopped working and cash became essential again.

If you have ever checked your bank account and wondered where your money actually went, we hope this introduces a simple, practical challenge to help you take back control.

For education and entertainment only. Not financial advice.