In this episode, Steve is joined by Neil Bage, Co-Founder of Shaping Wealth, for a powerful conversation about understanding people as the core of great financial planning.

Steve and Neil explore the psychology behind money and the emotional challenges that both clients and advisers face.

Neil explains how our brains, designed for survival thousands of years ago, struggle to navigate a world built on numbers, screens, and long-term financial commitments.

From emotional reactions to markets, to the identity shifts that come with retirement, this discussion highlights why empathy, awareness, and self-understanding are essential skills for anyone helping others make financial decisions.

💬 Memorable Insight

💡 Takeaway

If you’ve ever felt anxious, impatient, or uncertain about money — you’re not alone.

Our brains were never built for the financial world we live in today, but understanding that can help you make calmer, wiser, and more confident decisions about your future.

🎧 Listen now to discover how understanding yourself can be the most powerful financial skill you’ll ever learn.

📚 Quoted sources:

• Daycart's error - Antonio Damasio

• Life is in the Transitions - Bruce Filer

In this thought-provoking episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess unpack one of the most overlooked forces shaping our financial lives — time.

Why do we put off things we know are important — from car services to pension contributions? Why do some people rush decisions, while others delay them endlessly?

Drawing from behavioural science and financial psychology, Steve and Jess explore how our distorted sense of time drives procrastination, poor decisions, and lost opportunities.

From the optimism bias that tricks us into thinking we have “plenty of time,” to the time bias that keeps us chasing instant gratification, this episode blends research, relatable stories, and practical tools to help you regain control of your most valuable currency — your time.

They also share simple, science-backed strategies to counter time traps. If you’ve ever said “I’ll do it tomorrow” — this episode is for you.

In this episode, Steve and Jess take on one of life’s most avoided topics — protection.

From life insurance to income and health cover, they explore why people delay or dodge these crucial safeguards, even when they know better.

Steve and Jess break down the invisible barriers that keep people unprotected.

They also explore why the “abstract future” always loses to the “tangible present” — holidays feel real, insurance doesn’t.

You’ll also learn a powerful visualisation exercise that helps turn intention into action, and why talking about protection doesn’t invite bad luck — it invites peace of mind.

Don't skip Sockology as there's a fun surprise for Steve and Jess.

With Juggling Mind and Money now ranking among the top 1% of podcasts that make it past 20 episodes, Steve and Jess celebrate with gratitude — and ask listeners to help them grow further with a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review.

🎧 Next Episode: Listener Q&A with Jess

We’re turning the tables for the next episode! Jess will be answering your questions. If there’s something you’ve always wanted her take on, now’s your chance.

👉 Send your questions to steven.rowe@lucentfinancialplanning.co.uk and you might hear yours featured on the next Juggling Mind & Money episode.

Don’t wait — get them in this week!