Most people would rather insure their phone than spend money on financial protection for themselves. And who can blame them? Those products feel dull, complicated, and like money down the drain… until the worst happens.

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve Rowe and co-host Keely (stepping in while Jess is away) tackle the essential but often ignored subject of financial protection. With wit, real-world examples, and a few sharp warnings, they reveal why protection is the unshakable foundation of any financial plan.

You’ll hear:

• Why skipping protection is like building a house of cards. Your retirement plans, travel dreams, and goals for your kids all collapse without it.
• The harsh truth about state support. From statutory sick pay to bereavement benefits, the safety net is thinner than you think.
• The four protections every family should understand. Life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, and private medical insurance—what they are, why they matter, and how they actually work when you need them.
• The emotional side of money. Steve shares painful regrets about friends without cover, and why he believes financial planners should never ignore this part of the job.
• The psychology of avoidance. Why we’d rather play ostrich than face up to unpleasant truths—and how that puts loved ones at risk.

With a mix of practical advice and dry humour (including Steve’s take on “death wishes” and Keely’s sharp reminders for ostriches everywhere), this episode makes one thing clear: you don’t need protection because you might die—you need it because the people you love will have to carry on.

Key Takeaway: Protection isn’t glamorous, but it’s the single smartest move you can make to secure your family’s future. Sort it once, review it now and then, and hope it’s money you’ll never need—but if you do, it’ll be the best decision you ever made.

Why does inheritance tax (IHT) spark so much anger yet so little action?

In this episode of Juggling Mind and Money, Steve and Jess dig into the mix of rage, fear, and procrastination that stops families from tackling one of life’s least comfortable money topics.

From the awkwardness of talking about death to the emotional baggage of “perceived fairness” among siblings, Jess explains the psychological sludge that keeps us stuck. Steve shares practical tools — from gifting rules and trusts to “death boxes” and IHT-proof insurance — that can ease the burden for loved ones and even turn the fight against HMRC into a family strategy.

The conversation blends sharp financial insight with human psychology, asking tough questions:

• Why do we avoid planning when we know the taxman never sleeps?
• How do we balance control, generosity, and family harmony?
• Is it better to die rich or live smart?

By the end, you’ll see why inheritance tax isn’t just about numbers — it’s about legacy, family, and how you choose to live (and give) before you go.

👉 Tune in for a mix of wit, wisdom, and practical steps that make a daunting subject feel lighter, clearer, and even… fun.

Losing a job is more than losing a paycheck — it can feel like losing a piece of who you are.

In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle the messy mix of emotions, identity shifts, and financial worries that come with redundancy.

With their usual mix of humour and honesty, they explore how to cope with the awkward “So, what do you do?” moments, rebuild confidence, and find purpose beyond the job title.