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.

Six months down, decades to go.

In this episode, Steve and Luke explore why mid-year investment reviews rarely change the big picture – and why no one (yes, no one) can predict the markets.

From Trump’s “game show” tariff policies to the bond market’s behind-the-scenes influence, they break down global events shaping your portfolio.

Plus: why the government wants your pension in private equity, what wars mean for markets, and how socks can improve your mood.

Ever feel like investing is just one big gamble?

In this episode, Steve and Jess untangle why our “caveman brains” freak out over market dips and what we can do to stay calm. From diversification and long-term thinking to quirky tricks like “worry monsters”, they explore practical ways to manage financial fear while keeping life fun.

They dive into how our brains are wired for survival, not the stock market – explaining why risk feels more dangerous than it really is. You’ll learn how to zoom out, reframe fear, and put systems in place to avoid reacting impulsively when markets move.

Whether you’re new to investing or just tired of the emotional rollercoaster, this conversation will leave you feeling a bit lighter, a bit wiser, and a lot more in control.

Grief is never just about death — it’s about loss, love, and the messiness of being human. In this episode, Steve and Jess unpack the emotional and financial layers of death and grief, offering insights on how to navigate loss without losing yourself.

From managing inherited money to knowing when to seek support, this conversation blends humour, honesty, and practical advice. You’ll hear why anger and relief are both valid emotions, how grief can show up years later, and why giving while you’re alive might be the best legacy of all.

They also explore three powerful questions to help you live more intentionally — starting now.

It’s a thoughtful, occasionally funny, always real take on life, loss, and what truly matters.

What’s investing really for? In this episode, Steve Rowe is joined by Keely Woods to unpack the truth behind investments – beyond jargon, headlines, and hype. From beating inflation and funding dream holidays to helping loved ones and retiring early, they explore the real-life reasons people choose to put their money to work.

They tackle the fears that hold people back, explain why “boring” portfolios tend to win, and reveal how diversification and compound growth quietly build wealth over time. Whether you’re new to investing or simply need reassurance, this is a grounded, inspiring conversation about how money can help you live a better life — not just a richer one.

Inheritance Tax affects more families than ever — yet too many leave it to chance.

In this episode, we explore the key tools for effective estate planning, including gifting, trusts, and life cover.

Whether you want to support your children, give to charity, or simply keep more of your wealth in the family, this is a conversation worth having.