Episodes

  • BONUS EPISODE: "As soon as I left that job, the pension stopped"

    BONUS EPISODE: "As soon as I left that job, the pension stopped"
    May 14 2026

    On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Becca. Auto-enrolled into her first workplace pension without a second thought, she assumed retirement saving would always just happen in the background. Then she went self-employed, and for eight years, it didn't happen at all.

    We explore the self-employed pension gap with the help of pensions expert Dani Skerrett, Head of Content Marketing at PensionBee, covering everything from why Auto-Enrolment leaves millions of freelancers and sole traders behind, to the surprising cost of those years of disengagement. We also share how contributing just £30 a month can make a difference of thousands of pounds by retirement.

    Episode breakdown

    00:34 Meet Becca

    03:30 The self-employed pension gap

    06:19 What stops self-employed people saving?

    09:43 The cost of disengagement

    14:26 Becca's belief in teaching kids about money

    Further reading and listening

    To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee:

    • E8: How to teach kids about money (Podcast)
    • E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast)
    • E40: The ADHD tax - how much is it costing you? (Podcast)
    • 6 pension tips for sole traders (Blog)
    • How to manage pension contributions from multiple incomes (Blog)
    • Private pensions for the self-employed (Article)
    • What is Making Tax Digital and how can sole traders prepare? (Blog)
    • What pension can I get if I'm self-employed? (Article)

    Other useful resources

    • Pension Calculator (PensionBee)
    • Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK)
    • Working for yourself (GOV.UK)

    Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

    • The Pension Confident Podcast
    • The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube

    Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.


    Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    17 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: How much can you pay into your pension this tax year?

    BONUS EPISODE: How much can you pay into your pension this tax year?
    May 4 2026

    In this bonus episode of The Pension Confident Podcast, we cover the key pension contribution rules and limits for the new 2026/27 tax year, and what they could mean for your retirement savings.

    Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, Maike Currie, as they break down everything you need to know about:

    • how much you're allowed to pay into your pension this tax year;
    • the contribution limits that apply based on your annual income;
    • making the most of government top-ups; and
    • what the updated rules could mean for your long-term finances.

    Episode breakdown

    01:00 What's the annual allowance?

    04:55 Pension Lifetime Allowance scrapped

    05:42 Exceeding your annual allowance

    06:46 Using your carry forward allowance

    Further reading and listening

    To learn more about pension contributions, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee:

    • Bonus episode: "I stopped paying into my pension for 20 years" (Podcast)
    • Bonus episode: What does the 2026/27 tax year mean for your finances? (Podcast)
    • E43: Who wants to be a pension millionaire? (Podcast)
    • How to check your pension contributions (Article)
    • How to use carry forward to make big pension payments (Blog)
    • Making pension contributions (Article)
    • Pension carry forward rule (Article)
    • What tax changes are coming in April 2026? (Blog)

    Other useful resources

    • Abolition of the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) (GOV.UK)
    • Carry forward: increase your annual allowance for pension savings (MoneyHelper)
    • The annual allowance for tax relief on pension savings (MoneyHelper)
    • The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association)

    Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

    • The Pension Confident Podcast
    • The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube

    Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.


    Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    9 mins
  • E49: Can you still make money as a Buy-to-Let landlord? With Anna Pearce and Michael Annis

    E49: Can you still make money as a Buy-to-Let landlord? With Anna Pearce and Michael Annis
    Apr 26 2026
    Becoming a landlord with Buy-to-Let properties has often been seen as a way to build long-term wealth. But with brand new rules, higher taxes and more paperwork, it's becoming harder to turn a profit. Did you know that since 2022, the rental sector is the only area of the housing market to have lost value? So, are Buy-to-Lets still a good bet? And where does this leave existing landlords trying to make sense of a changing market? Today, we're breaking down the real story behind Buy-to-Lets and what you need to know before you think about jumping in. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss Buy-to-Lets: Buy-to-Let Landlord and Content Creator "Property Empress", Anna Pearce; andMortgage Adviser, Michael Annis. Episode breakdown 01:23 What's happening to the property market? 04:56 The Renters' Rights Act explained 09:06 Are landlords really leaving the market? 11:35 Understanding rental yields 16:28 Eligibility rules for Buy-to-Let mortgages 20:22 Stamp Duty on second properties 22:36 Building a property portfolio 25:44 The risk and reward of buying at auction Further reading and listening To learn more about property, check out these articles, podcasts and videos from PensionBee: E4: Should you pay more into your mortgage or pension? (Podcast)E22: Why is renting so expensive? (Podcast)Buying a property: the basics (Video)Buying a property with someone (Video) How to downsize for retirement (Blog) How to use your property to fund your retirement (Blog)Property inheritance (Video)Renting a property: the basics (Video)Renting in retirement: 3 things to consider for a secure future when you don't own your home (Blog) Other useful resources Do I need a Buy-to-Let mortgage? (MoneyHelper) Guide to the Renters' Rights Act (GOV.UK) Leasehold vs freehold: what's the difference? (MoneyHelper) Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (GOV.UK) Mortgage fees and costs when buying or selling a home (MoneyHelper) Private rent and house prices, UK: March 2026 (ONS) Renting out your property: guidance for landlords and letting agents (GOV.UK) Stamp Duty calculator (MoneyHelper) Stamp Duty - everything you need to know (MoneyHelper) Tenants' rights and responsibilities explained (MoneyHelper) What is the landlord licensing scheme? (UK Landlord Tax) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Anna Pearce (@propertyempress) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Follow Michael Annis on LinkedIn. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    30 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: "A life-changing diagnosis refocused me on my beneficiaries"

    BONUS EPISODE: "A life-changing diagnosis refocused me on my beneficiaries"
    Apr 16 2026

    On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer, David. He spent years quietly accumulating pension pots across various employers without paying them much attention. That all changed when an unexpected cancer diagnosis forced him to confront his finances head-on, and think hard about what would happen to the people he loves if he wasn't around.

    We unpack the decisions David has navigated, from consolidating old pots and rethinking his investment risk to naming beneficiaries and having long-overdue conversations with his family, with the help of pensions expert Dani Skerrett, Head of Content Marketing at PensionBee. Plus, we share how increasing your contributions by even 1% or 2% can make a staggering difference to your retirement pot.

    Episode breakdown

    00:43 Meet David

    04:19 Assessing his investments and consolidating

    09:38 Hindsight on workplace pension contributions

    14:41 The diagnosis that changed everything

    17:02 Preparing his family for the worst

    18:54 David's dream retirement

    Further reading, listening and watching

    To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles, podcasts and videos from PensionBee:

    • Episode transcript (Blog)
    • E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast)
    • Estate planning - PensionBee's Milestone Moments (YouTube)
    • Pension beneficiaries (Article)
    • Pension rules after death (Article)
    • Six money conversations you need to have with your family (Blog)
    • Writing a will (Article)

    Other useful resources

    • Financial Lives 2024 (Financial Conduct Authority)
    • How do I write a will and how much does it cost? (MoneyHelper)
    • Combine your pensions (PensionBee)
    • Pension Calculator (PensionBee)
    • The £500,000 cost of neglecting your pension (PensionBee)
    • Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK)
    • The new State Pension (GOV.UK)

    Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

    • The Pension Confident Podcast
    • The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube


    Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.

    Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    22 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: What does the 2026/27 tax year mean for your finances?

    BONUS EPISODE: What does the 2026/27 tax year mean for your finances?
    Apr 6 2026

    In this bonus episode of The Pension Confident Podcast, we cover some of the key changes from the new 2026/27 tax year and what they could mean for you and your finances.

    Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, Maike Currie, as they unpack the changes impacting:

    • the National Minimum and Living Wage;
    • statutory sick, parental and bereavement pay;
    • frozen earnings bands and savings limits;
    • the State Pension and personal pensions.

    Episode breakdown

    01:09 What is the tax year?

    02:25 Minimum and statutory pay for workers

    04:08 The State Pension and 'triple lock'

    06:20 Frozen thresholds on earnings and savings

    10:46 Pension contributions and compound interest

    Further reading and listening

    To learn more about the 2026/27 tax year, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee:

    • Episode transcript (Blog)
    • 4 smart ways to use your ISAs in retirement (Blog)
    • How to use carry forward to make big pension payments (Blog)
    • What is the State Pension? (Article)
    • What is the triple lock on State Pensions? (Blog)
    • What tax changes are coming in April 2026? (Blog)

    Other useful resources

    • Adoption leave and pay (GOV.UK)
    • Maternity leave and pay (GOV.UK)
    • National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates (GOV.UK)
    • Parental bereavement leave and pay (GOV.UK)
    • Paternity leave and pay (GOV.UK)
    • Shared parental leave and pay (GOV.UK)
    • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) (GOV.UK)
    • The basic State Pension (GOV.UK)
    • The new State Pension (GOV.UK)
    • The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association)

    Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

    • The Pension Confident Podcast
    • The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube


    Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.

    Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    13 mins
  • E48: Are you ready for the 'great wealth transfer'? With Niaz Azad, Annaliese Barber, and Dan Stean

    E48: Are you ready for the 'great wealth transfer'? With Niaz Azad, Annaliese Barber, and Dan Stean
    Mar 29 2026
    Did you know that over the next 30 years, Baby Boomers are expected to pass down an astonishing £5.5 trillion in assets? It's being called one of the largest movements of wealth in British history. So are you ready for the 'great wealth transfer'? Many Millennials are facing tough financial challenges - with lingering student loans, high rent or mortgage costs and expensive childcare. A wealth transfer could be transformative for this generation. But here's the catch: without proper estate and financial planning, many families could face hefty tax bills. And from April next year, pensions will be included in estates for Inheritance Tax purposes, which could push that tax bill much higher! Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss the 'great wealth transfer': Co-Founder of Millennial Money UK, Niaz Azad;Solicitor and Director at Richard Reed Solicitors, Annaliese Barber; andSenior Performance Management Manager at PensionBee; Dan Stean. Episode breakdown 01:55 Planning for an inheritance 03:58 Generational divide between Baby Boomers and Millennials 07:27 From meritocracy, to inheritocracy 10:50 Inheritance Tax (IHT) basics and thresholds 15:07 Wills matter, even when young 18:37 Estate planning conversations create clarity 21:03 Gifting rules and pitfalls 23:56 When family dynamics and money collide Further reading and listening To learn more about intergenerational wealth, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: E20: What to do when someone dies (Podcast)E28: The Bank of Mum and Dad - what's the impact on your pension? (Podcast)Estate planning - PensionBee's Milestone Moments (YouTube) Pension beneficiaries (Article) Pension rules after death (Article) Inheritance Tax guide (Article) What to do with inheritance money? (Blog) Six money conversations you need to have with your family (Blog) Writing a will (Article) Other useful resources 3 million pensioner millionaires (The Intergenerational Foundation)Busting the "wealthy boomers" myth (Centre for Ageing Better) British millennials still bearing scars of 2008 financial crisis, says research (The Guardian)Check who can apply for probate and inherit if someone dies without a will (GOV.UK) How do I write a will and how much does it cost? (MoneyHelper) Inheritance Tax rules on gifts (MoneyHelper) Setting up a trust fund (MoneyHelper) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Millennial Money UK (@MillMoneyUK) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Follow Richard Reed Solicitors (@richardreedsolicitors) on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    29 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: "I switched my pension so it complies with my faith"

    BONUS EPISODE: "I switched my pension so it complies with my faith"
    Mar 13 2026

    On this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer, Sanna. Like so many, she's juggling family life, buying her first home, and trying to save for retirement - all at the same time. Since having her daughter and moving back in with family to save on rent, her pension savings have taken a back seat.

    We unpack the choices Sanna has faced - from rising living costs and childcare to finding faith-aligned financial products - with the help of pension expert Rachael Oku, VP Brand and Communications at PensionBee. Plus, we share helpful guidance for prioritising your future savings while juggling the more immediate, everyday costs.

    Episode breakdown

    01:06 Homebuying vs. saving for retirement

    03:20 Rising costs and financial impact

    05:05 Faith-driven investing options

    08:39 Exploring multiple income streams

    Further reading, listening and watching

    To learn more about the topics discussed in this bonus episode, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee:

    • Episode transcript (Blog)
    • E41: How can multi-generational living save you money? (Podcast)
    • E6: What are Shariah investments? (Podcast)
    • What is an investment account? (Article)
    • What is an ISA? (Article)
    • What is a Stocks and Shares ISA? (Article)
    • How to use your property to fund your retirement (Blog)

    Other useful resources

    • Check your State Pension age (GOV.UK)
    • Free Childcare for Working Parents (GOV.UK)
    • Pension Calculator (PensionBee)
    • Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK)
    • The new State Pension (GOV.UK)
    • The UK Pension Landscape (PensionBee)
    • Britain's Trapped Generation (Skipton)

    Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube:

    • The Pension Confident Podcast
    • The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube


    Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads.

    Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    12 mins
  • E47: The 'Singles Tax' - how much is it costing you? With Bobby Seagull MBE, Emma Barnes, and Valentina Adaldo

    E47: The 'Singles Tax' - how much is it costing you? With Bobby Seagull MBE, Emma Barnes, and Valentina Adaldo
    Feb 22 2026
    One in every three households in the UK is now single occupancy. Here's the issue: being single could be costing you more. The so-called 'Singles Tax' is real. Cohabiting couples pay less per person on everything from energy bills to hotel rooms. So if you're single, or living alone, how much extra are you paying and what can you do about it? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss the 'Singles Tax': Maths Teacher turned Broadcaster, Bobby Seagull MBE;Content Creator, Emma Barnes;Senior eCRM Manager at PensionBee; Valentina Adaldo. Episode breakdown 05:18 Flatmates vs. living alone trade-offs 08:02 'Houses before spouses' movement 10:48 Redundancy when single hits harder 14:40 Building your own financial safety net 15:09 Savings hacks for couples vs. singles 18:17 Wedding season costs and pooling gifts 23:42 Saving for retirement while single 25:59 Money tips for savvy singletons Further reading and listening To learn more about the 'Singles Tax', check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog)E14: What's the impact of your relationship status on your finances? (Podcast)E27: What's the cost of friendship? (Podcast)E37: The easiest way to retire with more money (Podcast) How much should I pay into my pension? (Article) How to tackle your personal finances when you're single (Blog) How to talk to your partner about money (Blog) Six ways to put together your emergency fund (Blog) What is compound interest? (Blog) What's the financial impact of multi-generational living? (Blog) Other useful resources Emergency savings – how much is enough? (MoneyHelper) "Singles tax" leaves half struggling with retirement savings: research (Corporate Adviser) The price of love: how much does dating cost – and who pays the bill? (The Guardian)The Retirement Living Standards (Pensions UK) The single surcharge: single Brits pay extra £3,844 a year for household bills (Uswitch)The 'single tax' revealed: What's the true cost of being single? (Finder) The solo penalty, from rent to holidays: 'Being single is costing me £12,000 extra a year' (The Guardian) Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Bobby Seagull MBE (@bobby_seagull) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Emma Barnes (@emmaebarnes) on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: podcast@pensionbee.com.
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    30 mins