Let’s Talk Money and More

🎙 Episode 188: From Bob-a-Job to Financial Resilience – Paul Fox on Building a Lifelong Relationship with MoneyWhat shapes our relationship with money? For Paul Fox, it began with old shillings from his great-grandfather and a bob-a-job week that involved a little help from mum’s purse. In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas is joined by Paul Fox, a financial wellbeing expert at the Money and Pensions Service, for a conversation that’s full of honesty, experience, and practical wisdom.Paul’s money story is one of early graft, life lessons, and financial turning points—from racking up debt as a student to learning the power of ‘save as you earn’, becoming mortgage-free, and helping others do the same. Together, Lesley and Paul unpack how personal experiences shape financial behaviours, why financial education is vital at every age, and how we can all become more confident in navigating our financial lives.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why early conversations about money at home really matter✅ How work ethic and money habits are formed in childhood✅ The dangers of buy now, pay later culture and disconnection from money✅ How Paul got into debt—and the turning point that changed everything✅ Why financial education is essential, accessible, and empowering✅ The importance of pensions, even if they feel boring or too far away✅ How to talk about money without jargon or shame✅ Where to find free, impartial support through the MoneyHelper service🔹 Memorable Quotes from Paul:✨ “We spring clean our homes—but not enough people take the time to spring clean their finances.”✨ “You don’t need to be perfect with money—you need to be intentional.”✨ “Saving into a pension in your 20s feels irrelevant—until you wake up in your 50s and wish you had.”✨ “Financial education doesn’t stop at school. We’re all still learning.”💡 Need support with money or pensions?Paul recommends MoneyHelper.org.uk, a free, government-backed service offering impartial guidance, tools, and one-to-one support across everything from debt and budgeting to pensions and retirement planning.📞 Call the helpline on 0800 138 7777🌐 Visit: www.moneyhelper.org.uk📢 Tune in now to hear Paul’s story—and take the next step towards a more confident, informed relationship with your money.Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

🎙 Episode 187: Time for a Financial Spring Clean – How to Declutter Your Finances and Refresh Your Money MindsetAs spring arrives with lighter days and a sense of renewal, it’s the perfect moment to take stock—not just of your wardrobe or home, but your finances too.In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas shares how to give your money mindset a much-needed seasonal reset. Just like a spring clean clears physical clutter, this conversation is all about clearing financial fog, unhelpful habits, and emotional baggage that may be weighing you down.Lesley walks you through practical, empowering ways to refresh your relationship with money—so you can enter this new season with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of control.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate your financial goals✅ Simple steps to declutter your money mindset and reduce financial overwhelm✅ How neglected financial habits can impact your wellbeing✅ Tips for reviewing subscriptions, expenses, and financial systems✅ The emotional and practical benefits of greater financial clarity✅ How to align your money choices with the life you truly want to live🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:✨ “We often tidy up our homes come spring—but your finances deserve just as much attention.”✨ “Clarity with your money creates space for confidence, peace of mind, and better choices.”✨ “You don’t need to start from scratch—you just need to start with intention.”💡 Give Your Finances the Fresh Start They DeserveIf you’re ready to shake off the cobwebs and bring more intention to your financial life, this episode is the perfect starting point.📢 Tune in now and start your financial spring clean with confidence and purpose.Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

🎙 Episode 186: The Cost of Being a People-Pleaser – How Saying Yes Could Be Draining Your Finances and WellbeingDo you find yourself constantly saying yes to others, even when it comes at a cost to you? Are you worried about disappointing people, avoiding conflict, or seeking approval at the expense of your own financial stability and emotional wellbeing?In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas explores the true cost of being a people-pleaser—not just emotionally, but financially. Many of us don’t realise how much our fear of setting boundaries can impact our bank accounts, business decisions, and long-term financial success.Join Lesley as she breaks down how people-pleasing manifests in our financial lives, why it’s crucial to shift from seeking external validation to owning your worth, and how to make empowered financial choices—without guilt.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How people-pleasing affects your money mindset and financial decisions.✅ The hidden financial costs of always saying yes—to family, friends, and colleagues.✅ Why undercharging, overgiving, and avoiding money conversations hold you back.✅ The connection between self-worth, pricing, and financial independence.✅ How to set clear boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish.✅ Practical steps to shift from ‘people-pleaser’ to ‘money-confident’.🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:✨ “If you struggle to say no, you might be paying the price financially without even realising it.”✨ “True financial confidence comes from valuing yourself first.”✨ “Being generous is wonderful—but not at the expense of your own financial security.”💡 Your Financial Confidence Starts with BoundariesIt’s time to stop undervaluing yourself, set healthy financial boundaries, and take control of your money with confidence.📢 Tune in now and start making empowered financial choices—on your terms!Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

🎙 Episode 185: No One is Coming to Save You – How to Take Control of Your Financial FutureAre you waiting for the right moment, a financial rescue, or a sign to finally take control of your money? The truth is—no one is coming to save you. The power to change your financial situation is in your hands, and in this solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas shares how to shift from financial procrastination to empowerment.This episode is a practical, action-driven guide to understanding your financial reality, breaking through limiting beliefs, and building true money confidence—because your financial future is your responsibility and your power.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why no one else is responsible for your financial success—only you.✅ How to stop waiting and start taking financial action today.✅ The key money myths keeping you stuck—and how to break free.✅ How to build a ‘soft landing fund’ for financial security.✅ Why knowing your numbers is the first step to money confidence.✅ How to shift from a scarcity mindset to an income-creation mindset.✅ Small, consistent steps that lead to long-term financial success.🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:✨ “Money confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about taking action with what you already know.”✨ “If you’re waiting for someone else to fix your finances, you’ll be waiting forever.”✨ “Your financial security isn’t a given—it’s something you build, one decision at a time.”💡 Your Financial Future Starts TodayThis episode is packed with practical steps you can take right now to own your financial future. No more waiting—your time is now.📢 Tune in now and take the first step towards true financial confidence!Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

🎙 Episode 184: Redefining Wealth – A Child-Free Perspective on Money with Bri ConnWe’re often told that financial planning revolves around building wealth for future generations—but what happens when that’s not part of your plan? For child-free individuals, the approach to money, investing, and long-term security can look very different.In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas sits down with Bri Conn, a financial planner specialising in child-free wealth, to discuss how financial goals shift when you’re not planning to leave a legacy for children. From spending guilt and investment strategies to financial independence and long-term care, Bri shares expert insights into how child-free individuals can create a life of financial confidence, freedom, and fulfilment.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The difference between financial planning for parents vs. child-free individuals.✅ How child-free individuals can approach wealth-building without legacy concerns.✅ Why spending guilt is common—and how to overcome it.✅ How to balance enjoying money now with long-term financial security.✅ The role of generosity and charitable giving in financial planning.✅ Why long-term care planning is essential for those without children.✅ How financial confidence can help you design a life on your own terms.🔹 Memorable Quotes from Bri:✨ “Not everyone’s financial plan needs to include passing down wealth—sometimes, the goal is to fully enjoy what you’ve built.”✨ “Giving yourself permission to spend can be one of the hardest money mindsets to shift.”✨ “Your finances should support your life—not the other way around.”💡 Want to Learn More About Child-Free Wealth?If you're child-free and want to plan your finances with confidence, Bri and her team can help.📢 Tune in now and start building a financial future that truly aligns with your goals!Connect with Bri ConnPodcast https://childfreewealth.buzzsprout.com/ Website https://childfreewealth.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cl-dxgWlLk6HwDKwfs0jA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/childfree-wealth Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChildfreeWealth Instagram https://www.instagram.com/childfreewealth/ Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

🎙 Episode 183: The Difference Between a Positive Money Mindset and True Money ConfidenceHaving a positive money mindset is a great start—but is it enough to create real financial success? The truth is, mindset alone won’t get you there. What you really need is money confidence—the ability to take control of your financial future with clarity, action, and resilience.In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas breaks down the crucial difference between simply thinking positively about money and having the confidence to make powerful financial decisions. She shares real client success stories, practical strategies, and actionable steps to help you move from money mindset to money mastery.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The key difference between a positive money mindset and true money confidence.✅ Why mindset alone isn’t enough—and what you need to do instead.✅ How money confidence is built through action, not just belief.✅ Why setbacks are part of financial growth—and how to handle them with confidence.✅ How to stop undercharging, raise your prices, and own your worth.✅ The power of knowing your numbers and taking bold financial action.✅ Why teaching financial confidence to your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give.✅ How to surround yourself with money-confident people to fast-track your own success.🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:✨ “Mindset is a great foundation, but true money confidence comes from taking action.”✨ “You don’t need permission to own your financial success—trust yourself.”✨ “Setbacks don’t mean failure. When you have money confidence, you adapt, adjust, and keep moving forward.”💡 Are You Ready to Build Your Money Confidence?If you’re done with playing small and ready to step into financial empowerment, Lesley can help.📢 Tune in now and start taking control of your financial future with confidence!Connect with Lesley ThomasDownload for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbookMy website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomasConnect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomasBook a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121