The Finance Geeks Podcast

S4:E4 - Why do smart people make bad money decisions? Understanding the formula

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth break down the formula behind why intelligent people often make poor financial decisions. They explore the key ingredients, including ego, overconfidence and hindsight bias, and how these can distort even the most rational thinking.
The conversation looks at how behavioural factors like recency bias, anchoring and herd behaviour influence decisions, particularly in changing markets. They also examine the emotional side of investing, from regret and loss aversion to the constant urge to act, even when patience is often the better formula.
Warren and Paul share practical insights to help investors and advisers recognise these patterns and make more disciplined decisions. By understanding what goes into the mix, it becomes easier to avoid costly mistakes and focus on better long-term outcomes.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
7:13 - Why do smart people make bad money decisions?
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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S4:E3 - Financial planning in a world that keeps changing the rules

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren and Paul explore one of the ongoing challenges of financial planning: trying to create long-term strategies in a world where the rules keep changing. From shifting tax policies to evolving pension legislation, the conversation looks at how advisers can guide clients through uncertainty while keeping plans focused on what really matters.
The geeks discuss recent developments around pensions, tax allowances and policy decisions that can quickly reshape even the most carefully constructed plans. They talk about the frustration of constantly moving goalposts, including the ever-evolving story of the pension lifetime allowance, and why staying adaptable is an essential part of the job. Along the way, they share practical thoughts on reviewing plans, managing expectations and keeping perspective when the landscape changes.
Rather than getting caught up in panic or predictions, the discussion focuses on how to approach change with clarity and resilience. Warren and Paul reflect on why strong principles, regular reviews and good communication can help keep financial plans on track, even when the wider policy environment feels unpredictable.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
5:57 - Planning in a World That Keeps Changing the Rules (Tax, policy, pensions — without doom.)
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Pauls LinkedIn Post:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/paulcleworth_healthiswealth-cairngorms-meallabhuachaille-activity-7430908103463890944-JZsG
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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S4:E2 - Beyond Financial Freedom: What Really Matters Next?

What happens when you’ve trained for years, crossed the finish line of financial freedom… and realise the road keeps going?
In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore what comes next after the traditional markers of success have been ticked off. If income, assets, and independence were the race you were running, what happens when the medal is around your neck? This conversation examines the mindset shift required when financial freedom turns out not to be the final tape, but the start of a new stretch of road.
They discuss why chasing “more” can feel like running on a treadmill that no longer moves you forward, and why experiences often provide deeper fulfilment than material milestones. The episode also tackles retirement not as stopping the race, but as changing pace — maintaining structure, purpose, and direction rather than drifting off course. At the heart of the conversation are the Four Cs of true wealth: connection, control, competence, and context — the foundations that give life rhythm long after the sprint for accumulation is over.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
4:47 - When "more" stops working - redefining success after financial freedom
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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S4:E1 - Will I Be OK? A Guiding Light in Financial Planning

In the first episode of Season 4, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth tackle the question clients are always asking, even when they don’t say it out loud: “Will I be OK?”
This isn’t a spreadsheet question. It’s an emotional one.
Clients don’t want certainty or perfect predictions. They want reassurance they can trust, delivered with honesty. They want to know they’re not lost, that they can orient themselves, and that they can keep moving forward safely, whatever the conditions. In this episode,
Warren and Paul explore why financial planning is less about stopping storms and more about helping people navigate through them. Markets will wobble. Headlines will shout. Life will throw unexpected shocks. Good planning doesn’t promise smooth seas, but it does provide clarity, perspective, and a steady point of reference when things feel uncertain.
A good financial planner, they argue, plays the role of a lighthouse. Not controlling the journey or guaranteeing calm waters, but offering guidance, reassurance, and visibility so clients can see where they are and stay on course without panic. That steady presence, combined with strong foundations, margin of safety, and flexibility, means mistakes are survivable and options remain open.
Being “OK” doesn’t mean nothing bad ever happens. It means the plan holds, even when conditions change, and future decisions are made with confidence rather than fear. Ultimately, great financial planning helps people move forward not because the future is predictable, but because they know where they stand.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
7:07 - Will I Be OK?
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Show Notes:
“Am I Going to Be OK?” – Why This Is the Only Question That Matters
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/am-i-going-to-be-ok-why-this-is-the-only-question-that-matters/
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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Episode 08: Budget Aftermath - Weathering the Fiscal Storm

In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth deliver a post-Budget forecast tailored for financial planners. With the dust settling after Rachel Reeves’ first Autumn Budget, they break down what’s changing — and what isn’t — across taxation, pensions, welfare, and public spending. It’s not just about the announcements, but the implications for client conversations and strategic planning.
They explore the potential long-term effects of frozen thresholds, the subtle increases in fiscal drag, and where planners should be looking for hidden risks — and emerging opportunities. From the shifting landscape of capital gains tax to murmurs about pension reform, the geeks help you sort signal from noise.
Whether you’re advising clients this week or prepping for future reviews, this episode equips you with a planner’s-eye view of the budget aftermath. It’s about more than reaction — it’s about readiness. Tune in to make sure you're prepared for whatever financial weather is coming next.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
3:27 - Budget Aftermath - Weathering the Fiscal Storm
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Show Notes:
Budget 2025: Summary of key announcements and economic and fiscal forecasts https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/budget-2025-summary-of-key-announcements-and-economic-and-fiscal-forecasts/
The full Budget 2025 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6929b367b3b9afff34e9621c/Final_print_HMT_Budget_2025_TEXT_PRINT_NEW.pdf
Budget 2025 summary: tax rises and two-child cap scrappedhttps://govexplained.co.uk/budget-2025-summary/
Budget 2025: The key points at a glance | Money News | Sky Newshttps://news.sky.com/story/budget-2025-the-key-points-at-a-glance-13475533
2025 Autumn Budget Summary (Tandem)https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=b2fc4b6dc0116f987aa61bcc8&id=4ad34e9378
Autumn Statement 2025 Spreads (Tandem)https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/autumn-statement-2025_spreads.pdf
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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Episode 07: Planning for Inheritance Tax - How to help clients reduce the bill

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth unpack the often-overlooked world of inheritance tax planning. With IHT thresholds frozen and the value of estates rising, they explore the real impact this has on clients — and the critical role advisers play in helping reduce the burden.
From early-stage planning to knowing when to act, they emphasise that mitigating inheritance tax is less about clever tricks and more about being proactive, structured, and informed. The conversation dives into practical strategies, including lifetime gifting, the use of trusts, and the role of protection policies to cover IHT liabilities. Warren and Paul also reflect on the psychological side of estate planning: helping clients move from a “save everything” mindset to considering how and when to pass wealth on.
Their insights highlight the importance of tailoring the approach to each family’s needs, goals, and attitudes around money — not just the numbers on paper. Beyond the technical tips, the episode reinforces the importance of involving the next generation in financial conversations. Whether simplifying estates for ease of administration or making sure families understand the plan, Paul and Warren argue that clarity is the ultimate gift. With quotes, examples, and a bit of humour along the way, this is a valuable listen for anyone looking to make inheritance planning more effective and human.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
6:17 - Planning for Inheritance Tax - How to help clients reduce the bill
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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Episode 06: Clients Sitting on Too Much Cash: How Do You Get Them Comfortable With Investing?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren explore the treasure-filled dungeons of client finances — where large cash reserves are tucked safely away, guarded by caution and a desire for security. With interest rates offering a short-term haven and market headlines often sounding alarm bells, it’s no surprise many clients prefer the comfort of cash. But is that the best long-term plan?
From risk aversion and misunderstanding to outdated habits, they explore what’s really keeping cash locked in the vault — and how planners can help clients break free. Whether it’s reframing investment conversations, educating around long-term returns, or simply shining a torch on the emotional side of money, this episode offers practical insight into helping clients feel more confident stepping out of the safety of cash and into a better-diversified future.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
4:40 - Clients Sitting on Too Much Cash: How Do You Get Them Comfortable With Investing?
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Show Notes:
UK savers have more than £614bn in excess cash
https://on.ft.com/47JAaZ5
Latest rates
https://moneyfactscompare.co.uk/savings-accounts/easy-access-savings-accounts/?utm
Barclays Equity Gilt Study
http://uk.investing.com/analysis/barclays-equity-gilt-study-200121844
Cost of holding cash
https://www.ajbell.co.uk/news/cost-safe-haven-investing-cash-and-gilts-lose-money-real-terms
Inflation holds at 3.8%
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-inflation-holds-38-september-2025-10-22/?utm
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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Episode 05: Autumn Budget 2025 - Rumoured changes & how to prepare

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute fire up the speculation engine ahead of the Autumn Budget 2025. With the economic pressure mounting and a fiscal gap to fill, they explore the rumours and forecasts swirling around Rachel Reeves’ first major fiscal statement — and what financial planners should be doing right now to prepare.
From possible changes to capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and pension relief, to tweaks on ISAs, NI, and VAT, the geeks break down the key tax areas under scrutiny. With clients already asking, “Should I take action before the budget?”, Paul and Warren lay out what’s being whispered in the corridors of policy — and how planners can interpret the signs without causing panic.
This isn’t about panic planning — it’s about readiness. With threshold freezes, stealth taxes, and a growing national debt, the landscape demands calm analysis and proactive conversations. Whether you’re advising high earners, property investors, or business owners, this episode will help you think ahead before the Chancellor does.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
2:11 - Rachel Reeves' Upcoming Autumn Budget - Rumoured changes & how to prepare
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Show Notes:
Tax Planning & Trusts – Tandem Financial
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/login/insight/tax-planning/
Why is the Labour Government Warning of Tax Rises, and What Should You Do? – Tandem Financial
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/why-is-the-labour-government-warning-of-tax-rises-and-what-should-you-do/
Tax Efficient Investing – Tandem Financial
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/tax-efficient-investing/
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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Episode 04: Going the Distance: Are We Ready to Plan for 100-Year Lives?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren pull on their running shoes and take on the longevity challenge — asking what it really means to financially plan for clients who might live to 100 (or beyond). The traditional retirement playbook is being stretched, and planners can’t assume the finish line is fixed at 65 plus 20 years. So, what changes when the race is longer than we ever trained for?
They explore how life expectancy, health data, and shifting societal norms are reshaping retirement. From managing withdrawal strategies and sequence of returns risk, to making sure clients don’t burn through their resources in the early miles, this conversation gets into the mechanics of longevity-aware planning — and why financial planners need to think in decades, not just years.
But it’s not all about the numbers. Paul and Warren also touch on identity, purpose, health, and meaning — the softer side of planning for the long game. Whether your clients are sprinting toward early retirement or pacing themselves into their 90s, this episode is packed with insights to help planners support the full journey — not just the start.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
8:34 - The Longevity Challenge: Are We Ready to Plan for 100-Year Lives?
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Show Notes:
Jean Calment - oldest person in history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Calment
ONS Life expectancy in UK
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/bulletins/nationallifetablesunitedkingdom/2021to2023additionaldata
Two Doors in Retirement – Life Expectancy and Income Withdrawal
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/two-doors-in-retirement-life-expectancy-and-income-withdrawal/
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
==========================

Episode 03: Keeping the client on track - Has the annual review run out of steam?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren climb aboard the topic of annual reviews and ask whether this long-standing part of the planning timetable is still on the right track — or whether the whole process is starting to run out of steam. Are these meetings still a valuable stop on the client journey, or just a legacy carriage rolling along out of habit?
Rather than sticking to a fixed schedule for the sake of tradition, Paul and Warren explore how planners can create meetings that are more intentional, more relevant, and better aligned with each client’s journey. Not every passenger needs the same route or the same number of stops — and forcing them to follow one can lead to disengagement or missed opportunities.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
5:07 - Are Annual Reviews Broken? Reinventing Client Meetings That Matter
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This show is designed to be informational only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Please contact a regulated financial adviser before taking any specific action.
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