The Finance Geeks Podcast

The 2027 Pensions & IHT Shake-up - PART 1 - Big changes are coming, are your prepared?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth kick off the first part of a two-part conversation, unpacking the upcoming pension and inheritance tax changes arriving in April 2027 and why they matter more than many people realise.
With the rules around pensions and estate planning set to shift, they explore what’s changing and how it could impact the way wealth is passed on to the next generation.
They break down the key implications for financial planning, from how pensions may be treated within an estate to the knock-on effects for inheritance tax. Along the way, they discuss practical strategies planners can start thinking about now, including contribution planning, tax efficiency and the role of tools like trusts, life insurance and alternative income strategies.
2027 might feel a long way off, but when it comes to tax planning, the earlier you start, the more options you have. This is part one of a two-part episode.
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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:E9 - Markets at All-Time Highs: Should Investors Be Worried?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth climb aboard the markets at cruising altitude to tackle a question that always comes up when things are flying high: should investors be worried? With headlines shouting about record levels, it’s easy to feel like a drop could be just around the corner. But is that fear justified, or are investors simply reacting to being at new heights?
They unpack what all-time highs really mean and why reaching new levels is often just part of the journey rather than a signal to change course. Like a hot air balloon, markets are influenced by a range of forces, from economic conditions to investor sentiment. Looking back at previous peaks, Warren and Paul explore what actually caused downturns and why trying to time the market can often create more problems than it solves.
As always, the focus is on staying steady rather than reacting to every gust of wind. This episode looks at how investors can maintain balance through diversification, phased investing and a clear understanding of their own risk tolerance. The message is simple: markets will rise and fall, but long-term success comes from staying disciplined and focused on the bigger picture.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
6:03 - Markets at All-Time Highs: Should Investors Be Worried?
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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:E8 - The Money Map - What Money Really Means to Us

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore how financial planning goes far beyond numbers. They discuss the importance of aligning wealth with what truly matters to clients, helping them build a life of purpose, not just a bigger portfolio. Whether someone is early in their career or approaching retirement, the question remains the same: what is all this for?
The conversation introduces the idea of a “Money Map” as a way to guide clients through deeper thinking about their goals, values and future. By encouraging more intentional thinking and better conversations, it becomes possible to design a future that delivers both financial security and genuine fulfilment.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
7:12 - The Money Map: What Money Really Means to Us
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Show Notes:
Money Map PDF
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d28c0y4wxql2juvk1fsj5/Your-Money-Map-Presentation-AL-v1.pdf?rlkey=urqrsudz5meq6mtdb14b0zcb9&dl=0
Naval Ravikant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Ravikant
StoryTerrace - Books That Matter
https://www.storyterrace.com/en-gb
George Kinder: Father of Life Planning, Author, and Keynote Speaker
https://www.georgekinder.com/
How To Sell Transformation Using This One Question | Strategic Coach
https://www.strategiccoach.com/resources/the-multiplier-mindset-blog/how-to-sell-transformation-using-this-one-question
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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:E7 - Should Financial Planners Be Using AI? Is It a Friend or a Foe?

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore how artificial intelligence is starting to reshape the financial planning profession. From speeding up research to improving efficiency, they break down where AI is already making an impact and why it’s becoming harder for planners to ignore.
The conversation looks at both sides of the equation. On one hand, AI can automate repetitive tasks, enhance client communication and support better decision-making. On the other, there are real concerns around accuracy, bias and over-reliance on technology. Warren and Paul discuss where AI adds genuine value and where human judgement still plays a critical role.
As always, the focus is on practical insight. They explore how financial planners can use AI responsibly without losing the personal touch that clients rely on. The result is a balanced look at a fast-moving topic, helping listeners understand not just what AI can do, but what it should do in the world of financial advice.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
5:37 - AI & Financial Advice: Friend or Foe?
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Show Notes:
What Is AI – and Should You Be Worried About It?
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/what-is-ai-and-should-you-be-worried-about-it/
Learn How to Use AI – Planning Your Adventure
https://planningyouradventure.co.uk/educational/learn-how-to-use-ai/
A Guide to AI
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/t0s9k8vjbm1bf210xkzw8/Tandem-AI-Guide-April-2026.pdf?rlkey=8fohfjpu8y0ybcg75cf2yjqbu&dl=0
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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:E6 - Accumulation to Enjoyment - The Hardest Transition in Finance

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren dive into what is described as one of the hardest challenges in financial planning: helping people move from building wealth to actually enjoying it.
While accumulation is often driven by clear goals, structure and habit, the shift to spending and living can feel far less certain. The conversation explores why this transition is so difficult, and why many people struggle to let go of the behaviours that helped them succeed in the first place.  They unpack the mindset and emotional barriers that can hold people back, from deeply ingrained saving habits to uncertainty around what “enough” really looks like.
Along the way, they share practical ways to guide this transition, including encouraging new experiences, redefining purpose beyond work, and helping clients build routines that support a fulfilling lifestyle. The idea of life’s limited window is a key theme, highlighting the importance of making the most of time rather than endlessly deferring enjoyment.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
6:14 - Accumulation to Enjoyment - The Hardest Transition in Finance
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Show Notes:
TED Talk from Prof Riley Moyes
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/videos/video-4-x-phases-of-retirement/
12 Questions
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ow4hhaevhdd0t5yi5kjva/AFD0dN6GKYCL4uo6P7d_coY?rlkey=936myhkbs7oxvwbvxst3zbut2&dl=0
Black Tap restaurant
https://blacktap.com/restaurant-menu/london-soho/
National Maritime Museum – Greenwich
https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum
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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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PFS Power Webinar - Beyond £1 Million: Building a Business That Truly Matters

In this special episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul and Warren bring a live session recorded in collaboration with the Personal Finance Society, delivering the kind of high-energy, practical discussion they’re known for. Drawing on decades of experience building successful financial planning businesses, they share what’s helped them generate strong growth while still maintaining a genuine balance between work and life. The conversation focuses on three key areas that underpin long-term success. First, mindset – covering beliefs, confidence, attitude and understanding the deeper “why” behind both personal and business decisions. Then planning – looking at the importance of having clear, structured plans, supported by the right systems, processes and people around you. And finally, action – because even the best ideas only work if they’re implemented consistently and with intent. Packed with practical insights and straight-talking advice, this episode is all about helping you move forward with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re refining your business, looking to improve your day-to-day effectiveness, or simply aiming for a better balance, Paul and Warren share the lessons, habits and thinking that have helped them build both fulfilment and long-term success.

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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