The Finance Geeks Podcast

Episode 02: The Art of Being Seen – Should Every Planner Become a Content Creator

In this episode, Paul and Warren step into creative territory, asking a big question that’s facing more and more financial planners: should content creation be part of your role in 2025? With digital platforms becoming the first place clients look for credibility and connection, planners are increasingly expected to show up — not just with technical knowledge, but with a voice, a message, and a way to share it.
But does that mean every planner needs to launch a podcast or start posting daily on LinkedIn? Not necessarily. Like any great piece of work, effective content comes in many forms — and Paul and Warren explore the full spectrum. From short-form videos and insightful blogs to client updates, case studies, and quiet-but-consistent newsletters, they lay out the creative options and help you figure out what fits.
It’s not about being loud — it’s about being intentional. Whether you’re full of ideas or just starting to find your style, this episode is about using creativity to build trust, express your thinking, and add value long before the first meeting. And yes, sometimes that starts with picking up the brush — but you get to choose the canvas.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
9:50 - Should Every Planner Become a Content Creator? Marketing in 2025
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Show Notes:
Headshots
https://strikingplaces.com/
Paul's Night & Day Supplement
https://www.ainslieainslie.com/
Folding treadmill
https://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/sole-f85-folding-treadmill-2.html
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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 01: Are we Advisers or Coaches? Rethinking the role of a Modern Financial Planner

In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth take to the riverbank to explore the evolving role of the modern financial planner. Like a great rowing coach, today’s adviser isn’t just there to shout instructions — they’re guiding from the sidelines, helping clients find their own rhythm, set the pace, and steer toward a meaningful destination.
They discuss the delicate balance between giving technical advice and offering coaching-style support — especially during life’s key transitions, like moving from work into retirement. It’s not about grabbing the oars and rowing for your client — it’s about helping them build clarity, confidence, and direction, so they can row with intention, not drift by default.
The conversation highlights how strong relationships, emotional awareness, and asking the right questions are just as vital as spreadsheets and strategies. Because ultimately, the best planners know when to push, when to pause, and when to let the client take the lead — all while keeping their eyes fixed on the horizon.
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Key Takeaways:
- The modern financial planner must balance advisory and coaching roles.
- Clients value the relationship and integrity of their advisor.
- Financial planning should help clients live intentionally, not by default.
- Asking the right questions is crucial for understanding client needs.
- Emotional intelligence plays a key role in client relationships.
- Transitioning from work to retirement requires careful planning and support.
- Advisors should help clients clarify their vision for the future.
- It's important to challenge clients on their decisions and values.
- Listening is as important as providing answers in financial planning.
- The best financial planners know when to switch between advising and coaching.
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Show Notes:
The Key Benefits of Financial Advice
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tandem-Key-benefits-IFA-Jan-24.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.
==========================

Episode 19: What to expect when you first meet with a Financial Planner

In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth walk you through what really happens in a first client meeting — and how to make sure yours feels less like a cold sales pitch and more like the start of an empowering journey. Think of it as your client’s first step onto the Yellow Brick Road — and you're there as their guide, helping them find clarity, courage, and confidence about their future.
Warren and Paul break down the essential ingredients for a truly meaningful first meeting: warm hospitality, a calm and welcoming setting (with proper biscuits!), and a tone that’s informal but purposeful. You’ll hear how the goal isn’t to impress with technical know-how, but to really listen — to values, goals, fears, and dreams.
If you're serious about elevating your client onboarding, just click your heels and watch this episode, it will help you turn first meetings from transactional to transformational.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
6:52 - What you should expect when you first meet a financial planner
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Show Notes:
Disc Profiling Tool
https://www.discusonline.com/en-gb/
Tandem Link Tree link
https://linktr.ee/tandemfinancial
Ferris Bueller 40 years! – Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it!
https://www.imdb.com/video/vi814725401/
Poem Warren Likes
https://lindaellis.life/the-story-behind-the-dash-1
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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 18: Client Magnetism - How to Attract Your Ideal Clients

In this episode, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth share what it really takes to attract the right clients to your financial planning business—without resorting to pushy tactics or broad marketing blasts. They unpack how getting crystal clear on who you want to serve helps you become a magnet for the clients who truly value your work.
From mastering referrals to managing expectations and building trust, they offer practical strategies rooted in real-world experience. The conversation also highlights the power of personal congruence—how being aligned in your values and communication creates stronger, longer-lasting client relationships.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
7:52 - How to Attract Your Ideal Clients
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X: https://twitter.com/TheFinanceGeeks
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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 17: How to Level Up from a Solo Planner to a Financial Planning Practice

Leap into this retro platformer–inspired episode with Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth as your pixelated protagonists. Starting in the “Solo Start” world, you dash across blocks labelled “Capacity Limits” and collect “Client Coins". Discover why a single character can’t conquer every level alone and learn to spot the flashing “Power-Up” icons—signals it’s time to recruit allies and build a party strong enough for the next stages.
As you warp pipe into the “Foundation Fortress,” our hosts guide you through building sturdy platforms: “Process Scrolls” for CRM, “Fact-Find Feathers". Bounce on question-mark blocks to uncover hidden “Tech Toolkit” power-ups, ensuring your workflow doesn’t collapse under the weight of “Workflow Gaps” and each extra life brings you closer to a stable practice. By the final warp pipe, you’ll have gathered all the power-ups needed to transform from a lone planner into the ruler of your own financial practice kingdom.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
6:00 - How to Level Up from a Solo Planner to a Financial Planning Practice
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Show Notes:
How I Got to a Million Pounds in Revenue - PFS Power
https://pfspower.org/webinars/how-i-got-to-a-million-pounds-in-revenue/
New software - FinCalc
https://www.fincalc.co.uk/
Making a Will - all you need to know | Age UK
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/legal-issues/making-a-will/
Self Assessment tax returns: Overview - GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns
How to fill in a Self Assessment tax return | MoneyHelper
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/work/self-employment/how-to-fill-in-a-self-assessment-tax-return
Prestwood Truth Software
https://www.truthsoftware.co.uk/truth-about-money/
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Episode 16: Quakeproof Your Planning - Top 10 Financial Planner Faults to Avoid

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute survey the seismic fault lines that can undermine even the most seasoned advisory practices. They uncover the top ten mistakes—such as assumptions that skip proper discovery, communication cracks that widen client doubts, and the tremors caused by overpromising outcomes—that can destabilise your planning from the ground up.
Whether you’re laying the foundations for a new practice or retrofitting an established firm, this episode provides a blueprint for building a truly quake-resistant advisory service. Tune in to discover how to shore up your processes, secure your clients’ trust, and ensure your financial planning stands firm through market shifts and unexpected jolts.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
3:35 - Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid as a Financial Planner
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Show Notes:
Klydoclock | Whatever Makes You Tick
https://www.klydoclock.com/
The Kart Championship
https://thekartchampionship.co.uk/
How to explain fees and investment performance
https://pfspower.org/webinars/how-to-explain-fees-and-investment-performance/
Prestwood Truth Software
https://www.truthsoftware.co.uk/truth-about-money/
==========================
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Leave us a 5 star review:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-finance-geeks-podcast/id1730764561
https://open.spotify.com/show/7Lr2aFmlJeqvFFkbefqk3P
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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.
==========================
#FinancialPlanning #HowToBeAFinancialPlanner #FinancialPlanningTips #WealthManagement #ClientCommunication #RiskManagement #BehavioralFinance #DiscoveryProcess #ScopeManagement #ClientTrust #ReviewBestPractices #ProcessOptimization #FinancialPlanners #FinancePodcast

Episode 15: One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Crafting Your Income Plan in Retirement

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth roll out the measuring tape on retirement income planning—proving that the best strategies are tailored to fit, not pulled straight off the rack. They explore how personalised planning, shaped around an individual’s goals, mindset, and spending habits, leads to a more comfortable financial future.
From refining the classic 4% rule to cutting through the complexity of gilt yields, annuities, and long-term cash flow, they show how every element of a client’s retirement plan needs to be carefully stitched together. They also highlight why life’s richest returns come not just from wealth, but from well-made choices that support freedom and fulfilment.
Because when it comes to retirement, it’s not about following the standard pattern—it’s about creating a plan that fits perfectly.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
7:45 - One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Crafting Your Income Plan in Retirement
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Show Notes:
Mrs Doubtfire Musical | Official UK Site – Mrs Doubtfire The Musical
https://mrsdoubtfiremusical.co.uk/
What's On: Featured - Royal Albert Hall
https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets
Beyond The 4% Rule - Abraham Okusanya’s book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-4-Rule-retirement-portfolios/dp/1985721643
Sustainable withdrawal rates in retirement: The importance of customization
https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/dam/corp/research/pdf/sustainable_withdrawal_rates_in_retirement.pdf
A guide to retirement withdrawal strategies | Vanguard
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/retirement-withdrawal-strategies
Show clients that, yes, they can spend more in retirement
https://advisors.vanguard.com/insights/article/show-clients-that-yes-they-can-spend-more-in-retirement
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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 14: Market Mayhem & The Tariff Effect - Navigating Risk vs Volatility Like a Geek

In this episode of The Finance Geeks, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on market volatility and the broader economic landscape. They unpack the difference between risk and volatility, highlighting why investors often confuse short-term market fluctuations with long-term financial danger.
The conversation dives into how behavioural biases shape client perceptions, the importance of clear communication during periods of uncertainty, and strategies for helping clients stay focused on their long-term goals. Warren and Paul also discuss how experience and financial maturity influence investment decisions, and why a calm, consistent approach can make all the difference.
Beyond the markets, they share insights into effective client management, the role of mindset in navigating uncertainty, and the value of structured onboarding in building a successful advisory practice. Whether you're advising clients or investing for yourself, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for staying steady when markets are anything but.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
6:00 - Market Mayhem & The Tariff Effect
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Show Notes:
Wilkinson winning drop goal 2003
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT6QKVZ74J0
McIlroy's Moment | Rory McIlroy Captures His First Masters Win
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGB9uuetrzA
The 2014 Ryder Cup Winning Moment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS6x5L7TqOY
A message to Tandem clients on Vimeo – PC video
https://vimeo.com/1072556401
Trump’s Tariffs: What They Mean For Your Money
https://tandemfinancial.co.uk/tandem-thinking/trumps-tariffs-what-they-mean-for-your-money/
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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.
==========================
#Trumptariffs #marketvolatility #investing #risk #financialadvice #clientcommunication #marketperception #economictrends #financialplanning #investmentstrategies #marketvolatility #clientperception #behavioralbiases #investmentstrategies #economicuncertainty #financialadvising #communication #investmentmindset #stockmarket #financialplanning #finance #investing #volatility #clientmanagement #financialadvice #marketbehavior #bonds #clientmeetings #financialplanning #wealthmanagement

Episode 13: The Vault of Legacy - Inheritance Tax Planning Strategies

Dust off your pixelated fedora and light your tax-saving torch—because in this epic 8-bit adventure, Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth set off on a quest to uncover the hidden treasures of Inheritance Tax planning.  From ancient gifting scrolls to the mystical artefacts of trusts and insurance, they navigate booby traps of complexity to help preserve your family fortune.
With sharp wit and strategic know-how, they dodge the 40% boulder of HMRC and shine a torch on golden relics like Business Relief, Nil-Rate Band secrets, and the lost legend of Lifetime Gifting. Along the way, our geeky explorers decode cryptic strategies that can protect your legacy and turn tax trouble into triumph.
Plug in, power up, and join The Finance Geeks as they explore the vault—because fortune doesn’t just favour the bold... it favours the well-advised
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
5:19 - Inheritance Tax Planning Strategies
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Show Notes: Is it time to kill off Inheritance Tax? | The Association of Taxation Technicians
https://www.att.org.uk/it-time-kill-inheritance-tax?utm_source=chatgpt.com
What do Mystic Meg, HMRC and October 2024 have in common?—insights on Inheritance Tax and key statistics
https://www.russell-cooke.co.uk/news-and-insights/news/what-do-mystic-meg-hmrc-and-october-2024-have-in-common-insights-on-inheritance-tax-and-key-statistics
Inheritance Tax liabilities statistics - GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/inheritance-tax-liabilities-statistics
IHT400 rates and tables
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d850de4e1deef5a8c15ee7/IHT400-rates-and-tables.pdf
Meditations (Book)
https://amzn.eu/d/2rScX4c
The soul of wealth (Book)
https://amzn.eu/d/hTxOtkr
Gifting plan Standard Life
https://tandemfp.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/Tandem/ESYmn7SoB6hClTRyqijhjGEBWUkdZdXq4SNpBfYpDRlYKw?e=InxRJs
Benefits of getting married - Benefits of Marriage
https://tandemfp.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/Tandem/EWQ8qxbO0IVDrhBAyuOh5TcBxvvKuoR-xYLsv_JI-jMVtw?e=VoeEQM
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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.
==========================
#inheritancetax #IHTplanning #estateplanning #financialplanning #taxstrategies #legacyplanning #wealthtransfer #trustplanning #taxefficiency #familywealth #giftallowance #businessrelief #financialgeeks #taxadvice #retirementplanning #inheritanceplanning #IHTrelief #vaultoflegacy #8bitfinance #geekyfinance

Episode 12: End of Tax Year Planning - The Great Tax Detective’s Playbook

Warren Shute and Paul Cleworth scrutinise every clue in this timely investigation of year-end tax planning. Like master sleuths hot on the scent, they bring to light strategies ranging from maximising ISA contributions and refining pension allocations to making the most of charitable donations. Each insight presented as a vital piece of evidence that can protect your financial well-being before the 5th of April tax deadline.
The game is truly afoot: by the final deduction, this engaging discussion equips you with the know-how to ensure your year-end tax approach stands on solid ground, proving that cracking the case of year-end taxes need not be left to chance.
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Chapters: 0:00 - Intro
6:22 - Tax Year End Planning
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Show Notes:
HMRC Tax Revenue Breakdown (2023-24)
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a8ebc349b9c0597fdb0784/HMRC_annual_report_and_accounts_2023_to_2024.pdf
Projected Government Spending for 2024-25 (OBR Report)
https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/brief-guides-and-explainers/public-finances/
Budget Deficit (2024-25) Forecast (OBR)
https://obr.uk/forecasts-in-depth/brief-guides-and-explainers/public-finances/
National Debt Figures (ONS Report, December 2024)
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/governmentpublicsectorandtaxes/publicsectorfinance/bulletins/publicsectorfinances/december2024
The Calculator Site - £500pm for 20 years at 6%:
https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/compound?a=0&p=6&pp=yearly&y=20&m=0&rd=500&rp=monthly&rt=deposit&rw=0&rwp=1m&rm=end&ci=monthly&cc=1&c=3&di=&wi=
Tin Cup (great golf film!)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117918/
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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.
==========================
#taxplanning #endofyearplanning #taxstrategy #financialplanning #pensionplanning #taxrelief #allowances #capitalgains #taxefficiency #retirementplanning #dividends #incometax #businessplanning #salarysacrifice #yearendtax #taxadvisor #wealthplanning #taxsavings #investmentplanning #financialwellness #taxdeductions #isaplanning #proactiveplanning #capitalallowances #taxcompliance #personalfinance #profitextraction #taxmanagement #cashflowplanning #taxdeadlines #financialfreedom