Retirement Lounge Podcast

Nick Hutchings

Retire with clarity. Live with purpose.

Hosted by Chartered Financial Planner and SOLLA Accredited Adviser Nick Hutchings, The Retirement Lounge is your calm and confident space to explore the transition into retirement.

Drawing on 25+ years in financial services, and a deep personal passion for later life planning, Nick brings you practical guidance, real-life stories, and expert insight to help you navigate the financial and emotional side of retirement.

Whether you're 5–10 years out, newly retired, or supporting a loved one through the process, this podcast simplifies complex topics—like pensions, legacy, care fees, and lifestyle transitions—so you can focus on living well, not worrying.

Expect short, sharp episodes that challenge your thinking, provoke honest conversations, and give you the tools to feel in control of your future.

You'll walk away from each episode feeling better informed and more deliberate about your decisions.

Listen in if you want to:

-Define what retirement really means to you.

-Learn the top things to know and do as you plan.

-Understand your money without the jargon.

-Hear thoughtful takes on topics families often avoid.

-Gain confidence that you won't run out of money or die with too much.

Subscribe, share with someone you care about, and join Nick in reshaping the retirement conversation.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 17 min
36 - Is Retirement Really the End… Or a New Beginning?
For many people, retirement is seen as the finish line, a time to stop working and finally relax. But is that really what retirement is? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick explores why retirement means something different for everyone and why the happiest retirees aren't always the wealthiest. Instead, they're often the people who've found purpose, freedom and fulfilment beyond their career. Nick discusses the emotional side of retirement, the importance of relationships, health and identity, and why retirement should be viewed as the start of a new chapter rather than the end of one. In this episode you'll discover: Why retirement is a transition, not a destination The importance of purpose alongside financial security Why more people are choosing phased retirement and flexible working How relationships, health and identity shape retirement happiness Three powerful questions to ask yourself before you retire If you're approaching retirement—or simply want to make the most of the years ahead—this episode will give you plenty to think about.
July 16 · 29 min
35 - Is Your Financial Planner Helping You Make Better Decisions?
Financial planning isn't just about investments, pensions or achieving the highest possible returns. In this episode, Nick explores why the best financial advice is often about something much deeper: helping people make better decisions. Drawing on an award-winning approach to retirement planning and a fascinating behavioural science research paper, Nick explains why emotions, habits and psychology play such a significant role in retirement success. You'll discover: Why behaviour often matters more than investment performance The COM-B model and how it influences financial decisions Why people delay retirement—even when they can afford it The importance of trust, coaching and accountability Why great financial planners help people optimise decisions, not just portfolios If you've ever wondered what real value a financial planner should bring, this episode offers a fresh perspective.
July 2 · 44 min
34 - Will Your Pension Face Inheritance Tax From 2027?
The pension inheritance tax changes coming in April 2027 are some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in years—but many people still aren't sure what they actually mean. In this episode, Nick explains the new rules in plain English, looks back at how pension freedoms changed retirement planning in 2015, and explores why these latest changes matter for anyone with a pension. You'll learn: What will change from April 2027 Why pensions are being brought into inheritance tax Who could be affected (and who won't) The role of executors and beneficiaries Practical steps you can take now to prepare If you've been hearing about the pension inheritance tax changes but aren't sure how they apply to you, this episode provides a clear, practical overview.
June 18 · 51 min
33 - Could Your Pension Create An Inheritance Tax Problem?
Following their appearance together on the Martin Lewis Money Show Pensions Special, Nick is joined by Charlene Young, Senior Pensions and Savings Expert at AJ Bell and the Telegraph's "Pensions Doctor". With major changes to the inheritance tax treatment of pensions due from April 2027, many people are questioning whether their retirement plans still make sense. In this episode, Nick and Charlene discuss who could be affected by the proposed changes, why pensions have become a key inheritance tax planning tool in recent years, and what retirees may want to consider before making any decisions. They explore gifting, pension death benefits, tax-efficient withdrawals, common misconceptions and the importance of looking beyond headlines when planning for retirement. If you've built up pension savings and are wondering how these changes could affect you or your family, this episode will help you understand the key issues and the questions worth asking.
June 4 · 38 min
32 - Are You Saving Enough For Retirement?
The latest Retirement Living Standards report suggests millions of people across the UK could be under-saving for retirement. In this episode, Nick breaks down the latest findings, explores what a minimum, moderate and comfortable retirement actually costs in 2025, and discusses why so many people may be underestimating both how much they need and how long their money needs to last. Nick also shares his thoughts on auto-enrolment, the challenges facing self-employed savers, why pensions can feel like "just another tax" when you're younger, and the milestone that can completely change how you view retirement saving. If you've ever wondered whether you're saving enough, or what retirement might realistically cost, this episode provides a practical starting point.
May 21 · 30 min
31 - More Pension Questions From The Martin Lewis Show
Following on from last week's episode, Pension Truths I Couldn't Explain On The Martin Lewis Show, Nick returns to answer some of the biggest pension and retirement questions submitted after the broadcast. With thousands of questions sent into the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, there simply wasn't enough time to cover everything properly on air. In this follow-up episode, Nick explores: How much should you really pay into your pension? Should you consolidate old pension pots? Can you boost your State Pension? When can you realistically retire? Workplace pension vs SIPP explained simply What happens to your pension when you die? Nick also discusses the emotional side of retirement planning, including fear of running out of money, avoiding irreversible mistakes, and the confusion caused by financial jargon. A practical continuation of last week's Martin Lewis special designed to help listeners make clearer, more confident retirement decisions.
May 7 · 23 min
30 - Pension Truths I Couldn't Explain On The Martin Lewis Show
This week, Nick reflects on his appearance on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live and shares the pension conversations he didn't have time to fully explain on air. With only short, concise answers possible during the live ITV broadcast, this episode dives deeper into three of the biggest pension mistakes Nick regularly sees people make approaching retirement. A practical and thought-provoking episode for anyone approaching retirement or trying to make more confident pension decisions. Connect with Nick Hutchings
April 23 · 45 min
29 - How do you turn your pension pot into an income for life?
Most people spend years focusing on how to build their pension. Far fewer spend time thinking about how to turn that pension into an income that lasts. In this episode, Nick is joined by Joanne Coan from L&G to explore one of the most important and often most overlooked, parts of retirement planning: decumulation. It's a practical, thoughtful conversation for anyone approaching retirement and wondering how to make their money last.
April 9 · 40 min
28 - What's still possible after dementia enters the picture?
Most people think a dementia diagnosis means life has to become smaller. In this episode, Nick is joined by Fiona Pettit, who leads Dementia Adventure, a charity helping people with dementia and their carers stay connected to the outdoors, to nature, and to a sense of possibility. They explore: Why dementia can make the world feel smaller. How outdoor experiences can support wellbeing, confidence and connection. The role of carers, and why support matters for them too. How shared experiences can still create joy, laughter and meaningful memories. Why life doesn't have to stop after a diagnosis. It's a thoughtful conversation about dementia, care, and the importance of remembering what is still possible. To find out more about Dementia Adventure or support their work, visit: https://dementiaadventure.org/ Connect with Nick Hutchings Connect with Fiona Petit
March 27 · 42 min
27 - Have you written your Will… and set up your Lasting Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney is something many clients have in place, but how well is it really understood? In this episode, Nick sits down with solicitor Anne Call from Blandy & Blandy Soliccitors to explore the key differences between older and newer Powers of Attorney, where things can go wrong, and what advisers should be aware of when supporting clients through these decisions. This episode is part of our Educational Series, designed to break down the practical considerations around later-life planning, from Powers of Attorney to wills and beyond. Together, they discuss: How older arrangements can create challenges at the point they're needed most The differences between financial and health & welfare decisions Why timing and structure matter more than most people realise A calm, practical conversation to help you better understand the realities clients may face, and where advice can make a difference. Connect with Nick Hutchings
March 13 · 17 min
26 - Stock Markets in Freefall… Or Are They Really?
With headlines dominated by geopolitical tension and dramatic market reporting, it can feel like markets are in constant crisis. But are they really? In this short "in-between" episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick takes a step back from the noise and examines how headlines can distort reality. After seeing reports claiming "$6 trillion wiped off global markets", Nick looks at the actual numbers and asks an important question: are markets really plunging, or are we simply reacting to short-term headlines? If the news cycle has left you feeling uneasy about markets, this episode offers a much-needed dose of perspective. Connect with Nick Hutchings
February 27 · 24 min
25 - Are You Afraid of Risk… or Just Volatility?
After nearly a year of The Retirement Lounge, Nick introduces a new Educational Series, designed to simplify financial concepts that are often misunderstood. In this first instalment, he tackles one of the most confused terms in investing: What's the difference between risk and volatility? They're often used interchangeably, by investors, the media, even regulators. But they are not the same thing. If you've ever felt uneasy during market falls, this episode will help you understand whether you're facing real danger, or just temporary noise. Connect with Nick Hutchings
February 13 · 25 min
24 - What should you NOT do before you retire?
Most retirement conversations focus on what you should be doing. In this episode, Nick flips the script. He shares the most common and costly mistakes people make before and during retirement. Nick also explains why small oversights from pension charges to outdated nomination forms, can have a significant long-term impact. If you're approaching retirement (or already there), this episode is a practical checklist of what not to ignore. Connect with Nick Hutchings
January 30 · 28 min
23 - Should you consolidate your pensions?
One of the most common questions Nick is asked as a financial planner is: Should you consolidate your pensions? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick walks through the pros and cons of pension consolidation, helping you understand when it can make sense and when it could be a costly mistake. This episode isn't advice, but it will help you ask better questions and understand what to look out for before taking action. Listen now to decide whether pension consolidation could be right for you and when professional advice really matters. Connect with Nick Hutchings
January 16 · 51 min
22 - Do you or should you listen to stock market forecasters?
Every year, financial analysts, commentators, and experts make bold predictions about markets, the economy, and what's coming next. But how accurate are they really? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by three rockwealth advisers, Tim Horrocks, Chris Wallsgrove, and David Bowen, to make their own tongue-in-cheek predictions for the year ahead. From stock markets to sporting outcomes, the conversation highlights just how difficult forecasting really is, and why even the most confident predictions are often no more than educated guesses. The twist? They'll be revisiting these predictions at the end of the year to see who was closest… and who was wildly off. A light-hearted but important reminder of why long-term financial planning matters more than short-term predict
January 2 · 46 min
21 - Generation X and the New Shape of Retirement with Martin Lines
Generation X is approaching retirement differently from any generation before them. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by Martin Lines, Development and Events Director at Just, to explore how Gen X is navigating retirement while balancing work, family, and caring responsibilities. This is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about what retirement really looks like today and why flexibility, planning, and perspective matter more than ever. 🎧 Listen now on The Retirement Lounge. Connect with Nick Hutchings Connect with Martin Lines
Dec 19, 2025 · 40 min
20 - The Transition of Retirement with Jane Parslow
Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but for many people, it's the start of a completely new chapter. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by Jane Parslow, co-founder of Retirement Pathways, to explore the emotional and psychological side of retiring, the part that often gets overlooked. Together, they discuss why retirement can feel disorientating after the initial "honeymoon phase," the impact of losing a work identity, and how assumptions about family, purpose, and time can quietly shape later life. Jane shares insights from her own transition away from corporate life, why purpose doesn't have to be grand or life-changing, and how early reflection can make retirement feel less daunting and more fulfilling. This episode is for anyone approaching retirement, recently retired, or simply curious about what comes after work and how to retire towards something meaningful, not just from a job. Connect with Nick Hutchings Connect with Jane Parslow
Dec 5, 2025 · 25 min
19 - The When I Die File, A Gift for Your Loved Ones
Talking about death isn't easy, but planning for it can be one of the kindest things you ever do. In this episode, Nick shares how creating a When I Die File can give your loved ones comfort, clarity, and practical support when they'll need it most. He walks through what to include, from wills and bank accounts to personal letters and funeral wishes, and why this simple act of preparation can save your family time, money, and heartache. Nick also shares his personal experience of losing a loved one and how finding their funeral preferences turned grief into gratitude. 🎧 Listen now and request Nick's free 'When I Die File' checklist by emailing hello@retirementlounge.co.uk. Connect with Nick Hutchings
Nov 21, 2025 · 35 min
18 - Retirement Regrets
What do people regret most about retirement and how can you avoid the same mistakes? In this episode, Nick unpacks findings from a recent Which? survey revealing the most common retirement regrets. From not saving early enough to leaving work too soon (or too late), he explores what these lessons mean for anyone approaching retirement today. This episode blends numbers, real stories, and experience, helping you turn hindsight into foresight for a smoother, more confident retirement. 🎧 Listen now on The Retirement Lounge and discover how to plan smarter, before regrets set in. Connect with Nick Hutchings
Nov 7, 2025 · 19 min
17 - Are you a Retirement Resister?
Not everyone is racing to retire, in fact, more people than ever are choosing to keep working beyond pension age. In this solo episode, Nick asks the question: Is retirement really for you? He explores why more baby boomers are working into later life, what's driving the rise in "flexi-retirement," and how pension freedoms have made it easier to work on your own terms. Whether you're dreaming of full-time freedom or a phased retirement, this episode will help you redefine what "retirement" really means for you. Connect with Nick Hutchings