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.

Play

Open in

25 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 34 min
English

Episodes 25

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E41
Thursday · 31 min
41 - What Am I Reading Ahead of the October '26 Budget?
With the October 2026 Budget getting closer, the headlines and rumours are starting to build. So what is Nick actually reading and which themes appear to be gaining momentum? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick revisits the Budget speculation and shares the stories, rumours and developments that have caught his attention in recent weeks. He looks at everything from potential changes to pensions, capital gains tax and property taxation to the State Pension, Cash ISAs, banking taxes and the wider pressure on Government finances. Importantly, this isn't a prediction of what will happen on 28th October. It's a look at what is currently being discussed, what appears to have changed since the previous Budget episode and what all of this could mean for people approaching or already in retirement. Nick also explains why the biggest risk may not be the Budget itself, but making a major financial decision because of something that might never happen. His message is simple: don't panic, don't react to every headline and make sure your financial plan is flexible enough to adapt when the rules change. If you're wondering what to make of the latest Budget rumours, this episode will help you cut through some of the noise and focus on what actually matters.
S1 · E38
September 24 · 43 min
40 - How Do I Find the Right Care Home?
Finding a care home for a parent or loved one can feel overwhelming. You may have only a few weeks to understand the system, work out what type of care is needed, compare different homes and make a decision at a time when emotions are already running high. In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by Debbie Harris, founder of Autumna, to talk through how families can approach one of the most difficult decisions they may ever have to make. Debbie shares her own experience of finding care for a family member and explains why she created Autumna to help families make more informed choices. If you think you may need to help a parent, partner or family member find care in the future, this episode is well worth listening to before you need it.
S1 · E35
September 10 · 25 min
39 - What Are the 10 Big Themes Ahead of the October Budget?
With the Autumn Budget set for 28th October 2026, speculation is already beginning about what could be announced. But how much attention should you really pay to the headlines? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick looks at 10 big themes he has seen trending in the press and considers what they could mean for people approaching or already in retirement. From capital gains tax and pensions to inheritance tax, the State Pension, property and dividend taxation, Nick separates speculation from fact and explains why making major financial decisions based on newspaper headlines can be dangerous. Most importantly, Nick explains why a good retirement plan should be flexible enough to cope when tax rules inevitably change, without reacting emotionally every time a new Budget rumour appears.
S1 · E34
August 27 · 38 min
38 - Retirement is all about the money right? Wrong!
Retirement planning is often dominated by one question: Will I have enough money? But what happens once the finances are in place? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by Clare Lyons-Collins from We-Pivot, an occupational therapist specialising in retirement and major life transitions. Together, they explore why retirement is about far more than pensions, investments and income. It is a significant life transition that can affect your routine, identity, relationships, health and sense of purpose. Nick and Clare discuss why some people can be financially prepared for retirement and still struggle once they get there, and why it is so important to think about what you are retiring to, rather than only what you are retiring from. If you are approaching retirement and have spent most of your time thinking about the financial side, this episode may encourage you to look at the bigger picture.
S1 · E37
August 13 · 33 min
37 - Do You Need Private Healthcare in Retirement?
Do you need private healthcare in retirement — or is relying on the NHS and paying privately when needed enough? In this episode of The Retirement Lounge, Nick is joined by Laura Ashforth, CEO and Co-Founder of Lateral, a health insurer designed specifically for active over-60s. They explore why healthcare is becoming an increasingly important part of retirement planning, particularly for people who may have had private medical insurance through work and suddenly find themselves needing to arrange — and fund — it themselves. Nick and Laura discuss the relationship between health and wealth in retirement, the different ways people can approach healthcare costs, and why planning ahead can be just as important for your health as it is for your finances. They also cover: Why losing corporate healthcare benefits can be a shock when you retire The different options available, from traditional private medical insurance to self-funding Why healthcare costs need to be considered as part of your wider retirement plan The importance of preventative health and regular health checks Why staying active and socially connected matters in later life How healthcare navigation and continuity of care can become increasingly important as we get older If you're approaching retirement and wondering how healthcare fits into your plans, this episode offers plenty of practical food for thought.
S1 · E36
July 30 · 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.
S1 · E35
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.
S1 · E34
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.
S1 · E32
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.
S1 · E32
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.
S1 · E29
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.
S1 · E30
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
S1 · E27
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.
S1 · E25
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
S1 · E27
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
S1 · E23
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
S1 · E25
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
S1 · E24
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
S1 · E23
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
S1 · E22
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

Showing 1–20 of 25 episodes