In this insightful episode from Money Wise UK, host George is joined by Lawrence Cook, CEO of Mabel Insights, to unpack how retirement planning is evolving — and why it’s more important (and complex) than ever before.

What to Expect:

• Why the traditional view of retirement is outdated

• The emotional and financial challenges of today’s retirement landscape

• The importance of cashflow modelling (and why many advisers still aren’t using it)

• How to manage conflicts around drawdown vs. annuities

• The value of a Withdrawal Policy Statement in giving clients clarity and control

• FCA's Thematic Review and why it’s an opportunity, not a threat

• Lawrence’s take on the natural income debate — and why "bonkers" might sum it up! That's natural income, not his take!

• How better technology and planning tools (like Mabel) are reshaping adviser-client conversations

🎧 Whether you're a financial planner or someone thinking about retirement, this episode is packed with real-world stories, practical insights, and future-focused thinking.

Listen now to discover how to turn uncertainty into confidence — and why having a plan is the real power move.

🔗 Learn more: mabelinsights.com

Money Wise UK Centralised Retirement Proposition templates for financial planning firms.

Resources: Abraham Okusanya, Beyond The 4% Rule: The science of retirement portfolios that last a lifetime

Behavior Gap

Retirement Researcher Basecamp

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Please note that this podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend consulting a financial advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future returns; investments can fluctuate in value. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this episode of the MoneyWise UK & QuantQual Podcast, George sits down with Keith Balmer from Columbia Threadneedle to explore why the debate between active and passive investing might be missing the point.

Keith shares his career journey — from hedge funds at Man Group to launching a low-cost multi-asset franchise at Columbia Threadneedle — and explains why it’s not about choosing sides but blending investment styles for better client outcomes.

They cover:

• Why passive isn’t always the winner — and how 94% of top managers beat the MSCI World Index over rolling five years

• The three sources of added value in Columbia Threadneedle’s Universal Range: strategic asset allocation, stock selection, and tactical moves

• How the franchise keeps fees at 0.29% while delivering institutional-grade returns

• The real-world case for sustainable investing and why a long-term view matters

• Why consumer duty supports blending investment styles — not chasing the "best fund"

If you’re looking to rethink how you deliver returns, manage risk, and build long-term value, this one’s for you.

Enjoyed this episode?

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Leave a comment—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Share with friends, colleagues, and fellow investors who care about sustainable finance.

Listen now on Spotify and be part of the conversation on thoughtful investing!

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this episode of the Money Wise UK podcast, host George Ladds speaks with Ben Yearsley, a financial expert with a rich history in the industry. They discuss Ben's journey from his early aspirations of becoming a stockbroker to his extensive career at Hargreaves Lansdown and his current role in consultancy and investment. The conversation delves into the importance of asking questions, the balance between work and life, and the definition of success and happiness in one's career. Ben shares insights on investing in startups and the lessons from successes and failures. The episode concludes with Ben's advice on the significance of absorbing knowledge and the value of personal connections in the financial world.

Key takeaways

• Ben Yearsley has a long history in financial services, starting at Hargreaves Lansdown.
• He was always interested in finance, inspired by his father's banking career.
• Ben's career at Hargreaves was marked by innovation and personal growth.
• He left Hargreaves in 2012, feeling he was coasting and needed a change.
• Investing in startups has been a significant part of Ben's career post-Hargreaves.
• He emphasises the importance of asking questions to absorb knowledge.
• Ben believes in maintaining a work-life balance, especially with family commitments.
• For Ben, success is defined as doing what you enjoy and having the freedom to choose.
• He advocates for a lifestyle business approach rather than aggressive growth.
• Ben reflects on the cultural tendency to knock down success in the UK.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Yearsley and His Career Journey

03:09 The Evolution of Hargreaves Lansdown

06:14 Transitioning from Hargreaves to Fairview Investing

09:15 Investing in Startups and Private Companies

12:05 The Nature of Entrepreneurship vs. Business Ownership

15:15 Lessons Learned from Investing and Business Experiences

26:35 Building a Sustainable Business

32:02 Defining Success and Happiness

34:08 Balancing Work and Family Life

39:14 The Importance of Learning and Asking Questions

Fairview Investing

Book: In for a Penny by Peter Hargreaves