If you’re popping on a podcast in the car or while cooking dinner, listening to one about money might not be the first thing that occurs to you, but there is now an abundance of jargon-free, genuinely entertaining podcasts out there, all designed to help you save and make money and improve your financial knowledge.
A survey by saving and investing app Moneybox found that seven out of 10 millennial women say they were never taught to manage their cash, and another survey by UBS bank showed that two thirds of us admit to deferring to our husbands or male partners regarding long-term financial decisions, with 85 per cent of us feeling our male partner knows more about investing than we do. If that sounds like you, download one or more of these brilliant money podcasts to help you learn how to save, invest and grow your money.
Get bitesized, everyday advice
The podcast: All Things Money by Ola Majekodunmi
With episodes such as “How to find the best savings accounts” and “What is life insurance and is it necessary?”, Ola covers every money topic in short (20-30 minute) episodes. Each episode is specific so you can find the ones that really relate to you. Want a pay rise? Buying your first home? Looking to invest in cryptocurrency? There’s an episode for you! Each contains plenty of information, advice and tips without being dry or confusing.
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Feel inspired by success stories
The podcast: Raise The Bar by Frankie Cotton
You can learn something new from a variety of expert guests, with this podcast presented by entrepreneur Frankie, founder of Let’s Be Frank, the marketing partner for ambitious tech companies. Each week she sits down with different women (from start-up founders, business leaders, researchers, creators, politicians and activists) for a candid and engaging chat about work, business and finances. Each episode is completely different, but all are inspiring and examine how we can live and work better. Among our favourites are the episodes with Tobi Asare, founder of My Bump Pay, who gives advice about juggling motherhood and work, and Lucy Aylen, founder and CEO of independent fashion company Never Fully Dressed, who talks about starting out on a market stall and ending up with celeb fans including Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Chrissy Teigen.
Be more confident about cash
The podcast: Save Spend Invest by Bukiie Smart
Many of us can feel overwhelmed or bamboozled by money topics, but the host of this podcast wants to change that. She says her aim is to help you reach your earning potential and achieve financial freedom. Bukiie introduces topics such as how to make extra income, ways to increase your savings and advice on investing, and she talks to experts in a really engaging and helpful way so you come away from each episode feeling empowered.
Stop emotional spending
The podcast: In Her Financial Shoes by Catherine Morgan
With over 100 episodes available, there’s not a topic host, financial planner and money coach Catherine Morgan hasn’t covered. What we love about this podcast is Catherine’s ability to tackle the emotional side of finances – such as spending addiction and managing self-sabotage. She also has episodes on more niche topics such as, “What are the signs of financial abuse?” and, “How do I find a long-lost pension?” as well as handy tips on investing, starting your own business and saving money.
Get in the know on complicated topics
The podcast: Money Girl by Laura Adams
Ever wondered if you could actually enjoy listening to a deep dive into the world of finance? Well, you can now! Author and money and business expert Laura is a really friendly and warm host who simplifies often complicated and off-putting topics such as investing and tax, and makes them easy to digest and understand. And with each episode under 30 minutes, it’s a chance to improve your financial knowledge quickly and effortlessly.
Learn to save more
The podcast: Frugal Friends by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni
Pals Jen (an author) and business owner Jill know everything about saving the pennies. Jen paid off £58k worth of debt in under two years, while Jill says she is a master when it comes to living sensibly and finding a bargain, so this US-based podcast is full of hints and tips when it comes to making your money go further. Jen and Jill interview guests regularly – from listeners telling their tales of ditching debt, to Walli Miller, who went from being an overspender to a millionaire! – and also give tips on everything from quick side hustles to budgeting ideas, all presented in a fun, chatty style.
Check out: the best kits for a flawless at-home wax
Where to buy the best home waxing kits
1 of 9Mylee Complete Waxing Kit
Mylee waxing kits have nearly 800 reviews on Amazon, and they're all pretty good. They provide wax for salons and professional waxers, so you'll be in good hands. The tea tree infused creme wax in this kit has antibacterial properties, helping to minimise ingrown hairs.Review: "Very high-quality waxing kit. I bought another one from amazon last time but it gave me a rash for some reason but when I used this tea tree wax it was very soothing and removes all the hair effortlessly! I was surprised to see the size and consistency of the pre and aftercare lotions, really good it made me feel all pampered. I would HIGHLY recommend these products."
£49.99
2 of 9Tress Wellness Waxing Kit
Apart from the complete satisfaction that you'll get from watching the wax beads melt in your wax heater, this kit is also the best way to imitate a professional wax from the comfort of your home. It includes five bean bags, 20 waxing sticks, 10 eyebrow waxing strips, as well as a digital heater displaying exact temperatures.Review: "I don't usually leave reviews, but this is amazing. I used it for the first time today. I normally use a cold wax which is a sticky mess. This I found very easy to use no mess and did a fantastic job. Will be using again."
3 of 9Nads Natural Sugar Wax 170g
This waxing kit is superb value - it contains reusable strips, an argan infused pre-wax soap and 100 per cent natural sugar wax. Any residue washes off easily and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth.Review: "I've never had a professional leg wax so I can't compare to that but I found this product so easy to use and my legs feel silky smooth afterwards. I love that it's sugar-based and any mess can be easy washed away. My skin isn't irritated afterwards, just a bit tingly as to be expected. This wax is actually less painful than other DIY products I've tried! Overall I am so pleased and will purchase again."
4 of 9Sugar Coated Hair Removal Wax Kit for Full Body Waxing
This sugar wax is a great vegan option. The 100 per cent vegan wax is water-soluble, so you shouldn't be left with any nasty residue. It's free from additives, resins and citric acid and comes with biodegradable, reusable strips.Review: "I finally found the wax I've been looking for! This is the kind of was we used back home, with no mess, no skin irritation and easy to clean. Easy to warm up, come with reusable strips, it removed all my hair from my legs with no fuss. Usually with other waxes, by the second or third week I notice hair growth because they break the hair, this is my 3rd week using this sugar was and no growth yet! After that, you just wash off the wax and the strips. I have sensitive skin and usually what rashes, but not with this wax. Very happy and will purchase again!"
£12.99
5 of 9GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax 396g
If Brazilian waxing's your game, you have to try this wax kit. It specifically targets coarse hairs and leaves a smooth, surprisingly hydrating finish. It's a strip free wax, so you'll need to apply quite a thick layer of this one to be able to grab the end.Review: "By far the best wax I've ever used. As painless(?!) as wax can be, gets out all types of hair with minimal discomfort. Gentle enough for brows and face, but durable enough for tougher hairs like bikini/underarms. A little goes a long way, but you must get the consistency right through trial and error - I heat it until liquid form and then put my warmer on low and start using it from honey-like consistency."
£25.00
6 of 9Nair Coconut Body Wax Strips 20
Nair has always been a go-to for hair removal, and we love these super easy strips. They're infused with coconut oil, leaving skin soft, and they're really easy to use. No warming or prep involved, low maintenance, just how we like it.Review: "I usually get waxed professionally but due to the current situation I'm unable to do so, therefore, I bought these. Each strip could be used twice before it was no longer effective & so far it has lasted 2 weeks with no regrowth so I'm very happy."
7 of 9Veet Essential Oils and Floral Vanilla Warm Wax
Veet is another household name when it comes to hair removal, and this microwaveable wax is a great option for an at-home wax. It's enriched with essential oils and is perfect for legs, bikini and underarm areas.Review: "This wax is brilliant for first-time waxers. The wax simply needs to be heated up in the microwave and can be used 3 times to remove hair on the bottom half of the legs. There are plenty of strips that come with the product that can be washed in warm water and reused, and the wooden spreader has a handy indicator on it to tell you if the wax is too warm for your skin. So far I have used it on my legs and it removed all of the hairs with no problems. The only issue that may happen is that it doesn't remove hairs when the wax is spread too thinly but that is due to user error."
£9.93
- Rrp: £10.99
8 of 9Rio Total Body Waxing Hair Removal Kit
Another great option for a salon-feel wax is this set from Argos. It has rave reviews and two types of wax, soft or hard, depending on your preference. The kit includes a heater, wax, spatulas, wax strips and a tutorial DVD.Review: "Absolutely love the wax heater! I don't know why I didn't get one sooner. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a salon standard outcome at home! Great product, easy to use and easy to clean."
9 of 9Parissa Hot Wax, Bikini & Brazilian Waxing Kit with Strip Free Hard Wax
This strip-less wax has almost 1,000 raving reviews on Amazon, so we're pretty sure it's a knockout product. This set is particularly great for sensitive areas like the underarms, bikini area and face.Review: "I've been using Nad's for a long time and I decided to try this brand on a whim (and because I liked the cute little pan it comes in) I must say the hair removal completely surpasses any other brand I have tried and it's also not too harsh on the skin (I used it on my underarms and they're so soft and smooth) I would highly recommend this product."
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4 ways to improve your credit score
Get on the electoral register
Even if you voted in the most recent elections, you could have dropped off, so go to gov.uk/register-to-vote to add your name. It can bump up your score as lenders use it to confirm your identity and that you live where you say you do. It’s also seen as a sign of reliability.
Pay bills on time
Missing a credit card repayment looks bad on your file, and the “marks” left by missed or late payments can hang about for six years, so either set up a direct debit or, if you can, repay your card in full each month. The same applies for all your bills – gas, electric, water, broadband, council tax, mobile phone, so set up direct debits, or pay bills as soon as they arrive.
Close credit cards you don't use
Cancel credit cards you don’t use any more, and for the ones you do use, try to keep your balances below 25 per cent of your available credit limit. If you have a £2,000 limit, for example, try not to have more than £500 in debt. It shows you’re in control of your spending.
Cut out your ex
If you have split from a partner with whom you previously shared a joint bank account or loan, get a “notice of disassociation” added to your file. That way, if their credit score goes down, it won’t impact yours. You can request it from Experian or Equifax.