Debt is everywhere. From the moment we’re old enough to get student loans, store cards, or Buy Now Pay Later at the checkout, it is enticing you in. In this episode of The Finance Han Podcast, we’re talking about how to not get sucked in. From sneaky spending traps to the pressure of keeping up with your mates, we’ll chat through the everyday choices that can quietly snowball into debt, and how to stop that from happening. We’ll also cover how to stay debt-free once you’ve done the hard work of clearing it. Spoiler: it’s less about sacrifice and more about being one step ahead.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Debt is literally everywhere, especially for 18 to 30-somethings just trying to stay afloat.
• Sinking funds are future-you’s best friend.
• Uni isn’t the only way to a good job (or a good life).
• Apprenticeships? Highly underrated.
• “Keeping up” with friends can cost you more than you think.
• Credit cards are tempting little devils - handle with care!
• Your emergency fund = your financial safety net.
• Budgeting isn’t boring, it’s freeing.
• Choose memories over ‘stuff’.
• Delayed gratification is a money superpower.

⏱️ Chapter Breakdown

• 00:00 – Welcome back + why debt is the struggle right now
• 01:16 – How debt starts (and why it’s not your fault)
• 04:03 – Meet your new fave: sinking funds
• 08:36 – Is uni really worth the price tag?
• 12:40 – What no one told you about apprenticeships
• 16:47 – Doing life your way is cooler
• 22:21 – Credit cards: the red flag in your wallet
• 26:02 – The emergency fund that helps you sleep at night
• 29:21 – Budgeting basics (minus the boring bits)
• 39:39 – Final thoughts + disclaimer

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In this episode of The Finance Han Podcast, I’m joined by Sammie Ellard-King and we’re talking about the financial truth bomb nobody wants to hear: most people won’t ever be able to afford to stop working. Brutal, but fixable.

Sammie Ellard-King is a legend in the personal finance space. He's 220k+ followers deep, host of The Money Gains Podcast, and British Banking Awards’ Content Creator of the Year — safe to say, he knows what he's on about.

We break down why saving alone won’t cut it, how to actually prep for retirement without killing your vibe, and the mindset shifts you need now, not later.

Whether you’re spending like it's Hot Girl Summer, or just trying to survive until payday, this episode is your reminder: Hot Girl Retirement is a vibe too, and future you will seriously thank you.

Here’s What We Cover:

• The harsh reality of the average UK retirement pot (spoiler: it’s terrifying).
• Why saving money alone won’t set you (financially) free and what you should be doing instead.
• How to stop working for forever and ever and ever (without needing a six-figure salary).
• The mindset shifts that can change your whole financial future.
• How to balance living your life now while still taking care of future you.
• Why investing isn’t as complicated or as scary as it’s made out to be.

Where To Find Sammie:

💻 Up The Gains Website

🎥 YouTube

📸 Instagram

🎙️ The Money Gains Podcast (Spotify)

🎙️ The Money Gains Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

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📧 Email: thefinancehan@gmail.com

In this episode of The Finance Han Podcast, I'm unpacking one of the UK’s biggest financial love affairs: owning a home. Is it the ultimate goal, or just a super expensive flex?

I dive into the emotional pressure, the money side, and the cultural obsession Brits have with “getting on the property ladder.” We’re talking deposit drama, mortgage myths, and why renting isn’t the financial failure it’s made out to be.

Whether you’re saving for your dream home or side-eyeing Rightmove listings while crying into a glass of wine (we’ve all been there), this one’s for you. It’s time to ask the big question: Do you actually want to own a house or do you just feel like you should?

Here's What I Cover:

• The UK is high-key obsessed with home ownership - and it’s not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about identity.
• Owning a home is still seen as a major status symbol (even if it’s mouldy with a dodgy boiler).
• Renting isn’t failure - it can be freedom, especially if you’re figuring things out or love flexibility.
• Buying a house can be a smart move, but it’s also a massive financial and emotional commitment.
• The cost of buying goes way beyond the asking price - think fees, interest, maintenance… it adds up.
• The rental market has its flaws, but it can also be the right choice for your current season of life.
• Your money should serve your life plan, not society’s outdated checklist.

How much will a mortgage really cost you? Use Martin Lewis' Calculator to find out.

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I sat down with Beth of Invest The Rest to chat all things investing - from figuring out what the hell an ETF actually is to building a strategy you can stick with even when the market throws a wobbly.

Beth shares how she started investing during the COVID rebound, why she leaned into diversification early on, and how she learned to trust her plan and not the panic.

And although we recorded this before Trump’s latest tariff drama, it’s honestly proof that solid investing principles still hold up, even when the headlines are screaming.

Whether you’re nervous to get started or questioning if now’s the right time, this one’s a reassuring deep breath. You’ve got this. 💸

Here’s what we cover:

• Investing can feel intimidating — especially when you’re not a finance bro.
• Starting in a market rebound might feel like luck, but staying in is where the magic happens.
• You don’t need to know everything to start. Seriously.
• ETFs = the low-effort, high-impact friend you want in your portfolio.
• Diversification: boring name, brilliant outcome.
• Market dips suck. Being emotionally prepared makes all the difference.
• “Time in the market” always wins over trying to time it.
• Your investment thesis is your anchor when things go wobbly.
• Trust your own research — not TikTok “gurus.”
• You don’t need £1,000 to start. You just need to start.

🎧 Chapters:

• 00:00 – Busting the Big Investing Myths
• 01:51 – Baby Steps: How Beth Got Started
• 03:29 – Strategy Talk (Without the Overwhelm)
• 05:48 – What Even Is an ETF? + Why They’re Great for Beginners
• 08:26 – Market Trends: What’s Actually Going On?
• 10:31 – Why Diversification Isn’t Just a Buzzword
• 14:48 – What’s Do all those Words & Numbers Mean?!
• 20:22 – The FOMO Trap: You’re Not Too Late
• 21:35 – Your Investment Thesis = Your Anchor
• 23:39 – Final Words for First-Time Investors

🎙 Guest: Beth from Invest The Rest

Follow: @_invest.the.rest_

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What do you get when you mix 22 years of side hustling wisdom no gatekeeping what-so-ever? This episode. 🙌

This week, I’m joined by Neesha, founder of The Fun Money Club and the original Side Hustle Queen, who’s been making extra cash through side hustles since she was 12. We dive into what “fun money” actually means and how side hustling can seriously shift your financial future.

Here’s what we cover:

✨ What fun money really is and why it matters

💸 The truth about side hustle courses (you probably don’t need one)

🛋️ Pyjama-friendly hustles you can do from home

📦 Cashback hacks that feel like free money

👯‍♀️ Why community is the ultimate money motivator

📉 How side hustles can help you ditch debt faster

💰 Realistic earnings: what Neesha actually makes each month

🔥 Tips for getting started without burning out

Whether you’re side hustle curious or ready to dive into your 17th passive-ish income stream, Neesha brings both the inspo and the action steps.

Listen now and start stacking that fun money!

🎧 Chapters:

• 00:00 – Intro to Side Hustling
• 02:09 – The Concept of Fun Money
• 05:00 – Exploring Side Hustles
• 08:01 – Do You Really Need a Course?
• 10:20 – Realistic Side Hustle Earnings
• 13:19 – Tax Bits & Getting Started
• 16:00 – Hustles You Can Do From Home
• 16:13 – Finding Motivation Through Community
• 21:28 – Your First Side Hustle Step
• 26:11 – How Side Hustles Can Be Life-Changing
• 28:40 – The Fun Money Club: Join the Movement

🎙 Guest: Neesha from The Fun Money Club

Follow: @thefunmoneyclub

Join the community: https://www.thefunmoneyclub.co.uk/

Like this episode?

Tell your mates, leave a review, or send it to that friend who keeps saying “I should really start a side hustle…” 💁🏼‍♀️

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In this kick-off episode of The Finance Han Podcast, Hannah spills all the tea about how she climbed out of £11k of debt in less than a year - no quick fixes or millionaire mindset scams, just real talk about changing your money habits.

She gets honest about budgeting (yes, it sounds boring, but it's sexier than you think!), breaks down debt repayment strategies that actually work, and shares how simple lifestyle tweaks can turn your finances around.

You'll also hear why surrounding yourself with supportive people matters more than you think and how tools like journals or habit trackers can keep you accountable and focused. Hannah’s all about keeping it real - because financial freedom isn't just for finance bros; it's for all of us.

Key Takeaways:

• Meet Hannah and learn why she's passionate about empowering Gen Z and millennials to take control of their finances.
• Discover what made Hannah finally tackle her £11k debt.
• Understand why snowball and avalanche debt repayment methods are Hannah-approved.
• Learn why budgeting and expense tracking aren't optional—they're essential.
• Find out how your everyday choices, like impulse buying, shape your financial future.
• Get practical tips for slashing unnecessary spending without feeling miserable.
• Consider selling items you no longer need as a powerful way to boost debt repayments.
• Hear why a strong support system can make or break your financial journey.
• Explore accountability hacks, from journaling to habit tracking, that keep you on track.
• Be inspired to take proactive, achievable steps towards your own financial freedom.

💸 Learn how to work out your net worth by watching this video from Financielle.

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Let’s be real—most personal finance content is either out of touch or just plain boring. You don’t need advice from someone on a £300k salary telling you to "just stop buying coffee." 🥲

You need real stories from real people who’ve turned their financial situation around—and that’s exactly what this podcast is about.

I paid off £11,000 of debt in 10 months, started investing, and took control of my money. Now, I’m bringing you the stories of others who’ve done the same - they’re clearing debt, investing, building wealth and working towards financial freedom.

If you’re trying to get smarter with money, this podcast will help you figure out how to ditch debt, start investing and create a financial future that actually works for you. No finance bros, no BS—just straight-talking, practical conversations about money.

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