The Making Money Simple Podcast

Video mentioned in this episode - ⁠Will I Switch To VALL? My Plan For Every Account⁠VALL - Vanguard's new 0.07% global ETF - underlying holdings are finally out. That's exactly what we go through in this one!-----------------------------------------

⁠Sign up to Sammie's app, Gains⁠⁠⁠Sign up to Trading 212⁠⁠ (or use promo code 'MMS' in the app)To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR/GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link. Terms apply.I met with Sammie from Up The Gains Money to go through his journey from being £24k in debt to now having over £200k invested. Including how he financially educated himself and built an app along the way.Plus, we got ambushed by a dog, some kids and a heard of cows...

JP from @jpsbudget joined me on this podcast episode to discuss a very common question - is it too late to start investing?In this one we answer that question, as well as the reality of starting later, how to actually get started and what you need to do to make the most of your money.Listen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------

I met with Neil from @NeilInvests and we went through his entire Trading 212 portfolio - every investment and why. Sign up to Trading 212 (or use promo code 'MMS' in the app)To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR/GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this link. Terms apply.-----------------------------------------

I've been investing for nearly 9 years - and I've invested every month for over 100 months in a row now. Across that period I've lost money, made mistakes and learned what actually works.In this one, I go through the most important lessons from the last 9 years. Any questions let me know below - and I hope it helps you on your investment journey! -----------------------------------------

Most of my £196k investment portfolio (at the time of recording) is invested in global index funds and ETFs. And right now they're all sitting at record highs - or 'all-time highs'.As is the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and many other broad market indices.Which begs the obvious questions: is now a terrible time to invest? Should you just wait for a dip? Is this time different?In this episode we go through:What the data actually says about investing at all-time highsWhy 'this time might be different' (or might not be) Practical steps to take, given the market is at a record highAnd moreThanks for watching and let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!-----------------------------------------

Get my global index fund & ETF comparison tool: ⁠click here⁠Listen to this next: 'Should you switch global ETFs?'In this podcast episode, we answer a great question from Andy:'VWRP or VAFTGAG'There are a few important differences:What they invest in How much they charge in feesWhat platforms they are available onAnd the type of investment each of them is Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.And thanks for the question Andy! If you have a question, feel free to email me: ryan@makingmoneysimple.com -----------------------------------------

In this episode I share my brand new Stocks & Shares ISA, why I chose Trading 212, and exactly what I'm investing in.You can sign up to Trading 212 hereTo get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR/GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this above link (or use promo code 'MMS' in the app). Terms apply.This portfolio is part of a brand new investing journey that I'll be sharing on here, including portfolio updates, lessons learned, investing mistakes to avoid, everything I've learnt along the way, and more.If you've got any questions, let me know and I'll get back to you!-----------------------------------------

Will from @nextgenngpf joins me on this episode - my first ever street interview!Do you like this style of content?In this one we discuss Will's portfolio, the platforms he uses, the actual investments he makes, and a lot more!And if you're interested, you can sign up to Trading 212To get free fractional shares worth up to 100 EUR/GBP, you can open an account with Trading 212 through this above link (or use promo code 'MMS' in the app). Terms apply.-----------------------------------------

Get started with investing (free guide & course) click hereHow I can help you (The Investing Academy) click hereTop broker sign-up offers are hereI hit 12,000 subscribers on YouTube, so thought I'd do a Q&A.This is the first ever Q&A I've done and I'm answering some of your investing questions from Instagram and YouTube.We cover a wide range of topics, including bonds, Stocks & Shares ISAs, SIPPs, Trading 212 vs Vanguard, retirement planning, factor investing, portfolio strategy, and much more.A huge thank you to everyone who has subscribed, watched, commented and supported my YouTube channel and my Podcast. I genuinely appreciate your support!-----------------------------------------

Tom from @moneycoachtom joined me on this podcast episode to discuss - perhaps controversially - the financial advice industry. Sometimes categorised by high fees and a lack of transparency, which begs the question: is a financial advisor actually worth it?For some people, maybe. For others, maybe not.In this episode we get into when a financial advisor isn't (or is) worth it, the questions you need to ask your financial advisor ASAP, how to actually get value, some horror stories, and more. Listen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------

Mentioned in this episode:

Top investing offers - ⁠click here⁠Three investing mistakes I see people make over and over, through 1-on-1 calls I have and messages I receive:High, unnecessary feesThe wrong tax wrapperISA vs pension mix upFix these and you'll save yourself a few quid!If you have a question, feel free to email me: ryan@makingmoneysimple.com -----------------------------------------

Tom from @TomTalksInvesting joined me on this podcast episode to talk about what on earth is going on in the markets. We get into the state of the economy, both here in the UK and globally, and what it all actually means for your money.Tom also walks me through how he runs his own portfolio, including going through his strategy with individual stocks and crypto.And we dig into the biggest lessons we've both picked up along the way. Listen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------

Mentioned in this episode:

Platform comparison tool: click hereTwo New 0.12% FTSE All-World ETFs: click here (YouTube Video)In this podcast episode, we answer a great question:'Trading 212 or InvestEngine?'First, we go through what to actually look for when selecting the platform.Then we delve into this specific question in more detail, running through the key considerations. Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.And thanks for the question Grace! If you have a question, feel free to email me: ryan@makingmoneysimple.com -----------------------------------------

What do you make of this new '22% tax on uninvested cash in Stocks & Shares ISAs'?To be transparent and up front, the full details are still not known. Once we do know the full and final details, I will release another episode. But I still think it's worth putting this out to make you aware of this coming change and so you have as much time as possible to take any potential actions that you need to. -----------------------------------------

My Vanguard portfolio recently hit £100,000!In this episode we go through all of my accounts (ISA, SIPP, GIA), how I built this up over time since 2019, and the mistakes and key lessons along the way. -----------------------------------------

Sammie from @UpTheGainsMoney (and The Money Gains Podcast) joined me on this podcast episode.You can check out the the Gains app ⁠here⁠.Being a founder/entrepreneur, I asked him 9 important questions (each question is timestamped below).From AI tools and self employment vs 9-5, to building a business and raising money from investors.Listen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More investing:

If you need help with your investing accounts: https://www.makingmoneysimple.co.uk/In this episode we cover everything to do with Stocks & Shares Lifetime ISAs:What they areTheir pros and consS&S LISA vs Cash LISAWhether you should use themThe best S&S LISA providers - https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/lifetime-isas/#bestbuysstocks The maths behind why a pension might be betterWhy I stopped contributing to my own S&S LISAI hope you find this episode helpful!-----------------------------------------More Investing:

This is a special episode. Ian, a previous course student, joins me to discuss his investing journey... and he drops a lot of gems!From not even having a credit card and selling at a 3p loss due to nervousness.To now having a Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP, and a workplace pension he's taken control of, investing for the long term. If you're a nervous investor or a beginner investor, this episode will be perfect for you.It will help you out and show just how much you can change within a few months.Mentioned in this video:Get involved in the next 4-week Investing Course - click hereWorkplace pension video - click herePrevious podcast where I answered Ian's questions during the course - click hereListen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More Investing:

Download the end-of-tax-year 20 question checklist here.Other things mentioned in this episode:Claim extra tax relief back - hereTax cliff YouTube video, if you earn more than £50,270 - here Thanks for listening! -----------------------------------------More Investing:

Thanks for listening to this episode!-----------------------------------------More Investing:

Will AI Replace Accountants, Auditors or Finance Business Partners? Owen from 'Owen Talks Finance' joins me on this podcast episode to discuss this very topical question.In this episode, we go through:How to use AI to enhance your jobWhat jobs are at risk due to AI The pros and cons of using AI in the workplaceHow AI can improve your personal lifeAnd moreListen to the episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More investing:

Thanks for listening to this episode!Source: https://www.etfstream.com/articles/vanguard-plots-size-factor-etf-rollout-in-upcoming-launch-spreeIs anyone planning on investing in this new FTSE Global All Cap ETF once it's released? -----------------------------------------More Investing:

Listen to this next - ⁠ EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Pensions (State, Workplace, SIPPs & more)In this podcast episode, we answer a great question:'Should I use a workplace pension, SIPP or Stocks & Shares ISA?'In really comes down to tax optimisation vs flexibility.In this episode we break down the key differences, when each one makes sense and the simple framework I use to decide which one to focu on.Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.And thanks for the question Craig! If you have a question, feel free to email me: makingmoneysimple1@gmail.com -----------------------------------------More Investing:

Christos from Fellas Finance joins me on this episode to discuss his investing journey.From early mistakes, to building up a £120k portfolio by 34, to aiming to get to £1m by 50.This episode is an insight into Christos' journey to date and future plans.In this episode we also discuss overpaying your mortgage vs investing, the biggest determinants of investing success, what we personally invest into, and more. Listen to the episode for the full details. -----------------------------------------More investing:

Sign up to my email newsletter - https://www.makingmoneysimple.co.uk/NewsletterWorkplace pension YouTube video - https://youtu.be/idEI30WR5RYHow I can help you - https://www.makingmoneysimple.co.uk/-----------------------------------------More investing:

My website & how I can help you - https://www.makingmoneysimple.co.uk/New Vanguard Global LifeStrategy funds - https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/articles/latest-thoughts/how-it-works/introducing-lifestrategy-global-a-new-way-to-diversify-your-portfolioFreetrade fee change - https://freetrade.io/blog/free-pension-free-funds?lid=3w0mpl2166lw&utm_source=braze&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2026_01_23_Free_SIPP_Free_Mutual_Funds_Service&utm_variant=Variant%201HL fee change - https://www.hl.co.uk/help/income-and-fees/fees-explained/fee-changesPotential LISA changes - https://moneyweek.com/personal-finance/isas/lifetime-isa-reform-new-product-retirement-option-scrappedTimestamps:0:00 - Intro0:48 - New Vanguard Global LifeStrategy funds4:08 - Freetrade fee change 9:06 - HL fee change 13:34 - Potential LISA changes-----------------------------------------More investing:

Will from @nextgenngpf joins me on this episode to discuss 5 of the best side hustles to try in 2026.The first two are open to anyone.The remaining three are also open to anyone, but they're more geared towards those who are already making content online.We discuss each side hustle, the pros, cons, earning potential and what you need to know. Listen to the episode for the full details. -----------------------------------------More investing:

Should you invest for your children… or yourself first?Owen from 'Owen Talks Finance' joins me on this podcast episode to discuss both:Investing for yourself, as you bring up childrenAnd investing for your childrenIn this episode, we go through: why your own investing and retirement should probably come first, how to invest for your children, balancing investing for yourself vs your children, why even small amounts for kids are so important - and more.Listen to the episode for the full details. -----------------------------------------More investing:

How I can help you - ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠It took me 6.5 years to reach £100k invested. But here's what often isn't talked about:Most of that wasn't compounding.It was my own contributions.Early on, how much you invest matters far more than what returns you get.If investing feels slow at the start - that's normal. Don't feel disheartened. Stick with it and be consistent.And if you are feeling like this, then this episode is for you and I hope it makes you feel a bit better and reassured.-----------------------------------------More investing:

Listen to our other episode - What to look for when selecting a fundTom from 'Tom's Personal Finance' joins me on this podcast episode to discuss potentially the best global ETF for UK investors in 2026.We analyse the ETF (Ticker: ACWI) - looking at the index it tracks, what it invests into, the fee, and more. You can take this exact criteria and apply it yourself when assessing funds.Finally, we discuss whether this is the best global ETF and how it compares to other popular global ETFs (VWRP, FWRG).Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:20 - Index3:40 - Holdings6:32 - Fees8:25 - Other details18:41 - Is this the best global ETF?19:42 - Comparison to other global ETFs (VWRP, FWRG)23:42 - How to pick one25:25 - Outro-----------------------------------------More investing:

How I can help you in 2026 - click hereWatch this next - Revealing my £180k portfolioTimestamps:0:00 - My 2025 growth2:28 - Exactly what I invested into in 20258:16 - 2025 capital gains11:45 - Top 3 2025 takeawaysListen to the podcast episode for the full details.-----------------------------------------More investing:

Listen to this next - What is the best Global ETF? In this podcast episode, we answer a common question:'Do you really only need one global ETF in your investment portfolio?'The answer is yes and no.Yes - if you want to keep your approach as simple as possible.No - due to various reasons. We run through 6 scenarios where you might want to invest into more than just one global ETF. Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.-----------------------------------------More investing:

Tom from @tom.tpf joins me on this podcast episode to discuss 10 of the top ETF mistakes that investors make.Investing into too many different ETFs, not understanding what an ETF actually invests in, how FX impacts returns, only focusing on an ETFs fee, just to name a few.Listen to the podcast episode for the full details!Other useful episodes mentioned:1. What To Look For When Selecting An Index Fund or ETF - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sdBm4cFYer5ljiQAGZNC3?si=ZnEqarGUTj6ShWVVma2m_A2. Are UK Investors Worse Off Than US Investors Due To FX? - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JorWR1NOSYW1vhkEX31Si?si=XJabxL9cT-S0kbxvVJzZTA-----------------------------------------More investing:

I've been investing for over 8 years and have built my investment portfolio to £180,000.In this podcast episode, we go through the 10 most important lessons that I've learnt along the way. Listen to the podcast episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More investing:

Georgiy from @Funancialism joined me on this episode of the podcast to discuss ‘alternative investments'. Including his investments into Pokémon cards and one piece cards. I'm a complete beginner in this space, so was asking as many beginner questions as possible. Georgiy dropped a lot of gems and facts, going on to say that everyone should have at least 1% of their portfolio in alternative investments. Listen to the podcast episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More investing:

The 10 most important things that changed that you need to know after the UK 2025 Budget yesterday.Plus, 8 things that didn't change (that you should still know about).What did you make of the budget? Let me know in the comments below.Listen to the podcast episode for the full details!-----------------------------------------More investing:

In this podcast episode, I answer a question from Scott.The question was: 'Have you ever covered how to invest when you've maxed out your 20k isa allowance?'We go through the options, starting with a pension and a general investment account (GIA), before moving onto more niche options and some other ideas - from SEIS/EIS/VCT to crypto and gold and more. We also cover limited companies and the 'order of investing priority', including some scenarios of what investment accounts to prioritise based on your situation. Listen to the podcast episode for the full details.Timestamps:0:00 - Question from Scott1:53 - Pension3:20 - Workplace pension or SIPP?4:38 - General investing account6:55 - Accounts are ‘wrappers'7:38 - SEIS and EIS9:13 - VCTs10:33 - Other options - property11:11 - Crypto11:43 - Gold12:35 - P2P lending13:05 - S&S Lifetime ISA14:04 - Don't forget saving goals15:29 - Limited company investing16:30 - ‘Order of investing priority'20:51 - Summary22:53 - Outro-----------------------------------------More investing:

Gold is up big in 2025, but should you invest in it? And if so, how?In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about gold as an investor. From what actually drives gold's price, to its long term returns (including the real return after inflation), to how much of your portfolio you may want to allocate - the ultimate beginner-friendly guide.We then dive into the 5 main ways to invest in gold, including the pros, cons, fees, and tax implications of each option.These options include: physical gold, ETCs, ETFs, gold mining stocks and digital gold.