In our monthly podcast series, we cover the big personal finance topics such as savings, pensions, budgeting, debt, family finance, marriage and retirement – as well as other issues that money can have an impact on, like your mental health, physical health and the environment.
Each episode our host, presenter and broadcast journalist Andrea Fox, will be grilling financial experts and special guests to get the answers we’re looking for and tips that you can put into action.
How to listen
You can download and listen to episodes using your podcast app, including:
Just search for ‘The penny drops’. We’ll be releasing a new podcast at the beginning of each month, so make sure to subscribe to be the first to hear new episodes. If you don’t have access to an app, you can listen to the podcast online via Podbean.
We’d love to hear what you think of the series, so please do leave us a review, or if you have any comments or money questions you’d like us to cover, you can get in touch at thepennydrops@royallondon.com.
2021 episodes
Pride month and LGBT+ finances, Paul Martin OBE
Join Andrea with her guest, Paul Martin OBE, the CEO of the LGBT Foundation, as they discuss some of the issues the LGBT+ community face in their financial lives simply as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Why is protection insurance so important? Kara Gammell
Andrea Fox speaks to Kara Gammell, award-winning personal finance journalist and founder of money-saving blog ‘Your Best Friend's Guide to Cash’ to find out everything you need to know about protection insurance.
Your guide to mortgages and home buying, Andy Webb
Andrea Fox joins Andy Webb, broadcaster, money expert and founder of personal finance blog ‘Be Clever With Your Cash’, to find out everything you need to know about mortgages and buying a home.
Protecting yourself against financial scams, Marilyn Baldwin OBE
Host Andrea Fox talks to Marilyn Baldwin OBE, founder of Think Jessica, an organisation committed to protecting people from financial fraud, about how we can spot and avoid financial scams.
Getting your financial year off to the right start, Josh Widdicombe and Georgie Frost
Host Andrea Fox joins Josh Widdicombe, comedian, writer and co-host of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, and Georgie Frost, award-winning financial journalist and radio presenter, to reflect on the challenges of 2020 and talk about money tips, habits and goals to set us up for the new year.
2020 episodes
Getting through financial hardship, Duncan James and Jo Kerr
Host Andrea Fox speaks to singer, actor and TV presenter Duncan James, who shares his personal story of financial hardship. Joining him is Jo Kerr, Director of Impact and Innovation at Turn2us, who guides us through the options and support available for people who are financially vulnerable.
Everything you need to know about retirement planning, Sarah Pennells
Host Andrea Fox joins Sarah Pennells, head of financial capability and guidance at Royal London, to discuss why retirement planning is so important.
Why we should all be talking about death, Jeff Brazier and Rankin
Host Andrea Fox joins two special guests, TV presenter and published author Jeff Brazier and photographer and filmmaker Rankin, to have an open conversation about death and how we can all feel more comfortable discussing it.
How to make and stick to a budget, Kalpana Fitzpatrick
Host Andrea Fox talks all things budgeting with Kalpana Fitzpatrick, finance editor, money expert and founder of award-winning website Mummy Money Matters.
Living, growing and thriving with a disability, Sam Ruddock
Host Andrea Fox joins Paralympian Sam Ruddock to talk sports, big ambitions, managing finances as an athlete and living with a disability.
How to plan and manage family finances, Rich Edwards and Becky O’Connor
Host Andrea Fox talks family finances with Rich Edwards, one half of the hugely popular Two Dads in London blog, and Becky O’Connor, a Personal Finance Specialist at Royal London.
Making ethical choices with your money, Rob Harrison
Host Andrea Fox joins Rob Harrison, founder of not-for-profit publishing, research and campaign organisation, Ethical Consumer.
Money and your mental health, George David Hodgson and Brian Semple
Host Andrea Fox speaks to fashionpreneur and mental health campaigner George David Hodgson and Brian Semple, Head of External Affairs at the independent charity Money & Mental Health.
Staying motivated and determined, Mikael Lawal
Host Andrea Fox joins Mikael Lawal to talk about his journey from poverty to professional boxing, and how he’s managed personal and financial struggles along the way.
Managing your finances as a woman, Bola Sokunbi
Host Andrea Fox speaks to Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, about female finances and the life events that can impact women and their money.
Why planning for death is so important, Guy Kilty
Host Andrea Fox joins finance journalist and BBC broadcaster Guy Kilty to talk end-of-life planning and why it’s important to think about it early on.
How to save without noticing, Emma Lunn
Host Andrea Fox talks to personal finance journalist Emma Lunn to discover everything you need to know about saving money.
2019 episodes
Let's talk about pensions, Sarah Pennells
Host Andrea Fox goes back to basics on pensions with money expert Sarah Pennells.
Popular money questions answered, Jasmine Birtles
Host Andrea Fox talks to MoneyMagpie's Jasmine Birtles to answer popular money questions.
Bonus episodes
Cricket careers, overcoming challenges and life in lockdown, Jonny Bairstow and Ebony Rainford-Brent
Host Andrea Fox speaks to two English cricket stars, Jonny Bairstow and Ebony Rainford-Brent, in this bonus episode of 'The penny drops' recorded as an official part of Royal London’s title sponsorship of One-Day International Cricket.
How to get more information
More information and resources for each topic can be found in the episode notes on your app.
Please note that the topics and issues discussed on ‘The penny drops’ can vary depending on your personal circumstances. Royal London recommends you seek professional independent financial advice before making financial decisions. All views and opinions expressed are those of the experts and not of Royal London.
More on managing your finances
There's always more to learn about taking care of your finances, whatever stage of life you're at. Our personal finance articles and videos are full of useful tips and support.
Our money guides
Our guides provide information on a wide range of issues to help you make the most of your money. They also point you in the right direction if you need further assistance.