How do you actually build an investment portfolio, and what is the simplest way to start?

In this episode of The Wallet, Emilie Bellet (Vestpod) is joined by Caroline Brady (Net Purpose, ex BlackRock) to break down portfolio building in plain English, from asset allocation and diversification to the difference between stocks and funds. We also cover how ESG and impact investing fit into long-term investing without overcomplicating it.

Financial news is everywhere. Markets, interest rates, crypto, AI, pensions, gold, recessions, bubbles. For many people, it creates more stress than clarity, and often leads to reactive money decisions they later regret.

In this episode of The Wallet, Vestpod founder Emilie Bellet is joined by Kalpana Fitzpatrick, Digital Editor at MoneyWeek, to unpack how financial news is made, why it can feel overwhelming, and how to consume it without panic.

The Self Assessment deadline has a habit of arriving faster than expected.

This episode covers who needs to file, what needs reporting, and how to avoid common pitfalls - with practical guidance for anyone who is self-employed, earning extra income, or managing a more complex tax setup.

Vestpod founder Emilie Bellet speaks with Maike Currie, VP of Personal Finance at PensionBee, about key deadlines, pension considerations, and how Making Tax Digital will change the process from 2026.

This episode is for general information only and does not constitute personal tax or financial advice.

A clear, friendly guide to how pensions really work — contributions, tax relief, investments and why starting early can transform your long-term financial security.

Our monthly Vestpod Series Event at Huckletree East

We’ve all heard of the gender pay gap (unfortunately) but let’s turn our attention to its evil twin, the gender pension gap. It stands to reason, really, that if women are earning less they’ll be saving less. And of course women tend to live longer so they need more in their pension pots. But recent research has pin-pointed just how unfair the current state of play is when it comes to saving for later life.

You could get ‘free money’! The government automatically gives you 20% or more tax relief when you and your employer make a contribution to your pension.

Avoid a gap in pensions contributions. Can your partner help out?

It’s never too soon to start

Should I pack my pensions into one easy to manage place?

No point freaking out... Start growing your nest egg.

Maybe this all seems a bit theoretical. To ground the facts and figures in reality, try asking yourself why you need a pension.

A pension is simply a tax free way to save money for later life.

Question: what comes to mind when you think about the future?

Did you know that life expectancy increased at the rate of 2 to 3 years every decade? There’s all kinds of implications of living a longer life: we get to spend more time with our families and explore unforeseen hobbies in retirement