Pensions might not sound thrilling, but this episode of Juggling Mind and Money proves otherwise. Lucent Financial Planning’s very own Luke James steps in alongside host Steve Row—and brings a healthy dose of enthusiasm, insight, and dinosaur-themed sock humour to the mic.

They unravel the mystery of pensions—from the flexibility of Defined Contribution schemes to the predictability of Defined Benefit plans—breaking down the jargon and mental barriers that often stop people from engaging with their financial future. You’ll also learn why pensions are a powerful tool for business owners, how tax relief turns savings into “free money”, and why relying on property alone might be a retirement plan built on sand (or bricks you can’t eat).

Plus: socks, legacy planning, and how Luke used a financial plan to retire his dad. Yes, really.

Don’t miss this sharp, down-to-earth chat packed with smart insights and a touch of playful raptor energy.

In this heartfelt episode, Steve Row is joined by Teresa Meredith – a long-time client of Lucent Financial Planning – who steps in as guest co-host.

Theresa shares the story of how she and her husband Phil made the leap into early retirement, the challenges they faced along the way, and how having the right support made all the difference.

From their first nervous meeting to navigating personal loss, serious illness, and big life transitions, their journey highlights the real impact of thoughtful financial planning – and the value of simply being listened to.

This conversation offers a genuine look at the human side of retirement, community, and what it means to feel secure through life’s ups and downs.

They’ve done the hard part — worked, saved, and built a sizeable nest egg. So why are so many retirees paralysed when it comes to spending their own money?

In this episode of Juggling Mind & Money, Steve and Jess dive into the strange reality of retirement underspending — where even millionaires struggle to loosen the purse strings. It’s not about maths; it’s about mindset.

We explore the psychological blocks that stop people enjoying what they’ve earned:

- fear of running out,

- guilt around indulgence,

- and the deep identity built around saving, not spending.

Steve shares how financial planning can create “permission to spend” through smart strategies like simulated income and stress testing, while Jess explains why no amount of money calms anxiety if the brain still thinks it’s broke.

Whether you’re approaching retirement or advising someone who is, this episode is your guide to turning wealth into well-being — before it’s too late to enjoy it.