🎙 Episode 195: What’s Your Money Story? – How Early Beliefs, Divorce, and Healing Shape Our Financial Confidence

Your money story didn’t start with your first payslip—it started with your parents, your childhood, and the beliefs you absorbed long before you had a bank account.

In this deeply moving episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas sits down with Gina Blundell—coach, podcast host, and advocate for financial awareness—to explore the powerful link between money, relationships, and self-worth. Gina shares her own story, from early memories of financial tension at home to navigating divorce, hidden accounts, and rebuilding her life—and her financial independence—on her own terms.

What unfolds is a conversation rich in honesty, empowerment, and hard-won wisdom. Together, Lesley and Gina uncover the lasting impact of unspoken financial dynamics, how money can be used as control in relationships, and why trusting yourself is the first step to lasting confidence and change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How childhood money beliefs shape your adult financial behaviour

✅ The subtle signs of financial control—and how to reclaim your power

✅ Why we must talk about money before committing to a partner

✅ How to raise financially responsible kids (without becoming their safety net)

✅ The power of self-awareness in breaking intergenerational patterns

✅ Why investing isn't just about money—it’s about trust in yourself

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Gina and Lesley:

✨ “If you risk nothing, you risk everything.”

✨ “Your relationship with money mirrors your relationship with yourself.”

✨ “Awareness is the first step—but action is where change happens.”

✨ “You don’t need to be perfect with money. You just need to be honest—with yourself and your loved ones.”

💡 Reclaim Your Financial Voice

This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your money story. Whether you’re navigating separation, parenting through money stress, or learning to trust yourself again—this conversation will meet you where you are, and encourage you to step forward with clarity and courage.

📢 Listen now to discover the healing power of financial honesty—and the strength that comes when we learn to say no, set boundaries, and believe we’re worthy of more.

Connect with Gina Blundell

Linkedin - http://linkedin.com/in/gina-blundell

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/gina.blundell.18

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/@gina.blundell

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 194: What Are You Really Teaching Your Teen About Money? – Why Conversations at Home Matter More Than You Think

Your teen is watching you more closely than you realise—not just your spending, but your attitude towards money.

In this heartfelt solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas dives into the powerful, often unconscious money lessons we pass on to our children—especially teenagers. As parents, leaders, and business owners, we may be forging our own financial path, but what are we really teaching the next generation?

If you've ever hesitated to talk openly with your teen about money, or wondered if you’re saying the right things (or enough at all), this episode is for you. Lesley shares her personal reflections as both a mother and a money coach, offering practical steps to shift the conversation from silence or stress to confidence and clarity.

✅ How your teen is absorbing unspoken lessons about money—through your words, actions, and even your stress

✅ Why financial literacy goes far beyond spreadsheets and interest rates

✅ The beliefs about money you may have inherited—and are unknowingly passing down

✅ Why confidence, not perfection, is the most powerful financial lesson you can model

✅ How to start meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about money at home

✅ Three practical shifts to help you talk to your teen about money—even if you're still figuring it out yourself

✅ The importance of rewriting your own money story—so your children don’t have to carry it forward

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:

✨ “Our teenagers don’t need spreadsheets—they need role models.”

✨ “If we don’t change our money story, we pass it down. Not because we mean to, but because we haven’t rewritten our own script.”

✨ “Confidence with money isn’t a given. It’s built through honest conversations—especially the uncomfortable ones.”

✨ “The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence, intention, and being willing to go first.”

💡 Your Family’s Money Legacy Starts with You

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting to work on your financial mindset, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to raise money-confident children—by becoming one yourself.

📚 Exciting News: Lesley also shares a preview of her upcoming book designed to guide parents in building money confidence with their teens—without guilt, overwhelm, or jargon.

📢 Tune in now and take the first step towards changing the financial conversation in your home—and creating a ripple effect for generations to come.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 193: Are you ready to invest in YOU? – Lesley Thomas on Redefining Growth with Intention and Self-Trust

Have you ever felt like you're doing too much in your business, saying yes when you should be setting boundaries, and chasing visibility for fear of falling behind?

In this refreshingly honest solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas shares what’s been happening behind the scenes in her own business. From creeping overwhelm to navigating a life transition as her teenage sons become more independent, Lesley takes listeners on a vulnerable, powerful exploration of what it really takes to evolve as a business owner—and as a person.

This is a live case study in self-trust, money mindset, and intentional growth. Lesley speaks candidly about the internal conversations that led her to rethink her strategy, let go of outdated roles, and invest in the support she truly needs to move forward. If you’ve ever struggled with delegation, identity shifts, or “just enough” thinking—this episode will speak directly to you.

✅ Why doing more doesn't always mean achieving more—and what to do instead

✅ How parental identity shifts can spark business evolution

✅ The subtle danger of shiny object syndrome and comparison culture

✅ What it really looks like to scale with intention, not stress

✅ How to identify the right kind of support for your business

✅ Why your relationship with money is linked to your self-worth

✅ The power of self-trust when making bold investments in your growth

✅ How “just enough” thinking is holding back your revenue, boundaries, and potential

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:

✨ “Networking is about planting the seeds—it isn’t about picking the fruit.”

✨ “Shiny object syndrome only exposes the gaps where we don’t feel like we’re enough.”

✨ “You can’t grow into your next chapter if you’re still clinging to every hat in your business.”

✨ “Self-trust is what money confidence gives you—and that changes everything.”

💡 Feeling stuck at the edge of growth?

This episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and take intentional action toward the business—and life—you want to create.

📢 Tune in now to hear how Lesley is navigating the next stage of her business, and how you can do the same—without burning out or holding back.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 192: From Hidden to Heard – Tendai Rukarwa on Reclaiming Financial Confidence and Self-Worth

What happens when you're highly educated, professionally successful, yet quietly overwhelmed by money? For Tendai Rukarwa, an auditor and chartered accountant, her personal relationship with money lagged far behind her professional expertise—until she decided to confront it head on.

In this powerful episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas is joined by Tendai Rukarwa, who shares a raw and deeply relatable journey of realising that growing up doesn't automatically mean growing in financial maturity. From deferring financial responsibility to others, to learning the hard way how to budget, negotiate, and build self-trust—Tendai’s story is one of awakening, learning, and ultimately empowerment.

Together, they explore the emotional, cultural and psychological roots of money habits, the importance of financial visibility for women, and why learning to trust yourself with money is one of the greatest acts of self-leadership.

✅ Why professional success doesn’t always translate into financial confidence

✅ How upbringing, culture, and gender roles shape our money mindset

✅ The cost of avoiding financial responsibility—and how to step into your power

✅ The difference between theoretical knowledge and real-world money application

✅ Why self-trust and grace are critical to building true financial independence

✅ How to move from scarcity to abundance, even without changing your income

✅ The “penguin mindset” and how it can help you manage emotional and financial discomfort

✅ Practical steps to begin transforming your money story at any age

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Tendai:

✨ “You can grow up, gain degrees, climb the career ladder—yet still have the money mindset of an 8-year-old.”

✨ “When you allow yourself to breathe, you make space for money to flow towards you.”

✨ “You don’t need to announce your struggles to the world—but you do need to be honest with yourself.”

✨ “The world is expansive. You have a place in it—and a place in its wealth.”

✨ “Sometimes, you’re the penguin overheating in the middle. You look fine to others, but inside, you’re struggling.”

Tendai is an auditor, keynote speaker and advocate for financial education and resilience.

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Tendai Rukarwa

📱 Instagram: @tendairukarwa

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zkbhDpu7/

📢 Tune in now to hear how Tendai turned her quiet money struggles into a powerful story of confidence, purpose and joy.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 191: Financial Confidence for Women in Business – Reclaiming Your Worth and Power Around Money

Do you ever feel like you're holding back when it comes to your finances? That somehow, despite running a successful business or being accomplished in your career, money still feels like a source of stress or uncertainty?

In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, host Lesley Thomas dives deep into the vital topic of financial confidence for women in business. This isn’t just about profit margins and spreadsheets—it’s about mindset, self-worth, and embracing your value without apology.

Lesley explores the emotional and psychological roots of financial hesitation, how upbringing and societal conditioning can impact women’s beliefs around money, and what it truly means to show up confidently and lead from a place of financial empowerment.

Whether you're a business owner, leader, or someone ready to feel more at ease with your finances, this episode offers practical tools and mindset shifts to support you in stepping fully into your worth—personally and professionally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why financial confidence is a mindset, not just a skill set.

✅ How childhood beliefs and early money stories can still shape your business decisions today.

✅ The difference between knowing your numbers and owning your financial power.

✅ Why visibility, pricing, and self-promotion are crucial to building true confidence.

✅ Practical steps to shift out of fear and into financial clarity.

✅ How to break free from guilt, shame, or hesitation when it comes to money.

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:

✨ “You cannot be financially confident until you first acknowledge the value you bring to the table.”

✨ “We inherit our money stories long before we start writing our own chapters—it’s time to edit them consciously.”

✨ “Financial empowerment for women is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

💡 Empowerment Begins with Awareness

This episode is your invitation to challenge what you’ve been told about money, leadership, and self-worth—and to start making financial decisions from a place of confidence, not conditioning.

📢 Tune in now and take your first step towards financial freedom, on your terms.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 190: Building Confidence, Changing Futures – Louise Hill’s Journey with GoHenry and Financial Literacy

What does it take to empower a generation of children to become financially confident? For Louise Hill, it all started with a simple realisation: young people were moving into a digital world, but their financial education hadn’t caught up.

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas sits down with Louise Hill, co-founder of GoHenry, to explore Louise’s personal money story, her early lessons in resilience and confidence, and how a kitchen-table idea grew into a pioneering movement for children's financial empowerment.

Together, they discuss the emotional side of money, the gaps in financial education, and how small, practical changes can shape powerful futures. Louise also shares what drives her continued passion for ensuring every child in the UK has access to meaningful financial literacy from a young age.

✅ How early experiences shape our confidence with money and spending

✅ Why Louise started GoHenry—and how it grew into a global brand

✅ The emotional journey behind teaching children financial independence

✅ Why financial literacy must start in primary schools—not secondary

✅ The life-changing potential of simple money habits like saving and budgeting

✅ How cross-party support could transform the UK's financial future

✅ The powerful link between financial confidence, opportunity, and wellbeing

✅ How real-life stories from families prove the long-term impact of early money education

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Louise:

✨ "Financial education is not just a life skill—it’s a life changer."

✨ "We were living in a digital world, but still giving our children cash."

✨ "Confidence with money starts with regular, simple habits—even if it’s just 20p a week."

✨ "Every child deserves to believe in the art of the possible for their future."

GoHenry helps young people build financial confidence by combining a pre-paid card with a simple app, empowering children and teens to save, spend, and manage money responsibly.

🔗 Find out more at: gohenry.com

📢 Tune in now to hear Louise’s remarkable journey—and find out how we can all play a part in creating a financially confident future for the next generation.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙 Episode 189: Focus on the Controllables – Taking Charge of Your Money in a Shifting Economy

With headlines full of global uncertainty and economic upheaval, it’s easy to feel powerless when it comes to your financial future. But in this empowering solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas reminds us that while we can't control the markets, elections, or global leaders—we can take full ownership of our personal economy.

This episode is a call to step away from fear-based thinking and into radical responsibility. Lesley walks you through how to lead yourself financially—even when the world feels unstable—and offers practical strategies for regaining clarity, confidence, and control over your money.

✅ Why fear is a costly distraction—and how to respond to uncertainty with intention

✅ What “focusing on the controllables” really means in a financial context

✅ Three actionable steps to rebuild trust in your own financial leadership

✅ How to stop outsourcing your security to politics, partners, or perfect timing

✅ The role of self-awareness and emotional clarity in financial decision-making

✅ How your thoughts, behaviours, and habits shape your results—especially during uncertain times

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Lesley:

✨ “You may not be able to control the global economy—but you can absolutely lead your personal economy.”

✨ “You are the rescuer. You are the decision-maker. And you are more financially powerful than you’ve ever been led to believe.”

✨ “Whether you think you can or you can’t—you’re right.”

💡 Your Financial Power Starts with You

This episode is your invitation to step away from fear, shift your focus, and take action where it matters most—within your control.

📢 Tune in now and discover how to anchor yourself in confidence, clarity, and calm—no matter what the headlines say.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What shapes our relationship with money? For Paul Fox, it began with old shillings from his great-grandfather and a bob-a-job week that involved a little help from mum’s purse. In this episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas is joined by Paul Fox, a financial wellbeing expert at the Money and Pensions Service, for a conversation that’s full of honesty, experience, and practical wisdom.

Paul’s money story is one of early graft, life lessons, and financial turning points—from racking up debt as a student to learning the power of ‘save as you earn’, becoming mortgage-free, and helping others do the same. Together, Lesley and Paul unpack how personal experiences shape financial behaviours, why financial education is vital at every age, and how we can all become more confident in navigating our financial lives.

✅ Why early conversations about money at home really matter

✅ How work ethic and money habits are formed in childhood

✅ The dangers of buy now, pay later culture and disconnection from money

✅ How Paul got into debt—and the turning point that changed everything

✅ Why financial education is essential, accessible, and empowering

✅ The importance of pensions, even if they feel boring or too far away

✅ How to talk about money without jargon or shame

✅ Where to find free, impartial support through the MoneyHelper service

🔹 Memorable Quotes from Paul:

✨ “We spring clean our homes—but not enough people take the time to spring clean their finances.”

✨ “You don’t need to be perfect with money—you need to be intentional.”

✨ “Saving into a pension in your 20s feels irrelevant—until you wake up in your 50s and wish you had.”

✨ “Financial education doesn’t stop at school. We’re all still learning.”

Paul recommends MoneyHelper.org.uk, a free, government-backed service offering impartial guidance, tools, and one-to-one support across everything from debt and budgeting to pensions and retirement planning.

📞 Call the helpline on 0800 138 7777

🌐 Visit: www.moneyhelper.org.uk

📢 Tune in now to hear Paul’s story—and take the next step towards a more confident, informed relationship with your money.

Connect with Lesley Thomas

Download for FREE – The 2025 Money Mindset Playbook - https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/2025-money-mindset-playbook

My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/

Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas

Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas

Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.