Worried about how gambling makes you feel? Concerned about a loved one's gambling? This episode is for you. Let's open up about gambling.

We are delighted to welcome GambleAware's Chief Communications Officer, Alexia Clifford, as our latest guest to the Smile and Save Podcast. In this episode we discuss: 

• Early signs of gambling harms
• Those who might be more vulnerable to harm than others
• Some of the reasons behind gambling stigma
• How to start a conversation about gambling
• The free, confidential, and personalised support available for anyone struggling

Useful links

GambleAware website: https://www.gambleaware.org/?utm_source=all&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=stigma2025

Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Useful tools: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/

Resources for Professionals: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/resources-for-professionals/

A huge thank you to Alexia for your time. It was a pleasure to welcome you to the podcast and we look forward to continuing to support GambleAware in future.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

This Debt Awareness Week, we are joined by Paul Fox from the Money and Pension Service to explore the UK's consumer debt problem, why the stigma around debt is so difficult to overcome, and the support available for those struggling with problem debt.

This year, Debt Awareness Week is exploring the shame and stigma around debt. Part of this episode explains how to make opening up to loved ones easier:

- Clarifying the facts around your problem.
- Being clear on the support you need.
- Finding the right time and place to talk.
- Being totally honest about your situation.

Whether you are struggling with your existing debt, know somebody who might be, or are an employer wanting to support the financial resilience of your colleagues - this episode is packed with everything you need to know about debt support.

Useful Links:
MaPS website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
Start budgeting: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/budget-planner/
Call MaPS: 0800 138 7777

A big thank you to Paul for your time and joining us for this episode!

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

You may have heard of 'loan sharks' before, but do you know what makes someone a loan shark and the devastating impact they can have on people's lives?

Today we are joined by Cath Wohlers from Stop Loan Sharks to explore some common misconceptions around loan sharks, some real stories from those affected, and how you or your organisation can get support to combat these illegal lenders.

Useful Links:
Been impacted by a loan shark? Visit: https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
Seeking support for your employees? Contact: catherine.wohlers@birmingham.gov.uk
Want to learn more? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbAN0e9xWmXAgbyzWurzF6w

A huge thank you to Cath for joining us for this episode! We hope you find it useful.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Managing your money can be stressful, especially when making big financial decisions. Approaching these decisions with a more focused mindset can give you the clarity to make managing your money easier.

That's where mindfulness comes in! Join the Staff Wellbeing team from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust as we explore what mindfulness is, how it can help you navigate your financial journey, and how you can get started. We even have a short guided exercise you can follow along with at the end.

Looking to learn more about mindfulness? Check out the following useful links to get started:

Oxford Mindfulness Foundation: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/events-...

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-s...

Headspace (free for NHS staff): https://help.headspace.com/hc/en-us/a...

Unmind (free for NHS staff): https://unmind.com/nhs

You could also speak to your employer's wellbeing team or employee assistance program for further support.

A huge thank you to Anna, Sarah, and Anna for joining us. We really appreciate your time to make this such a valuable episode!

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Your credit score is the single most important number related to your finances. It will impact many financial decisions you make throughout your life. But what is your credit score? And how do you improve it?

You may be looking to refresh your finances for the new year going into 2025. Or you may be setting some new year's resolutions focused on your finances. Boosting your credit score is a great place to start.

This episode outlines what your credit score is, why having a good credit score is so important, and 10 simple tips to improve your credit score and keep it healthy over time.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

It can be easy to fall for clever marketing tactics around Black Friday and you may find yourself spending more than you should, or buying things you don't really need.

We have put together 10 simple tips to help you save money the smart way this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Hopefully, these tips will give you some ideas to save money and secure the items you really need. Enjoy!

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

In this episode, you will discover some of the money habits you may want to consider avoiding to keep your personal finances healthy.

We all have our own habits when it comes to money. There are some financial habits which are really good - they may help us to save money or even build our credit scores over time.

Then there are habits which you may want to reconsider your use of. The three money habits we discuss in this episode are not necessarily bad for your finances, but using them in the wrong way may impact your finances in the future, such as your ability to borrow should you need to.

If you are worried about how gambling makes you feel, GamCare can provide free and confidential support. Find out more at www.gamcare.org.uk

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Learn how to take control of your spending and save more for the future with this episode of the Smile and Save Podcast.

Today, we take a look at the 50-30-20 budgeting method. We explore why budgeting is helpful when understanding your spending habits, and how it can help you to reach your savings goals sooner.

By the end of the episode, you will know how to complete your first 50-30-20 budget plan, how to cut down on unnecessary spending and reach your savings goals quicker and easier.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Transitioning from the armed forces to civilian life can be an uncertain time. With so many factors to consider and changes to plan for, it could easily become quite overwhelming.

In this episode, we are joined by someone with lived experience of transitioning from the armed forces to 'civvy street'. Jon Sykes served close to 37 years in the Royal Air Force, joining straight from school in 1986 and finishing as Warrant Officer Welfare Development at Headquarters Air. Jon retired from the RAF in 2022, before joining Serve and Protect Credit Union as Business Development Officer.

Jon shares his story of serving in the Royal Air Force, with many lessons and experiences we can all learn from. He also shares his experience of armed forces transition, to give you some tips and things to think about to make transitioning to civilian life as seamless as possible.

The video version of this episode is available to watch on our YouTube channel, which you can find by searching 'Serve and Protect Credit Union' or via the link below.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

It is almost guaranteed that you will experience financial difficulties throughout your life. Whether it comes in the form of health issues, losing your job, or your car breaking down, nobody is immune from financial emergencies.

That's why having the options to turn to in these situations is vital, so that you can bounce back and not be dragged into permanent financial struggles.

In this episode, we run through the complete guide to improving your financial resilience and dealing with financial emergencies, so that you can weather any financial storm. We explain the options you may have when facing a financial difficulties, some of the things to avoid, and how to give yourself the best possible choices to overcome tough times financially.

We hope you learn something new and put these tips into practice. Enjoy!

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

The UK public sector is full of incredible people who want to make a difference within society. They perform some of the most challenging roles without complaint. However, they can often be some of the most susceptible to difficulties outside of the job, such as financial struggles. So who is there to support those who serve and protect the nation?

In this episode, we are joined by our first guest! Rob Lovesey, Business Development Manager at Serve and Protect Credit Union, explains some of the different financial challanges faced by those working in a range of public sector roles. He also provides insight into the work done by the credit union to support these individuals, as well as how we are working with employers to improve workforce financial resilience.

This episode is also our first video episode, so head to our YouTube channel to watch the conversation in person. Just search 'Serve and Protect Credit Union' in YouTube, or click the link below to access our social media channels.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Financial resilience is one of the most important aspects of your finances. But unfortunately, financial resilience is often misunderstood.

You may have heard about financial wellbeing, which is important for navigating through life financially, but financial resilience is vital for dealing with those rainy days. Building financial resilience takes time, so understanding some of the financial emergencies you may experience can help you to deal with them when they arise.

In the second episode of the Smile and Save Podcast, we are explaining what financial resilience is, why it is so important, and some of the things which may test your financial resilience throughout your life.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

Credit unions are one of the best kept secrets in the world of finance. Offering an easy way to save money, an ethical and affordable option to borrow, all while supporting either your community or colleagues. 

There are over 375 million credit union members around the world. If you have never heard of credit unions, you are missing out.

In the first episode of the Smile and Save Podcast, we are explaining what credit unions are, why they are so different to other financial providers, and how joining a credit union could be the best thing you ever do.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect

The Smile and Save Podcast aims to simplify personal finance and make money management easy to understand and do. From creating your first budget plan, to checking your credit score and taking steps to reach your savings goals, we aim to make personal finance simple.

Each episode will explain a different financial topic without the jargon and give you actionable takeaways to improve your personal finances. From how-to guides, to simple tips and tricks and interviews with people in the know, the Smile and Save Podcast will give you the tools you need.

The podcast is brought to you by Serve and Protect Credit Union, one of Britain's largest credit unions. Over the last two decades, we have been on a mission to improve the financial resilience of those who serve and protect the nation and help them to manage their money the easy way.

Don't forget to subscribe or follow to never miss an episode. Thank you in advance, see you next time!

Website: https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/
Social media links: https://bit.ly/m/serveandprotect