About the Author

Pete Matthew is a happy and content husband and father of two teenage daughters, plus one canine daughter, a Jack Russell called Maisy. He plays piano and drums, and has recently taken up ballroom dancing lessons. He's also a super-nerd, who likes nothing more than unboxing the latest piece of tech 'guaranteed' to make his life that little bit easier.

He is a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner and Managing Director of Jacksons Wealth Management in Penzance, Cornwall. Jacksons has been serving the financial planning needs of local families and businesses since 1923, surely making it one of the longest-established private financial advice companies in the UK.

In 2009, after reading a book called Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk, Pete decided he wanted to take the message of simple financial planning to a wider audience. He began recording short videos in the Cornish countryside, answering questions such as 'What is a pension?', 'What is an ISA?' and 'Why would you have one over the other?'

The videos gained some traction, but after creating over 300 of them, Pete switched to the emerging medium of podcasting in 2012, and that's when things went a bit crazy.

The MeaningfulMoney Podcast has now been downloaded well over 1.5 million times, with over 265 weekly episodes in the can. He receives emails from listeners every day reporting how they have transformed their financial lives using the tools that Pete has provided via MeaningfulMoney.

Eight years on, the project continues to be a labour of love, and this book is an extension of that project.

Reviews

Pete has shared more financial wisdom with more people than anyone I know. He is not only a credit to our mighty profession, he's a credit to humanity. He's on a selfless pursuit to assist those who are willing to take ownership of their financial futures. Money is invisible and financial success is about working on future problems. Pete brings these subjects to life and caringly tells you what you need to know and more importantly what you need to do. This book is long overdue; it deserves to be a bestseller.
*Andy Hart, Maven Adviser and host of the Maven Money Podcast*

This is not a book for experts; it is a book for everyone. Pete is a rare breed - an expert who speaks in plain terms.
*Chris Budd, Author of The Financial Wellbeing Book and The Eternal Business*

As a marketer, I have a career-long obsession with keeping things simple whether it's a product, process or just the language we use in communications. I don't think the financial services industry is any good at this, which is why many people don't think about their finances. A lack of financial education on the school curriculum adds to the problem. Pete Matthew has written the best simple guide to personal finance I've ever read. Not only will it help people of all ages understand and take control of their finances, I think it deserves to become a text book used in schools to give students a financial foundation for their future.
*Roger Edwards, Marketing Consultant and host of the Marketing & Finance Podcast*

Pete is a personal finance force to be reckoned with and this is THE book you need to get control of your money. Read this book and learn what really matters about money from one of the best personal finance podcasters on the planet.
*Martin Bamford, Host of Informed Choice Radio*

Pete has been churning out high quality content for years now and he is a financial planner I respect. He is well known for combining wisdom with simplicity and this is a big feature of The Meaningful Money Handbook. He has built financial plans for hundreds of his clients and it is great to get that human perspective within this book, which offers more than just theory. This book offers insight and advice for every part of your finances.
*Adam Carolan, Managing Director of Xentum and Cofounder of NextGen Planners*

I just love Pete's work and Meaningful Money has been simply outstanding in making the complex simple. The tone, language and the delivery style are refreshing and promote engagement every time. Can someone please put Pete in charge of educating our society on money matters!
*David Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Nucleus Financial Group*

I've been following Pete's work with Meaningful Money since the very first video, into the podcasts and now the book. He has a unique way of explaining all about money and finance that's easy to understand and enjoyable at the same time. The book is a great guide for anyone at any stage of their financial life.
*Richard Allum, Founder of The Paraplanners*

Pete is one of the true good guys in the world of finance. Knowledgable, approachable, with a talent for making money management accessible to the public. His book is the next logical step for Meaningful Money. A practical guide without waffle from a man whose services I have personally recommended. I have no doubt it will improve the lives of those who read it.
*Damien Fahy, Founder of MoneytotheMasses.com*

A beautifully written book explaining complex financial matters in such a simple way, very down to earth just like Pete Matthew. I love the language Pete uses, everything you need to know and everything you need to do. It says it on the tin, there is nothing fancy, just common sense uncomplicated guidance. A great read.
*Lynn James aka Mrs Mummypenny, Personal Finance Blogger*

Pete is great at translating money matters into jargon-free, practical advice and he s very honest about his own financial foibles...Well worth a read.
*Faith Archer, Much More With Less*