Many savers want better returns than cash but aren't comfortable taking stock market risk. So what are the alternatives?

In this episode of the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, Danni Hewson is joined by Alex Farrell from the AJ Bell Investments team to explain cash alternatives that can be held within a Stocks & Shares ISA.

They discuss what money market funds are, how short-dated bonds work, how these investments compare with cash savings, and why some investors use them as a stepping stone between saving and investing.

You'll learn:

• What a money market fund is

• How short-dated bonds work

• The key differences between cash savings and investments

• Risks and potential benefits of cash alternatives

• How money market funds can be used within a Stocks & Shares ISA

• Whether cash alternatives could suit short-term savings goals

• Why confidence can be a barrier to investing, particularly for women

If you've ever wondered where to keep cash inside a Stocks & Shares ISA or want to understand low-risk investment options, this episode explains the basics in clear, straightforward language.

This week, Danni and Rachel reveal how retirees are really spending their pension pots and explore how it changes as you get older. From tax-free cash and pension freedoms to tracking down lost pensions and making the most of workplace contributions, they share practical tips to help you take control of your retirement future.

Whether retirement feels a long way off or is fast approaching, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you understand your pension, plan ahead and make your money work harder for your future.

Fancy buying a fixer-upper, renovating your home, or investing in a buy-to-let? This week, Danni and Sarah share their own renovation stories and explore whether property can really be a profitable investment.

They discuss how first-time buyers can get on the housing ladder, the costs you need to factor into renovation projects, and why it's very easy to spend more than you planned. Plus, they cover the realities of buy-to-let investing, from mortgage costs and taxes to changing rules for landlords, and explain why it's important not to neglect your ISAs and pension while focusing on property.