Cash Chats UK Money & Personal Finance podcast

Another Ask Andy special where I answer your questions. This time I tackle the H&M clothes recycling scheme, paying off credit card debts and why you're getting so many emails from businesses thanks to GDPR. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats59

Sometimes shopping around to save a few quid isn't worth the time. But when you're spending hundreds of quid you can make some big savings - if you put the time and effort in. Having just moved house we need to buy some new appliances, and over the last few weeks, I've managed to get us far better appliances than we hoped for with the budget we have. So it made sense to share how I do it so you can too. Read more at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats58

Companies are happy to take our cash, but it's sometimes a different story when they owe us money. This week on the podcast I share how I've had to chase brands, from Council Tax to Three to Travelodge, for money they didn't automatically pay me back. Tune in to find out where you should be checking for some long forgotten cash. More and links over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats57

April 6th sees the start of the new financial year, and with it some changes to the money you bring home, and the cost of things you buy. In this week's episode I've given you a quick rundown of the main changes, such as how much tax you pay, and the bills that'll increase. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats56

I've never been 100% convinced by couponing, so I asked Coupon Kid Jordon Cox to join me on the podcast this week and convince me it's worth the time and effort. We talk about where to find coupons, how to make sure you don't get carried away, "wombling" and why you should tap your loyalty cards to get even more. Get links and more at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats55

As someone who is passionate about getting the best value for money, I've got issues with Easter. Easter eggs specifically. Nowhere else are manufacturers and supermarkets charging such a premium for something you can get in a different shape all year around for far less cash. So in this episode I've shared how to avoid overpaying for your Easter chocs. as well as some tips to save money all year round. More at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats54

I'm answering your questions this week on the podcast, including changes to Childcare Vouchers, Lifetime ISAs vs Help to Buy ISAs, and exactly how bank switching works. More info and links can be found at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats53

I love going to the cinema, but I hate paying full price which can easily hit £15 or more. So I've hunted out the best savings which I've shared in this week's podcast. From how anyone can get student prices, through to the best loyalty perk it's possible to pay around £5 on average. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats52

There's a good chance your Council Tax bill will be bigger from April 2018, so I've taken a look at the ways you can potentially save some money - and possibly even get a backdated refund. Councils are allowed to hike your Council Tax bill by 3%, and some as much as 5.99% when the new bills are sent around in late March, adding yet more to the bills we have to pay. But there are a few ways you might be able to save. Most of you should be able to get 1% or 2% back from a couple of banks, which is better than nothing. Some of you might also be eligible for a discount, and a few of you - if you're willing to put some work in - might even be able to get your Council Tax band downgraded. I've discussed all of these on this week's podcast, and there are more links over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats51/.

We've all got different reasons for picking the supermarket we shop in. It could be price, it could be quality, it could just be whichever is nearest. But we've all got our favourites too. So in this week's episode I've been joined by three other money bloggers to argue which is best. I've championed Waitrose, while Katy Stevens from Katy Kicker is on the side of Aldi, Helen Dewdney from The Complaining Cow advocates Tesco and Jane from Lady Janey speaks up for Sainsbury's. Tune in to hear us discuss and compare customer service, quality and pricing. Read more over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats50

It's been a while since I've tackled the questions you've sent me via email, Twitter and through comments on the blog, so I picked four of the recent ones to share my answers. Here's what's in this episode. - Do you have to keep putting the O2 SIM in your phone when you use the O2 Priority Moments app trick? And can you use it for priority tickets? - Should you cancel an unused credit card? - Can you still use the Monzo card as a prepaid account? - How do you spend Nectar points in Sainsbury's stores? Find out more on these in the shownotes on https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats49

Get your money in shape so you can start working on your dream job. Five years ago I knew I want to do something different, something outside the normal corporate working regime. Now, I'm my own boss, doing something I love (that's this blog and podcast by the way). So how do you get yourself to something similar? Well there's a lot of hard work for sure, but one of the biggest barriers is money. So I asked Ravi Rajani to join me on this week's podcast to talk about the things we've both done to make sure we could give our dreams a go without worrying (too much) about bills. Read more at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats48

Banking is boring, right? Well, it doesn't have to be! I've made thousands of pounds over the last four and bit years by making sure my back account is working for me. So in today's episode of Cash Chats I share what you can do to get free cash, earn the highest interest, get cashback and reduce your overdraft fees - all from moving your business to a different bank.

Did you set a money resolution at the start of the year? We're at that point where willpower starts to falter and all our best intentions are forgotten. So in this episode I talk to money bloggers and journalists Faith Archer and Jane Wallace to share how you can keep motivated and stick to those financial goals. Read more over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats46

If you're worried about your lack of savings or are looking over your shoulder at mounting debts it's time to take action. In this episode I share how you can start clearing debt and how to take back control of your finances.More and links at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats45

In the first episode of the podcast's second season I want to share how being clever with your cash can save you a huge amount of money this year. When I started the blog in 2014 I set myself a challenge. I wanted to see just how much money I could save in a year. And not through being frugal and cutting back. Instead it was just through making simple decisions to ensure I got the best value for money every time I could. And it worked. I was managed to save close to £14,000 over those 12 months. Tune in to hear me explain a little but more about how you can follow the same principles this year. More at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats44

With the big end of year sales already underway in some shops, this episode is focused on whether you're actually likely to save money if you buy now, or if it's all a bit of a con. Plus I share how you can work out the real discount on offer. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats43/

The savings that show up on energy comparison sites might not be true. With the cold snap, I'd be amazed if you didn't put the heating on. And doing that might have prompted you to think about how much you're paying for your gas and electricity. Switching is a GOOD THING, and can save you hundreds of pounds. But with the vast majority of comparison sites I feel you're being misled, particularly if you're already a savvy consumer and have already fixed. There's a risk you might be tempted to switch too early - and pay more as a result. So in this episode I share how to make sure you get a REAL comparison to what you currently pay for energy. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats42

With Christmas Day rapidly approaching I've invited money bloggers Emma Drew, Katy Stevens and Nikki Ramskill to chat about buying Christmas gifts. We chat about budgeting, whether you should regift, the pros and cons of Secret Santa and the danger of leaving your presents under the tree. More, including links to articles covering some of the topics we cover, can be found at becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats41

Ever bought something you don't like, or received an item that's damaged? Do you know your rights? In this consumer rights special of Cash Chats I talk to Helen Dewdney about getting your money back and complaining. I'm a frequent complainer - though only when there's a reason to do so - but my guest this week takes it to another level. Helen is more commonly known as the "Complaining Cow", and you may have seen her on TV sharing some of her tips to help you fight your corner when trying to get money back or compensation for poor service and dodgy goods. Listen in to find out some of Helen's tips for complaining, and we also discuss your rights to return for shopping in shops and online. For more links head over to https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cashchats40

It's been a busy week in the world of money, for two very different reasons - both of which I tackle in this week's pocast episode. First up a few tips on Black Friday. Yes it feels like the sales have been on forever (it's probably a few weeks so far at least), but the big sales and the biggest discounts will be this Friday. And I do get excited about them! Next I've gone through the 2017 Autumn Budget. So if you want to quickly digest the biggest policy announcements and how they'll affect you, then this exactly what you need. The big news was around changes to Stamp Duty. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts/

In this week's episode I answer a handful of questions I've received from listeners and readers on Lifetime ISAs, spending Nectar points and how to get free digital copies of magazines. Read more over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/tag/cash-chats-podcast/

What you need to know about how you can help food banks this Christmas, my thoughts on the interest rate rise, a few ways to keep the cost of the new iPhone X down, and why I think you're better off avoiding the posh advent calendars in all the shops. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts/

My guest this week is Emma Drew. Emma was one of the first guests on the podcast back in January so it was great to get her back on Skype following her Best Money Making blog win at the UK Money Bloggers SHOMO awards in September. I asked Emma to share three easy things anyone can do to make some money so listen in to learn about these simple side hustles. First we discuss mystery shopping, then online surveys, and finally eBay reselling - all activities which earn Emma a healthy bit of extra cash.

Another episode where I answer your questions. This week I explain a simple trick to help cancel Tastecard, analyse whether it's worth switching to get the new First Direct or HSBC cashback schemes, and finally how to get a Monzo bank card.

A fun chat this week about Uber, shrinkflation and those big charity cheques. Plus why you need to be buying your chocolate from Aldi! My guest for this episode is Charlotte Burns. Charlotte was actually the guest for my first ever episode back in January and it's great to have her back on the show, particularly when she shares her clever money saving tricks!

This week on the podcast I want to share with you a couple of phone recordings I've made. Don't worry I haven't been hacking celebrities' phones. Instead I've got a couple of calls made to me and my neighbour highlighting some of the different types of cold calling scams out there. Hopefully you'll get a sense of the things that point towards a fraudster, plus I share some ways you can make sure you don't get caught out by even the most convincing scammer. You can read the full show notes with links over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcast/

This week on the podcast I share why there are far better options for savings than an ISA, while my guest Olly Cator and I discuss ways to save on petrol and the costs to watch out for in the new school term. More at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-episode-32-w-guest-olly-cator-isas-petrol-and-school-costs

This week on the podcast I'm answering your questions. First up I help Charlotte with holiday car hire, explaining how to find the lowest prices and a trick to cut the cost of extra insurance. Next I explain how Norman can watch NOW TV and reduce his Sky Sports bill. Finally I look into Nada's question about the iPhone Upgrade Programme to see if it's any good. More over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

This week Andy looks at why it's become so difficult to get music, sport and theatre tickets - yet touts manage to nab them and sell on at inflated prices on reselling sites. Plus, tips to beat the touts and get tickets first, and a few ways to bring down the prices too.

This week on the podcast Andy explains how you can beat Virgin and British Gas price hikes, and he's then joined by my guest Katy Stevens from KatyKicker.com to discuss topping up National Insurance, finding out when you'll reach State Pension age and finally how allotments can save you money. Further information and links can be found in the show notes at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcast/

In this week's episode, Andy takes you through some holiday essentials you might be leaving to the last minute - and how doing so could be costing you. Tune in to hear how to get the best value travel money, learn what to look for in travel insurance and some costs closer to home you might have forgotten. Show notes and links at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

Andy is joined by Good With Money's Becky O'Connor to chat about ethical money. We chat about ethical spending on food, toys and clothes, then cover the banks, savings and investments to consider if you want your money to be doing good rather than bad. Show notes at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-ep-27-ethical-money-special-w-guest-becky-oconnor/

My guest this week is David Jack Taylor from the blog Thinking Thrifty, which picked up Best New Blog at last year's SHOMO awards. We talk about finding bargains on Facebook, discuss whether Amazon Prime Day was good or bad for consumers, and how you can get paid to watch the new Game of Thrones.

Andy's guest this week is Moneywise editor Moira O'Neill - the first time we've had a guest come back (not because they don't want to, of course, it's just the first time we've asked!). We've discussed three topics from the latest issue of the magazine: Women and money, how to start investing and primary school teachers. Read more over at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-episode-25-w-guest-moira-oneill

Andy's guest this week is Hollie Gregersen from Thriftymum.com. As ever we tackle three topics which we've recently covered on our respective blogs, as well as a little chat about what's happened with our money this week. The topics this week include the sharing economy, Direct Debits that cost you more and how to get fit for free. Show notes at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts.

A debt special this week as Andy is joined by Sara Williams from Debt Camel. We talk about signs of debt, why we need breathing spaces for debts and how to complain if you've ever had a payday loan.

This week Andy has been joined by Francesca Mason who blogs at From Pennies to Pounds. They chat about ways to save up for a holiday (and how to keep motivated), the tricks to cut what you pay for festival tickets and spend less when there, and finally Francesca explains what "wombling" is and how it could save you money on your supermarket shop. All the links to topics discussed can be found at https://becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

I was speaking at an event this week for personal finance bloggers so I used the chance to grab one of the attendees for this week's podcast. Adam Piplica runs the blog Magical Penny, and we had a quick chat (we only had 15 minutes!) about the benefits to your spending by checking your bank balance and bank statement, an app which helps you spontaneously invest your spare change, and what happens when you hire a red convertible Mini with a friend who's a reckless driver! Show notes at Becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

Andy is joined by Bola Sol to discuss why people don't save - and how Chip could help them start, the best ways to pay by card when on holiday, the app bank Monzo and how friends can affect your finances. Show notes at Becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

This week Andy has been joined by Moneywise deputy editor Helen Knapman to discuss if green energy is as expensive as you'd think, how you can cut how much you spend on TV channels, the issues with leaseholds, and why being a wedding guest is so expensive. Read all the show notes and links to the articles we discuss over at becleverwithyourcash.com/podcasts

Andy spoke to guests at the 2017 Headlinemoney awards ceremony including Laura Whitcombe, Lotty Burns, Damien Fahy, Faith Archer, Rita Lobo, Lynn James and Bronni Hughes. You'll also be able to find out how Andy and his blog Be Clever With Your Cash did in the Financial Blog of the Year category.

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, this week's Cash Chats podcast is a little different. Rather than chat about different things myself and my guest have written, we're going to focus on one topic - mental health. I'm joined by Helen Undy from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute to talk about how the two are interlinked.

This week Andy has been joined by Hannah Brice from Feast Style Thrive. They share their tips to save money on clothes, discuss why you should be switching bank, and look ahead to expenses and savings this summer.

Andy and Emma share the ways they've been frugal this week, how they share services and subscriptions to save money and when peer pressure can force them to spend more.

This week I've been joined by fellow deal hunting addict Tom Church. Tom and I shared the top ways we find deals, what you can do if your bank is closing, and why spending money to make you happy isn't always a bad thing.

Michael Taggart and Amy Rowe from Mouthy Money join me to discuss subprime mortgages and the perils of buying a house with mates, keeping to budget for a wedding, and how we find the best value for money booze. Plus plenty more! Links and notes here https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-podcast-episode-13-w-guests-amy-michael/

A really fun episode this week as I'm joined by the "Super Lucky" Di Coke to talk competitions, misleading adverts and what we'd do with an extra £100 pounds. Plus, why we might go vigilante. All the links here https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-podcast-episode-12-w-guest-di-coke/

Join me and Share Radio's Georgie Frost to talk the cost of disability, ways to save when watching sport and the money lessons we're still learning. More and links here https://becleverwithyourcash.com/cash-chats-podcast-episode-11-w-guest-georgie-frost/

Andy and guest Faith Archer talk about the 10 money lessons she's giving her daughter (including saying no to Prince Charming), the banks and supermarkets who give you something for nothing, and whether the falling pound has ruined shopping sprees in the States.