Money Box

Could you save enough of your income and budget so tightly that you can afford to retire in your thirties or forties? A US movement called FIRE – Financial Independence Retire Early – encourages millennials to stash enough cash to quit their job early and still live well. But how does it work? And do you have to be on a massive salary to make it a reality? With interest rates at historic lows, where can you invest for a decent return? What happens if you're a low-income earner? And what sacrifices must you make to achieve retirement before you reach fifty? Louise Cooper will be joined by Barney Whiter, one of the UK's biggest ‘FIRE’ bloggers and Claer Barrett, Editor of FT Money Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday 6 November 2019. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox

In amongst this week's political upheaval, a date was set for opposite-sex civil partnerships to become law. The first ceremonies will take place on December 31 2019. So what impact could this have on your financial health?Money Box has been hearing from disgruntled clients of a claims management firm demanding money from some customers years after they thought their claims were closed. Ben Carter has been investigating.Earlier this week the regulator relaxed mortgage affordability barriers with the aim to help an estimated 150,000 home owners trapped in high cost loans and not able to switch to a better deal. The FCA estimates the measures may only help as few as 2000, leaving the rest still stuck.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Our expert panel take a look at the problems around mental health and money. From how to make your benefits work better for you, talking with banks and how to avoid the complications that can come from periods of poor mental health.You can call Money Box Live 03 700 100 444. Or email us [email protected] or tweet @moneybox.Panel- Anne Riddle from the Bridge Money Advisory Service in Stoke-on-Trent Helen Undy from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Ayaz Manji from Mind

The payday lender QuickQuid has entered administration. It follows an earlier announcement of plans to close its business in the UK where it was the largest firm of its type. It's owned by the US-based company Enova which gave "regulatory uncertainty" as the reason for departure. What does this mean for existing borrowers and also for customers awaiting compensation for loans they say they should never have had because there's no way they could afford to repay them? Guest: Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert. Money Box listener Elaine reveals how her 18-year-old son was bullied into becoming a money mule, which saw him laundering cash from criminal activities through his personal bank account. Guest: Detective Sargeant Marc Cananur from the Kent Police Economic Crime Unit.An expensive plumber's bill - but not the sort you might be thinking of. Murray Menzies paid into a pension scheme for his employees and now faces a £1.2m bill triggered by his decision to retire and close down the small family firm. Guest Katie Banks, Partner at Hogan Lovells and Chair of the Association of Pension Lawyers. Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Bridget Harney

You might think of comedians as up on a stage in a pub, but that's just one part of what the job entails today. Social media, streaming services and stadium tours have changed the game. Instead of doing gigs to get on TV, you do TV to get people to your gig!We'll look at how to start out and deal with cash and card readers, how to navigate online streaming and how you can get a mortgage while still telling jokes for a living.The panel are-Charlie Dinkin, comedian,director and writerTiernan Douieb, a stand-up perfomer and podcast presenterSarah Fox Clinch, a mortgage specialist for comedians at Fox DavidsonDavid Coppard, Head of Media and Entertainment at accountancy firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson

This week the decision was made to wind down the funds managed by ‘star’ manager Neil Woodford. Listeners have been in touch wanting to know what this means for their money and if they will be able to claim compensation. We discuss with Mark Polson from The Lang Cat Financial Consultancy and Anna Sofat from Addidi Wealth.The Financial Conduct Authority has announced plans to ban the way in which some car retailers receive commission based on the interest rate of the car finance loan they arrange. Good news for consumers?And we speak to a company that allows employees to award themselves a pay increase.Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Do you know what your credit score says about you? If you’ve had a breakup, make up, break down, spending spree or life shock in the last six years, your credit rating will have it recorded.The majority of us don’t know what our credit score is and how these numbers are created. A good credit rating helps us access loans, mortgages or credit cards.But could there be a better way of helping people access credit and see what they can really afford to borrow?Our panel of experts will help you find out what your score says about you, how to get a better one and why workouts are required before you hit the bank not just the beach.Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday (9/10/19). Email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox

In this programme we go undercover into the world of the mule, discovering how children as young as 13 are being groomed to hand over their bank account details to criminals. We reveal that some of the recruiters, known as herders, are also teenagers. The accounts are then used to launder the proceeds of crime.Latest figures show that the number of accounts belonging to under 21's being used by money mules has doubled since 2016. Money mules and herders face a 14 year prison sentence if caught.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: Tom Wright and Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Can I get a good return on investments that do good? Should you be letting your money speak rather than be out on the street? With £2.2 trillion in pension funds in the UK, do we really know what our money is doing and what it could be doing in the fight against climate change?We have an expert panel on hand with both the science and finance knowledge to help you navigate what's called impact investing.Mike Thompson - Committee on Climate Change Charlene Cranny - UK Sustainable Investment Fund Mary Stevens - Friends of The EarthContact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday (9/10/19). Email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox

Competition in the home and insurance market is not working and loyal customers are being penalised, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. The FCA estimates that six million people pay on average £200 too much - totaling an overpayment of £1.2bn a year. We hear from Huw Evans the Director General of the Association of British Insurers and Matthew Upton, Director of Policy at Citizen's Advice.Last week Money Box listener Sade emailed us saying she wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday by getting a credit card. So where should she begin? Helen Saxon from Money Saving Expert runs her through some of the options.And why are so many freehold houses sold with covenants which restrict everything from what vehicle you can park in your drive to whether you can put up a satellite dish? One homeowner told us hers was "not worth the paper it's written on". Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Ever had the horror of running a cake stand? Do charity egg and spoon races haunt your dreams? Moneybox is looking to make you the Jeff Bezos of the the bake sale and make your fundraiser go further.Parent Teacher Associations are changing, their roles and are now more important than ever. With budget cuts in schools and pressure for new technology the need for extra funding has never been greater.Moneybox Live looks at how school fundraisers can maximise their money, bring in new volunteers, use charitable status to find new funding and adapt to the digital world.Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by Carol Rogerson of PTA Plus magazine, Kerry Jane Packman from charity Parentkind and Susan Burton from start-up Classlist to answer listeners' questions.Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox

For decades, Stoke-on-Trent was powered by industry, with tens of thousands working in mining and pottery. But when the mines and factories closed, generations of people were left out of work. For some, not working became a culture that stuck.But that's not the only reason why Stoke is the insolvency capital on England and Wales. The average wage in the area is £5,000 less than the national average, plus there are low levels of literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Poverty and poor health have helped reinforce financial exclusion, trapping many in a spiral of debt and deprivation which they can't get out of.Now the North Staffordshire Financial Inclusion Group is on a five-year mission to eradicate Stoke's debt issues. It plans to work with schools to get personal finance on the curriculum and actively target people who are struggling.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Hazel Morgan and Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor Emma Rippon

How do student loans work, when do you start repaying them and what happens when it goes wrong? It can be very confusing for students and their parents alike so we are here to help. Our panel help answer your questions about tuition fees, maintenance loans and how it all works. One of the most common questions is whether parents should pay the fees upfront to avoid their child getting into 'huge debt'....the answer might surprise you. Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxPanel: Tom Allingham, Save the Student Hayley Borrett, National Association of Student Money Advisers financial capabilty championPresenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Phoebe Keane

A Money Box investigation has discovered that tens of thousands of university students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been forced to pay back millions of pounds in overpaid maintenance loans. The Department for Education says any money owed due to overpayments by the Student Loans Company, should be taken back from students whilst they're still at university except in exceptional circumstances. This can leave them receiving little or no money for months at a time, with very little notice. Binary options are a bet on whether the price of a commodity like gold or silver will be higher or lower at a certain time. The answer either 'yes' or 'no' and if you guess right you make money - if you are wrong you lose money. Earlier this year the FCA banned the sale, marketing and distribution of binary options to retail consumers as the potential for loss was so great - not to mention the possibility of fraud. So is there ever such a thing as a genuine binary option? And can you get your money back if you fall foul of a binary option scam?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Drew Miller Hyndman Producer: Dan Whitworth Editor: Emma Rippon

Have you been thinking about investing but have been put off by the jargon or fees? Do you think that investing is just for the rich, or that you have to have thousands spare to get started? Are you scared of risk, or do you think it seems like a man's game? Our panel explain the basics for first time investors. Panel: Holly Mackay, Boring Money Anna Sofat, Addidi Wealth Anthony Morrow, Open Money

This week Big Issue sellers have started to accept contactless payments. As donations to good causes dwindle we find out how digital transactions are reshaping the way we donate.Can 20 somethings who are making the minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions still have a comfortable retirement? A recent study found more than half of savers are confident that they will but experts are concerned that this confidence is misplaced. We crunch the numbers for a couple of volunteers to find out.And we look at the impact of a project to reduce the cost of the school day on the lives of families in Scotland.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Bethan Head Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Whether you are a freelancer or working for a big company, talking about how much you're worth can be hard. Have you been too scared to ask for a pay rise? Have you asked but been rejected? Have you dodged negotiating your pay when offered a new position? We take your calls and offer advice on how to have those tricky conversations.Contact the Money Box team - email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox. Or call us from 1pm on Wednesday: 03 700 100 444 - geographic charges apply. Join Louise Cooper and her expert panel: Catherine Davies from Pay Rise Accelerator Andrew Chamberlain, Deputy Director of Policy at IPSE Natalie Reynolds author of "We have a Deal" and founder of negotiation consultancy Advantage springProducer: Phoebe Keane Editor: Emma Rippon

Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates why a failed energy company is still sending bills to customers. Extra Energy ceased trading ten months ago. Last month former customer Diane received a letter demanding over £4,000 for supplying gas to her 2 bedroom home. Guest: Ellen Fraser, Energy Analyst at Baringa.A savings account that pays a 50p bonus for every pound you save. Just imagine that. Well actually you don't have to because it exists. It's called a Help to Save Account, is backed by the government and was launched last year to encourage people on low incomes who claim certain benefits to save. The Treasury estimates that around 3.5million people could be eligible for the scheme, recent statistics from HMRC reveal only 132,000 accounts have been opened. Guest: Kelly Sizer, Senior Technical Manager, the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group. Cara explains how she balances running her international online business with being a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Guest: Julian Hall, the founder of Ultra Education which teaches entrepreneurship in schools to 7 to 18 year-olds.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

Have you set up a new business after becoming a parent? What are the challenges and rewards? The number of mothers that are working for themselves has doubled in the last ten years according to IPSE, a society representing Professionals and the Self Employed. There are now almost 600,000 freelancing mothers across the UK. In addition, there are many mums who are running their own businesses and employing others. But challenges remain - lack of access to finance and an absence of role models can hold some women back from striking out on their own professionally. But the Government is hoping to boost the numbers of female entrepreneurs with initiatives including free business mentoring services. From e-commerce, to setting up a franchise, to spotting a gap in a market and making it a profitable business, Money Box wants to hear stories from entrepreneurial mothers and share their top tips. Join Louise Cooper and expert panel. Guests:Entrepreneur Alison Cork – The Government's appointed Champion for Women Entrepreneurs and founder of The National Women’s Enterprise Network, helping women to set up their own businesses. Ruby Peacock from the Federation of Small Businesses ‘Women in Enterprise’ team Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox

The number of mortgages approvals hit a two-year high in July, according to the Bank of England but approvals for first time buyer mortgages remained flat. We look at why it's happening, the problems for young house seekers, the deals that are out there and how to save for a deposit with the help of mortgage broker Rebecca Robertson, the Director of Evolution Financial Planning and first time buyer Ashley Agwuncha, who is also one third of money saving bloggers the Money Medics.The charity Samaritans, which offers a listening ear to people in crisis, has entered into a partnership with betting company Paddy Power Betfair - and is being heavily criticised for it. Our reporter Dan Whitworth investigates their relationship. We also hear from John Myers, whose son Ryan had a gambling addiction and took his own life. And from Carolyn Harris, the Labour MP for Swansea East, who is chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm.Nationwide has doubled the overdraft rate for some of its customers, and it's likely to be only the beginning of changes brought in by all banks and building societies - all part of what the regulator has described as the biggest overhaul of overdrafts for a generation. The changes are aimed at reducing the high cost of credit for some consumers and making it easier for everyone to compare, and perhaps switch between, different providers. But simpler does not always mean cheaper, as Money Box listener Cathy from Hertfordshire tells us. We also hear from debt campaigner and adviser Sara Williams, who runs the website, Debt Camel.Presenter: Ruth Alexander Producer: Paul Waters

There are nearly 14 million disabled people in the UK and a report from Scope has found they have to pay an average of £583 every month to have the same living standards as someone without a disability. Inevitably, the costs of mobility aids and having to use certain public transport will add to the monthly outgoing. But what are some of the less obvious, or hidden, costs of having a disability? How does it all add up? And what can be done to mitigate these costs?Presenter Lee Kumutat and our guests discuss these questions and more as we hear from disabled people and their parents about how their disabilities cost them extra money, limits their access to financial institutions, and holds them back from independence. in this Money Box Live special we won't be taking calls in the programme but would still love to hear your thoughts and experiences which you can email to [email protected]: Jessica Leigh, Policy and Campaigns manager at Scope Dr Miro Griffiths, Teaching Fellow in Disability Studies at the University of Leeds Helen Undy, Chief Executive of Money and Mental HealthPresenter: Lee Kumutat Producer: Drew Miller Hyndman Editor: Emma Rippon

Imogen is 21-years-old. She's also invisible – financially. Despite renting for 2 years, working and paying her bills on time the credit agencies she's contacted won’t let her see her credit record because her "identity can’t be verified." What does that mean and what can Imogen do? Guests Imogen and James Jones, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian. Dan Whitworth reports on a woman's 20 month fight to retrieve £14,000 of her deceased mother’s savings. The money was taken via two direct debits fraudulently set up during the final 4 years of her mother's life when she’d been diagnosed with dementia. The fight to reclaim the cash only ended after Money Box stepped in. Guest: Veronica Gray, Director of Action on Elder Abuse, Northern Ireland. If you’ve been so unsettled by that tv ad with the animatronic head of Arnie Schwarzenegger that you can't take in any of the words, you may have missed the central message – August 29th is the deadline to make a payment protection insurance claim. Guest: Emma Stranack, the FCA's PPI deadline campaign lead.Reporter: Dan Whitworth Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Andrew Smith

Adam Shaw and guests discuss the new rules about fees, deposits, requirements for landlords to keep their property habitable and plans to change eviction law. To join the conversation call 03700 100 444 from 1pm – 3.30pm on Wednesday 24 July, email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox. Plus Adam visits the UKs largest Build to Rent scheme to find out what the concept offers tenants. On the panelRichard Lambert, Chief Executive, National Landlords Association Greame Brown, Director, Shelter Scotland Jennifer Phillips, Law Society Housing Law CommitteeWe’d love to hear your views, questions and experiences so get in touch.

Money Box listener Gary takes reporter Dan Whitworth on a guided tour of electric car charging points in Swindon to illustrate the complexities of navigating the system and the associated costs. Guest: David Newton, CEO of BP Chargemaster, the UK's largest electric charging network. Laura would love to be a homeowner. She regularly enters raffles and competitions in the hope of winning a house. Richard Williams, a solicitor specialising in gambling law, explains why and how home competitions can go wrong. The Residential Landlords Association and campaign group Generation Rent debate findings from the RLA’s survey on government plans to abolish section 21 notices in England and Wales. Section 21 allows a landlord to evict tenants without a reason and with just 2 months notice. Guests: Georgie Lammy, Campaigns Lead, Generation Rent and John Stewart Policy Manager, Residential Landlords Association.More people have been included in a scheme set up by HSBC to compensate people who paid unreasonable debt collection charges. Those affected were customers with loans, credit cards, or store cards with either HFC Bank Ltd or John Lewis Financial Services between 2003 and 2009. Both of those firms are now part of HSBC which told Money Box "We believe we have identified all those affected who may have paid a Debt Collection Charge between 2003 and 2009, and have or will shortly be writing to them. If someone believes they paid a Debt Collection Charge and we haven’t contacted them, they can call us to discuss on 0345 585 7564. Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

Share your experiences and tips for meeting the extra costs of the school holidays. Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 17 July (standard network charges apply) or e-mail [email protected] now.Whether you're working and need to find the money for extra childcare costs or you're looking for ways to entertain your children on a low income, we'd love to hear your stories and solutions on Wednesday’s Money Box Live. Joining presenter Louise Cooper are:Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare Greta Defeyter, Director of the Healthy Living Lab at Northumbria University Ema Wilkes, Chief Executive, Neo CommunityLouise visited the Notting Hill Adventure Playground.Presenter: Louise Cooper Producers: Diane Richardson and Khadidja Ndiaye Editor: Emma Rippon

Money Box's Drew Miller Hyndman has been to Southampton where this week TSB Bank held the latest in a series of in-branch sessions aimed at educating people on how to avoid becoming victims of financial fraud. Guest: Ashley Hart, Head of Fraud for TSB. Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson have both set out their tax plans should they become Prime Minister. Carl Emmerson, Deputy Director of the Institute For Fiscal Studies compares, contrasts and costs the policies. Gaps in the money management skills of children who are in, or young people who have left, care in England is the focus of a new report. It follows an inquiry by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Financial Education for Young People. Ralph who went into care when he was 14 shares his perspective on the issue. Guest: Sam Turner, Voice and Influencing Manager at Become, a charity for children in care and young care leavers. July 31st is the deadline to renew tax credits. If you already claim them what do you have to do and if you don’t – could you? Guest Victoria Todd Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group team. Reporter: Drew Miller Hyndman Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

Adam Shaw and guests discuss the costs and considerations of driving an electric car. To join the conversation call 03700 100 444 from 1pm – 3.30pm on Wednesday 10 July, email [email protected] or tweet @moneybox. We’d love to hear your views, questions and experiences.On the panel:Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder of Zap-Map and Next Green Car Claire Evans Consumer editor, Autocar and What Car? Anders Nilsson, GoComparePresenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Prepaid cards are continuing to increase in popularity, often as an alternative to a bank account. In many cases they are advertised as ‘no paper work, no fuss’ but Money Box hear's that's not always the case.A growing number of credit unions are offering loans which are repaid directly by child benefit payments to try to stop people getting into a cycle of expensive debt. Felicity Hannah reports on how they work in practice.Why people who live in parts of Scotland are being charged extra for online delivery charges and how Office of Tax simplification plans to simplify inheritance tax.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Who will take care of your finances and welfare if you no longer can? Putting in place a Power of Attorney - what ever your age - allows one or more trusted people to manage your money and personal needs if and when you need help, such as dealing with your bank, paying your bills or arranging personal care. There are many aspects to consider such as who to appoint, what responsibilities they will have and whether you want to place restrictions on the decisions which can be made on your behalf or set out specific wishes in advance. Perhaps you have one but are having difficulty using it or you're concerned that a relatives finances are being managed badly? Who can help if a relative or friend has already lost mental capacity but doesn't have a power of attorney in place?Whether you're thinking of setting up a power of attorney or want to share your views and experiences of using one we'd love to hear from you.Presenter Paul Lewis will be joined by:Sandra McDonald, former Public Guardian for Scotland Samantha Buckthought, Partner, Wolferstans & Panel Deputy for the Court of Protection Katie Evans, Money and Mental Health Policy InstituteCall 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 3 July (standard network charges apply) or e-mail [email protected] now.

Tens of thousands of people are using two new apps which let them access their wages as they earn them. With no more waiting around for monthly pay days is this new tech helping people’s financial health or putting them at more risk of going into debt?Some of the people who lost money with the collapsed investment firm London Capital and Finance have been given a glimmer of hope they may be eligible for compensation. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme says some people may have been given advice about investing which would mean they could make a claim to get some, or all, of their money back. We hear the latest from the administrators and those who could benefit and those who are worried they might miss out.Counting down to the end of a five year loan agreement, one small business couldn’t wait to make the last payment. But the owners didn’t read the small print. It said they needed to give three month’s notice before they could stop paying the loan. We speak to a contract law specialist to see what people should do to avoid any similar nasty surprises.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Louise Cooper and guests look at the volatile world of investing in digital currencies. Call 03700 100 444 from 1pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday 26 June or e-mail [email protected] now with your experiences and questions.Joining Louise are:Marc Warne, Founder, Bittylicious Jemima Kelly, reporter, FT Alphaville Dave Jevans, CEO, CipherTraceProducer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Complaints about the loans used to buy cars have trebled in three years - 50% up in the last year alone. A million new cars were sold to individuals in 2018 - more than nine out of ten on finance. We borrowed £45 billion to buy new and used cars last year. The size and growth of this finance has caused the Bank of England to express concerns and in November the Financial Conduct Authority was so worried it published new rules about how that credit was sold. We look at how well our ability to repay is being assessed.Small businesses and the self-employed who pay VAT will have to make big changes to how the submit their information to HMRC over the next few months. It's all part of Making Tax Digital where quarterly figures must be submitted using approved software rather than just entering them manually on the HMRC website. Some large firms who already make accountancy packages are telling customers they must sign up for new and often expensive upgrades but do they really need to?Nearly seven in ten people seeking advice were advised to transfer out of their guaranteed final salary pension and invest the money into a riskier pension fund. That's according to data released by the Financial Conduct Authority this week, collected over the last three and a half years. It says for most people that is bad advice - is it time for stricter controls on pensions transfers?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Childcare in the UK is amongst the most expensive in the world – and prices keep rising. For some families, nursery fees cost more than the monthly mortgage. Whether you are looking at nurseries or childminders for your pre-school children what financial help is available to reduce costs? What is tax-free childcare and how does it work? Who is eligible for 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare a week – and what help can you get to pay for childcare if you’re on Universal Credit? We'll explore the options available to parents wanting to give their child the best start in life.Adam Shaw and a panel of guests will be taking your calls, emails and tweets. Do get in touch. Call 03700 100 444 – lines open at 1300 on Wednesday 19 June; email [email protected] or tweet @moneyboxGuests: Megan Jarvie, Head of Coram Family and Childcare Charlotte McDonough, UK Policy advisor, Save the Children Neil Hill, Money expert, Money Advice Service Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams

An inquiry has been launched into the potential mis-selling of leasehold properties. The Competition and Market Authority are aiming to shed light on potential misleading practice and unfair terms to better protect people buying a home in the future. What difference could it make to the lives of many whose homes have become unsellable?We speak to some of the British Steel workers persuaded to transfer out of their final salary pension schemes by rogue advisers. This week the Financial Conduct Authority visited Port Talbot to answer some of their questions. Earlier this month, the Equity Income Fund run by fund manager Neil Woodford suspended withdrawals by its investors. We hear from a listener whose money became trapped in the fund despite requesting a withdrawal more than 72 hours before the fund was frozen.And after the BBC announced this week that many over-75's would have to start paying for their licence fee, we find out who will still be able to get it free.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

For years we've rented carpet cleaners or hired a dinner jacket for a wedding. But now we're beginning to rent all sorts of other things too. Furniture., toys, even outfits for a work do. Money Box Live looks at the increasingly popular option of renting stuff rather than owning it. What can you borrow and what the pros and cons of doing so? We visit the Library of Things in south London where you can rent a tent, a waffle maker or even a ukulele. Will borrowing not buying help save the planet? Guests: Emily Gordon-Smith Director of Consumer Products at Stylus Martyn James, Consumer rights expert at ResolverPresenter: Louise Cooper Producer: Sally Abrahams

Millions of people need financial advice but don't get it according to a damning report out this week. It's called the 'advice gap' and includes people who need advice about investment or pensions but can't afford professional advice and people who need free advice on a variety of money matters but don't know where to get it. We discuss how to make financial advice more accessible to everyone.Banks have until April next year to implement major changes on overdraft charges. The fees from overdrafts bring in nearly two and a half billion pounds a year and they are mainly paid by a small number of customers who are in debt or vulnerable. The Financial Conduct Authority say it will be the biggest shakeup of overdraft fees in a generation, others aren't so impressed.Over 9000 students in higher education are estranged from their families, without the safety net of the bank of Mum or Dad if things go wrong. Estrangement charity Stand Alone has found that financial and other pressures mean they're three times more likely to drop out before their course finishes than other students. The Scottish Government have launched a brand new benefit for low income families. We found out how it works.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Credit unions are financial not-for-profit co-operatives run by their members which offer a range of saving accounts and loans. Around 2 million people in the UK belong to one. In order to join people must have something in common with other members such as living or working in the same area or having the same occupation. The work that credit unions do with those who are excluded from mainstream financial services has led to the perception that they are a "poor man's bank" but this isn't the whole story. Paul Lewis talks to Robert Kelly, Chief Executive of the Association of British Credit Unions, and Dr Paul A. Jones, Head of the Research Unit for Financial Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University, about how credit unions are adapting in the age of fast digital bankingWith contributions from Teresa Manning, Chief Executive of Clockwise Credit Union and Professor Sharon Collard Research Director of the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol. If you have a credit union related question for the panel you can call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 5th June or email [email protected] geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

Letting agencies can no longer charge tenants fees when they rent a property. They've already been banned in Scotland and now England is following suit. They can be pretty hefty - for example £500 for a credit check, £200 to check out of the property. These fees account for £700m a year and account for a fifth of agencies turnover. So is this a win win for tenants or will the ban have unintended consequences?When it comes to elderly or vulnerable loved ones, family and friends often rely on other people to help manage their day to day lives, including going shopping, paying bills, helping them look after their money. Many elderly people fall victim to financial abuse. We speak to Action on Elder Abuse about what you can do to try to stop this from happening. And this week a major change began which should mean that victims of bank fraud are reimbursed for their losses in almost every case. But it only applies to frauds committed from last Tuesday, May 28th. So what can be done about the estimated £1bn of money people have had stolen before this code was introduced? Plus we find out more about TSB's 'fraud guarantee'.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editors: Richard Knight + Richard Vadon

Music streaming is big business. But how do the various providers differ and how do their payment models work - for consumers and musicians? We'll hear from grime artist Chiedu Oraka, Alice Enders from Enders Analysis and from Chris Cooke who is head of Music at CMU Insights, a music business consultancy.If you have a question for the panel or want to share your experience call us on 03700 100 444 between 1pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday 29nd May. (Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.) Or send an email before then to [email protected]: Louise Cooper Producer: Paul Waters

New safeguards for victims of bank fraud come into effect from Tuesday. Over 350 million pounds was stolen from accounts last year through what's called Authorised Push Payment Fraud - that happens when a person is tricked into transferring money into a fraudster's account. Often the banks have refused to refund victims but now they will have to.Figures released this week by StepChange - one of the UK's largest debt charities - show a big rise in the amount of debt relief orders in England and Wales. But what is a debt relief order and why are they at a four year high?Researchers at Newcastle University have found that a ban on online borrowing between 11pm and 7am could protect consumers and are calling for the introduction of 'credit curfews'.And when a Money Box listener's partner died suddenly just days after they had taken delivery of a new car she could no longer afford the repayments. But the finance company initially told her it would cost tens of thousands of pounds to get out of the contract. We speak car finance with a consumer contract lawyer.Presenter: Adam Shaw Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Crowdfunding involves asking a lot of people for typically small amounts of money. It's done online as a way of financing businesses, individuals, charities or the development of ideas. There are different ways to do it including making a donation, giving money in return for shares in a business, providing a loan or receiving a reward linked to the fundraising project in return for your cash.Joining Adam Shaw to discuss the rules, risks and potential rewards of crowdfunding are Gerald Oppenheim Chief Executive for the Fundraising Regulator, Jes Bailey Founder and Consultant with Crowdfund 360 and Bruce Davis, Director of the UK Crowdfunding Association and also Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Abundance Investment.If you have a question for the panel or want to share your experience of crowdfunding as a donor or as a fundraiser call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 22nd May or send an email before then to [email protected] Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

At least two million people suffer domestic abuse in the UK each year. But domestic abuse is not always just physical. Taking control of a partner's money - financial abuse - is often part of controlling someone. This week a new advice service has been launched aimed at people who work in banks and building societies to help them spot the signs of economic abuse among their customers and encourage them to offer practical help when they do.Metro Bank is pronounced 'safe' by the Bank of England. But what would happen to customers if another bank did go bust? Some businesses have been trying out shortening the working week from the five days which most full timers work to four but with no loss of pay. Could this leave workers feeling less stressed, more productive and striking a better work/life balance? Or would it pile more pressure onto an already stressed workforce?And what to do if you're pursued for a debt that is not yours.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Looking for and finding a job following a long career break can be difficult and demoralising. There are various reasons for extended career breaks including redundancy, divorce or family commitments. What help is available for returners and how can employers do more to recruit them?Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your questions and experiences and provide practical help. Email [email protected] or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 15th May. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.Guests: Emily Andrews, Senior Evidence Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, Stephanie Dillon, Founder of Inclusivity Partners and Sarah Chilton, Partner with specialist employment lawyers CM Murray. Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Andrew Smith

Ben Wallace MP, Minister for Economic Fraud responds to criticism from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary about whether the government is "content to leave fraud at the back of the queue" given what damage it can do.Dan Whitworth reports on a significant development for the former clients of collapsed mini-bond firm London Capital and Finance. And the launch of a pilot scheme to tackle rent arrears and keep people away from high cost credit by allowing them to flex their monthly rent payments.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

Free cash machines are disappearing across the UK at an 'alarming' rate according to Which? Two of the major private operators, Cardtronics and Notemachine, have introduced charges for nearly 1700 of their ATMS in the last few months, with more following soon. It's predicted that one in eight machines could soon charge us to take out our money. We hear from Tim Halford, managing director of Cardtronics who defends the charges.Ofgem have scrapped a rule meaning energy suppliers must give customers 30 days notice of a price increase. Anthony Pygram Director of Conduct and Enforcement for the regulator tells us why. And it's taken listener Alex Luke two and a half years to get her bank to repay all of the £180,000 stolen from her bank account by fraudsters three Christmases ago. We hear how she did it.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor Emma RipponPhoto credit: Nidderdale Chamber of Trade

When you invest money do you care what it is used for? Would you avoid so called 'sin stocks' like tobacco, alcohol or gambling? Increasing numbers of people want to make sure their money is doing good - or at least as little harm as possible. But can you get a decent return from ethical investments? Paul Lewis and a panel of guests are taking your calls and queries about ethical investing. Guests: Lisa Stonestreet, Head of Communications at the EIRIS Foundation Tanya Pein, independent financial adviser at In2 Planning and a Director of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association Peter Michaelis, Head of Sustainable Investment, Liontrust Asset Management Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Sally Abrahams

Tens of thousands of low paid workers will face losing a week's pay or more because the firm that employs them is changing its payroll system. The pay is, in theory, just being deferred. But in practice that deferral could last until they leave their job. What will this mean for its lowest paid staff?This week a committee of MP’s heard evidence that the practice refusing to rent to people on benefits is widespread. The housing charity Shelter is calling for it to be banned but letting agents don't think this is the answer.The long term winners and losers on Universal Credit and air source heat pumps - the Government pays you to generate your own green energy so why are they so rare?Presenter : Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

As climate change protests continue, how can consumers cut carbon emissions and keep energy bills affordable? Can you be eco-friendly and stay within budget? What are the best green deals available? Share your tips for being more energy-efficient. Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your renewable energy questions and experiences. Email [email protected] or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 24 April. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.Guests: Audrey Gallagher, Energy UK Mark Todd, energyhelpline.com Peter Smith, National Energy ActionPresenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams

Criminals fraudulently stole £1.2 billion last year from our bank accounts according to the industry body UK Finance.But that’s just the tip of the iceberg - the true scale of financial fraud is hard to put a figure on. As many as four out of five people who have been stung don't report it.Fraud is an epidemic that’s seemingly out of control. In this programme, Iona Bain asks why do we fall for fraudsters? How do they manage to dupe us into hitting the transfer button on fraudulent transactions worth thousands of pounds? Can understanding this give us more of a fighting chance against them? And what’s the role of technology in all of this - both as a catalyst and as a possible cure?Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon