Money Clinic with Claer Barrett

This week we look at whether the government's new scheme will get the housing market moving. Why advisers are slow to recommend low-cost tracker funds. And the FSA digs deeper into bridging loans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at how QE is hitting pensioner's income, whether investments are becoming too costly, and whether Virgin buying Northern Rock could make banking more competitive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we look at banks that are paying virtually no interest and making it almost impossible to keep track of their best savings deals. Should you buy shares in banks exposed to European sovereign debt? Also, what to do if your bank suddenly hikes its rate on your standard variable rate mortgage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at why pension providers penalise you for changing jobs. Also, how index tracker funds distort share prices. And, is the sun setting on solar energy? We explain how subsidy cuts hit homeowners and investors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keeping ahead of inflation - how much risk are you taking? We look at which Jisa you should take out for your child. And where £1m plus borrowers can go for a mortgage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to inflation-proof your pension and inflation-beating savings accounts. Dividends are on the rise this year, but where can you find the highest yielders? And we look at tips to cut your energy costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy prices are still on the rise – but are you being given the right advice about the best deals? Why government reforms mean some face huge cuts to their pension income, and can an iPhone app help smooth tenant and landlord relations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mortgage rates set to fall further - how low can they go? Advisers say absolute return funds aren't right for their clients, so who are they suitable for? And Islamic banks are paying out 4% returns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We ask what this week's price swings say about gold's safe haven status. Are pension savers geting a fair deal? We assess new moves to improve your income choices. And is a 'Best buy' savings account really the best? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How high are the charges on your pension. We name the plans that have lost 39 per cent. And, we look at whether exchange traded funds are only for rogues. Finally, why gold savings accounts are not what they seem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at how to get higher income from shares and whether dividend yields of 7 or 8 per cent are sustainable. How your bank will respond to the Vickers report and more news on the state pension age Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to protect your savings now that National Savings Certificates have sold out. When should you retire now annuity rates are at a record low? And where can you get a 100 per cent mortgage now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banks pay out £215m in compensation for missold PPI policies. Why billions are still invested in so-called dog funds. And mortgage rates - how you could save money paying the redemption charge and switching lender Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We reveal who is buying shares at the moment and what they're buying. What can you buy for your pension? We look for investments to protect your pension income. And should you buy into student property? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would continuing low interest rates mean for mortgages and savings? Why a rise in stock markets in the next five years would make structured products look attractive now. And what a cut in the interest rates on SAYE plans will mean for you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What property and business owners need to know about their insurance claims. Market turmoil and your investments, and which shares can bounce back after a week of disorder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the debt crisis deepens, we seek safe havens for your cash.Go East, not West - why investors now want assets in strong Asian currencies. And is it time to leave your bank? We ask whether service is as important as an interest rate.Presented by Matthew Vincent. Produced by Rob Minto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s show: The cheapest five-year mortgage in history has just been launched; should you get out of your fixed income? Find out what a Greek or US default would mean for your bond fund; and, investors fixated with gold – why you shouldn’t think of silver as a poor second. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Also, savers are still being transfered into high-charging pensions - we ask chair of Consumer Focus, Christine Farnish, when will mis-selling ever end?And, would anyone buy a risky bond fund right now - even if it claims to be strategic?Presented by Matthew Vincent with Tanya Powley, Jo Cumbo and Alice Ross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week there was more bad news for people approaching retirement as new data showed a further decline in annuity rates - so what can you do about it?Murdoch drops his Sky bid and plans to buy back shares - but would you invest in media now? And, homeowners opt to improve rather than move - but would you splash out on an outdoor swimming pool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banks are pulling their best savings deals - so where should you put your money now? Investment trusts are producing better returns than unit trusts. And offset mortgages are proving more efficient for higher-rate taxpayers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The OFT has ordered airlines, such as Ryanair, to stop hiding card surcharges. We look at why investors are not reclaiming tax on foreign share dividends, and how UK banks would be affected by a Greek debt default. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your money is in their hands - do you trust your wealth manager? Their best ever mortgage deals - but only if you are a loyal customer. And why you only have to choose a pension for a few years at a time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When is a guarantee not a guarantee - we read the latest warnings on structured products. The cost of care - we add up the fees for residential and nursing homes. And how your customer profile affects the cost of borrowing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at the latest threats in the property market. Do you buy high and sell low? We ask whether behavioural finance can help you make investment decisions. How can you protect yourself in retirement? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A pension offer you can refuse; why two-year fixed mortgages are a waste of time; and an end to cash - will phones be all you need in your pocket?Presented by Matthew Vincent, with guest Ray Boulger of John Charcol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Banks face more complaints about selling insurance - is this the next PPI? Brits could be taxed on their French properties and can anyone face reading the small print before investing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The pitfalls of pension flexibility - why it's not a good idea to transfer a company scheme into flexible drawdown; The big PPI payday - how to get compensation; and how expensive are "switch-to-fix" mortgage deals? Presented by Matthew Vincent, with guest James Daley, editor of Which? Money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What action should victims of hackers take? Where are investors moving their cash in the search for income? And is it time to buy in the Spanish property market? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Royalties account, or any other fee-based banking service, a bit too rich for middle-class tastes? What would US fund investors make of British fund charges? And why now is the time to move out to the country Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billions of insurance refunds - why you could claim back your payment premiums. 24 per cent annual returns - why farmland is now a fast-growing investment. And cautious funds that offer high yields Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Under-capitalised and uncompetitive - but will your bank be any better if the latest reform proposals are implemented? Unloved and undervalued - but which bargain shares are Uk fund managers snapping up? And are Exchange traded-tracker funds as risky as regulators make out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look at whether banks' special rates for loyal customers are good value or not. When will value investing start paying off? And how many fund managers have you heard of? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are pension providers ready for new rules? Performance fees on investment funds are on the rise - but should you pay them? And, buying a house could get easier - after pre-contracts are introduced Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will you get the benefit of higher personal tax allowances? Will an inheritance tax break make you more charitable? And has investing in smaller companies become more attractive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How your finances are affected by the events in Japan. Looking ahead to next week's Budget, and choosing this year's cash Isa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fund managers are cutting charges ahead of a ban on commission, but are IFAs behaving? John Lewis is paying high interest but should you take out their retail bond? And UK mortgage rates are still edging up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What will it do to your pension? We have good news for women but bad for men. Why do some index tracker funds go off the beaten track? And where can you talk to a bank manager these days? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for a cheap remortgage? Why it pays to go off the beaten track. Saving for university fees? Why you need to take on a degree of risk. And planning a new life overseas? Where you need to buy a house. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rising inflation - what can you do about it? We look at high street and offbeat investment products. Popular Isas - where are they now? We track the performance of old technology and property funds. And how much can first-time buyers borrow? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lenders return to the buy-to-let property market. How has your with-profits pension performed? We look at the latest figures. And, what investment strategy should you be using to pick stocks? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another 'Cautious fund' is launching, despite recent warnings from the FSA. There is a new set of rules from Europe - and this time it could cut your pension. And we explain how to avoid the 40 per cent rate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could you be banned from buying risky investments? Should you protect your portfolio from inflation or stagflation? And would you lend money to people you don't know? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mortgage rates start to rise but where can you get the best deal on your savings? Barclays is fined for selling "cautious" funds - so which funds can you trust? And are developed markets now a more exciting place to be? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fears of a rate rise are growing, so is it time to fix your mortgage? Watch out for emerging risks in Emerging Markets. And where is the best place to put your savings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why some people are selling their second homes in the sun. A New Year means new pension rules - we explain what you can do now, and after April. And with 17 months to repay at zero per cent interest, are credit cards becoming more attractive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation is on the rise - so how can investors protect themselves? Tax-efficient schemes for investors could be under threat by the Revenue - so should you buy them now? And what a stronger pound could mean for your holidays Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investors are being offered more control over their pensions - so what are the top tips from experts? The government has announced yet another crackdown on inheritance tax - but should you really be worried? And, we look at the latest housing trends Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investors will no longer be banned from transferring out of their final salary schemes. Borrowers are turning to bridging loans but what are the best deals? And where in the world is the best place to retire? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Eurozone debt crisis continues, which are the safest banks for your money? Could your pension contributions result in a nasty tax bills? We explain how you could be affected. And how to beat the VAT rise and grab yourself a post-Christmas bargain? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.