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The Martin Lewis Podcast

The Martin Lewis Podcast

209 episodes — Page 2 of 5

Are Credit Scores real or nonsense? How to make yourself more attractive to lenders

Martin Lewis goes through everything you need to know about credit scores – including if they’re actually real. He also explains how you can make yourself appear more attractive to lenders, including the most important factors they look for. Plus, what the budget means for your energy bills, you Tell Us when you finally felt financially grown up, and Mastermind is all about when a direct debit isn’t actually a direct debit.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite motorway, what his skincare routine looks like, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected].

Dec 4, 20251h 3m

Question Time: Time to ditch Premium Bonds? Do student loans cost more for middle earners? Credit on a low income?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how does the ISA limit actually work, is the online safety act really working, how can I get credit on a low income, is it time to ditch premium bonds, do student loans cost more for middle earners, and when does savings interest actually count for tax purposes?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite sandwich filling, how many sugars he has in his tea, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to [email protected].

Dec 1, 202530 min

Budget 2025: Instant reaction special!

In this special episode, Martin Lewis shares his initial reaction to Rachel Reeves' budget. He tells Matt Chorley about the measures that will have an impact on you - including Lifetime ISAs, salary sacrifice on pensions, state pension increase, student finance repayment thresholds, the two-child benefit limit, high income property surcharge, and electric vehicle surcharges.

Nov 26, 202527 min

Question Time: Time to stop using my LISA? Are cashback & switch bonuses taxable? Are investments protected up to £85,000?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on absolutely anything and everything, including: how to get hotel money back on flight cancellations, do investments have the same protection as savings if a provider goes bust, should I stop putting money in my LISA, and what’s his favourite type of music?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite city, what he does in his spare time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected].

Nov 24, 202529 min

Millions can now reclaim student loans! | Savings safety limit to rise | Will energy prices go up?

Martin goes through the four different reasons why many university leavers in their 20s, 30s and 40s may be able to get £100s or even £1000s of student loan money back. Plus, what’s likely to happen when the new energy price cap is announced this Friday, Martin goes over the now bigger protection for people’s savings, you tell us the cheapest item you’ve ever taken back to a store to complain about, and Martin’s Money Mastermind is all about retail gift aid.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite song, what he does in his spare time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected].

Nov 20, 202555 min

Question Time: Will my new husband need to pay for my daughter’s uni? Do high interest savings beat cash ISAs?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how to open savings accounts with limited ID, is there a way to make more cash from ISA bonuses, can I end my broadband contract if I’m moving house and does Martin prefer spaghetti hoops, or alphabetti spaghetti? If you’ve got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected].

Nov 17, 202527 min

A wallet workout to gain pounds! Earn £100s in minutes perusing your purse or (digital) wallet

Martin Lewis tells you how to speedily spot the best debit cards, credit cards, overdrafts, improve your driving licence, organ donor cards and more! Plus, new top savings, Martin’s meeting with the Chancellor, and success story on how to beat the O2 price-hike hike!If you’ve got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected].

Nov 13, 20251h 9m

Question Time: Is paying via PayPal a bigger risk? How to do a budget? Has the government ever told Martin to stay schtum?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin takes your questions on anything and everything, including: how to compare electric vehicle tariffs, why bank accounts lie, how an 18-year-old builds credit, and is your will invalid after you get married?If you’ve got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected].

Nov 10, 202531 min

Martin’s Savings Interest Masterclass: increase what you earn by up to 50%!

Martin Lewis gives you his savings interest Masterclass, helping you maximise every penny. He covers cash ISAs, fixed savings, regular savers, putting money away for a home, how savings tax works, how safe savings are, and more! If you have a question for Martin, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected] and you could be on the show!

Nov 6, 20251h 4m

Question Time: Will ISA changes hit what I’ve saved? Safer to stick cash under the bed? A credit card for my eight-year-old?

In this week’s Question Time, Martin answers your questions about absolutely anything and everything – including: Will the predicted budget ISA changes affect me? Should I give my eight-year-old a credit card? Should I keep cash under my mattress? Can a car finance claim jeopardise my current car finance agreement? How does the marriage tax allowance work? Plus, what did Martin have for his tea last night?If you’ve got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected].

Nov 3, 202527 min

Martin v Ofgem boss: Why are energy bills so high (is it green levies?) | Scrap standing charges | Is the Price Cap a rip-off?

It’s Martin v Ofgem this week (well, Jonathan Brearley, the boss). Martin asks Jonathan why energy bills are so high, about scrapping standing charges, who funds the regulator, writing off energy debt, issues around green energy, and loads more. It’s a jam-packed episode, also including what Martin thinks about O2 raising their prices by more than they promised, and what you should do if you’re affected. If you have a question for Martin, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to [email protected] and you could be on the show!

Oct 30, 202559 min

Question Time: Can I refuse a Smart meter? Should I clear my student loan? Is a stoozer a loser?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin takes your questions on anything and everything within reason. Including: is it worth fixing energy for longer than a year?; are app-based savings accounts worth it?, plus the producer asks him for broadcasting tips! Send an email to [email protected] to suggest your question.

Oct 20, 202532 min

Free £400 for switching bank! Was Uni worth it? Cash ISAs to be cut

Martin Lewis takes you through the seven banks willing to pay you to switch, what it means for your credit score, joint bank accounts, overdrafts and how some make £1,000s doing it. Plus, you tell us if university was worth it. We discuss rumours that the Chancellor may cut the cash ISA limit, plus an update on car finance misselling. You can get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you’ve had following Martin’s advice

Oct 16, 20251h 2m

Question Time: Is cash king? Should you keep some mortgage debt? Can I reclaim student loan taken off my bonus?

In our weekly Question Time, you ask Martin questions on anything and everything, and he does his best to answer them. This week: if I have a lot of credit cards, should I cancel any unused ones? Should I keep my mortgage debt or pay it off? Is Martin working out? A double helping of student finance, and more! If you’ve got a question for Martin, email it to [email protected], and it could be in the podcast!

Oct 13, 202527 min

14 million to get mis-sold car finance compensation!

Martin Lewis takes you through the mis-selling of car finance after the regulator launched its plans for a mass £8.2bn redress scheme – where 14 million people could get compensation. He explains why it’s being paid, how much you could get, if you could get it, what you need to do to get it, should you go to court, can you claim for deceased relatives, and loads more.This is an emerging situation so listen for updates future podcasts! If you’ve got a burning question for Martin’s Question Time podcast, send an email to [email protected] - it can be about absolutely anything you want, within reason!

Oct 9, 202558 min

Energy Question Time: Is it time to fix? (spoiler: YES!) How do I get my credit back? Are Smart Meters… not?

With the energy price cap rising 2%, and predicted to remain high for the next year, Martin Lewis answers your questions on how you can save £100s a year on home energy bills. Including new low standing charges tariffs, smart meter issues, why fixing now works and loads more...Send in your questions for future Question Time podcasts by emailing [email protected].

Oct 2, 202542 min

Question Time: Is having a pension worth it? Why has my home insurance doubled? And Martin's Mick Jagger history!

Martin explains why pensions offer the biggest savings, why you must pay off credit cards IN FULL, and recounts the time he tried to convince Mick Jagger to finish his finance and accounting degree. Question Time is the new weekly bonus podcast from Martin where YOU set the agenda.... Send in your questions by emailing [email protected].

Sep 29, 202530 min

Should you take a student loan? Martin’s five things you need to know about student finance

Martin Lewis has his five things you need to know about student finance, including how much it’ll really cost you, why the interest rate might be a red herring, how much parents are expected to contribute and much more. He also has an update on energy standing charges. And Tell Us is all about when you’ve saved a shedload of money… completely by accident! You can get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you’ve had following Martin’s advice!

Sep 25, 20251h 3m

Question Time: Should you invest in gold? Student loan interest? How to get energy credit back?

Martin Lewis answers your questions on absolutely anything and everything (within reason!), including how to get energy credit back, student loan interest rates, should you be investing in gold, and is overpaying your mortgage worth it?You can get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you’ve had following Martin’s advice!

Sep 22, 202523 min

Grown Up Stuff: (Free) Wills & (even more important) Power of Attorney

Martin Lewis tackles wills and power of attorney with Melinda Giles, Member of the Law Society’s Wills and Equity Committee, and Austin Lafferty, member of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland. Plus, Mastermind is all about your credit file.You can email the podcast team at [email protected].

Sep 18, 20251h 14m

Question Time: Cutting Credit Card Debt, Scrapping the State Pension and more…

In this Question Time podcast Martin answers your questions on credit scores, scrapping the state pension, cutting the cost of credit card debt and the car finance compensation scheme, plus loads more.

Sep 15, 202526 min

The Top Children’s Savings & Investment Accounts | Car Finance Mis-selling Update

Martin Lewis has everything you need to know about children’s saving and investing, including Junior ISAs, Child Trust Funds, top savings, Premium Bonds and even children’s pensions. Plus, an update on the car finance mis-selling saga, an update on Lifetime ISAs, you tell us when you’ve felt the richest, and this week’s Mastermind is on personal loans.

Sep 11, 20251h 6m

Beat the energy price hike, flight delay compo, and the £1 train!

Martin has everything you need to know to keep your bills down ahead of the energy price cap going up in October. Also in the podcast: what to do if you’ve had a flight delayed in the past six years, you tell us the best quid you’ve spent in the last five years, and Mastermind was all about Capital Gains Tax – have you heard of the ‘Bed & Breakfast’ rule?

Sep 4, 20251h 3m

A Savings and Investment Special!

In this savings and investment special, Martin speaks with two professional investment advisers. Plus, his beginner’s guide to savings and how to maximise your interest.

Aug 28, 202543 min

A Bills Special!

In this Bills Special, Martin goes through everything you need to know about Council Tax, including how to check and challenge your band. Plus, his four easy steps to help reduce your mobile phone bill.

Aug 21, 202540 min

An Energy Special!

In this Energy Special, Martin asks the boss of Ofgem why we pay more in the UK. Plus, he questions the boss of Octopus Energy about prices, smart meters and more.

Aug 14, 202555 min

A Holiday Special!

In this Holiday Special, Martin goes through his top holiday hacks, including his car hire and insurance tips, and the cheapest ways to spend abroad. Plus, how to make sure your passport and GHIC is ready for your travels!

Aug 7, 202540 min

Car Finance Compensation Special

Martin gives his reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling on car finance agreements. He explains why the scope for compensation has been reduced, who might still be eligible, and why it's important that potential claimants do nothing...for now.

Aug 2, 202516 min

Car Finance Agreements Update & Ask Martin ANYTHING!

In this episode, Martin gives an update on the ongoing car financing agreements case going through the Supreme Court. He also answers your questions on absolutely anything, including how much to save for your kids to go to university, buying vs renting, and… is Martin getting into politics?

Jul 30, 202557 min

A beginner’s guide to savings & how to maximise your interest

After covering investment last episode, this time Martin gives a beginner’s guide to savings, including top savings, a 25% savings boost for first-time buyers, a Help to Save 50% boost, regular savings and more. Plus, a warning for women aged between 41 and 90 who’ve previously cared for someone. And you tell us your instruction vs destruction tales.

Jul 24, 20251h 5m

A beginner’s guide to investing… who should, how much & where to do it

Martin Lewis on Saving v Investing: which is right for you and how to do it…In this special podcast Martin is joined by two professional investment advisers to talk about:- What is going to happen to the ISA limit. - Whether you should be saving, investing or doing a combination of the two. - A beginners guide to investing and where you should put your money for the long term. - What type of investment firm you should be looking at. - Martin also gives an explanation of Bitcoin and what could happen if you want to invest in it.Get in touch with the podcast by emailing [email protected]

Jul 17, 20251h 8m

Testing your consumer rights and haggling skills

Martin Lewis records the podcast from Lords to share his money saving tips while watching the cricket.An explanation of your statutory return rights with a focus on what the law explicitly outlines as the timeframe you have to return online purchases.We also run through the top 10 companies to haggle with in the UK, with haggling tips and how to make big savings from service firms in mature markets, such as mobiles, where everyone already has the product so companies need to retain existing customers.He gives an update on the potential payouts for mis-sold car finance.Martin makes a suggestion on how to get young people investing WITHOUT cutting the £20,000 tax-free cash ISA limit, as reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be about to do.Tell Us is about your longest financial innings and includes advice on the best bank current accounts that are currently available.And Mastermind is swapped for Test Martin Special, or TMS for short, Eleanor Oldroyd and former England player Steven Finn help Adrian answer a cricket-themed question about what counts as legal tender.

Jul 11, 202557 min

Free £1,000 a year for wannabe first time buyers | Will cash ISAs be cut | LISA v Pension

Martin looks at Lifetime ISAs, after a report was published by the Treasury Committee on the future of the first time buyers savings account, he explains the basics of them and answers questions on who they are good for, who they don’t work for and when is the best time to open one.Energy bills dropped 7% this week, Martin explains what people should be doing, and most importantly what happens next.Martin reacts to reports the Chancellor is to drop cash ISA allowance in her Mansion House Speech on 15 July.Mastermind tests if Adrian knows when you are covered by Section 75 Consumer protection.And there’s a new top savings account that’s a bit different isn’t there?

Jul 3, 202558 min

The cheapest way to spend abroad, stop paying to pay! And find old pensions worth £10,000s!

With £31 billion in lost or unclaimed pensions in the UK, Martin tells you how to find your old pensions - which could be worth £10,000s! Plus, Martin’s top holiday money need-to-knows to help you stop paying when you spend abroad and get the most bang for your (Vietnamese) dong. And you tell us the worst financial advice you were given by your parents and grandparents.

Jun 26, 20251h 2m

Council Tax Money Back Special **UPDATED 20/6, after Government consultation launched**

***This episode was first published on 5th June. It was updated on 20th June to reflect the launch of a government consultation on the administration of Council Tax.***Martin goes through step by step everything you need to know about Council Tax. He explains:- How to check you are in the right band. - How to challenge your Council Tax band. - The Council Tax deductions you may be entitled to. - How to collect and claim if you are owed Council Tax creditMartin also gives his response to this week’s Winter Fuel Payment news from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Jun 20, 20251h 11m

Four easy-speedy steps to slash your mobile bill

Martin goes through his four easy steps to help you reduce your mobile bill. Plus, with energy bills likely to rise due to conflict in the Middle East, should you fix now? What do the Warm Home discount changes mean? And you tell us your children’s financial tips.

Jun 19, 202559 min

Winter Fuel Payment – How it’ll really work (Eng & Wales) | And are you drinking enough beer

The Winter Fuel Payment will again be a universal payment in England and Wales for state pensioners this winter, yet it’ll be clawed back via the tax system where someone earns over £35,000. How will this work in practice? What counts as £35,000 earnings, and what if there are two, three or more pensioners in a house.Martin also answers questions on saving for a pension, who should opt out of receiving winter fuel payment and how to avoid being scammed.Pint rights: we also look at how to make sure you get the pint you paid for.

Jun 12, 202546 min

Question Time: Cancel old credit cards? Martin: What 3 laws would you introduce? Pay v pensions?

Jun 1, 202532 min

Mini-pod: Energy Price Cap drops 7%, but it’s still pants!

Martin reacts to the latest Energy Price Cap announcement from the regulator Ofgem. The new cap coms into force from July, and applies to households in England, Scotland and Wales on variable tariffs. But what should you do now? With fixes on the market well below the cap rate, Martin explains how to get the best deals on your energy.

May 23, 202511 min

Free £310 bank switch | Winter Fuel Shenanigans | Energy Price Cap to fall but you should still fix

Martin Lewis looks at the Energy Price Cap and what your best options are for your bills.He gives his view on the recent announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will be expanded. A guide on how to get paid to switch bank accounts.Tell Us this week is all about when have you saved a fortune by pure accident?Mastermind explains the difference between annual and compound interest.

May 22, 20251h 1m

Childcare SPECIAL: Your questions & problems put to Sec of State for Education Bridget Phillipson

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson joins Martin Lewis to answers your questions about the cost of childcare. They cover topics such as are there enough funds for 30hrs funded childcare? Why 800,000 miss out on Tax Free Childcare? Child Benefit cliff-edge problems & more.

May 15, 202555 min

Interest rate cut special: what savers & mortgage holders need do now. Including… why locking in savings can be a winner.

Why locking in savings can be a winner. Should you fix your mortgage now or wait? How to get accepted for a mortgage, and more.Martin reacts as the Bank of England cuts UK base interest rates again from 4.5% to 4.25%, we recorded this literally minutes after it happened and focus on answering your questions about the impact on savings and borrowing (especially mortgages)For savers there’s a warning to act quick if you want to fix.Mortgage holders big questions was fix now or wait – we cover that, but also a fascinating discussion with our mortgage broker guest on what it takes to get accepted for a mortgage whether for a new one or remortgaging, lots of eye opening facts there.In the Tell Us, with summer coming what’s far cheaper to buy abroad (things that you can then bring home that is)And in the Mastermind we find out if Adrian knows why it’s always important to turn your suncream around.

May 8, 20251h 13m

Credit & Debit Card Q&A special: How credit scoring works, best 0% deals, stoozing, top cards abroad

It’s the credit and debit plastic fantastic masterclass you’ve been waiting for… Martin answers all your questions on how to manage your credit card debt, which are the top cards to use abroad and the myths around your ‘credit score’. Plus find out which are the best 0% deals and how to ooze with stooze. Get in touch with the podcast by emailing [email protected]

Apr 30, 202548 min

The Shrinkflation Nation | Why now is the time to check if you’re owed £100s of energy credit

The main topic is all about how you could potentially get money back from your energy firm. If you pay by monthly direct debit then Martin explains why you should be checking now if you’re owed serious cash.The Tell Us is about shrinkflation. Where can you find provable evidence of groceries, cleaning productions or cosmetics that are no longer as big as they were.Plus, if you're aged 20 to 25, Martin explains a trick that can get you a free four-year railcard worth £100 via the bank Santander.Get in touch… email [email protected]

Apr 24, 20251h 1m

Is the £20,000 cash ISA going to be killed? What savers should be doing NOW

Full best buys – and everything you ever wanted to know about cash ISAs but were afraid to ask. With the realistic prospect of the cash ISA limit being reduced in the near future, Martin explains what to do right now to get the most out of your savings. Get in touch… email [email protected]

Apr 16, 202537 min

Q&A Special: Beat the bill rises, ISAs, Car financing, Pension tax, Premium Bonds, Child Trust Funds and more

You ask, Martin answers. A must-listen at this crucial time of year. Martin and Adrian go through the big questions from you as a number of big changes come into force. Plus you tell us about customer service done well, and Adrian tackles a mastermind on credit scores. You can email the podcast team via [email protected].

Apr 2, 202557 min

Martin Lewis speaks to Britain's biggest energy boss about prices, smart meters and more

Martin Lewis puts YOUR questions to Greg Jackson, the boss of Britain’s biggest energy retailer Octopus. Smart meters, profits, standing charges & will prices EVER drop? Plus with energy prices going up by 6.4% next week, is now the time to fix? To get in touch, email [email protected].

Mar 27, 202554 min

Beat the urgent ISA deadline – top cash ISAs for savers, stocks & shares for investing

ISA ISA baby!Martin joins Adrian to answer all your questions on savings tax, Cash ISAs, Junior ISAs and more before the fast approaching deadline in April. Chartered Financial Planner Ed Marshall also joins Martin to help with stocks and shares ISAs. You tell us about your financial ‘light bulb’ moments.Plus Martin shares his thoughts on back-billing with MPs… find out why you might not have to pay for energy usage if its more than a year old.Get in touch with the podcast by emailing [email protected]

Mar 20, 20251h 15m

Last Chance! Boost State Pension by £10,000s: a must listen if age 40 to 73

Martin’s poorly, but he’s battled through the coughs and splutters because he’s adamant that YOU need to hear how you could boost your state pension by TENS of THOUSANDS of pounds.If you’re aged between 40 and 73 – it’s a must listen.It’s all about missing National Insurance years. Martin brings you a step-by-step guide and a full Q&A. It’s everything you need to know.

Mar 13, 202559 min

Savings Q&A special – ISAs, savings tax, pay off debt or save and more. Plus credit card beginners guide

Martin answers a huge number of questions on savings, on how ISA’s work, where is a safe place to keep your money, the pros and cons of investing, should you be saving or paying off debt and far more.The podcast also covers lots of other subjects such as getting travel insurance for holidays booked a long time ahead, how credit cards really work, what to do if a car finance firm hasn’t replied to your reclaim complaint and more.This week’s Mastermind is all about if borrowing more means you actually pay less?

Mar 6, 202558 min