This is Money Podcast

A solar revolution is on its way to Britain and can help save us from volatile and high energy bills, if you believe Ed Miliband.Plug-in solar panels are popular across Europe but currently rules in the UK mean that we can’t buy them and, as it says on the tin, simply plug them into our home’s electricity supply.But changes are afoot that will mean we could soon be buying individual panels that cost £400 and simply plugging them into a three-pin wall socket, where thanks to the magic of an inverter they would put power into your home.And we might even be able to nip down to the middle of Lidl to buy them, with the discount supermarket among those talking about offering them – in its famous middle aisle.In Germany, Ikea sells panels and there and in other European countries they are popular, so could they transform our homes? How long would it take to get your money back – and what’s the prepper angle on the interest in all this?Georgie Frost and Simon Lamber talk plug-in solar panels and energy bills on this episode of the This is Money podcast.They also discuss summer holiday flights and what the massive disruption triggered by the Iran war will do to prices and demand – and how to target a cheaper break.Plus, with the government announcing its new town locations, where do property experts think the best one will be.And, there are rumblings in the finance world over private credit, with the Bank of England among those warning about what’s been dubbed shadow banking. What’s going on, could it trigger a financial crisis and should you be worried? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's just a week to go until the end of the tax year and if you haven't sorted your Isa, pension or the rest of your finances it's time to get your skates on.On this episode, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the important things you need to think about before 5 April... and ideally right now.From how your Isa allowance works, to parking cash and drip-feeding it, and why a pension can not only boost your retirement savings but also cut your tax bill, they explain what you need to know.And Simon has some extra tips on how to use as much of your Isa or pension allowance as possible, even if you don't have the ready cash.Also on this week's episode, what on earth is going on at NS&I and will it have to pay millions on compensation, how to become a tradesperson on a six figure salary, will interest rates really rise four times this year, and finally, what are the food items that have rocketed the most in price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isa season is in full swing as savers and investors race to beat the clock to fill up their allowance - but where are people putting their money?Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost take a look and reveal stocks and shares Isa bestsellers of 2026. And even before the current markets turmoil caused by the Iran conflict, Lee reveals just how much is pouring into cash.There are fresh warnings sounded over Britain's midlife pensions crisis - but it's not too late to build a healthy retirement pot. We reveal how and some of the rules of thumb it is worth remembering when it comes to building your nest egg.McDonald's launches trading cards with selected meals - and some of the rarest are already listed on eBay for HUGE sums. Lee does a live opening of three packs... can he bag a £10,000 gold Ronald card?And just what is the fastest way to make £10,000? Five experts - including Simon - have been given £500 each to put into betting, crypto, stocks, furniture and Vinted, alongside a share-picking monkey with a pin. Who will come out on top? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mortgage rates have shot up this week as the impact of the conflict with Iran for inflation and interest rates sinks in.Banks and building societies have been racing to raise their fixed rates - with some even pushing them up twice in the space of a few days.It comes in response to a sudden switch around in expectations for the Bank of England base rate, but will this flurry of hikes continue or are the concerns overdone.On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at what's going on in the mortgage market - and what you can do about it if you are buying a home or need to remortgage.Plus, Simon has broken with the habit of a lifetime and actually fixed his energy bills for once. He explains why you should too - and how there are still potentially price cap-beating or matching deals out there.Helen outlines the nine biggest mistakes you can make with your pension - and what they could cost you.And finally, if you have a Nationwide current account and are hopefully in line for some free money from Fairer Share, this is what you must do in the next two weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the past week, news headlines have been dominated by the conflict in the Middle East. It has pushed up oil and gas prices, and as such, concerns over our household finances in Britain.Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane discuss what the conflict means for investors, mortgage rates, price at the petrol pumps and energy bills - is there anything you can realistically do to keep a lid on the potential for runaway inflation?With the potential for inflation to spike, does that spell the end of a 'nailed on' base rate cut and what are your rights if you have a holiday or flight booked which is hit by the disruption? We also saw the Chancellor deliver the Spring Statement on Tuesday - growth downgraded, unemployment up and predictions house prices will rise by more than £40,000 between now and 2031. But with events in the Middle East, are the OBR predictions wildly out-of-date already?There is now more than £1trillion held in tax-free Isas. With a month to go until the end of the tax-year, thee has been a number of top deals launched - but are they worth opening? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The flying Footsie is on course for the best start to the year since 1998 and driving it are 20 stocks that have risen by 50% or more in the past year.Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss what's going on for the flagship UK index and whether the run can continue.They also zoom in on Rolls Royce... its shares have soared by more than a thousand per cent in five years. Is it too late to join the party? When it comes to Junior Isas, many parents worry that once their children get access, they'll fritter it away - but is that really the case? New analysis suggests not.And NS&I has cut the underlying rate on its Premium Bonds to 3.3%. Is it time to move your money?The Government is rolling out the next phase of making tax digital which will require some to file quarterly - is expensive chaos on the way?Lastly, can you save money with an EV versus a petrol equivalent? Or does the maths simply not add up? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pensions are a topic that dominate the financial landscape and for the past decade This is Money readers have had Sir Steve Webb on hand to answer their questions.A former pensions minister, Steve has been our weekly columnist for ten years and helped guide people through the maze of retirement finances.On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Steve joins Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert to talk about what's happened over those ten years and discuss what you need to know about pensions.Whether they've been about saving for retirement, turning a pension into income, working out what the quirks of the state pension mean for you and much more, Steve has both helped the readers asking the question and the millions who have read the answers.Aided by This is Money's pension and investing editor, Tanya Jefferies, Steve has also undertaken campaigning journalism, exposing among other things the underpaid women's state pension scandal, which got us a mention in parliamentary reports.Also on this week's show, Simon reveals how to strike the best deal on a new car with the help of our industry insiders who know how much the salesman or woman will really knock off.Plus, if you get an inheritance you don't need, can you pass it on with incurring an inheritance tax liability yourself?And finally, just how good is Barclays' seemingly generous offer to pay you £1,000 for switching... and who exactly can get it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus This is Money podcast episode, Simon Lambert interviews Marcus and Alexander Blunt, the brothers behind travel firm Heidi, to find out how they turned a start-up into the UK's second biggest ski package holiday firm in eight years - and survived the pandemic's threat to the business along the way. Eight years ago, brothers Marcus and Alexander Blunt were passionate skiers frustrated by the difficulty of trying to organise the mountain holidays that they and their friends really wanted.Deciding on a ski resort, sorting flights, accommodation, transfers and getting friends from different parts of the country to the right place at the right time, had Marcus building complicated spreadsheets to work things out.After one mammoth piece or organisation, they had a lightbulb moment. Maybe it was time for a package holiday firm that allowed people to tailor their ski trips to what they needed, find the best place to go to and put customer service centre stage.With both the brothers working in the travel industry, they decided to figure out how to test their concept and the appetite for it and then launched their start-up in 2018, while doing full-time jobs - and both having babies born that year.They made a pact that if they could do £500,000 worth of sales in their first year, they would quit their jobs and go all-in, explains Alexander.From there, in the space of less than eight years Heidi has grown to become the UK's second biggest package holiday firm. That's no mean feat considering that the pandemic hit just two years in - and halfway through the ski holiday season.Marcus and Alexander tell Simon how they turned their business idea into reality, how they grew Heidi, the lessons they have learnt along the way and share their tips for other aspiring entrepreneurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A shake up is happening in the world of DIY investing. Some of the biggest investment platforms are overhauling their fees ahead of Rachel Reeves' big push to get Britain investing - and under pressure from upstarts offering much cheaper services.The biggest name of all, Hargreaves Lansdown, has cut its prices for most investors, yet this seems to have triggered a chunk to jump ship. So, why are some HL investors moving if things are getting cheaper - and is it time we all looked at our investment platform fees?Georgie Frost, Rachel Rickard Straus and Simon Lambert discuss the latest DIY investing battle and what it means for your portfolio - plus what you should look for if you do want cheaper investing or a helping hand.With nearly £1trillion in Isas, how did people build up such big pots and could they end up being a target for a tax raid.What's going on with the civil service pension meltdown?And finally, the most applied for jobs and the apprenticeships that can people dodge a massive student debt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Student loans look like another mess that has reached a tipping point in Britain's shonky financial system.There are three different types of student loan plan that graduates could currently be on and one of them offers a particularly bad deal.Those who took out Plan 2 student loans, between 2012 and 2022, suffered fees being hiked to £9,000, face interest rates of RPI plus 3 per cent, and have seen the repayment threshold above which they lose 9 per cent of their income bounce around at the whim of governments.Meanwhile, lots of graduates are staring down the barrel of decades of a big extra chunk coming out of their wages, but then never actually clearing the debt before it gets written off after 30 years.As the reality bites of the student loans they signed up to at 18 - for an average post university debt of £50,000 - without properly realising the consequences, many late 20 and 30somethings are increasingly angry.Do they have a point and what can we do? On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk student loans, what might happen, what we could do - and who should pay for university.Plus, what does the Bank of England holding rates mean for borrowers and savers.For those who aren't losing their spare cash to a student loan and have got on the property ladder, should you overpay your mortgage?The man who got his mortgage paid off in four years - and how he did it.What on earth is happening to bitcoin and why is it crashing?And finally, what are the rules on flexible Isas and putting money back in? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government has announced plans for a cap on ground rent - is it a welcome policy that will finally fix a broken system or does it risk creating new problems along the way?Helen Crane, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss the plans first revealed on TikTok by the Prime Minister, what's potentially changing and when.Watch out - HMRC is about... Stamp duty investigations are on the rise - is it all Angela Rayner's fault? And how do buyers find themselves in the crosshairs? 'Metal madness' is still in full swing with gold and silver on a tear up with some huge gains this week, but also some hefty falls. What's going on?NS&I has made some cheeky rate cuts but a cash Isa season seems to have erupted early - where can you find the best rates? And lastly, wood burners. Are they an environmental no-no, or can they help save money on your energy bills? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has been hijacking the headlines this week, with his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos a major talking point globally. With plenty of geopolitical drama afoot, what does a weakening US dollar mean for UK investors with money tied up in US and global funds?Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss.One of the world’s biggest investment firms, Vanguard has spurned the Chancellor's efforts to drive up investment in the UK, as it plans to cut its LifeStrategy exposure to the UK - why and what should you do?Nationwide has bumped up what it will lend on mortgages to six times salary – it means borrowers can potentially borrow £50,000 more.Is this a step in the right direction or the path to trouble? Are you saving enough for retirement? Our analysis shows what you need in your pot at every milestone age to be on track… and what to do if you’re off target.This is Money reporter Harvey Dorset tries out a £5,000 smartphone - so what do you get for such a huge outlay?Lastly, Lee speaks to actress Joanna Page about her finances – the Gavin and Stacey star reveals what her mum and nan taught her about money. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life isn't what it once was for star fund managers. The investment industry once thrived on big names but these widely recognisable figures are few and far between nowadays.Two that remain are Terry Smith and Nick Train but their Fundsmith and Finsbury Growth & Income investors have had their patience tested by five years of underperformance compared to just sticking money in a cheap market tracker fund.Both managers defended their approach this week, while offering their investors an apology of sorts.So, is it time to swap your star fund manager for a cheap index fund, or are the stock pickers likely to be proved right in the end?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the cult of the fund manager and whether it's had its day.Meanwhile, The Chancellor wants to get more of us investing but MPs have looked into her plans to cut the cash Isa limit and said it's unlikely to lead more people to the UK stock market. That's exactly what most investment experts told the Chancellor before the Budget, so is there any chance of change of heart?Parts of the London property market have been having a quiet house price crash, Georgie, Helen and Simon discuss what's going on and what kind of properties are affected.The team also ask if cashback is worth it - and look at the deals that could cost you money.And finally, if you want a cheap electric car runaround, what are your best options and what would it cost you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the financial foundations you need so that you can then start living a richer life?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what they think are the essential building blocks for taking control of your finances.From budgeting to protecting your family, what are the things you absolutely must do? They share what they've done right... and what they have done wrong and still slip up on.Meanwhile, the new year has seen the row over pubs and business rates blow up, with the Prime Minister and Chancellor rumoured to be about to have to do another U-turn. What went wrong, why didn't they listen straight after the Budget and are publicans right to feel aggrieved?Bank shares have been on a tear, but is there still time to invest as Lloyds breaks through the symbolic 100p mark for the first time since its financial crisis plummet?And what would it take for you to turn your home into a zero bills house - and is it worth the cost? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's safe to say it was a mixed bag for the property market last year, with a mixture of Budget speculation and stamp duty costs weighing on house prices, but mortgage lending rules loosening helping first-time buyers.So, what will happen in 2026 - Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss, and ask - will it be another stagnant year for house prices.Elsewhere, there's a warning top cash Isa rates are set to fall. Can you really retire at 50? We look at the top tips to do this and what to plan for - and Georgie and Lee reveal their new year resolutions.And finally, have we reached peak coffee shop? Costa is struggling as owner Coca-Cola looks to offload it at a loss - but have we had enough of +£4 cups of coffee at chains? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are almost at the end of a year that turned out to be rollercoaster ride for our finances.Investors have had a good year but there was certainly some twists and turns along the way.The economy started off strong and then began to stutter, interest rates came down by a full percentage point and inflation spiked again.Meanwhile, the most hotly anticipated Budget turned out to be not as bad as it could have been but has not gone down well with businesses and taxpayers.On this final 2025 episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take a quick ride through this year and what it meant for our finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the fourth time this year.The base rate is now the lowest it's been since 2023 but a split vote means markets and economists are now question how much lower they will go.On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what a 3.75 per cent base rate means for borrowers, savers and investors... and more importantly where rates are going next.Plus, the social media savings tricks that Gen Z love - and what the rest of us can learn from them.Where has the highest household income and why how it is balanced matters.How to not get caught out by a counterfeit Christmas.And finally, another thorny question about a fence... but what's the answer?Merry Christmas from all of us at the This is Money Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mortgage lenders are battling to offer borrowers lower rates - running ahead of the Bank of England making an expected cut next week.That's good news for anyone buying a home but it's even better for the 1.9million people who need to remortgage next year - many of whom will be facing a payment shock as they come off much lower fixed rates.So, will the mortgage cuts revive the moribund housing market - and what should you do if your fixed rate is running out?On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk mortgages and the property market - including why experts say now is the best time in a decade to negotiate on a new build home.Plus, what does the Fed rate cut mean for investors, would you give a child or grandchild shares for Christmas, and finally, where are Britons trying to buy homes abroad... and why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A guaranteed income for your retirement years, earned through your working life, with no need to worry about getting caught out by the vagaries of the stock market. Sounds good, doesn't it? That's what a public sector pension delivers - and it's a far better deal than the retirement funds most people in the private sector save into.So, why do we want to make the good thing worse, rather than the bad thing better? Shouldn't we be doing things the other way round? And shouldn't the government be doing everything it can to improve private sector pensions rather than chip away at their already inferior benefits?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk pensions - and the gulf between the public and private sector that is getting ever wider.Just how good is a public sector pension? Do many of those in line for them even realise how good they are? And how can we make the private sector catch up rather than trigger a race to the bottom?Plus, why the Budget was very bad news if you earn £52,000, can Argos be saved - and is reviving the catalogue the answer, why are food prices so high, and finally, have you got one of the names most likely to win the Premium Bonds? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dust has settled on the Budget but while we now know what Rachel Reeves plans for our finances, many questions remain.The Budget featured a raft of tax rises – but also left out some moves that were widely rumoured to happen.On this special bonus episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Lisa Caplan, of Charles Stanley Direct, to find out what people are asking after the Budget - and the answers to those important questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the endless speculation, the Budget finally arrived this week.Rachel Reeves seemed happy with her statement and Sir Keir Starmer has been out singing its praises, but was the Budget a diamond in the rough or a dud?On this Budget 2025 podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dive into a Budget that many have commented is the most chaotic they can remember.After all the rumours, worries and waiting, how good or bad was it? Some of the expected financial pain didn't arrive but there were plenty of tweaks to tax our pocket and our patience. Did the Chancellor cut the right balance between getting more money in and supporting the economy, did she articulate a clear plan, or are we back to drifting about aimlessly in the tax and spending doom loop doldrums?And most importantly, what will all the measures mean for your money? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia is the talk of the town after posting better than expected earnings results - has the chip maker genuinely eased fears of an AI bubble bursting… or just bought the market a bit more time?Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss what it means for investors in Britain and how much weight this multi-trillion dollar company holds.The Financial Services Compensation Scheme deposit protection limit will rise 41% to £120,000 from 1 December and data suggests young people are too focused on saving for short term goals and risk falling behind - does it matter? What is really likely to be in the Budget? With a week to go, we have a quick last minute briefing on what Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be cooking up.There might finally be a crackdown on ticket touts for gigs and other events - Simon reveals just how passionate he is about it and why action is needed.And finally, find out what former England and Arsenal goalkeeping legend 'safe hands' David Seaman did with his £100,000 Aston Martin DB7. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we've had some worrying looking unemployment figures and disappointing GDP growth.Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 soared within touching distance of 10,000, before hitting a Friday slump.Mix it all together and what does it show about the UK economy? Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.Nationwide Building Society has promised to keep all of its branches open until 2030 while major banks exit the high street. Does it make business sense? The Royal Mint has launched some yellow gold coins that has investors excited and what about gold's 'annoying little brother' silver - is it set to see prices soar?Lastly, we reveal the tale of a reader who had their flights to Dubai cancelled by BA at the last minute... before being quoted £20,000 one-way by Emirates to get away for half-term. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you do a financial podcast and not mention the Budget right now?No, not really. But you can give it a good shot at keeping Budget chat to the minimum. On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert take breather from talking about Rachel Reeves and the endless cycle of madness that is the Budget 2025 build up to discuss some other stuff.Can they get through it without mentioning the Budget anymore than five times? Listen to find out.First up it's interest rates. Why did the Bank of England hold, will there be a cut next month and how far will they fall? Plus, how have rate expectations shifted and where exactly do mortgage borrowers and savers stand now?Next, it's house prices. Leading estate agent Savills says property values are due to rise 22 per cent in five years, but is that a lot or a little - and could homes actually be getting cheaper.Lee explains why savers are stashing so much cash and Simon sounds a clarion call for moving your money out of insult accounts.Then via a quick diversion avoiding sneaky speed cameras, it is on to the turf war. Is it ever okay to consider artificial grass and what will it do to your house price?Listen to the end for B***** mentions score. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite repeated assurances that Labour would not break its election manifesto by hiking income tax, it appears it is now under consideration by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget.Why is Rachel Reeves mulling over this U-turn, how much would it cost us, and would she really dare to do it? This is Money's Angharad Carrick, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.Speculation over a 'mansion tax' in the Budget has also reared its head again. The team discuss whether it's a good idea to tax people with pricey homes, and how on earth HM Revenue & Customs would decide whether someone's house is worth more than £2million or not.Elsewhere, some good news in store, as Goldman Sachs has predicted the Bank of England will cut interest rates at its meeting next week.Does fading inflation and sluggish growth mean this is now on the cards, and would the Bank dare to make a move before the Budget beast is unleashed? The team discuss.They also look at why we're now paying three times the energy standing charges we were six years ago, and why some chocolate biscuits can no longer call themselves chocolate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dream of becoming an Isa millionaire will be a common ambition among many This is Money podcast listeners.Most will probably dismiss it as fantasy but what if you could actually get there?Recently a long-time This is Money reader got in touch to tell us that he had managed just that... at the age of 36.Ollie Perry was happy to share his story, not to boast but to try to inspire others and to show that it isn't just wealthy boomers who can manage to make an Isa million.On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss his story and what we can learn from it. How did he do it, are the big risks he took suitable for others, and what if you if prefer to get rich slower but with less chance of something going wrong?With a new top rate in town, Lee takes a look at the best buy savings deals on the market, Simon delves into why so many homes are seeing asking prices cut, and Georgie ponders why people are rushing to pay big money for retro tech that doesn't work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves is in a sticky position ahead of the Budget. Forecasts suggest she will need £30billion to balance the books - and having made such a fuss about the Tory 'black hole' and her fiscal rules, the Chancellor is in a bind.Problematically, the government also painted itself into a corner with Labour's election pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT - which amount for two-thirds of tax revenue.So what can Rachel Reeves do? Should she fiddle at the edges and try to raise bits here and there, distorting behaviour with tax even more, or should she break that promise and hike one of the big three.On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why the Chancellor is in a pickle and what leading economists at the IFS say she could do.And whether just because she could, does it mean she should?Plus, should you doom prep your finances, why are millennials becoming landlords and would you ride in a driverless taxi? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI hype is still driving share prices higher but there are a growing number of voices warning of a stock market bubble that might soon burst.The Bank of England added its name to the list of those raising concerns this week, as its Financial Policy Committee drew comparisons with the ‘dotcom’ boom 25 years ago that soon turned to bust.The red flags include a number of high profile, huge money deals involving OpenAI, with Oracle, Nvidia and now AMD, along with a massive data centre infrastructure splurge and questions over the robustness of credit markets.But why has AI gone from great investment hope to potential market super villain in a short space of time? What on earth is going on with US tech giants' 'I give you money, you buy my stuff' deals? And are there genuine parallels to be drawn with the dotcom boom, or the months before the credit crunch?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert, look at why people are worried about an AI bubble popping and what investors can do to protect themselves.Plus, could you claim some money back from the car finance compensation that the FCA announced this week?Could we really scrap stamp duty - and would that be a good idea?And why did some households manage to may nothing for their electricity last week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.