This is Money Podcast

Stock markets around the world saw huge falls this week, but is it a sign of more trouble ahead or just a storm in a teacup? Simon takes a look at what’s behind it all, and why investors should avoid the temptation to start tinkering with their portfolios once the horse has already bolted. His advice is to ignore the voice in your head that says you should get out now to stave off disaster - but also pay attention to its existence.Good news for motorists, as car insurance premiums have started to fall for the first time in two years. Or is it? They still remain at near-record highs, and are up a whopping 48 per cent since 2022.This is Money's Sam Barker discusses why premiums went so high, who has been worst affected, and how to keep costs down. Staying on the topic of insurance, the UK has been gripped by riots in the past week and This is Money has been looking at what your compensation rights are if your home or car gets damaged.Elsewhere, Sam explains the latest tactic broadband firms are using to squeeze cash out of their customers - and asks why the regulator Ofcom appears to be looking the other way. Mortgage rates have been shifting fast this week, and Simon rounds up the latest deals. We also answer a question from a reader who wants to know what to do with his £80,000 redundancy pay-off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building up a savings pot and then investing to growing your wealth and provide a decent pension for retirement is the key to long-term financial success.But there's lots to consider at each step - and most people will want to buy a home along the way.So what do you need to think about when sketching out your lifetime finances and then trying to achieve your goals?On this podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take it step by step and look at each element of saving, investing, buying a home and building a pension.How much should you have in an emergency savings pot? How do you move from saving to investing? How can first-time buyers get ahead in tricky times? How much do you need to save for retirement?They look at all of these things and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's official - we're complaining about our neighbours more, new data shows.When it comes to noise, many appear sick of barking dogs, squeaky trampolines and loud music ruining the enjoyment of our homes.This week, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk about neighbour wars - and what we can do about it.And sticking to the property front, does it matter if you're a 'super' nimby? And if you do want to fight back against developments in your area, what's the sensible way to do it?We also look at the danger of pricing your home too high - and the Rightmove data that shows just how risky it can be.Grandparents and parents are digging depper than ever to send children to university. What do young adults need to know before they take out a student loan?Lee goes back to school to talk to kids about money and the working world - but what did HE learn from the experience?And from festivals to sporting events, why has having fun become so expensive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel financially confident? When it comes to budgeting, saving, investing, and building your pension, are you clueless, comfortable, or cracking on?A piece of research this week by Moneybox claimed that being financially confident could add £67,000 to your lifetime wealth – on average those with confidence were worth £145,000 on average, compared to £78,000 for the unconfident.But what does being financially confident actually mean and how can you get there?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look at how to boost your financial confidence and whether the tips to do so could work.Plus, a week into a new government and with a planned pensions review looming, the team look at what Labour could mean for our retirement savings.Meanwhile, investors seem to be cheering Labour taking charge and this week investment giant BlackRock flagged Britain’s ‘relative political stability’ and cheap stock market, so does that mean good future returns?Investing a large sum was on the mind of a reader who asked This is Money an unusual question: I’m inheriting £10million, should I set up an investment trust? So, what is the answer to that?And finally, a new report has revealed Britain’s best places for customer service – did your favourite make the list? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All change, please. In a radical reshaping of the political landscape, Britain has elected a Labour government for the first time in 14 years.New prime minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made bold promises of revival, growth and wealth creation.But many fear that Britain’s troubled public finances will also mean that promises not to raise taxes will prove empty.So, what has Labour said it will do, what important things have been left unsaid, what will it mean for the economy and your finances and is there a path to prosperity that doesn’t involve more tax pain?On this special election podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what Labour’s election victory could mean for our money.The team discuss the manifesto promises on the economy and growth and at how robust the no tax rise pledges are.Can Labour’s housebuilding plans and planning shake up deliver more homes? What are its other plans to get growth going?Plus, the team look at the Tories’ 14 years in charge of the economy and the positives that can be drawn amongst the turbulence.And finally, what have we got to be optimistic about as we move into the next chapter of British life? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You find a decent paying savings account, diligently squirrel away your money, watch it grow… only for the taxman to come along and swipe a chunk.And since savings rates have been much better in recent years, the amount HMRC is taking in in savings tax revenue has gone up significantlyIt's only going to increase according to estimates, to the tune of £10.37billion in 2024/25, up from £6.6billiion in 2023/24 - and £1.2billion in 2021/22.So, how can you dodge the trap? This week, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce look at this growing revenue spinner.It also means taking advantage of Isas is key - and we're very keen on one tax-free account in particular.And sticking with savings, this week Helen explains the case of a Barclays customer who had a stroke - recovered better than expected - but was then locked out of his account with £100,000 in it for nearly a year. There is a mobile phone swiping epidemic in the country - but what is it the criminals are really after? Is it the handset, or something else?We explain all, alongside businessman and This is Money columnist Dave Fishwick, who interviewed one of the gang leaders.And sticking with Dave... he gives his views on what needs to the happen after the general election on 4 July for the North.It's not just our phones being stolen… motor theft too is on the rise. A former police interceptor gives his tips on how to keep your vehicle safe. Lastly, what is the magic number of salary to make you feel rich? Recruiter Indeed believes it has found the answer... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation is back on target at 2 per cent. After the spike into double-digits that triggered talk of a cost of living crisis and sent interest rates spiralling, we are now back at the Bank of England's target level.So, is the great inflation panic over and is life about get easier?Or will we be feeling the after effects of high inflation for years to come?And what's going to happen to interest rates?On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why inflation as come down and what happens next.Plus, the couple who didn't get a Natiowide fairer share payout despite having £100,000 saved.And finally, would you let your parents pay for you to go on holiday as an adult - or pay for your own adult kids to go with you? The team look into the family time vs freeloading debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s manifesto week and Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems have laid out their vision for the country – along with the Green Party, Reform and others.The economy, tax and people’s finances are a cornerstone of the all the manifestos, but what are the main parties proposing and what could it mean for you?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert take a deep dive into the manifestos to see what’s there.If the country votes for a change and we do get the widely predicted Labour government, what will it mean for your money – and does talking about growth mean there’s an actual plan to deliver it?After 14 years in charge, were the Tories bold enough in their manifesto to derail Labour’s run at power?And do the Lib Dems have the policies that could shake things up, including a plan to substantially overhaul capital gains tax?Plus, what did Reform say?All this and more go under the microscope, along with a look at what has really happened to our taxes in a decade-and-a-half under the Conservatives.And finally, away from the election, how much did the most desirable new King Charles £5 note go for at a special auction this week? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much do you need in Premium Bonds to win the jackpot?And if you haven’t maxed them out to the full £50,000, is it even worth bothering?This is Money has run some in-depth analysis on all the £1million prizes over the past four years and this week revealed how much those lucky people held.On this week’s podcast episode, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what it takes to win the Premium Bonds.Simon gives us his tax manifesto to get us out of the mess Britain’s tax system is in.Plus, one of our readers is in their mid-40s, would like to semi-retire to work on their own terms, travel and enjoy life in a decade, and wants to know if their £180,000 investments can grow enough to achieve that. What does someone with those ambitions need to consider? The team take a look.Should you consider buying a cheap electric car? Prospective buyers are worried about batteries but get over that and Simon says it could prove even cheaper to run than you think.And finally, the new King Charles notes are out but what are the serial numbers to check your wallet for that could make them worth big money? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Money's consumer champion Helen Crane celebrated the 100th edition of her Crane on the Case column this week.Helen has won back more than £1.2million for readers over the course of all those columns and learnt a thing or two along the way about how to battle consumer problems and bad customer service.On this podcast, she discusses the big wins, the satisfying victories, the worst cases of bad customer service - and gives her tips on how to get what you want.Also on the show, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss whether working parents could be missing our by not claiming child benefit now that the rules have changed and more can get it.Plus, if you owe tax on savings interest but don't have to do a tax return how will HMRC find out?Is Scottish Mortgage worth backing as shares rebound but remain considerably down on their peak?And finally, Charles Stanley's Dan Beecroft jons the show to explain 50-30-20 budgeting and why people love this rule of thumb for spending and saving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister put an end to all the speculation this week by giving us the date for the general election: July 4.That comes as the latest inflation reading was 2.3 per cent, a little above forecasts making a base rate cut next month now unlikely.Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce delve into the economic state of affairs and what the upcoming election could mean for your money, when it comes to tax, pensions, property and everything in-between.Nationwide Building Society posted pre-tax profits of £1.77bn this week and as a result, it is dishing out another year of 'Fairer Share' loyalty payouts of £100 – will you qualify?And not only that, it is now offering £200 to switchers and an exclusive 5.5 per cent loyalty savings rate.How does early retirement sound to you? It seems it appeals to a lot of us because searches on Google for 'retire early' have increased threefold in the last decade.But how much would you be willing to sacrifice to achieve it? At the extreme end, we have the FIRE movement, advocating saving 70 per cent of your income.Special guest, former This is Money editor Andrew Oxlade had had enough – he explains why.Lastly, This is Money has a new regular series called Modern Treasures with valuation expert Dan Hatfield – Lee reveals all about the first one, all about first edition books, and gives details on how to get YOUR items valued for free. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supermarket loyalty schemes have become even more of a big thing in recent years as the two giants Tesco and Sainsbury's have rolled out Clubcard and Nectar Prices.But while cards bring lower prices, the points collected still mean prizes for some loyalty scheme fans.So, what happens if a fraudster steals your points? This is Money's Angharad Carrick recently went on the trail of some stolen Nectar points and uncovered a story that delivered as many questions as it did answers.On this podcast, Ang, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert discuss the mystery of the stolen Nectar Points and how our reader got short shrift from Sainsbury's, Action Fraud and the police when they had £230 nicked.Plus, are these loyalty cards any good and worth having anyway and why is the competition watchdog investigating them?Also on this week's show:Many more people are taking mortgages than run past state pension age but with work and retirement blurring and changing does this matter? Simon explains why he thinks it does but for another reason.Would you buy fake cash for a knockdown price off social media? It sounds daft, but this is a genuine thing - we look at how it is happening.And should a reader who is still working at age 77, worth £2.6million and doesn't want a big inheritance tax bill start giving money away - and splashing out on themselves and their family? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate for the sixth time in a row this week – but was it the right decision?Should the MPC have been bold and made a cut? What does it mean for our mortgages and savings? And when will a move come - and in what direction?This week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk about the base rate decision and what happens next.In the world of property, the number of homes being devalued is on the rise. So, what's going on? And what can you do if it happens to you.Bungalows are having a moment. They're not just for the elderly and downsizers, young families and first time buyers are also increasingly interested - pushing the price of them higher since the pandemic. .Energy firms have been trying to push smart meters on us for years. Have they uncovered a new trick to get us to make the swap?And finally, it's been good news for JD Wetherspoon - the no frills pub chain said it expects annual profits to come in towards the 'top end' of forecasts.Where do you stand on Spoons? Lee and Simon face-off with different pints of view on the pub giant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With not one but two mortgage spikes fresh in our minds, a flurry of rate rises have got home owners and potential buyers worried again.A bunch of major mortgage lenders raised their rates this week - and Santander did it twice.So, are we about to see another mortgage spike or is this just what brokers and lenders like to optimistically call a mere 'repricing'?And what does this all mean if you need to remortgage soon or want to buy a home?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert take a look at what's happening in the mortgage market, why rates are rising and whether the Federal Reserve flapping its wings on the other side of the world pushes up our homeowning costs.Plus, Simon explains why you may not want to put all of your savings into your pension as it might dent early retirement chances.The team look at how at the other end of the scale someone with a bigger pension than they need could pass it to their grandchildren.Helen details a worrying Crane on the Case theft and how to protect yourself - and finally we discuss whether a passkey is the answer to our fraud fears. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can wait a long time for a FTSE 100 record high but for peak-starved British investors this week delivered a bonanza.Four record highs were racked up by the FTSE 100, with only Wednesday's slight dip spoiling what would have been a perfect run over a week.The return to new highs on Thursday came as a mega-mining merger bid arrive from BHP for Anglo American - and that was followed swiftly by one of the UK's few tech stars Darktrace announcing it had accepted a bid on Friday.Are these the catalysts that fund manager Nick Train was talking about when he said it could take a big takeover to shake UK stocks out of their slumber and get the world investing in Footsie companies again?On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look and what's moving the UK market, why it is judged to be cheap and whether you should invest.Plus, the top investment trusts for retirement investing and the latest twist in the state pension top-ups saga.Should we cut inheritance tax - or at least sort out the mess - as the take soars?And finally, are you a backseat driver? See if you can pass the test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Older people received another boost to the state pension this week taking the full rate to over £11,000 a year.This year's increase of 8.5 per cent was thanks to the triple lock commitment - a guarantee the state pension will rise each year by the higher of CPI, wages or 2.5 per cent.What does the future hold? While there is plenty of speculation the state pension may become means tested, in reality it could be incredibly hard to implement.This week, Tanya Jefferies, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce talk state pensions – and how they compare to other countries.And sticking on the theme, there is another delay for the Government’s new online state pension top-up service. When will it launch?NS&I has a four day IT meltdown that makes it a struggle for customers to log-in – and it suggests to one that she may have a ‘time drift.’ What does this bizarre explanation mean?Crane is on the Case once more, this time Eon is in the firing line after it insisted a part-time dance teacher used £95,000 worth of energy… in a month.And who on earth would hold an American Express card in their wallet with an APR 704.6 per cent? Lee has the answer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a warning for savers who's fixed term deals are coming to an end - don't take your eye off the ball now or risk having your returns wiped out in a matter of months.A year ago, there was a flurry of savers choosing fixed-rate bonds as they improved drastically. But if you don't act, the chances are it'll rollover into an awful rate.On this week's This is Money podcast, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk savings, just as we head into a new financial year.Also on the savings front, NS&I reveals the rate of the new British Savings Bond - is it worth it? And an Isa millionaire reveals all to This is Money on how he built up a seven-figure pot.Helen tackles another reader problem – this time, it's a case of the unwanted and unneeded Sim card costing a pensioner couple hundreds of pounds.And on the utilities front, Lee reveals how Ofcom saved him from a 75 per cent rise in his monthly broadband costs, and why you should check if you're out of contract with your mobile phone.Mortgage approvals are up - but house prices nudge lower. What's going on? Meanwhile, research shows a record third of all homes are being bought by first time buyers – and they make up 89 per cent of buyers in one Berkshire town.Lastly, entrepreneur Tim Armoo runs the rule over five money-making fads doing the rounds on social media – are any of them worth your time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The row over small deposit mortgage is the gift that keeps on giving.Hot on the heels of the Budget plan that never appeared arrives Yorkshire Building Society's new deal, that's been dubbed a 99 per cent mortgage.But is it really one of those and does it have any redeeming features?And if it's cheaper than you rent, is there anything wrong with taking a 99 per cent mortgage?On this week's This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert talk tiny deposit mortgages, negative equity and buying vs renting.Plus, gift card draining scammers, can your pension last retirement, and finally, where are the experts investing their Isa and how can you easily sort yours? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is less than a fortnight to go before the end of the tax year and that means it's time to sort your Isa, pension and finances before it's too late.With another tax raid on the way for investors on capital gains and dividends, this is one of the most important tax year ends in years.On this special bonus episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert talks to Rob Morgan, of Charles Stanley Direct, to find out what investors need to do and why sorting your pension and Isa can save you a substantial amount in tax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England held interest rates again this week as inflation dropped once more. So, are we out of the woods yet?Will inflation keep coming back down towards target and the Bank of England soon seamlessly switch back to cutting rates?Or will central bankers be keen to hold onto higher rates, even if we get hit by a bout of disinflation?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what next for inflation and interest rates and what it means for your money.Also on the episode, should the Waspi women who saw their state pension age rise rapidly be compensated for the poor communication and how much of a victory was this week’s Parliamentary Ombudsman Waspi report a victory for them?As that happened, more news emerged on underpaid state pensions – as exposed by our Tanya Jefferies and pension columnist Sir Steve Webb, and the team update us on that.Plus, what’s going on with the chaos at HMRC and who is to blame for the failure to keep up with our increasingly tricky tax system.And finally, meet the Scambaiters – we find out what they do and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Hunt bounced around delivering his Budget on Wednesday, proudly declaring his commitment to tax cuts and supporting working families.Another 2p was chopped off National Insurance and the threshold at which child benefit is removed was raised from £50,000 to £60,000.But you don’t need to be a financial expert to know that the Chancellor’s version of events isn’t quite the whole story.Because Mr Hunt is also presiding over a long-term stealth tax freeze to thresholds that is costing workers dear and his child benefit move merely kicked sky-high marginal tax rates down the road, rather than getting rid of them altogether.Nonetheless, a tax cut and an extra £5,000 Isa allowance – even if it’s a slightly iffy, limited one – is not to be sniffed at.So, was this an escape velocity Budget that puts Britain back on the path to growth?Or was it too little, too late, from a Tory party that has sported successive Chancellors who have been keener to raise our taxes by hook or by crook rather than cut them – or even just keep thresholds in line with inflation.On this week’s Budget special This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at the winners and losers and go searching for the devils in the detail.What is the NI cut worth to you? Will you get some child benefit back? Did pensioners deserve a tax cut too? With a failure to reverse his capital gains and dividend tax raid, what has the Chancellor got against small investors?And will the British Isa be any good?All that and more – plus a look at why Nationwide is buying Virgin Money and whether that’s good or bad for us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this bonus episode of the This is Money Podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Charles Stanley Direct’s Lisa Caplan and Garry White for a quick run through what was in the Budget.Investment experts Lisa and Garry talk us through the main Budget points and what they mean for people.Join us on Friday for the full Budget episode where the This is Money Podcast team will dissect Jeremy Hunt's plan and reveal the devils uncovered in the details. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The debacle over widespread errors in the state pension that This is Money and Sir Steve Webb uncovered, continues.As of the end of October last year, DWP had paid out just under half a billion pounds to more than 80,000 people who’ve been underpaid.But what about those who have died? This week, Tanya Jefferies, Lee Boyce, Angharad Carrick and Georgie Frost reveal the case where a letter was sent to the daughter of an 100 year-old man three years after he passed away, stating he had been unpaid state pension for two decades.Yet, despite the letter – months later, she was left hanging on what the DWP was actually going to do about it. And still on the state pension front, people continue to complain of top-ups chaos as the Government gets ready to launch a new online service next month.Sir Steve is calling on DWP and HMRC to get in more staff. You don’t need HMRC to have more staff to answer your call, oh no! You just need to be a VIP.Apparently there is a helpline, also known as Public Department 1 (PD1) which answers calls nine times quicker. We explain more. On the savings front, the FCA is launching a campaign to encourage savers to shop around – and if you rushed to sign up for a one-year fixed-rate cash Isa this time in 2023, Lee explains why you must act.Optional and mandatory service charges at hospitality venues – Georgie, Ang and Lee give their verdict. And finally the price of bitcoin jumped beyond $60,000 this week. What’s behind the latest cryptocurrency surge? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Budget tipped to be the Chancellor’s last roll of the dice before a General Election, expectations over tax cuts are growing.But what taxes could Jeremy Hunt choose to cut and why – and is there hope that he will sort out the tax mess that Britain has got stuck in.The higher income child benefit charge creates marginal tax rates above 50 per cent, meanwhile the removal of the personal allowance bakes in a 60 per cent income tax rate between £100,000 and £125,140.Should these tax traps and painfully high stamp duty be removed? On this week’s podcast Simon Lambert argues that Mr Hunt needs to have a clear out, chuck a load of stuff in the stupid tax box and bin it.Simon, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce look ahead to what could be in the Budget and what it would mean for you.Also, on this week’s episode, energy bills are due to fall as the price cap is cut but how much will this save you?It’s not just tax catching people out, student loans are also proving difficult to shift as interest mounts up due to high inflation. Does the student finance system need a sort out too? And what is Simon’s triple lock for student loans plan?And finally, don’t get spear phished or tap jacked, Lee talks us through the new scams you need to know about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's finally happened. After months of will-we, won't-we speculation, the UK economy has finally succumbed to recession.The ONS revealed this week that a drop in GDP in the final three months of 2023 meant that Britain had racked up two consecutive of negative growth - and thus the dreaded R word is here.But is this a bad one, why does the term 'technical recession' keep being bandied about and do these backward-looking figures mask things already getting better?On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at what recession means for the UK and you.Plus, who are the villains among big banks and building societies when it comes to sky-high standard variable rates for mortgage borrowers and is it them or the customers themselves to blame if somone ends up paying almost 10 per cent interest?Also on the show, the customer turned down for a switching bonus by HSBC because they had a Midland account 21 years ago.And finally, electric car sales aren't growing as fast as the government or car makers want. Does that mean it's time to drive a bargain? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus This is Money podcast episode, Simon Lambert speaks to easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.Sir Stelios tells the story of how he launched easyJet his easyGroup of companies - and how allowing others to build companies using the easy brand works.He also explains why he is backing entrepreneurs under the age of 35 with his Stelios Philanthropic Foundation awards and giving away £150,000 to the successful winner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cost of a comfortable retirement has jumped over the past year - but what do you need to get one and will you get there?As the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association updates its annual look at how much income people need for a basic, moderate or comfortable retirement, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert take a look at what this all means for you.If a comfortable retirement costs a couple £59,000 a year and a moderate one £43,000, which one do you have a chance of achieving - and are there any important bits being left out of the costs?The team look at the cost of retiring, why it might not be as expensive as it first looks, how to invest for retirement and what sort of back up the state pension will provide.Plus, why our real top rate of income tax is 60 per cent - and it's not the highest earners hit by it on their next pay rise - and is there any hope that Jeremy Hunt will be the Chancellor who finally does something about it.The case for not just cutting stamp duty but getting rid of it altogether.And an interview with a modern-day business legend. Simon speaks to easyJet and easyGroup founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ionnou about how he started the airline and built it up and his Young Entrepreneur awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England held base rate once again at 5.25 per cent, the fourth hold in succession – but this time, it was a genuine split by MPC members.So, when will we start seeing rates fall – and will inflation really be at the target 2 per cent by April?This week, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss what another interest rate pause means for you – and what that means for savings and mortgage rates, along with investors.Where do you stand on the smart meter debate? With This is Money readers getting in touch to say they’re stuck with faulty devices, are they worth having?Lee says he still has no plans to get one of the marmite devices while Simon believes they can be worth it, especially for those who are rubbish at submitting meter readings.We also go back to school and have a maths lesson from Mr Lambert to reveal the six real world calculations you should have in your arsenal to improve your financial health.And we get on the money therapist’s couch to discuss the pitfalls of getting - and over-using - a joint bank account… should a partner ever be made to feel guilty for spending? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain's disposable income has dropped substantially over the past 14 years compared to where it should be, according to a new report this week.The Centre for Cities said that the average household's disposable income has fallen £10,000 behind where it would have been if pre-2010 growth rates had been maintained.On average we have got better off, but we are well below what would have been expected.On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what the problems could be, why aren't we getting richer quicker, why are we falling behind our international peers and what can be done.Plus, while our living standards arent rapidly accelerating, house prices have and the average seller made more than £100,000 last year - is property inflation and the slowing in disposable income growth linked? Simon, thinks it's part of the problem.Savings rates have started to slip, so do dividend-paying investment trusts yielding 5 per cent or more look like an attractive move.And finally, some tips on how to make the most of Avios points - but who on the team is the Avios winner and who is the self-described Avios loser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government wants us to get heat pumps fitted in our homes and it's offering up to £7,500 for us to do so.Now Worcester Bosch is bumping that up by an extra £2,500 - if you pick one of theirs of course.But with the devices cost between £8,000 to £30,000 to buy and fit, would it tempt you? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce reveal all... and talk the 'boiler tax'.Is inflation back on the rise? How worried should we be by the latest figures? And where next for interest rates?And millions face a big price hike for their mobile and broadband from March. Isn't it time these inflation-busting mid-contract increases were banned?Also today…following campaigning by This is Money for years for fair treatment for parents who do not qualify for child benefit, parents denied state pension credits WILL get them. Tanya Jefferies explains all you need to know.Tanya also talks about a bungled handover to a new administrator that has left BAE Systems retirees suffering drastic cuts of up to 50 per cent in their pensions.And Crane is on the Case, this time over a robot vacuum cleaner... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a good year for Premium Bonds when the only way was up for the prize fund rate, savers got a blow this week as a cut arrived.The prize fund rate is being cut to 4.4 per cent from 4.65 per cent. That edges the average return - which you may or may not get - from Premium Bonds further below the best savings deals, so should you save instead?Or would many Premium Bond holders be better off investing?On this podcast episode, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss whether Premium Bonds stack up.Plus, as the US securities regulator aproves bitcoin ETFs, is the price now headed for $200,000 as some suggest, or could this be enticing more naive investors into the volatile world of crypto that's been dogged by fraud?Later, Lee reveals his car insurance woes - and shares tips on how to deal with your own renewal quite pain.And finally, find out who on the podcast team is not drinking for January, who is taking an extremely haphazard approach to it, and who is planning to go all the way to Easter, as we discuss the no and low-alcohol beer boom and the ones we rate the best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever sold anything on Ebay, Vinted or Facebook Marketplace to make a bit of extra cash?Those who do may have been worried this week, as news that the websites will now be required to report sellers' activities to the taxman caused panic online. So what are the rules - and is HMRC really going after people who sell the odd frock or mobile phone? In this week's episode, Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost explain what's really happening, how to tell if you are a 'trader' - and why most people having a clear-out of their old clothes won't need to worry. Mortgage lenders have started 2024 with a bang, with the likes of HSBC, NatWest and TSB announcing rate cuts left, right and centre. There is now a five-year fix with a rate of 3.94 per cent - so what does that tell us about how low the base right might go this year, and will these cheaper home loans start to drive up house prices again? As we get back to reality after the festive break, we are also approaching Divorce Day. The first working Monday of the year is supposedly when unhappy couples are most likely to call it quits. If that is you, we are on hand to explain what you need to know about splitting your property, pension and more with an ex. Finally, Lee, Helen and Georgie discuss what they learned about their finances in 2023 - and the mistakes they won't be making again this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Bank of England has reached the peak with interest rates in this cycle.That's the firm view of the markets and most analysts, despite three members of the nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee disagreeing and voting for a rate hike this week.The question has now shifted from how high will rates go, to when will they be cut?The boldest predictions are for more than 1 per cent to be shaved off the base rate next year.Does that fit with the Bank's 'hawkish hold' of the base rate this week? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what next for interest rates both here and in the US - and whether markets are running away with themselves.Plus, two years after they finally started to properly rise what does heading back to a point where rates may fall mean for borrowers, savers and investors?Also on this week's show, is it better to use the central heating or an electric heater, the 'better' plan for a state pension triple-lock replacement, and the reasons Lee wants you to get in touch.And make sure you listen to find out why the team want to know how long your kettle takes to boil... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a rollercoaster year for mortgage rates and after the inflation panic spike over summer, lenders have been slashing costs for borrowers.The best mortgage rates are now falling towards 4 per cent, whereas not so many months ago they were rising towards 6 per cent - and many deals climbed above that.So is the mortgage crisis over and how much further will rates fall?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discussa year of mortgage madness, what could happen next and - most importantly - what can those who need to remortgage or buy a home do.Plus, as gold hits a record high and bitcoin soars again, what's going on and should investors buy in?We discuss the case of the savers whose Isa savings of more than £600,000 went missing thanks to NatWest.And finally, This is Money lost a team member last week. Our development editor Richard Browning, a founding member of This is Money back in 1999, sadly died suddenly.The podcast plays tribute to Rich - the man who helped build the internet and a much-loved and very funny guy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love the idea of transforming our homes so much that an entire cottage TV industry has sprung out of it, ranging from Grand Designs, to Ugly House to Lovely House and Your Home Made Perfect. For Jaemi and Roly Glancy sketching out how they could renovate their properties turned into a start-up helping others envisage what they could do with theirs.In this bonus podcast episode, Simon Lambert of This is Money, speaks to Roly about how they started the business and where it's going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What drives you mad about going to the supermarket?Is it self-service tills, scanning receipts to get out, loyalty scheme dual pricing, or prices being hiked well above inflation?Many of us want to support bricks and mortar retail, but there are times when shops seem to mainly be involved in testing our patience.In a week in which the competition watchdog fired a broadside at the consumer brands giants for pushing up prices, a practice dubbed ‘greedflation’ and sounded a warning to Tesco and Sainsbury’s over Clubcard and Nectar Prices, the This is Money podcast team head down the shops.Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what’s good, what’s bad and what really gets their goat.Plus, will a new online fraud charter make any difference?The team discuss investing legend Charlie Munger and financial crisis Chancellor Alistair Darling, who both died this week.And finally, what makes a house price hotspot – we look at the UK’s top 30 this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Autumn Statement was the definition of a mixed bag.There was a National Insurance cut, but the stealth income tax raid continued.The Isa system got an improvement, but the allowance remained frozen.Meanwhile, the triple lock was delivered along with a pension pot-for-life plan but inheritance tax remains firmly uncut at 40 per cent, with all its weird quirks intact.So, was that an Autumn Statement to fire Britain on to growth, as the Chancellor claimed, or a damp squib?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert dive into the details to reveal what the Autumn Statement means for you and the economy.From the Office of Budget Responsibility forecasts, to being allowed multiple Isas and the seemingly mad plan of allowing family homes to be easily converted to flats, the team take the measure of Jeremy Hunt’s plans.And they look ahead to whether there will be more tax cuts to come in the Budget – and whether Britain’s stealth tax and marginal tax trap mess will ever get sorted. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Autumn Statement arrives next week and the rumour mill has gone into overdrive.The idea of it being a simple update on the economy seems to have been abandoned and instead there is talk of an Isa overhaul, tax changes, and even inheritance tax being cut from 40 per cent to 20 per cent.But if you were Chancellor for the day, what would you do?On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what could be on the cards as Jeremy Hunt stands up and delivers his Autumn Statement next week.On the agenda:Stealth tax - will the income tax freeze end?Inheritance tax - will the rate be cut to 20%?Isas - will the allowance be boosted and the system improved?Savings - could the personal savings allowance get a rise? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know pensions are important but most of us rarely engage with them.Yet, with a little bit of time and effort, you can get your work pension working as hard as possible for you - and at some point in the future you will be very glad you did so.On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert talk pensions: why you should start early, the reason that it involves free money, how to invest for a richer retirement many years down the line and much more.Also on the agenda, what happens if you get stuck in a mortgage with your ex, why is Lee so annoyed at a sneaky insurance tax that swiftly adds up and can M&S's sales and share price resurgence continue?And finally, listen to the end if you want to find out where Lee buys his socks and Georgie gets her underwear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have interest rates peaked?After an inflation spike rudely awoke them from their slumbers, the Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve have shown us that rate hiking can be a difficult habit to break.But 14 consecutive rate rises into an astonishing run from 0.1 per cent to 5.25 per cent for the base rate, the Bank of England suddenly paused six weeks ago. And then, on Thursday, it did it again.On both of those occasions, the Fed had also just done the same thing across the Atlantic.So, are we finally there? When does a pause become a peak? And if we have reached the top of the interest rate cycle, what happens next?On this episode of This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at the decision to hold rates again and what it means for savers, mortgage borrowers and investors.Plus, what are Andrew Bailey’s Bank of England and Jay Powell’s Fed telling us about their respective economies – and how divergent are the paths of the UK and US?Also on this episode, Crane on the Case digs into a how an entirely explainable and obvious error somehow led to a reader facing more than £8,000 of fines and Transport for London refusing to budge… until we stepped in.Plus, some previous high-flying investment trusts are going cheap, so is this the time to invest? Simon takes a look.And finally, what have the Premium Bonds and a pop quiz on number one hits in 2000 and 2008 got to do with each other?Listen to the end if you want to find out why you need to know that the UK number one in February 2008, was Duffy singing Mercy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, This is Money's pensions expert Tanya Jefferies joins Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost. Among the topics being discussed:State pension top-ups are in dire need of an overhaul by DWP and HMRC, says TANYA JEFFERIESWhat does the bond market sell-off mean for your investments and pension?UK bond yields at 25 year high: Global borrowing costs rocket in debt market routPremium Bonds winning numbers - and latest news Our neighbour's CCTV is recording us: Can we make them take it down? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wages are up, but inflation is… the same. What does it all mean for mortgage rates, the state pension, benefits and the economy generally? One thing we know won’t be affected by the latest figure is income tax bands. Just how much is the big freeze – AKA fiscal drag - going to cost us?That’s on the agenda for Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost this week as the latest CPI reading stuck at 6.7 per cent. At the start of the year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak set the target to halve inflation by the end of 2023. And it was looking promising. But this latest inflation figures might have thrown a bit of spanner into the works.What’s going on at Royal Mail? Some households say they are only receiving their post once a week.Hospital appointment letters, birthday cards, parcels and important bills have all gone missing in delays caused by a staffing crisis.In Brighton, households say they’re receiving mail as infrequently as just once a fortnight.Picking an estate agent to sell your home is so important. A good agent will make finding your buyer seem like a breeze.Choose the wrong one and it can cause untold stress, drag the whole process out and you could end up being forced to reduce your asking price and ultimately sell for less.So how do you pick a good ‘un? And just what is gazundering – and why is it back with a vengeance? The new Tesla Model 3 arrives on our fair shores in January - but how much will it cost and is it any good?If it proves to be out of your budget range what about Citroen's new e-C3, set to start from around £17,000 And…range anxiety is real - so would you take an EV on a continental road trip?Paul Barker, motoring journalist of decades, gave it a go and diarised it for you... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

House prices will continue to fall, says an influential poll of estate agents. The latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that buyer demand is declining and fewer homes are coming to the market.Meanwhile, Halifax’s latest house price figures show a £14,000 drop compared to the recent peak in August 2022 and 4.7 per cent fall in the year to the end of September, the largest since 2009. So, how much further could they fall and are buyers in danger of trying to time the market? Will there be a big pause before a general election next year?Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss the age old favourite of house prices.This week has also seen the Bank of England sound the alarm over 35 year mortgages – should we be concerned?Skipton Building Society launches a headline mortgage rate of 3.35 per cent. What’s the catch? It comes as its rival Nationwide has new best buy home loan rates. Could mortgage deals continue to fall?And we look at the top up-and-coming areas for first-time buyers: Does your area make the cut? Spoiler: it features Hull, Middlesbrough and Ipswich.DIY investors went on a gilt-buying spree in September - shunning the stock market and savings accounts. The UK government bonds were paying as little as 0.125 per cent last month – so why were they getting involved? Hargreaves Lansdown is launching a basic, no-frills pension for those who want an easy way to invest for retirement but aren’t quite sure how to get started.They are the first Sipp provider to give details after regulators said they had to offer customers a 'default' option by the start of December. Will it make Sipps sexy enough to the self-employed? Shrinkflation, bogus loyalty card savings and variable prices in supermarkets... we’re fed up with the lot of them. Are you? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation is easing, food prices are coming down from their peak and the energy price cap dropped last weekend.But you are still paying around 10 per cent more for your groceries now than last year, petrol prices are rising, mortgage rates are still high, and you may end up paying more for your gas and electricity this winter too. But how is that possible?This week, Angharad Carrick, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane tackle energy bills and look at who might be paying more in the next three months.And when it comes to water bills, some firms are looking at charging 44 per cent more over the next seven years. Why?Crane on the Case this week tackles a parking charge issued after someone waited too long in a McDonald’s drive-thru queue.Despite that, Helen managed to get a positive result – but why are so many parking charges being dished out every day, and where is the promised government help to stop it happening.Lee gives you a run through of another busy week in the world of savings and banking.NS&I has pulled its best buy one year fix paying 6.2 per cent; NatWest has a secret top 5.2 per cent easy-access deal; Moneybox is offering the top cash Isa of 5 per cent; and Starling Bank is now offering to pay you for having a current account.It’s also been a hairy week for Metro Bank – but we explain why FSCS has you covered.And finally…the list of the UK's 'perfect' retirement locations has been revealed - and there are some surprising names on it, including the Outer Hebrides.Consumer group Which? has taken retirees' wish-lists for their later-life locations to work out its own grouping of the 12 top places to spend your golden years.But does it tally up to what you think is a perfect retirement location? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been called the most hated tax in Britain - but only four per cent of people pay it.You could be forgiven for thinking inheritance tax is something only the super-rich need to worry about. But thanks to rising house prices and an increasing desire to transfer wealth between generations, more and more people are being drawn into the net.It happens not only when someone is left property or other assets from someone's estate, but also when they accept a gift from someone who passes away before the 'seven year rule' tax exemption kicks in. The IFS says that that four per cent could become 12 per cent within a decade.And many of those who will never pay inheritance tax still hate the idea that the Government is taking a big cut of the wealth people have worked hard to build up over their lifetime. So it might come as welcome news that Rishi Sunak is reported to be considering cutting the tax, or even scrapping it altogether, as a potential vote-winner ahead of the next election.What’s wrong with inheritance tax, how could it be made fairer - and could the Government really just get rid of it? Simon Lambert, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.That’s not the only plan the Government is said to be hatching for our finances.It’s also reported that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt wants to increase the £20,000 annual allowance for saving into an Isa - but only for those who use it to invest money into companies listed on the ailing London Stock Exchange.The team consider what puts people off stocks and shares Isas, whether the rules are too restrictive for the way we manage our money today, and whether encouraging people to pour money into a market which has had a bit of a tough time of late is a good idea.Plus, it’s a year since the disastrous mini-Budget which rocked the mortgage market. With a raft of reductions from big lenders this week, could rates on home loans finally be turning a corner now the base rate has been put on ice?And finally, we discuss whether the time might finally have come to commit to a fixed rate on your energy bills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And suddenly they stopped. After 14 interest rate rises in a row, the Bank of England stalled and kept base rate on hold.A lower than expected inflation number and slew of economic reports indicating the heat was being taken out of the economy were credited with staying the Monetary Policy Committee's hand.So, will 5.25 per cent now be the peak for base rate or could rates once again start to head higher from here?And what does the Bank of England's decision to pause mean for savings rates and mortgage rates?On this week, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss why interest rates were held, what nudged inflation down, what could happen next and what all this means for savers, borrowers and investors.Plus, what does the government rowing back on Net Zero plans mean for electric cars, EPCs and how we heat our homes.And finally, if your neighbours can seen into your garden and you don't like it, can you just stick up a very tall fence or do you need planning permission (and risk triggering a neighbourly battle)? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.