This is Money Podcast

This is Money's Simon Lambert gives his tips for young pension savers on how to give their retirement fund a big boost - and in some instances double the pot they end up with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the triple lock is stuck to, the state pension should rise by 8.5 per cent next April.That will be an inflation-busting rise but a promise is a promise - and the triple lock is meant to be a cast iron guarantee that the state pension will rise by either 2.5 per cent, average wages, or inflation.Except it's already been unpicked once and arguing about whether the government can wriggle out of it has become an annual event.It's expensive and paid for by current workers, but the triple lock has improved the state pension - and one day those workers should get that payout themselves.Yet, has it run its course and is it time for a better policy than the triple lock?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Sam Barker and Simon Lambert debate the triple lock and whether to keep it.Plus, why is Facebook Marketplace such a wild west for consumers and what happened when we tried to set up our own (fake) scam?Santander's cracking 5.2 per cent easy access savings deal was pulled this week. The team discuss whether another account will come close in future and why those who signed up to This is Money's savings alerts didn't miss out.And finally, a reader has viewed 40 homes for sale but not found one they like. What should they do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every child could receive a pot of £1,000 at birth to be channelled into long-term investments in UK growth under proposals to give the young a leg up and revive a ‘stagnant’ economy.The idea of a ‘New Generation Trust’ is part of a package of reforms that could add £225billion to the economy, says a report by the City of London Corporation.A £1,000 payment to all newborn children would need to be invested - and it is claimed this could provide long-term capital for UK PLC. It revives memories of the Child Trust Fund scheme launched by Gordon Brown two decades ago, and later scrapped by George Osborne – and that hasn’t exactly been a roaring success.This week, Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss the merits of the idea – and why whether this happens or not parents should start building a pot for children as early as possible.It’s been another exciting week for savings – Santander has a new best buy easy-access deal, Moneybox has launched a top cash Isa and First Direct is offering five prizes of £12,500 for those who switch current account – including a £175 bonus for doing so.Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has been speaking in front of MPs at the Treasury Select Committee about base rate – are we close to the peak?House prices saw their biggest slump since 2009 according to Halifax, with the average home falls £14,000 in a year – chiming with similar data from Nationwide.And finally, electric cars are slumping in value – many models have lost 30 per cent or more in a year. Is now the time to buy, and what on earth is going on? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation has been ravaging our finances, but it is also threatening our future. According to new research, if you want a comfortable retirement, you need to build a pot of nearly £600,000.The rising cost of living requires an extra £4,200 a year to maintain the same lifestyle as in spring last year - which means you have to save another £69,000 in all.This week, Tanya Jefferies, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane delve into pensions, as separate research shows more than half of people saving into one believe they will never put away enough to stop working when they get older.What can you do? Tanya reveals how to invest your pension and live off it in retirement.One thing that isn’t going to help your retirement funds is forking out to help your kids get on the property ladder.But that is exactly what is happening at the moment and in huge numbers.Financial aid is expected to support almost half of all homes purchased by buyers under the age of 55 this year - totaling £8.1billion. Is tapping into the Bank of Mum and Dad fair?People who spent big sums on state pension top-ups are angry their cash has gone missing and they can't get answers out of HMRC or the Department for Work and Pensions – Tanya gives an important update.Lee runs the rule over the new 6.2 per cent one-year fixed-rate from National Savings and Investments, alongside four savings trends gleaned from a new Bank of England report.Helen reveals the four pressures landlords are facing as more of them opt to sell up.And lastly, are you suffering from dogflation, catflation or any kind of petflation? And how can you bite back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people may be feeling in a state of financial flux at the moment and wondering where to put their money.And it's not an easy choice. Savings rates have improved, gold is holding steady, but property prices are slipping and stocks are sticky.And that is just some of the myriad of options Britons are contemplating right now, alongside other areas such as overpaying the mortgage or saving for retirement.So, where would you put your money for the next five years? That’s the question the This is Money team put to the experts – and our readers – with a mixed response.Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce reveal what they told us, the results of a reader poll and how they’re grappling with these big financial decisions.Could unloved and cheap investment trusts be the answer? Simon runs the rule. Premium Bonds have been boosted again – Lee reveals why they are giving them a headache.And NS&I have boosted its green savings deal to 5.7 per cent. Is it a good deal now?Elsewhere, Ofgem has announced the new energy price cap for October 2023 will be £1,923. What does it mean for households – and why are many still facing higher bills this winter regardless?Loyal listeners may might remember a few years ago predictions from a chap called Fred Harrison - a housing market crash in 2026.The British author and economic commentator identified the 18-year property cycle and believes it can accurately predict the next house price crash.But have today's inflation and high mortgage rates thrown the cycle off track?And property prices have become less expensive relative to average earnings, according to new data – but there’s a sting in the tail: higher mortgage rates mean homes are now LESS affordable.Finally, would you pay £25million for a car? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inflation spike took central banks, governments and many ordinary people by surprise but Britain’s cost of living problem has proved more stubborn that most.The latest set of official figures on consumer prices index inflation seem to show that the UK may be making some headway on getting it down.Aided by a substantial drop in the energy price cap, annual CPI inflation fell to 6.8 per cent in July – down from 7.9 per cent in June.Does that mean we have turned a corner on inflation and can look forward to Rishi Sunak delivering on his promise of halving it this year?Or were there once again some hidden nasties in the inflation report that could mean it takes longer to subside?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert dig into the inflation data and look at why economists decide that real wage growth was something to worry about.The team look at what this could mean for interest rates and where they will peak – and what that in turn means for mortgaged homeowners and savers.Also this week, the triple lock is set to deliver another big state pension boost, is that fair?Plus, why did Nationwide freeze a reader’s bank account for their charitable work.And finally, would you try to fix your own furniture? Here’s how some mayonnaise and an iron could help revive your dining table and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of mortgage mayhem some better news finally arrived this week with major lenders delivering a slew of hefty rate cuts.Halifax, Nationwide, and NatWest have all delivered big chops to their home loans, with analysts saying that we may be past the moment of peak panic in the mortgage market.That’s the silver lining to a very dark cloud though, as mortgage rates are far higher than they have been in recent years and almost all of those whose fixes come up for renewal will face paying much more.So if this is the end of Mortgage Mayhem Part 2 (the uncalled for sequel to Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s original instalment), what happens next?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert survey the wreckage of the past few months and look at what could come next for mortgage rates and homeowners?With higher rates here for the foreseeable future, they also discuss what this means for people’s finances and how mortgage hikes are likely to eat most people’s pay rises and then some. Simon explains why after such a long period of stagnant real wages, this is a major problem.In cheerier news, Premium Bonds have had another big bump up in the prize rate, so are they now a no-brainer?(For those listening to the podcast and looking for it, here is the link to our Premium Bonds winning stats piece Simon mentions).Plus, what is the tale of good customer service that Simon has returned from holiday with?And finally, how did Helen go viral with an old carrier bag? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to HM Revenue & Customs, it's safe to say that many business owners and accountants have become well-acquainted with chaos.The push for a digital tax system has left some waiting months to receive basic tax information - and following a This is Money investigation, where we spoke to someone inside the madness, we have received an avalanche of taxman woe.This week, Angharad Carrick, Tanya Jefferies, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost reveal what's been going on - and whether customer service has become worse.Meanwhile, being an executor is a great responsibility - and it can be a nightmare.Stephen Gold is a retired judge and author who recently acted as executor for his beloved late aunt.The process eventually saw him force a string of banks, finance firms and institutions pay compensation for unacceptable errors and delay.His torrid experience led him to produce a three-part series and we talk about why companies must get the bereavement service right.We saw the 14th rate rise on the bounce from the Bank of England this week. It's up to 5.25 from 5 per cent and expectations are for another rise or two to come this year before the MPC stop turning the screw.But have any of the rises helped with inflation? And what will this mean for savings and mortgage rates?And finally, where do you stand on the great plastic lawn debate? A recent survey suggests that a quarter of people want it banned. But why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy firms have had their feet held to the fire this week.The industry as a whole has been blasted by the regulator Ofgem over poor customer service, while our investigation revealed that 200 customers don't think Ovo has been billing them properly.Meanwhile, British Gas has been in the spotlight for its bumper profits, which jumped by a whopping 889 per cent for the first half of this year. These firms are certainly making plenty of money - so should they be spending more of it to help their customers?Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost ask why things are going so wrong, and what people can do if they don't think they are being billed correctly. We also look at what's going on with bank accounts. Crisis-hit Natwest is winning the switching battle thanks to its tasty cash incentives, and it’s not just Farage being 'de-banked'.We hear the story of one vulnerable couple who were left unable to pay bills and buy food after HSBC closed their account.Inheritance tax has also been in the news, as there are noises it might be scrapped - but the Treasury are raking in even more money from it. Will it go?Finally, we explain what blended families need to know about making a will - after one woman was forced to bid for her late mother's belongings at auction when her stepfather amended their mirror wills after she had died. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earlier in the week, the consumer prices index measure of inflation fell by more than expected thanks to a fall in transport and food prices.It eased to 7.9 per cent in June, a bigger drop than expected, according to the Office for National Statistics. This was the lowest CPI rate since March 2022 when inflationary pressures began to amplify the headline figure.So what does that mean for the typical household and for potential future base rate rises? Lee Boyce, Sam Barker and Georgie Frost delve into CPI and what that means for mortgages and savers.And on the note of savers, two pieces of data this week point to a mixed picture for our financial resilience. On one hand, a survey suggests one in three people do not have enough savings for an emergency - and on the other, that a third of savers are earning 1 per cent or less, and for some that's on five figure pots.If inflation does stay sticky, pensioners could see a big rise in in the state pension - if politicians keep the 'triple lock' pledge.Data suggests that by 2030, the annual state pension figure is likely to be between £13,000 and £14,000.Before you head off on holiday, we reveal the cruel new scams you need to know about.And… bitcoin to surge to $120,000 by the end of 2024 according to one major bank. How likely is that and why does one expert think it's nonsense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Banks have come into the firing line this week over current account closures and slowness to pass on base rate rises to savers.Nigel Farage claims his bank shut his current account over his Brexit views – the former politician has been vocal on Twitter about his treatment by Coutts, while the exclusive bank with a high net wealth clientele has fired back.So, can banks realistically do that to you? Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce tell you all the reasons your bank can close your current account – and what to do if it happen to you.And on the same day big bank bosses faced a grilling from the FCA about paying savers fairly, Lloyds, Halifax and HSBC hike rates – coincidence?Savings deals have been rocketing in recent months, experts give their views on whether we’re at a peak – or if there is further still to go for savers.With savings rates rising, many are questioning whether to bother investing - one thinktank reckons Britons are ploughing far too much into cash instead of investing. How do the figures stack up?And finally… would you pay into your partner’s pension? A spouse can pay into their partner's pension while they are not working to ensure they do not miss out financially in later life, but is it a wise move? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial intelligence has burst into the headlines over the past year and generated excitement among investors.But as with any exciting new technology that has generated a lot of hype, there will be pitfalls for investors along the way. If you want to invest in the AI revolution, what other companies could benefit and what do you need to consider. This is Money's Simon Lambert speaks to eToro’s Sam North to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been plenty of doom and gloom in recent months – and today, we go searching for cheerier news.The energy price cap will fall from the weekend, plunging to £2,074 – below the £2,500 set Energy Price Guarantee from the Government.So, what should you be doing to prepare – and what does that mean for your usage? Will we soon see the return of fixed tariffs?This week Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce discuss the new price cap, along with a sneaky move from a major energy supplier to stop quarterly billing.Mortgage rates are rising – that's not good news for homeowners coming up to remortgage.However, there is some good news… This is Money has a new Navigate the Mortgage Maze column written by L&C broker David Hollingworth.We reveal what the column is all about and details of the first one, which covers a question on many lips: how do I overpay and take advantage of a low fixed rate as much as possible?There has been a flurry of new saving deals, with the top rates now nudging past 6 per cent – challenger banks are driving the rises, but even bigger banks are boosting some deals.Personalised licence plates on cars have surged in popularity – but why? And what makes one worth a five-figure sum?Can you live without sat nav, parking sensors, heated seats and a… CD player in your car? A new survey reveals the motoring gadgets we can't live without.We talk about the scammer turned good who is worried about AI and fraud. And what money stories did Helen bring back from her Glastonbury adventure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England’s bumper 0.5 per cent rate hike this week was the 13th rise in a row.After sitting on their hands for more than a decade, ratesetters have been shaken out of their slumbers by an inflation storm.By historic standards 5 per cent is not high for interest rates, but unfortunately for borrowers we also started from a historic low and have gone from 0.1 per cent to here in just 18 months.The belated headlong rush into raising rates is also the exact opposite of what the Bank of England spent years assuring homeowners would happen: the party line used to be ‘gradual and limited’.The Bank is hiking rates to try to crush inflation but at the same time this affects a much smaller slice of homeowners than it once did and rapid rise in mortgage costs is crushing a generation of homeowners.So, was another rate rise a wise move? How bad is the pain for borrowers? Is this not a patch on the 80s, or just as bad? Has the Bank of England even given its rate rises long enough to take effect?On this rate rise special podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert tackle all that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mortgage market is mayhem, with lenders pulling deals and rapidly hiking rates.Average fixed mortgage rates have soared over the past month and we are now at the stage where it looks a lot like the panic after the mini-Budget.At the same time savings rates are going gangbusters and there is barely a day that passes without a new best buy.Meanwhile, UK gilt yields have also leapt, sending the UK’s borrowing costs even higher.What on earth is going on? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert dive in and try to explain why the sudden inflation-driven chaos has kicked off and what borrowers and savers can do.What should you do if you need a mortgage?Is this a prime time to grab a savings deal or should you wait for better rates?How does it compare to the double-digit rates days of the 1980s? What does this mean for the economy?Are we all doomed? Or will this pass?Listen to the podcast to find out their views and get tips on how to sort your mortgage and savings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Universal basic income is a controversial idea and not just because it's money for nothing.Paying everyone a set amount every month as a baseline level of income has intrigued economists and central bank geeks for years.Supporters say it has the power to improve physical and mental health and the economy and society, but critics say it's the start of a slippery slope to state dependency and control.A new proposed trial for 30 people in the UK to get £1,600 a month has put the topic back on the agenda.So is universal basic income a good or bad idea? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss it on this podcast episode.Also on this week's show: Why aren't our energy bills lower if wholesale prices have plummeted?What can you do if you are caught in the mortgage storm?And finally, which UK shares have done best and worst this year, so far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget 5 per cent savings rates. Forget 7 per cent. A new regular savings deal has landed paying a headline-grabbing 9 per cent. But, is it actually a good deal?Saffron Building Society aren't the only savings provider pumping up rates, with fixed-rates now hitting 5.25 per cent.And cash Isas are back with a bang with a record amount poured into tax-free accounts in March and April.That comes as more savers look to shield their money from the taxman, with more potentially busting their Personal Savings Allowance this year.On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane discuss all things savings and why people should be tracking down better rates.The debate moves on to housing, with one property price index suggesting an annual value fall of 3.4 per cent. So what's going on?Mortgage deals are being pulled left, right and centre and the amount borrowed in new mortgages dips a record low. Where is it all heading?Plus, Lee argues that tech giant Meta needs to listen to big banks and take the huge volume of social media scams more seriously.Helen gives a big update on her Crane on the Case column and the great dishes debate finally resolved: Is it cheaper to wash up by hand or use a dishwasher? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We had some good news this week about our energy bills - or did we?Ofgem's price cap is coming down - saving households around £400 a year on average.The last 18 months have been horrendous for households, so bad the Government had to step in in October and introduce a price freeze - but that was still double what the typical bill payer would have had to fork out a year previously.And although the cap is coming down, the removal of Government grants means most people will actually only be saving about £19 per month, or £225 per year.So what will we have to pay when the new cap starts in July, will bills keep going down, and when will energy companies start under-cutting the price cap with fixed tariffs again?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss when energy bills might go back to 'normal', and whether we should jump on fixed deals when they return, or treat them with caution.We also got the latest UK inflation figures this week. Despite a not insignificant drop from 10.1 per cent to 8.7 per cent in April, experts are pricing in another interest rate rise - and that is down to a surprise jump in something called core inflation.We explain what that is, and discuss just how high the base rate might go.Mortgage rates have also been on the rise, with major lender Nationwide hiking its fixed and tracker mortgage rates by up to 0.45 per cent among others.We look at why that is happening, and take in some advice from brokers on what those with a remortgage deadline coming up should do.But with bad news for mortgage holders comes good news for savers, with easy-access rates edging ever closer to 4 per cent. We list the best buys.The US debt ceiling has also been in the news this week, with the two main parties engaged in a stand-off about whether it should be raised. If it isn't, the world's biggest economy could default on its debts - but what exactly would that mean, and how big is the risk?Finally, with warmer weather on the way we discuss the new phenomenon of 'campervanflation', and why the younger generation can't seem to get enough of the classic VW Camper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost five times as many people will soon be paying 40 per cent tax than in the early 1990s, when it was seen as a tax bracket reserved for the rich, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned this week.It said that fiscal drag triggered by freezing the higher rate tax threshold would pull 7.8million people into its net by 2027.The study suggested that the threshold would have to be almost doubled from its current level, at £50,271, to almost £100,000 to return the tax band to the level intended for it.Alongside the report, came the IFS’s warning that 40 per cent tax had stopped being the preserve of high-earning professionals and was now hitting electricians, plumbers, teachers, nurses and more.The taxman nabbing 40p of every pound earned from a pay rise rather than 20p comes at a time when workers are running to stand still, with inflation at just above 10 per cent.So, is it time the government stopped taxing by stealth and using tools like fiscal drag – instead raising thresholds with inflation or wages?And is it time to hike the higher rate threshold and pull people back down to basic rate tax?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the thorny issue of tax and who counts as wealthy.The debate moves on to inheritance tax – another levy designed for the very rich but now hitting the wealthy middle classes. Why is IHT so unpopular when most don’t pay it and does it need reform?Plus, how much have you lost to inflation, will you get Nationwide’s new £100 Fairer Share bung, and finally, would you buy food two years past its best before date for big savings? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And there it was, another interest rate hike.Another quarter point move up seems almost commonplace now but cast your mind back to the era after the financial crisis and we had to wait nearly ten years for the base rate to climb above its 0.5 per cent 'emergency level'. It cut got first and then base rate got all the way to the heady heights of 0.75 per cent, before it was cut again when Covid hit.Yet, less than 18 months since the Bank of England started raising rates in December 2021, base rate has rocketed from 0.1 per cent to 4.5 per cent.The rate itself is relatively low in historic terms, the magnitude of the rise is not.So, are the Bank's ratesetters right to keep voting for hikes, has the full pain been felt yet, and why would you do this when all the forecasts suggest inflation is soon to nosedive?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert discuss the latest rate rise and how high interest rates will go.Plus, is the return of the 100 per cent mortgage absolute madness, a helping hand for trapped renters, or something in the middle of all that?Why people should claim pension credit or help their friends or relatives who could.And finally, not only will it lack the crisp one-liners of Succession, but an inheritance drama is not something you want to get into, so how can people avoid one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A row over housebuilding has erupted again.Labour leader Keir Starmer has said he would bring back a 300,000 annual housebuilding target, after Rishi Sunak scrapped it. Meanwhile, some backbench Tory MPs are reportedly unhappy about their party ditching that target in the first place – with the number having featured in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto.At the same time Michael Gove has been cheered in many quarters for blocking a development in Kent, as it was deemed to be poor quality and ugly, but is now being taken to court by developer Berkeley Homes over the decision.So, what can we do about housebuilding and how do we get ourselves out of this mess – especially as the younger generation are squeezed out by high house prices and rents?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dig into the myriad problems with UK housebuilding and what can be done to build better homes that people want to buy and have near them.Is the answer just bringing back targets or is it more complicated than that?Is not wanting housing developments Nimbyism if there’s a failure to build well and deliver infrastructure?How can we convince local communities to back new housing?All this and more come up for debate.Also on the podcast: If you are in the fortunate position of being able to buy a home but are worried about falling house prices and locking into high mortgage rates, what should you do?Sam North, of eToro, joins us for the latest market update, including the reaction to the Fed's latest rate rise.Will a new crackdown on scams finally stop the fraudsters?And finally, we said it was coming. The 5 per cent savings rate is back, but should you get one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Premium Bonds are a national institution and their prize-giving place in British savers' hearts was only cemented further through the low interest rate years.But now interest rates are on the rise and Premium Bonds offer not only the chance to win £1million but also a much better rate of return.The average prize fund rate on Premium Bonds has reached the heady heights of 3.3 per cent - going head-to-head with top easy access savings deals.But what many savers may not realise is that their chance of winning a big prize of £100,000 or £50,000 has got much better too.So, is it time to back Premium Bonds even further, or would you be better off with a standard savings account? On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Sam Barker and Simon Lambert look at the numbers and the pros and cons.Plus, an even better return of up to 4.6 per cent is offered now by five year fixed rate savings accounts, but are they worth going for and choosing over stocks and shares?This week brought yet more news of annoyingly high inflation, as CPI stubbornly stuck above 10 per cent, but why are food prices still rising so rapidly, are supermarkets or producers cashing in, and what can you do about it?And finally, supermarkets have a new loyalty card wheeze - lower prices for those with them and more expensive groceries for those without. Sainsbury's Nectar Prices has followed Tesco's Clubcard Prices and now the Co-op has member prices too. Is this enough to change Simon's mind on loyalty cards? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As if buying a home wasn’t enough of a lottery, borrowers are now facing a major gamble on their mortgage.Whether buying or remortgaging, they need to work out how long to fix for and try to assess what might happen next to interest rates.On the basis that even the world’s top economists and investors didn’t spot the past year’s sudden interest rate spike coming and can’t agree on what central banks will do next, that’s a tough task.Five-year fixed rates are cheaper than two-year fixed rates, but borrowers worry they risk locking in at higher rates for longer.Meanwhile, trackers are pricier but could fall if the base rate comes down, although there’s not much agreement on when the Bank of England will stop hiking or how swiftly it will lower rates when it eventually does.On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the great mortgage gamble and what people can do.Also on the show, the house price hotspots of the past decade – and why living in a place where home values has doubled may not be a good thing.Simon takes a look at UK shares, why they are considered cheap and whether they are a decent investment or not.Helen talks through her latest Crane on the Case and how it involved a loyal BA customer locked out of a staggering number of Avios points and getting a raw deal from the airline on sorting it out.And finally, here is a test of your age: how well do you remember the Ford Orion, Austin Maestro and Vauxhall Nova… and did you ever believe that one day they’d be classic cars?Related linksThe great mortgage gamble: what should you do?The top 50 house price hotspots The UK stock market is cheap but will investors who back it finally get luck on their side? Have my 650,000 Avios points vanished?The cars turning into unlikely classics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The state pension is getting a boost this week, meaning many pensioners will see their payments go above £200 per week or £10,000 per year for the first time. The Government has also recently announced that it is delaying a decision on hiking up the state pension age to 68 until after the next election – perhaps influenced by protests across the channel. Pension commentators said move would be 'incredibly unpopular', and likely 'political suicide'.Governments don’t like to upset retirees because they vote in high numbers – but maintaining the status quo is incredibly expensive. Has something ultimately got to give when it comes to the state pension age and maintaining the triple lock?On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost is joined by Tanya Jefferies and Helen Crane to discuss.We also look at one lucky This is Money reader who is getting an even bigger rise, seeing his pension go up by more than 16 per cent. It sounds like great news – but he is wondering whether it means he has been short-changed in the past. Elsewhere, research this week has shown Britons are still dragging their feet when it comes to making a will. The team looks at why it’s important, how to do it – and why it isn’t just about money. Etoro’s Sam North provides the latest update on the markets as we head into the long weekend. We also discuss why broadband companies have been able to get away with ignoring instructions from regulator Ofcom to make switching easier for customers. It told them two years ago that they needed to make it possible to swap providers in just one day – so why are most of us still left languishing without an internet connection for up to two weeks? Finally, do you fancy a sabbatical from work to travel? Some big firms are offering the extended time off as a perk to long-serving staff – but would your boss let you go, and how would you afford it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you thought the cost of living crisis was meant to be on its way out another round of bill hikes are hitting.From council tax to mobile bills, seemingly every organisation wants another piece of your bank account - and some of the rises are even higher than inflation.Is there anything you can do about it? Could a bit of switching, planning and another round of cutting back on energy usage, shave some money off?And is there light at the end of the tunnel?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at what's going up and how to fight it.Meanwhile, do you know how much tax you pay and are you in the firing line for Britain's worst tax traps?Ben Laidler, of eToro, delivers the latest update on the markets, after a much better week than the banking shakeout delivered last week.Plus if you haven't done it yet, what can you do to sort your Isa? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...A banking crisis has seemingly emerged out of nowhere, in a system that we've been told is stable, well capitalised and far from its parlous state when the credit crunch and financial crisis struck.So, what is going on and why did both the Federal Reserve in the US and the Bank of England see fit to raise interest rates this week?On this week's podcast Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert talk interest rates: whether we have hit the base rate peak, when they might fall, why central banks keep raising them and what the impact will be for savers, borrowers and investors.Plus, what's going on with the banks? Why the sudden wobble? What's it got to do with rising interest rates and government bonds? Is this just a shake-out taking out those that weren't very well run anyway, or something more dramatic?Also on the show, Simon explains why he thinks some people might need to sell some investments now. (But not for the reasons above.)And finally, are Pokémon cards really an investable asset? The This is Money team dived into the world of collecting hem this week, Simon explains what they found out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Hunt had a spring in his step this week as he delivered his Budget. It was a considerably different air to the gloomy warning of trouble ahead in his November Autumn Statement.The headline act was a major shake-up of pension saving rules, removing restrictions that limit the amount that can go in without tax penalties.The lifetime allowance was abolished rather than raised, the annual allowance got a big bump, and rules to stop pension recycling were eased.Was this a bung for the rich shovelling cash into their pension - and doctors - or a move that will help many more young professional savers aspiring to a decent retirement, who may not realise the lifetime limit could be hit?On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert delve into the Budget and joining them to explain the pensions element is a special guest, This is Money's retirement columnist and ex-pensions minister Steve Webb.Also in the Budget was news on the economy, a ray of hope on energy bills, and a big expansion of free childcare... but it won't come in for some time. The team look at all those elements and more.And finally, as the Budget claimed the headlines something else was rumbling on: a mini-banking crisis sparked by the Sillicon Valley Bank collapse. What is going on there and should we be worried? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You'd like to imagine that when it came to the state pension, you'd be dealing with a more robust system than the ones that deliver the average customer service nightmare.Savers could be forgive for questioning whether that was the case after a string of recent blunders.First we had the underpaid women's state pensions scandal, now we have the pension top-ups system creaking at the seams, at the same time as it turns out there may be a serious problem with the records of those who have received Universal Credit.The common thread running through exposing these problems has been This is Money's pension and investing editor Tanya Jefferies and retirement columnist Steve Webb. They have worked tirelessly to help those affected and bring these issues to light.This week, we had a state pension double header of news with an admission of the problems over Universal Credit and the Government finally extending the deadline for boosting state pension via top-ups.On this podcast episode, Tanya talks us through the problems and discusses what they mean for people, with Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert.Also, the team talk about why you should put your savings in a cash Isa, where to find the best ones and why transfers might be the most important thing you can do.Plus, who are the Dividend Heroes, what have they got to do with the Rolling Stones and what can we learn from them on long-term investing?And finally, rising interest rates have severely hampered the amount of mortgage a monthly payment can buy, so, could you afford your home now? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

There's not long left until the end of the tax year - and that means it is time to sort your Isa if you haven't already.This year's Isa allowance runs out as the tax year ticks over on 6 April and it pays to get everything you can into the tax-free shelter for savings and investments.But what are the important things you need to know, the tips for making the most of your Isa - and why does it matter more this year than it has done before.On this Isa saving and investing special podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert talk all things Isas - from finding the best saving rates, to how to invest and how to boost your chance of investment success if you already have a stocks and shares Isa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where there's a will, there's often a grumble... and potentially a full on dispute.The amount of money involved in inheritances derived from even modest homes these days can be life changing and when someone feels they have been unfairly cut out or not given their dues, arguments can ensue.There's been a sharp rise in inheritance disputes, but why are they occurring, what can you do to protect your legacy and would you argue if you thought you'd been treated unfairly?That's up for discussion on this week's podcast. Plus, will energy switching make a return, how much has an energy saving drive actually saved Simon, why is the state pension top up system such a mess and have you got what it takes for financial independence and retiring early? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation is theoretically running out of steam but there's one essential that's still going up in price rapidly: food.Even as energy prices and other recent highly inflationary items slow a bit, the cost of food seems to show no let up - with reports reporting inflation-busting rises.What is going on here? How much have food prices risen, why have they gone up so much, are supermarkets or brand-name makers profiteering, and will costs ever come back down?Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert, delve into food prices on this week's podcast - and look at ways you could save money.Plus, mortgage rates are falling while the base rate is going up: why is that and what happens next?Should you invest in a VCT, not just for the juicy tax breaks but also for the investment opportunities on offer?And finally, we met the founders of Seatfrog to find out how they are helping passengers buy up unused first seats on trains at bargain prices and their plans for making train ticket-buying better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are we nearly there yet? The Bank of England hiked interest rates again this week, adding 0.5 per cent to take base rate to 4 per cent.That’s a level that it was almost unthinkable we’d reach so quickly a year ago, but rates have gone up hard and fast.The questions now are will base rate stall and when will it come back down again? But while the Bank of England has sent rates up like a rocket, it’s forecast show that they will only fall like a feather.On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look at how likely those forecasts are to be correct and what this all means for the economy, mortgages, savings and first-time buyers.Also on the show, Tanya explains another potential state pension scandal that her and Steve Webb have uncovered and Steve joins the podcast to talk through it.Sam North, of eToro, gives us a market update and explains why investors have sent stock markets soaring at the start of 2023.The clock is ticking on the tax year and Simon explains why he thinks the next couple of months are vitally important for getting money into an Isa and potentially selling some investments to do so.And finally, do you love your tumble dryer? Many do but worry they can’t afford to run them. Fear not, help might be at hand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Those aged between 43 and 54 may have been concerned by rumours this week that the Government is planning to increase the state pension age to 68 much sooner than planned. Officially, the rise to 68 is set to happen between 2044 and 2046, but ministers allegedly want to bring forward the change to 2035 with the policy being floated for inclusion in the March Budget. It comes as warnings have been sounded that those retiring in future decades generations will face a gap between the income that pension savings and the state pension will provide, and what they need to live even a moderate retirement. This is Money's pensions and investment editor, Tanya Jefferies, deputy editor Helen Crane and host Georgie Frost discuss how likely this is to actually happen - and what pension savers could do to prepare for it. We also look at mortgage rates which, having gone from all-time lows to unexpected highs in the last year and a half, could now be edging down past the 4 per cent mark. Why have a raft of high street lenders cut their rates in recent days, and will they simply hike them back up again if the Bank of England decides to increase the base rate again next week? And what should borrowers in the unenviable position of needing to remortgage at the moment be factoring in when they make their decision? Another group set to be impacted by next week's base rate decision are savers. With NS&I having increased the interest rate on its ever-popular Premium Bonds from 1 per cent to 3.15 per cent in the space of a year, is that now the best place to keep your rainy day fund?EToro's Sam North also lets us know why next week is going to be a big one for the investment market. Helen gives us the lowdown on which companies are doing right by their customers, and which are not.Once renowned for its tip top service (free coffee, anyone?) John Lewis has taken a battering in Money Mail's wooden spoon awards - but it also placed high on a separate survey of the firms that customers liked best. So what is going on? Finally, we dish out some advice on how to spot bargains in charity shops, haggle down prices at car boot sales and then make money selling things on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An astonishing idea for an Isa tax raid was outlined by the Resolution Foundation this week, with the proposal that tax-free savings and investments should be capped at £100,000.No more aspiring to be an Isa millionaire, it would be £100k and out under this plan.It said that the nominal money out toward not taxing Isa interest, gains and dividends should instead go in the direction of encouraging those without savings to build up a pot.Is that a good idea, would it be a fairer way of doing things, and is there any conceivable way this could actually happen? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the proposal and whether it has any merits.Spoiler alert, Simon strongly disagrees and says this would also perpetuate even greater intergenerational unfairness. Find out why.Also on the show, the team delve into a new American Express and BA card that's been dubbed the best deal ever for Avios points, but are they worth collecting?Sam North, of eToro, joins us to talk through what's been going on in markets over the past week and why newly confident investors had their confidence shaken.Helen fills us in on a very depressing Crane on the Case where Scottish Widows only offered a reader £250 after they were denied their dying wish by its failure to pay out their pension on time.On a much lighter note, why have we been researching the bleeding obvious this week and testing whether putting a jumper on means you could really save money on your energy bills?And finally, we are joined by long-time friend of This is Money, Dave Fishwick, who talks to Simon about the Netflix movie about Bank of Dave and what it's like to see your life portrayed on screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you picture in retirement? Is it an early exit from the rat race to travel the world, a gradual step back and a bit of golf, or working until state pension age and then spending some time treating the grandchildren?We will all have a different image in our heads of what our retirement years might look like, but whatever that is it is important to think about another question: could you afford to do those things?While most of us will be saving into a pension, we often have little idea how much income it will need to provide when we retire and how big the pot will need to be to do that.Stepping into that gap is the now regular report from the Pension and Lifetime Savings Association, which helps paint a picture of what a minimum, moderate and comfortable retirement would look like – and crucially what it would cost.On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and This is Money’s pension and investment editor, Tanya Jefferies, delve into the report and look at what it found.How do those retirement standards translate into reality, how much will the state pension cover, how much on top of that will people need and why has the minimum retirement income rocketed 20 per cent – far above official inflation?Simon speaks to Sam North, of eToro, for our weekly market update, who explains how a bang on expectations US inflation figure was received and why the FTSE 100 has made a good start to the year.Later on the podcast, the team look at inheritance tax, why it is catching more people in its net, how high house prices mean more families are seeing hundreds of thousands pocketed by the taxman and what can be done to make the much-hated tax work better and feel fairer.And finally, does using cash help you budget or is it a false economy. Simon says for him it’s the latter, but what do Georgie and Tanya reckon? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Year has arrived and with it promises of inflation falling and a ray of hope on energy bills.But even if Rishi Sunak halves inflation, as he claims he will, it would still be running at 5 per cent and his promise to get Britain back to growth may prove harder than the simple maths that sees inflation slow.Meanwhile, a slowdown in the rise of the cost of living doesn't mean things will get cheaper and the better energy price forecasts will still see costs at more than double what they were a year ago.So, will 2023 prove better or tougher for our finances? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert delve into the prospects for the year ahead on this podcast.Plus, what is on the cards for the property market, for pensions and savers and why is Divorce Day tipped to be even bigger this year?And finally, the year is going to better financially for at least one person: the lucky January £1million Premium Bond winner who bagged the jackpot with less than £5,000 saved. Is it time we all stuck more in Premium Bonds, as the prize find is boosted? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tumultous is a word that doesn't really do 2022 justice. Most people were looking forward to a year of calm as the Covid pandemic faded, but instead got turmoil and the cost of living crisis.In the UK, we mixed the global unrest dealt by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the inflation spike, with our own dose of political instability.A year in which you get through three Prime Ministers and four Chancellors is no ordinary one and the mini-Budget chaos led to the UK's own little self-inflicted financial crisis.That was dealt with by new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and new PM Rishi Sunak reversing all of Kwasi Kwarteng and Liz Truss's giveaways and adding some tax hikes on top for good measure.So, where do we stand at the end of a year of double digit inflation, rapidly rising interest rates and a general sense of gloominess? Will next year be better? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert take a look back at the big financial events of 2022 and look forward to 2023 on this special year end podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First we had the great resignation and now we may be seeing a new trend emerge 'unretirement'.Amid the turmoil of the pandemic, Britain's economy threw up the puzzle of a dramatic rise in economic inactivity - as about 565,000 people dropped out of the workforce to a position where they were neither working or looking for work.These missing workers aren't claiming unemployment benefits but are somehow getting by under their own steam. The phenonomen is great enough that the ONS and Bank of England have looked into it and an inquiry by a House of Lords committee says that early retirement among those aged 50 to 64 may be the main driver of the trend.But there are also tentative signs of some of these people 'unretiring', so what is going on?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert delve into the issue. Why do people want to take early retirement, why may some now be returning to work - and what would tempt more back to boost productivity and the economy? Plus, the team look at the stock market winners and losers of 2022 - and why the FTSE 100 managed to keep its head while other major markets suffered.Also on the agenda are log burners: can they really be cheaper than your central heating or are they just a feature for the home?And finally, used car prices have continued to defy the usual way of things and rise again this year, is that now coming to an end and what were the models that rose the most in value over 2022?Merry Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England has hiked base rate from 0.1 per cent to 3.5 per cent in the space of 12 months, a move that would have been considered unthinkable not so long ago.But with inflation looking as if it has peaked, the economy probably already in recession, households and businesses feeling the squeeze, have we nearly reached the end of the rate hikes?When the mini-Budget chaos struck there was a belief that the Bank may have to go as high as 5.5 to 6 per cent with interest rates, now expectations have been downgraded and some suggest the peak may be 4 per cent.That would mean that we are nearly there.How likely is that and what would it mean for our finances and the economy? On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at how close we are to the end of the rate cycle and what it all means for mortgages and savings.Plus, it's not just the rate on their mortgage causing households concerns, the rapid rise in energy bills is hurting them too. Even with the energy price guarantee, bills are double what they were a year ago.A mild autumn cushioned the blow somewhat but as a cold snap and snow rolled in, households across Britain found themselves reluctantly reaching for the heating on button and thermostat.The team look at what people can do to keep themselves warm but save on energy and what might happen next to bills:Is an electric heater in one room cheaper than the central heating?Would insulating your home pay off?Will energy bills go back to normal? All that and more is up for discussion in an affording the heating special section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mortgage crunch has stalled the pandemic property boom and sent house prices down, but could they fall 20 per cent?The risk of a severe house price downturn of that magnitude was flagged by Rightmove founder and property market veteran Harry Hill.Hill’s CV includes setting up property giant Rightmove and selling estate agency group Countrywide for £1billion a year before the 2008 banking crisis. Hill told the The Mail on Sunday and This is Money: 'My view on the housing market is that it's going down in every direction. Transactions are going to go down. Prices are going to go down.’ He added that a bad recession would mean ‘we could see 20 per cent price reductions’.Could house prices fall 20 per cent from here? Why would it happen? How bad would that be? On this week’s podcast Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert discuss the prospects for the housing market, how the rapid rise in mortgage rates is affecting it and what prospective home movers or first-time buyers should do.Plus, they are joined by a very special guest: Lee Boyce, now Money Mail editor, is back on the podcast to discuss the Wooden Spoon award for the worst customer service of the year. Who are the runners and riders, what did they do wrong, and why does Simon nominate a couple of firms that aren’t even on the shortlist?Savings rates have been a rare bit of good new recently and Simon talks through the attraction of small building societies and how some are offering market beating rates but you might struggle to secure them.And finally, it’s time for a second special guest, John Mayhead, of classic car specialist Hagerty, who is joins Simon to discuss the insurer’s Bull List of ten classics it tips to rise in value next year.How do these classic cars get on the list, what makes them ripe for appreciation and what’s a Citroen BX doing rubbing shoulders with a Lamborghini Diablo? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people have not had to worry about paying tax on their savings and investments for some time.The advent of the £1,000 personal savings allowance combined with savings rates near record lows meant basic rate taxpayers would need big cash pots to incur 20 per cent tax on their interest.Meanwhile, even higher rate taxpayers with their lower £500 personal savings allowance needed reasonably large cash pots to pay 40 per cent tax on their interest.Many investors also didn't need to worry too much about capital gains tax, with a tax-free allowance of £12,300 per year.But things have changed: rising savings rates and fiscal drag pulling more people into the higher rate bracket mean that many more savers will now have to pay tax on interest - while Jeremy Hunt's tax raid on investors will see the capital gains tax allowance slashed to £6,000 and then £3,000.So do you now need to worry about tax on your savings and investments and what can you do? Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert dive into the world of savings and capital gains tax on this podcast.Unsurprisingly, the benefits of an Isa feature strongly, as do some other tips and a discussion of what this means for buy-to-let landlords and second home owners.Plus, there is a special guest podcast appearance from our pensions columnist Steve Webb to talk through a major victory for someone told by the DWP they were owed much less from a delayed state pension than they actually were - and an update on pension credit.And finally, has the used car price boom come to an end? Simon talks us through why some second hand cars - including popular electric ones - have seen their prices drop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Savings and mortgage rates rocketed after what must now always be known as the 'ill-fated mini-Budget', but even as the Bank of England continues to raise rates have they already peaked.The top fixed rate savings deals have edged down from their highest levels - a five-year fix can no longer be had above 5 per cent, for example, while the best two year fix is at 4.75 per cent.So, if you want to lock into a good savings deal, should you grab one now?Or did rates simply race ahead of the Bank of England and the next round of base rate rises will bump them up some more?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at the potential future of savings rates and why even if they are slightly off their peak, you should still move your money from old accounts.But if a dip in the top savings rates is bad, the easing of mortgage rates is good news. Average two and five-year fixed rates rocketed all the way to above 6.5 per cent. The best five-year fix is now down to 5.95 per cent.But this is still way higher than it was, so where will mortgage rates settle and is it worth holding off?The team discuss that and the implication for both house prices and first-time buyers.And finally, an energy double header: On a serious note the energy price cap (which we won't pay due to the energy price guarantee) has jumped again, this time to £4,279 for the average household over a year. If we won't pay that, why does this matter?And on a lighter note, what happened when Harry Wallop (who refuses to let his family turn the heating on) tried out a bunch of oddball devices designed to warm the person not the room, ranging from an odd foot warmer, to a heated gilet, and a wearable sleeping bag that makes you look a bit like a crazy caterpillar? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Jeremy Hunt’s mini-Budget was like the tax part of the Corbyn manifesto with none of the benefits of the extra spending.’That was This is Money editor Simon Lambert’s verdict on the Chancellor’s tax-hiking spree that painted a miserable picture of the years ahead, hit higher earners, and hammered small investors.In a blizzard of hikes – through threshold drops and stealth tax freezes – Hunt worked his way through a painful Autumn Statement, where good news was thin on the ground.The silver linings came from the government sticking by the pension triple lock and uprating benefits by inflation but the focus was on painful years ahead.Was this the right move? Why did Hunt feel the need to inflict tax pain – and spending cuts later on? How did we go from Rishi Sunak as Chancellor with a margin to hit his fiscal rules to Rishi as Prime Minister with a fiscal black hole?Georgie Frost and Simon discuss these questions and more and look at what the Autumn Statement means for people’ finances on this podcast.How much more tax will you pay?How much will your energy bills rise by?Who came out best and who came out worst?And can Simon come up with a note of optimism to end the show on?Listen to this Autumn Statement tax raid special to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘If they could tax the air you breathe they’d do it.’ That age-old moan about taxes going up has sprung to mind over the past week, as rumours about pretty much any tax you can think of being hiked were spread about.So many kites were flown about potential tax rises that even taxing selling your own home and bringing back the 50p rate were floated as potential Autumn Statement ideas troubling Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak’s minds.If all this came to pass it would surely become known as ‘the everything tax raid’.But will it come to pass? Probably not. You get the sense this is a massive exercise in softening up the nation, so that when some but not all taxes go up on Thursday, people breathe a sigh of relief.Yet could this bout of not-officially-encouraged-but-definitely-not-discouraged speculation do lasting harm to the economy?Simon Lambert argues that case on this week’s podcast, where he says with sentiment already heavily depressed going into a recession, striking the financial fear of God into the population might not be the best move.Simon, Georgie Frost and Tanya Jefferies discuss the tax hikes that have been rumoured and how likely they are to happen: one gets a minus two in five chance of occurring but others seem more likely.Also on this week’s podcast, will Hunt stage a raid on pension, either via tax relief or the triple lock?Plus, the story of how Tanya helped a podcast listener win back money after paying over the odds for her mother’s care home.And finally, if among all this gloom you’ve still got room to save, should you save or invest the money, or overpay your mortgage? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

The tense situation between tenants and landlords is escalating: the former have seen rents spiral but the latter have faced a big jump in costs jump too.Meanwhile regulation has become a bugbear between the two sides, is there not enough of it or too much?What can be done to improve things in the rental market and have we come down too hard on buy-to-let?That’s the question asked on this week’s podcast, as Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert debate the problems in the rental market.But before that, it’s time for Rishi Sunak.He was once the Chancellor tasked with calming our nerves during the pandemic, but now Rishi is the Prime Minister expected to settle things down after a bout of financial chaos.Will he be able to pull that off, soothe jittery markets, navigate Britain through a painful cost of living crisis winter, and somehow please the nation while taking money off people instead of dishing it out?The team look at what Prime Minister Rishi could mean compared to Chancellor Rishi – and what the implications for our finances could be.Also on the agenda, there was good news for savers from NS&I this week, as rates were raised across the board, but they can get better deals elsewhere, so what should they do? Plus, what can you do to track down old pension pots and why is John Lewis annoying its loyal credit card customers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a new Chancellor in town and he means business. Serious business.After Kwasi Kwarteng tried to spread some joy to get growth going with tax cuts for all, Jeremy Hunt and the fun police have stepped in to stop the markets freaking out.The fallout from Kwarteng's ill-fated mini-budget has now claimed his Chancellorship and Liz Truss's Premiership - with Britain achieving the rare feat of losing two Prime Ministers in less than four months.But with Hunt's stern reversal of the tax cuts in place and a firm commitment to not come up with any more cunning plans that might upset the markets, is Britain now on a firmer economic footing.Or will our quest for yet another Prime Minister spell more trouble ahead?On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at Hunt's rapid reversal of Kwarteng's cuts and whether they will steady the ship and prove a good idea.The team also discuss the decision to stick with the triple lock - an expensive promise the Government decided to keep, but did it really have any choice after ripping up the guarantee for pensioners last year.Plus, will the rapid rise in mortgage prices sink house prices? Many think so, but our 18 year property cycle guru Fred Harrison says otherwise.And finally, how much does it cost you to use your cooker vs an air fryer or a slow cooker and if you really want to save money is it an energy saving dad you need? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.