This is Money Podcast

It's been a rocky week to say the least for Britain's most recognisable fund manager Neil Woodford – he suspended trading in his flagship fund, leaving savers unable to access their cash.And we still don't know the future of Sir Philip Green and his Arcadia empire, after a crucial rescue vote was suspended.This is Money assistant editor Lee Boyce, retail reporter Emily Hardy and host Georgie Frost discuss how it has gone wrong for the pair.What has led Woodford to this point, could there be a Financial Conduct Authority investigation, are savers trapped in the fund safe – and can he recover?Arcadia – with brands like Burton and Topshop – could be set to close 50 stores with the loss of 1,000 staff. What is a CVA and why hasn't Sir Philip managed to get a deal approved this week?We also discuss the High Street in general and a worrying set of figures – what can be done to help stop the decline?Elsewhere, we run the rule over a 'bonkers' plan for first-time buyers to raid pension pots for deposits and Lee urges savers to engage with their retirement savings.And we finally manage to get the Pensions Minister to give us a precise figure on how many people may have received incorrect state pension forecasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often talk about good retirement planning being key to more secure and happier future – but what happens if the figures you were working on were completely wrong – and it's not your maths to blame…Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss a string of incorrect state pension forecasts sent out that will result in many facing a poorer retirement than expected.The Government only admits to making occasional errors but a former Pensions Minister reckons the latest cases could just be the tip of the iceberg.Elsewhere, we talk about a new code which will be give better protection against authorised push payment scams, which costs people millions of pounds each year.We update on Tesco Bank and its stops mortgage lending and explores the sale of its loan book.Simon gives an overview of Buffettology – how can you can potentially channel your inner Warren Buffett to become a better investor.Could you be rich from the Premium Bonds and not even know it? And which firms offer the best salaries in Britain? It's all crammed inside this week's podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mortgage price war claimed a high profile victim this week as Tesco Bank scrapped lending. A great adventure into the world of banking - billed as a major challenge to the High Street banking giants with mortgages promoted in the aisles – has come to an end. Tesco Bank will continue with its other products, but why has it ditched mortgages, why have a string of other smaller players shut their doors in recent months, and why did building society behemoth Nationwide issue its own caution on home loans this week? On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dive into what is currently a weird world of mortgages: where a greater supply of money to lend than demand to borrow it means there are some very cheap deals on offer. They also look at whether this may end up causing problems further down the line and ask how long it will be before more risky lending edges back in. Also on this week’s show, the team look at a reader’s problem with a neighbour upstairs, who has stripped the floor back to floorboards and is creating noise issues, despite a lease that says there must be carpets. How do you enforce that? Thomas Cook’s troubles and what they mean for holidaymakers are under the spotlight too. And finally, ever wondered why sometimes drivers get a ticket but at others escape with just a warning, or what really drives police officers mad behind the wheel? You need to listen to the segment on the secrets of a traffic cop revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s an old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness, which is often swiftly countered with the suggestion that while this may be the case, having enough not to worry about it definitely helps.There are no shortage of cautionary tales that tell us it is better to be happy than rich, but does it matter if some people have an awful lot more money than others?And does it matter to both them and society how they got it - and whether it was earned by hard work?An in-depth five-year study was launched this week that aims to look into inequality in Britain; and not just at earnings and wealth, but also inequality in education, opportunity, gender, race, geography, class and generation.It arrived with a snapshot of Britain today and on this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost dive into the picture that paints and discuss whether we need to worry about inequality or not.They also look at how to work out how wealthy you are – and why that matters even if you subscribe to the money doesn’t buy happiness mantra.This week’s podcast also reveals the perks that you can get if you are over-60, after Jeff Prestridge wrote about those he discovered that he can now pick up now he’s had a big birthday. More seriously, the team flag the vital help that over-65s can get if they are struggling.And finally, if you’ve ever thought you’d like to live in a certain part of town, on an exact street, or even ‘in that house there’, we look at the new service Knock for Sale that will send owners a card for you for £5 to tell them you are interested and maybe tempt them to sell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people say they would like to have a crack at a Grand Design of their own – or even a more modest one – but finding somewhere to build it is a problem.That’s why despite self-builders typically turning an immediate paper profit of 15 to 30%, according to specialist BuildStore, not many of us take the plunge. Things could be about to change for the better, however, as keen to encourage more people to self-build the Government has told councils to launch Right toBuild registers and make land available.On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of building your own home and look at whether the plan to raise self-build’s profile will work or fizzle out.From finding a plot, to using an architect, and getting involved yourself or employing someone to build it for you, they discuss how to do – and the barriers that may stand in your way.Plus Simon reveals how both his parents and his uncle - on separate occasions - went down the self-build route.Also on this week’s podcast, the team look at whether pensioners should get a stamp duty break and if you can sell your home for less than it’s worth to avoid equity release and care costs.Neil Woodford’s claim that his strategy will come good is in the spotlight and Simon reflects on whether sticking with his Woodford investments was a wise move.And finally, Britain’s car buyers may love an SUV but we reveal why choosing one will hit your pocket harder than a good old fashioned estate car. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social care is a mounting problem for Britain but the issue is a can that has been kicked down the road repeatedly.Rather than tackle the fact that the state can't afford to care for today's elderly - let alone those that our ageing population will deliver in future - politicians have dodged and fudged. This week a new suggestion emerged involving a hike in National Insurance contributions for over-50s. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look and ask: is it a good idea? Elsewhere, we take a look the MPG figures given by manufacturers for cars and how to tell if that local shop or restaurant has really closed down for good. Simon talks about a new flight tax concept and we reveal how to fightback against the those irritating customer service chatbots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We haven't glued ourselves to train carriages, politician fences or the London Stock Exchange.No, this week's This is Money podcast opts for a less confrontational approach to the environment, with useful tips and tricks that are good for the planet as well as your wallet. Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the green movement and what it means for the financial industry and businesses. Are they doing enough? Alongside that, we look at what we - the consumer - can do to help the environment and save money along the way.Simon has three places you can make a big difference by adding pressure or changing behaviour, from picking green energy deals, to what to do about flying. Meanwhile, the hybrid car of choice, the Toyota Prius, isn't just for Uber drivers and eco-conscious celebrities as it tops a survey of most satisfying motors to drive. Elsewhere, outside of the green bubble – we look at where a pair of 40something business owners with no pension should invest. We continue to puzzle over the baffling state pension top-up system and ask: just how far over the limit could you potentially drive in your area before being issued with a ticket? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TSB says defrauded customers will now always get their cash back, which has piled pressure on other banks to do the same.But will they – and should they have to? That's the question assistant editor Lee Boyce, reporter George Nixon and host Georgie Frost tackle in this week's podcast.In all, £354million was stolen last year authorised push-payment frauds and until now, banks had refused to pay compensation, claiming the victims should have been more careful.Elsewhere, we take a look at some of the new breed of smartphone apps could help you build a savings habit without even trying, as a report shows that many bury their head in the sand when it comes to financial decision making.Private landlords may no longer be able to evict tenants at short notice and without good reason under a major shake-up of the rental sector.The rate of annual house price growth in Britain has fallen to its lowest level for nearly seven years – with London and the South East seeing value drops.And finally, an investigation has found Amazon is flooded with fake reviews which could be misleading us into wasting our money – should we trust the five stars and how can you spot the duds? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are three certainties in life. You know the drill. You’re born, you will die and you will listen to this podcast about tax. As another new tax year is upon us, editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost explain the tax changes that will affect you. There is a nice pay rise for more than 20 million people as the personal allowance is raised. And Simon answers some of the questions on everyone’s lips:What is the lifetime allowance?What is inheritance tax?Why do married couples get a tax break?Should families be rewarded when both parents work?How does national insurance work?And why do the cost of stamps and all your bills all go up on the same day?You'll learn an awful lot about things you need to know about tax without having to read about it. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we fast approach one fifth of the way through the 21st century, the world of finance is modernising in ways that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. And not always in a good way. The language of ‘savings’ has evolved to the point of dishonesty and even fraud.On this week’s podcast editor Simon Lambert and reporter George Nixon join host Georgie Frost to look at fancy new Innovative Finance Isas, at savings products that claim to offer 8% returns and to be protected by the official savings watchdog but are in fact risky investments – and the fraud investigation at London Capital and Finance, where thousands of ‘savers’ lost millions of pounds.Simon guides listeners through the dark side of mini bonds and the complex web of companies that savers’ money was poured into at LC and F before it collapsed owing £236m. The City watchdog supposedly overseeing the company is also now being investigated .On a cheerier note, George explains how teenagers are able to invest on the stock market and how easy it can be to get started, plus a couple of new free share dealing services, an old-fashioned holiday trap and whether insurance companies would pay out if your flash car crash is on video and on social media.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the financial year is looming - April 5 - and it means the clock is ticking if you haven't sorted your Isa or pension. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost have an Isa special for your ears this week.When it comes to cash Isas, you may already be too late as some banks and building societies have already pulled their best buys.Lee reveals his top cash picks for 2019, why there has been a move to cash tax-free accounts and why they are still worth having, even with rates still low.Simon reveals all you need to know about getting started on investing in an Isa – and why it could be worth looking at greener options. The team call in the experts to give their last minute fund ideas and reveal why our Prudent Investor is nervous about what Brexit could do to his cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government wants to scrap gas boilers in new homes by 2025 – but what are the viable alternatives? And how much will they cost?This week, This is Money editor Simon Lambert, reporter Grace Gausden and host Georgie Frost explore the options.And on the energy theme, you can now ask Alexa: when will my electricity bills be cheapest?Energy company Octopus has teamed up with Amazon, the creator of Alexa, and will pay customers to use electricity at off-peak periods. Sound too good to be true?We also talk 'dumb' smart meters and reveal which energy firm we're leaving en masse...Plus the team teach you the tips of the successful haggle as it emerges which telecoms giants are easiest to bargain with.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all the shenanigans in Westminster this week you could be forgiven for failing to register we had a Spring Statement at all – let alone clocked its finer points.Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost fill you in on what you may have missed. It includes forecasts from the Office for Budgetary Responsibility on the UK economy, along with income growth, interest rates, the pound and house prices.We also have the true scale of the tax burden on families and businesses, with the overall tax take equivalent to 34.6% of Britain's economy, a level not seen since Harold Wilson was Prime Minister.Income tax receipts will rise nearly £54billion in the next five years, with steep rises forecast for National Insurance, VAT and Corporation Tax.A hike in probate 'fees' was waved through without a vote or debate in parliament by classifying it as a fee not a tax – but the ONS is now calling it a tax.The OBR also reveals that two flagship savings schemes have not been anywhere near as popular as planned, while boilers are out – as are feed-in tariffs from solar panels.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Put on your party hats, it's Isa season! After years in the doldrums could we have a proper Isa battle on our hands in 2019?Santander and Coventry Building Society have launched two best-buy easy-access tax-free deals, and that appears to have put some wind in the sails of This is Money assistant editor Lee Boyce.Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost – along with Lee – talk all things Isas: whether they are worth it, the options and importantly, are the new top rates a potential catalyst for more competition?Elsewhere, we take a look at new fintech firm Dozens, offering a five per cent return spotted after a recent London Transport advertising blitz.There is a victory for This is Money readers, as Virgin Money refunds credit card customers stung by charges after unwittingly setting minimum payments rather than paying the full balance when changing card.Simon runs the rule over a 95% interest-only mortgage launched by Newbury Building Society.Finally, we talk about our latest Freedom of Information request to find out just how many motorists actually get fined for idling engines to defrost windscreens.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

National Savings and Investments has launched Ernie 5.0 – its fifth generation machine that draws the Premium Bond numbers.It now takes just 12 minutes for numbers to be generated by the Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment compared to 10 days back in the early 1970s.This week, editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost answer the question – what would you do if you gained a windfall, big or small, either from the Premium Bonds or by other means?What does it mean to win big and what are the first things you need to think about if you’re lucky enough to come into some cash?And when it comes to gifting some of your windfall to children, should it go towards their student loan, help with a house deposit, put in a pension or help them get involved in investing?We also discuss a 57-year-old reader who was the latest star in our regular Money Pit Stop series, who wants to make sure his own investment portfolio can withstand downturns and provide him with a good income at retirement.Additionally, after we launched our This is Money Diaries this week, we reveal the concerns our 28-year-old first Guinea Pig has – and why we want the younger generation to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A will may be considered the expression of someone’s last wishes, but more of them are being challenged.High property prices and increasingly complicated families are being blamed for the rise in disputes, but would you challenge someone’s will?In this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost dive into why inheritance rows are more commonplace and how difficult it is to try to overturn a will.Also this week, alongside some money-saving tips for millennials a heated debate kicks off about buying flat whites vs saving for homes at a time when house prices are sky high compared to ages.Simon reveals his lessons from holding Lloyds shares all the way up, all the way down and then all the time that they have bumped along since the financial crisis.And we dig into the case of a car park prang that led to countless phone calls from ambulance chasers – and how this manages to happen.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation has slipped to 1.8 per cent - below the 2 per cent target - and the Bank of England has downgraded the UK's growth prospects and indicated interest rate hikes are on hold.But at the same time, wages are rising by more than inflation and unemployment remains low.So has the clock already started ticking on a slowdown in the UK economy, or is this just some pre-Brexit jitters that could eventually be followed by a bounce?This is Money editor Simon Lambert, alongside assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost, dig into what's going on, as the growth forecast is slashed to the lowest annual rate since the recession a decade ago.But there's also some good news: lower CPI also means that more savings accounts are now inflation-beating and we look at where you can get a real return on your money and what the prospects for rates are.Elsewhere, we talk about the property market and a recent slump in prices in London and the South, along with why you should consider carefully how long your mortgage term is for.And finally it's a holiday double header. Firstly, how to play the game to avoid the traps of the air miles reward credit cards with the steepest interest rates but the best points and, secondly, with all-inclusive trips on the rise are they a good idea?Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investing has proven to be the best way to beat inflation and grow your wealth over the long-term, but how do you get started?And if you do already invest but feel you’ve lost track of your goals or ended up with a jumble of investments, how can you improve things?In this second edition of a two-part podcast special on saving and investing, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into how to be a smarter investor.They bust the jargon and look at why people should invest, how to get started, what investments you can choose and how to find the right ones for you.Simon discusses his experience of investing, what he got right along the way and importantly the things he got wrong.But why should you invest? Well, between 1900 and 2017 owning UK shares would have delivered an average return of 5.5 per cent, beating cash savings at 1 per cent and property at 1.8 per cent, according to the respected Credit Suisse Investment Yearbook.There’s no guarantee that history will be repeated, but companies should always have the ability to put money to productive use and reward investors with rising share prices off the back of their profits, dividend payouts, or interest on bonds.Listen to the podcast and tell us what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one of two This is Money podcast specials, we tackle savings. When savings are mentioned, the first thought that springs to mind for many is: rates are low, what's the point?In the latest This is Money podcast, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost are joined by James Blower, the Savings Guru to explain why savings are important.James has inside knowledge of the industry, having helped a number of challenger banks set up their savings business.We talk about what the point of saving is and what you need to consider at different stages - and ages - of your life.How do you save for your children, what about Isas, does higher risk equal higher reward and how do you save for a house?We also talk about why the Financial Services Compensation Scheme is important and whether saving in cash over investing is ever a worthwhile exercise.James takes us behind the scenes at how rates are set and reveals why he believes better deals are on the horizon for savers.Furthermore, we call to action those who have left money languishing in poor paying accounts to help drive the banks and building societies to offer us better deals.Join us next week for part two when editor Simon Lambert tackles everything you need to know about investing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inflation is within a whisker of its long-term target of two per cent – does that mean an interest rate rise off the table in 2019?Assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost talk about the latest inflation figures in the This is Money podcast – including why it has fallen, where it is heading next and what it means for savers. Savings rates are up, with nearly 100 accounts now matching or beating inflation. Lee explains a nifty trick on how to beat inflation with a one year fixed-rate savings account and boost the rate even further.We also discuss the House of Lords report which let rip over RPI and CPI, and why it matters to the pound in your pocket. Meanwhile, we reveal why it is important to not penny pinch on your travel insurance and how the zero per cent beer market is booming – and it's not just because of 'dry January'.This week, we don't have one, not two, but three coin stories for your enjoyment. How euro coins rattling around in your home could be worth a pretty penny and why 50p coins have had a moment in the sun. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just how bad was Christmas for Britain’s shops? Retailers sounded the alarm early when advent brought a string of warnings about a terrible November, but this week we started to find out what the crucial festive period really brought.A rush of results arrived, as everyone from the big supermarkets to M&S, Debenhams and John Lewis updated on Christmas sales.The bar had been set low, but it turned out to be not quite so bad as thought – with a few winners and a bunch of losers who escaped the drubbing feared.On this week’s podcast, This is Money’s retail expert Emily Hardy, joins Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost to sift through the figures and look at who did well and who didn’t.The team also look at the crucial question of whether retailers with decent sales will turn those into profit, or whether getting items off the shelves at a discount cost them dear?Also on the agenda is what’s causing the malaise. Is it the internet, a lack of quality, or simply Britain hitting peak stuff? Simon has a theory based on sales, Amazon, people buying presents later and being a bit more discerning.Away from the high street, we also discuss how to get a new job in 2019 and find out about the man whose expensive £4,000 wasted romantic trip after a break-up spurred him on to create Transfer Travel - the ‘eBay for unwanted holidays’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New NHS?Among last year's big stories was the 70th anniversary of our beloved health service and whether we are prepared to pay for it through higher taxes.Our campaign to out the rogue, sometimes criminal, private car park operatives began with a vengeance and will continue long into 2019.Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost also explain how to avoid losing your home because of inheritance tax.And are you ready to ditch your fossil-fueled car for an electric one yet? This story will run and run. Unlike the Range Rover Sport, which was judged to be the least reliable used car to buy last year.It's all part of our look back - and forward - over the big stories and campaigns of 2018.Enjoy., Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Christmas and welcome to the last This is Money podcast of 2018. Today, we cover the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.For the ghost of Christmas past, we look at what has gone wrong for high street retailers and if that is spilling over to online firms.Ghost of Christmas present… or presents, we give five reasons why you should think twice about giving gift cards this festive period.And for the ghost of Christmas future, how you can give friends and family a gift that will last through 2019 - avoiding the loyalty penalty.As part of our campaign, we reveal the companies stiffing customers and what you can do to combat the problem.Elsewhere, assistant editor Lee Boyce takes the reigns for the infamous This is Money Christmas taste test – with editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost tucking into mince pies, crisps and more, then having to guess whether it is from a posh supermarket, or budget one.And like post-Brexit Britain, there are no Brussel(s) in sight.Georgie also throws a bonus fiendish Christmas quiz into the mix – how many can you get right?Thanks for listening in 2018 - we hope you enjoy the podcast as much as we do making it. See you next year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobody can escape the Brexit bedlam that has been playing out before our eyes, especially in the last week.In between backstops, trade deals, Norway, contempt of parliament, no-confidence, withdrawing withdrawal votes… what is really going on? Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss Brexit in the latest This is Money podcast.Are we going to leave? Should we really have a second referendum and can you do anything to Brexit-proof your cash? We talk it all through in our Brexit special.Outside the Brexit bubble, we look into those DNA self-testing kits being plugged by a number of firms as the perfect Christmas gift – could you get more than you bargained for? Simon reveals the best and worst performing funds of 2018 so far, in Top of the Pops fashion and Lee runs down the clever apps from challengers looking to encourage the savings habit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might not be on the top of your to-do list when you have a child, but investing and saving for them to build a tidy nest egg for when they reach adulthood is best done sooner rather than later.In the latest This is Money podcast, editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor (and new parent) Lee Boyce alongside host Georgie Frost look at the best ways to save for your children.We discuss investment options, Junior Isas, a pension and other ways, and why 'the hardest step is the first, but it is also the most powerful'.Lee has a target of a £50,000 pot to build up for his new daughter ahead of her 18th birthday in 2036 – and discusses how he plans to achieve this, with a little help from Einstein's eighth wonder of the world, compounding.Elsewhere, we talk about how invest for your own retirement and Fidelity's 'Power of Seven' matrix, as it looks like the pensions dashboard is finally moving ahead.We talk about the collapse of online estate agent Emoov and the future of the industry with the Bank of England's latest Brexit predictions suggesting property values could fall 30 per cent in the worst case scenario.Finally, we reveal the latest British Gas rip off and whether could we have found the answer to expensive boiler replacements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inheritance tax is a conundrum. Just 5 per cent of estates currently incur it but it’s been voted Britain’s most unfair major tax.Even with the number of people hit by it expected to double, it seems we just don’t like the concept.It’s no wonder then that the Chancellor commissioned a report into it from the Office of Tax Simplification, but no one forecast that to be as damning about the system as it was.It’s complicated, more than ten times as many bereaved families have to fill in forms as pay it, and it turns out the very rich pay proportionally less than those directly below them.Does that make inheritance tax ripe for a change and how could it be adjusted? Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss that on this week’s podcast.Also, on the show they discuss why tenants are still waiting for a fees ban, whether the latest move to curb private parking tickets goes far enough and the least reliable cars you can buy second hand.And finally, we’ve all heard the one about how airlines might use your browsing history to hike flight costs, but have you heard about error fares that can get you somewhere for a fraction of the normal price? And more to the point are both these true. We bust five flight booking myths.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello, I’m Simon Lambert, the editor of This is Money, and I’d like to introduce you to our new podcast the Investing Show.It is not replacing the weekly This is Money podcast that you know and love.But it is the new podcast of our popular video show that helps you to make more of your money, through smarter investing.Every fortnight we invite fund managers and professional investors to explain how they invest and tell us about the companies and parts of the world that they think will deliver the best returns in the future.It’s an opportunity to get under the skin of the investment world and find out how the people who run tens of millions of pounds of investors’ money really work and think.We wanted to give our regular podcast readers a chance to listen to this new show, so we are publishing it here in the This is Money podcast feed as a one-off.On this week's show, we speak to the ever entertaining Tom Becket, chief investment officer at Psigma Investment Management, and get his views on whether US shares and the Faang stocks are overvalued, where the world's best investment opportunities lie and if the UK stock market is cheap enough to go fishing in yet.Please give it a listen and if you like it look out the next show - or even better subscribe - in our new Investing Show channel at your podcast provider, or at www.thisismoney.co.uk/investingshow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago bitcoin could do no wrong – now it has slumped to 79 per cent below its peak.So what went wrong for the much vaunted cryptocurrency?The mania of a year ago gave way to a bust after Christmas and apart from a few short-lived rallies bitcoin has been mainly on the slide since.That’s not to say it has no use - the cryptocurrency and underlying technology are fascinating - but just because something has some value does not mean it can’t end up in a bubble.On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Myron Jobson look at what went wrong for bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies and what we can learn from the boom and bust.Also on this week’s show, they look at some more durable investments, companies that have paid a rising dividend for a decade or longer – and how some have seen big rises in their share price.The potential return of 100 per cent mortgages and the sudden flurry of better savings rates are also on the agenda.And finally, Simon talks us through the 2,100 road trip he took with his family to test out VW’s California campervan – and whether swapping your family car for a van that’s ready for adventure could ever be a smart move? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

House prices move in an 18 year cycle. That is the theory of Fred Harrison, who used his cycle to forecast the 2008 slump after the financial crisis. If his theory holds, the housing market will have a short wobble this year and next, followed by a final sharp rise in prices to 2025.Does that stand up to scrutiny? Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss the 28 year property cycle on this excerpt from the This is Money podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Money has relentlessly campaigned to fight online fraud – and in a major victory, Britain's biggest banks are now trialling a new system to trace stolen money. Is the end nigh for scammers?Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost talk about bank fraud and our long-running campaign to help protect our readers from the growing crime.We also talk through new rules to come in early next year that will spell out exactly what banks have to do to help prevent customers falling victim of bank transfer scams and why we launched our Beat the Scammers section in 2016.Elsewhere, if you are in the market for a credit card, one of the more eye catching is Virgin Money's offering which could get you a trip to New York with its new bumper sign-up offer – but what's the catch?We also run the rule over Vanadium, the metal which has seen its price soar substantially in recent year.We also talk about the property market and how estate agents – especially across London and the South East - have come under pressure since the Brexit vote, which has triggered a considerable slowdown. This has seen Foxtons announcing branch closures this week.And rather than the gloom and doom predictions of a potential house price crash, Simon asks: are house prices preparing to go on something of a run? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you trying to save for retirement, make the most of your income in old age, navigate the state pension maze, or just feel baffled by some bit of pension jargon?In the This is Money podcast this week, former Pensions Minister and our regular columnist, Steve Webb, is on hand to help you out.Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost are also joined by The Pensions Advisory Service boss Michelle Cracknell to answer reader questions about retirement savings.Topics include:Am I being overcharged by a financial adviser to invest my pension?If I die, will my wife inherit some of my state pension?Will the transfer value of my final salary pension go up if I wait a while?The panel also tackles questions on getting married later in life, setting up a pension when you're self-employed and they explain some of the terrible jargon used by the pensions industry.Why might the GMP, or Guaranteed Minimum Pension, actually reduce your state pension?Is a PIE - a pension increase exchange - worth taking from a former employer?How does the Lifetime Allowance work and if you think you might breach it should you consider getting a Lifetime Isa?They also discuss some of the most popular pensions issues raised by This is Money readers, including pension freedoms and the flat rate state pension.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is austerity really coming to an end? And are the rich getting richer thanks to the Government?In the This is Money podcast this week, editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost analyse the 2018 Budget.Money for the NHS, little extras for schools, cash for roads, help for the High Street and the baby rabbit in the hat - pulling the rise in the basic and higher rate tax thresholds to £12,500 and £50,000, respectively, a year earlier than promised.We also talk about what a no Brexit deal means for interest rates? We heard from the Bank of England this week about the likely impact such a scenario could have on interest rates and how quickly they will go up – or not.Despite sticking this week to 0.75%, the decision came with a few notes of warning – largely that it was based on a 'smooth transition' for Brexit.We talk about the latest in the easy-access savings war in which a small building society trumped Marcus by Goldman Sachs – but only for a short stint.And finally, we report on the latest in our 'stop the private parking sharks' campaign - how the good people of Essex town Basildon have taken to the streets to protest about one firm running a car park and dishing out charges.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As stock market turmoil spreads across the globe, the advice is to keep calm and carry on, folks.In the latest This is Money podcast, editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost discuss what's causing it, how long will it go on for and how concerned we should be.Because we're a positive bunch, we also reveal the shares that have rocketed over the last five years, some by more than 1,000 per cent.Also, we answer a reader query about state pensions - can couples inherit it from each other and how much might they get?Elsewhere, we take a look at the best way to clear your buy-to-let loan and discover how to bag a property bargain.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With this year’s Budget moved to Monday, 29 October, we bring you a pre-Budget special.This is Money editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost debate the key areas that might feature in Chancellor Philip 'Spreadsheet' Hammond’s tax and spending review.This includes housing, inheritance tax, pensions and a whole host more, as he tries to find £20billion down the back of the Treasury sofa for the promised NHS boost.But this Budget has some extra spice, with both Brexit and a Labour party whose main policy idea seems to be to force another General Election, which it thinks it can win.We discuss what the Government needs to focus on to stamp out the Labour challenge and just how the economy is looking ahead of Brexit.One time Labour donor Lord Sugar is threatening to leave the country if Jeremy Corbyn comes into power, thanks – in large part – to its threat of a barrage of tax rises.How big is the threat from Corbyn and co - and what can you do to protect your family from a potential overhaul of pensions, Isas, capital gains and even transferring wealth to a spouse?Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, This is Money launched another campaign - and we have the private car parking sharks and the DVLA in our sights.We talk about the horrific cases of drivers being fined and penalised we have received from readers and listeners so far, ask how the DVLA is able to sell our details on without permission and what can be done about the menace – along with what we want changed.Elsewhere, editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost talk about Dave and Marcus.The latter is the Goldman Sachs backed offshoot offering savers 1.5 per cent interest – and has seen 50,000 people sign-up.The former is Dave Fishwick, who has gone on a crowdfunding drive this week to try and raise up to £7million to help get his Burnley Savings and Loans venture a banking licence.We also discuss Isas. We reveal why they are so good, why they should be part of most people's financial planning and how to become an Isa millionaire.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Child benefit and state pension - It’s not the most obvious link.But if you are a parent who is looking after a child instead of working, you need to register for child benefit in order to build up your entitlement in retirement age.Austerity swept away the universal child benefit and those households where one parent earns more than £50,000 have to start giving it back until it is removed altogether above £60,000.Unsurprisingly, many who fall into this bracket simply opt not to take it and see no point in registering. Unfortunately, mums and dads who stopped work to look after children are now finding they’ve missed building up their state pension.It should be easy to fix, but HMRC and the government have been stalling parents affected. That’s why This is Money has started a campaign to get this mess fixed, before it gets any worse.On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss how this all happened and why it matters to not just those affected.Also on this week’s show, we discuss whether it’s a good idea to delay your state pension and why banks and building societies are cutting mortgage rates, despite the Bank of England raising rates.And finally, can you really have a weekend away in Europe, flights and a decent hotel for £57? Yes you can, thanks to a very clever new website we tracked down.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Budget day, March 2013, Chancellor George Osborne launched a scheme intended to help first-time buyers but was described at the time by This is Money as a 'very good day for builders'.Help to Buy was seen as just another ploy to prop up the UK housing market by helping first-timers borrow even more money to try to enter the housing market.It came in for flack then and is in the spotlight again, accused of forcing up house prices, benefiting the rich and trapping some people in homes they cannot afford.In this short clip, editor Simon Lambert, explains exactly what it is and whether the disaster waiting to happen from 2013, is happening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The reports of buy-to-let’s death have been greatly exaggerated. That is the view of one of the few professional residential property fund managers in the UK. Alan Collett, who runs the Hearthstone fund, believes for the astute investor there is still money to be made from Britain’s homes.You could answer, ‘well, he would say that’, but for those interested in the property market, his reasons are worth listening to.In this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dig into the current state of buy-to-let and whether those without an entire property fund at their disposal can still turn a healthy profit if they think long-term.Also on this week’s show, they discuss where the most homes have been built over the past decade, why Goldman Sachs’ new bank Marcus has got everyone talking thanks to an eye-catching savings rate and whether insurers really do spy on you – including if you’re burgled while Instagramming your holiday.And finally, the new 68 registration plate was launched this month and that should have meant a surge in car sales, except as was suggested by one dealer we may already have reached peak new car and that has combined with diesel worries to sink sales.The good news is that means bargains for car buyers, with as much as £10,000 off some models. We reveal which ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As banks went kaput a decade ago, the safety of our savings was thrust into the limelight.Most had never considered that cash in the bank was at risk and knew little about the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. When Icesave blew up a year after the Northern Rock collapse things changed dramatically.We should all be up to speed now, but how safe are your savings?On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost we look at savings protection but also how you could end up losing money by sticking with cash.Ironically, worries about banks a decade ago triggered a flight to safety and more people stashing money in savings accounts rather than investing.But had people invested as Lehman Brothers collapsed they would have more than doubled their money by now.Taking the risk as the world appeared to be falling apart would have been the right move. Yet, at that point the stock market was already down 20% and fell by that again before it hit the bottom, so how many would have been brave enough?Also on this week’s show, we discuss how easy it might be to hit the £1million pension lifetime allowance sand whether your car might fail its next MOT. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do about the looming inheritance tax threat when you live with elderly parents along with your own child and the home is worth nearly £10million – and you want to continue living there?It sounds like a champagne problem, but IHT does hit ordinary people – including one reader who admits to being relatively cash poor. How can they make sure they aren't turfed out due to inheritance tax?This is Money editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss the IHT issue.Elsewhere, we discuss the big responsibility of being a trustee with a pot of cash to invest for a younger sibling and why it is never too late to start sorting your pension.With a number of big firms suffering hacks, including British Airways, we discuss what people can do if they are a victim and how to prevent becoming one.And finally, we talk about electric cars as sales continue to rise with the UK pushing for an entirely zero-emissions road network by 2040. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What would you teach a student about money?It’s almost time for a fresh year of students to start university and as they find their feet with new friends and a new way of studying they will also face another challenge – being in charge of their financial life.But we don’t have to send them off ill-equipped to deal with that, a few helpful tips can stop students ending up down to their last few pounds before the clocks even change.And as well as offering guidance, it’s perhaps even more useful to tell students about where you went wrong with money at university, or in your younger life.On this week’s podcast Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost have some helpful advice for students and a few candid tales of the money mistakes they made.Also, on this week’s show, we discuss child trust funds and how the free money dished out to children has often been lost track of but could be a nice little windfall.And we put Help to Buy under the microscope. Asking whether it will be tweaked, ditched, or the new build property market is so hooked on this subsidy that we can’t get rid of it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Established banks, challengers, fintech firms and payments providers – they all have one thing in common: none of them are immune to IT problems, glitches, hacks, meltdowns or customer service failures.Yet the momentum towards going cashless shows no signs of slowing down - but is Britain ready for it?In this week's podcast, assistant editor Lee Boyce along with host Georgie Frost talk about the future of payments.Elsewhere, we reveal what went 'wronga' at Wonga and why Lloyds Bank is now recording all product openings in branch.We also discuss the potential Aston Martin float, which could value the firm at £5billion.Lastly, motoring editor Rob Hull talks about two car brands from different ends of the spectrum – Ferrari versus Lada.A 250 GTO sold for a record auction price recently while a Lada could sell for £75,000 – yes, a Lada. Could it be a miracle? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a home, whether it is your first-time or not, can be a daunting experience.From the initial hunt trawling through property websites, to finally getting the keys, it can be an arduous process with plenty of tricky hurdles to overcome.In this housing podcast special, This is Money editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost talk all things property.We have tips on taking the temperature of the local property market, working out what you can really afford, what to pay, how much to offer, how to do it and what happens next.We also reveal some of our personal experiences and tricks we learnt along the way to help you with the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Government's £11billion scheme to install 53million smart meters in homes and small businesses by the end of 2020 has been plagued by problems.Now it appears there may be more hidden nasties. A wireless tech expert says they have the power to take over customer accounts. In theory, this means suppliers could cut off a household's electricity or gas without visiting the property, add debt to a meter, remove credit on an account, change the charge levied or turn the meter into a pre-payment device.Authority to use these functions has yet to be granted – but it all sounds a little big brotherish.In this week's podcast Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost question, is it time to rethink the smart meter push? Also on this week's show, we talk secondary tickets after Ticketmaster axed Get Me In and Seatwave, discuss what to do with £10,000 in order to get onto the property ladder and the motivation you need to prevent becoming a CV cliché. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From pubs to hotels and shops to petrol stations, Britain has gone parking mad.Private land owners have been signed up across the country by operators, who stick in automatic numberplate recognition cameras and then dish out tickets to motorists who stop there.We’ve had countless stories of over-zealous fines and this week Lee Boyce revealed how he fought back after he was sent a ticket for stopping briefly at a BP petrol station.What allows all this to happen is the DVLA selling people’s details to car park operators who snap their numberplate.So is it time to fight back against this parking madness? Why has it got so bad? And how do you beat a ticket?In this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Rachel Rickard Straus and Georgie Frost talk parking tickets.Also, on this week’s show, the banks doing the dirty on savers after the rate rise, how to make your child a pension millionaire and the curious case of Aldi and the food producers accusing it of copying them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Interest rates have finally risen above 0.5 per cent for the first time in almost a decade.The Bank of England has decided that the UK's economy is healthy enough to finally get above the financial crisis emergency level, but was the hike a wise move or a mistake.Of those in favour, some have been calling for a rate rise for a long time, others believe we must try to get back to normal before recession hits.But those opposed believe even this tiny shift up to a very low base rate level of 0.75 per cent, is a gamble too far from the Monetary Policy Committee's ratesetters.On this week's podcast, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost dive into the rate rise. Why did the bank hike rates, who will it affect, why do interest rates even move up and down and how did they end up at 0.5 per cent in the first place?Also on this week's show, Lee introduces us to the world of micro-saving, we discuss the case of the financial adviser who suddenly ask for £10,000 more and Simon tries to show he is down with the kids who are making money by selling on Depop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re all going on a summer holiday! Don’t worry, podcast fans, we aren’t really, but we are dedicating this week’s show to the lucky among you who are.We cover all things money from planning your holiday to arriving back home again.We talk through what you need to know to make sure you have the best travel insurance while you’re away, to how to pay for things and withdraw cash while abroad to make your money go the furthest, to car hire tricks and getting compensation if something goes wrong.Seats and tray tables back to the upright position, seatbelts on and notepads at the ready…Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Working out what to do with a life-changing sum of money is a nice problem to have but that doesn’t mean it’s not tricky. We’ve all read the stories of inheritances, lottery wins and other windfalls squandered - and even if you have spent a lifetime building your wealth, whether through investing or business, it would still be all too easy to rattle through the cash.On this week’s podcast, we look at a question from This is Money’s new Wealth Check section on what to do with £1.2million from a business sale: how to spend some enjoying life and invest the rest so that it is not at too much risk but still grows.From there, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost dive into what a life-changing sum of money might be, why more people are getting them, and what you might do with it.For those without that luxury, we look at why engaging with your pension investments is being tipped as a way to retire early - and whether a bit less time panic scrolling on social media might buy you the time to do that.Also on this week’s podcast agenda are the cheap wills that could cost your family a fortune, the used electric cars rising in value – with the Renault Zoe up 30% in a year - and the annoying text messages that could replace Verified by Visa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this five minute guide to what you need to think about when writing your will, This is Money editor Simon Lambert explains what he discovered when he wrote his - and the things you need to consider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How soon will you be driving an electric car? The Government laid out its Road to Zero plan this week, adding some detail to previous announcements on how it wants to drum petrol and diesel cars off our streets.But is there enough in there to show how we will get from electric and hybrid cars currently making up a 2.2 per cent market share to 50 per cent by 2030?From 2040, new cars running only on petrol and diesel won’t be able to be sold and a decade after that we’re all meant to go electric.The crucial question though is what happens in the near future. How long before your next car is electric?Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at what it will take to tempt us into electric cars, where they will be charged and how long their range needs to be for drivers to take them seriously.They also look at how much a second-hand electric car might cost you.Also on this week’s podcast, Lee reveals a savings trick that could get you a 7 per cent return on £1,000 and we ask whether fixing your mortgage for a decade is wise.BT raising the cost of old email addresses to an astonishing £7.50 a month is also on the agenda.And finally, football isn’t coming home (yet) but has England’s good run at the World Cup boosted the economy?Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.