Episodes
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Do you keep savings in your current account? It’s an easy trap to fall into, with a third of people admitting they do it in a recent poll.
If you do keep a savings pot in a bank account you are likely to be missing out on a big chunk of interest you could otherwise earn.
But even if they don’t do this, there’s two more mistakes people make – using convenient ‘insult’ accounts with their existing bank that pay pitiful interest and not using a cash Isa and losing out to tax.
On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at how to make more of your savings and avoid handing over returns to the bank or taxman.
Plus, are you playing into the hands of shoulder surfing fraudsters or phone snatchers, why are more larger detached homes hitting the market and how can you get Steve Webb to answer your pension question on next week’s podcast? -
Inheritance tax- punches above it s weight. It is paid by only a small minority of estates, yet manages to be Britain's most hated tax and its most controversial.
Some believe it's immoral double taxation and should be axed altogether, others say crank it up - and somewhere in the middle there are many people who feel that taking 40 per cent is just too much.
But it's also a tax that even those with an expensive home and plenty of savings can generally avoid if they choose, by spending more and giving more away in their lifetime.
The problem is that they need to survive seven years or they may get caught by some very outdated gifting allowances.
Yet, there is a little-known loophole that allows people to give away considerably more without worrying about the seven-year rule.
On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert look at inheritance tax and the surplus income rule.
They discuss this trick to beat death duties and the catches it comes with and all the other rules surrounding IHT.
Also on this week's show: noisy heat pumps, the British Isa meets its maker and our failure to support the high streets that we moan about dying. -
Missing episodes?
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A bad news Budget looks to be on the cards after Labour continued to pour cold water on optimism its own election victory this week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a gloomy speech saying the Budget was going to be painful, hot on the heels of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' own gloom-mongering.
But having made a promise not to raise the rates of income tax, national insurance, VAT and corporation tax, where will the goverenment try to raise cash.
Starmer said tax rises would target those with the 'broadest shoulders' but who are they - and are there really enough of the very wealthy to target or will the burden be more likely to fall once again on those in the rich middle.
On this podcast, we look at what taxes could rise and what a capital gains tax, pension, inheritance or other raid could mean for people.
Plus, Britain's biggest mortgage lender Halifax is upping what it will lend first-time buyers, Crane goes on the case of an Evri bungle and asks shouldn't you be within your rights to expect a parcel to arrive?
And finally, with the Oasis ticket scramble in full effect and ticket prices sky high, can you protect against a potential Gallagher brother blow up or anything else that would stop you going? (If that is you can get tickets in the first place, of course). -
Gold has hit record highs this week and has rocketed so far this year. What’s driving the price and how do you invest?
This week, Tanya Jefferies, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce turn their attention to the precious metal – a notoriously volatile investment, but yet seen as a safe haven.
Energy bills will be back on the up, with the new Ofgem price cap announced for October. Is it worth fixing before the hike comes in?
And one in four are expected to struggle this winter with their energy bills – just as the new Winter Fuel Payment is taken away for millions of households.
We bust some myths on inherited state pension and ask how DWP can be dishing out incorrect information and also question whether annuity deals have peaked.
Plus we run the rule over two juicy reader questions. Firstly, what are your rights if you drunkenly lend money to a friend?
Secondly, what can you do about a property next door being converted into an HMO with six students? -
This week, the consumer prices index measure of inflation nudged higher to 2.2 per cent.
But what does this mean for future base rate decisions - and then in turn, mortgage rates and savings rates.
This week, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss the latest inflation figures and what the rest of the year has in store for the economy.
Meanwhile, experts predict a busier housing market this autumn - but what makes them so sure?
And watch out if you plan on taking your kids out of school during term time - you could face big fines, with the first change to the system since 2013.
Is it fair that parents get fined for taking children on holidays and should there be a better system devised?
We look at the supermarket winners and losers over the last decade - just how bad have things been for Asda.
And our reporter Angharad Carrick takes a visit to west London Tesco to test its new anti-shoplifting measures. Is it any good?
We also run the rule over Aliexpress... and the bargain items that are almost too good to be true... -
Stock markets around the world saw huge falls this week, but is it a sign of more trouble ahead or just a storm in a teacup?
Simon takes a look at what’s behind it all, and why investors should avoid the temptation to start tinkering with their portfolios once the horse has already bolted.
His advice is to ignore the voice in your head that says you should get out now to stave off disaster - but also pay attention to its existence.
Good news for motorists, as car insurance premiums have started to fall for the first time in two years. Or is it?
They still remain at near-record highs, and are up a whopping 48 per cent since 2022.
This is Money's Sam Barker discusses why premiums went so high, who has been worst affected, and how to keep costs down.
Staying on the topic of insurance, the UK has been gripped by riots in the past week and This is Money has been looking at what your compensation rights are if your home or car gets damaged.
Elsewhere, Sam explains the latest tactic broadband firms are using to squeeze cash out of their customers - and asks why the regulator Ofcom appears to be looking the other way.
Mortgage rates have been shifting fast this week, and Simon rounds up the latest deals.
We also answer a question from a reader who wants to know what to do with his £80,000 redundancy pay-off. -
Building up a savings pot and then investing to growing your wealth and provide a decent pension for retirement is the key to long-term financial success.
But there's lots to consider at each step - and most people will want to buy a home along the way.
So what do you need to think about when sketching out your lifetime finances and then trying to achieve your goals?
On this podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take it step by step and look at each element of saving, investing, buying a home and building a pension.
How much should you have in an emergency savings pot?
How do you move from saving to investing?
How can first-time buyers get ahead in tricky times?
How much do you need to save for retirement?
They look at all of these things and more. -
It's official - we're complaining about our neighbours more, new data shows.
When it comes to noise, many appear sick of barking dogs, squeaky trampolines and loud music ruining the enjoyment of our homes.
This week, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk about neighbour wars - and what we can do about it.
And sticking to the property front, does it matter if you're a 'super' nimby? And if you do want to fight back against developments in your area, what's the sensible way to do it?
We also look at the danger of pricing your home too high - and the Rightmove data that shows just how risky it can be.
Grandparents and parents are digging depper than ever to send children to university. What do young adults need to know before they take out a student loan?
Lee goes back to school to talk to kids about money and the working world - but what did HE learn from the experience?
And from festivals to sporting events, why has having fun become so expensive? -
Do you feel financially confident? When it comes to budgeting, saving, investing, and building your pension, are you clueless, comfortable, or cracking on?
A piece of research this week by Moneybox claimed that being financially confident could add £67,000 to your lifetime wealth – on average those with confidence were worth £145,000 on average, compared to £78,000 for the unconfident.
But what does being financially confident actually mean and how can you get there?
On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look at how to boost your financial confidence and whether the tips to do so could work.
Plus, a week into a new government and with a planned pensions review looming, the team look at what Labour could mean for our retirement savings.
Meanwhile, investors seem to be cheering Labour taking charge and this week investment giant BlackRock flagged Britain’s ‘relative political stability’ and cheap stock market, so does that mean good future returns?
Investing a large sum was on the mind of a reader who asked This is Money an unusual question: I’m inheriting £10million, should I set up an investment trust? So, what is the answer to that?
And finally, a new report has revealed Britain’s best places for customer service – did your favourite make the list? -
All change, please. In a radical reshaping of the political landscape, Britain has elected a Labour government for the first time in 14 years.
New prime minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made bold promises of revival, growth and wealth creation.
But many fear that Britain’s troubled public finances will also mean that promises not to raise taxes will prove empty.
So, what has Labour said it will do, what important things have been left unsaid, what will it mean for the economy and your finances and is there a path to prosperity that doesn’t involve more tax pain?
On this special election podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what Labour’s election victory could mean for our money.
The team discuss the manifesto promises on the economy and growth and at how robust the no tax rise pledges are.
Can Labour’s housebuilding plans and planning shake up deliver more homes? What are its other plans to get growth going?
Plus, the team look at the Tories’ 14 years in charge of the economy and the positives that can be drawn amongst the turbulence.
And finally, what have we got to be optimistic about as we move into the next chapter of British life? -
You find a decent paying savings account, diligently squirrel away your money, watch it grow… only for the taxman to come along and swipe a chunk.
And since savings rates have been much better in recent years, the amount HMRC is taking in in savings tax revenue has gone up significantly
It's only going to increase according to estimates, to the tune of £10.37billion in 2024/25, up from £6.6billiion in 2023/24 - and £1.2billion in 2021/22.
So, how can you dodge the trap? This week, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce look at this growing revenue spinner.
It also means taking advantage of Isas is key - and we're very keen on one tax-free account in particular.
And sticking with savings, this week Helen explains the case of a Barclays customer who had a stroke - recovered better than expected - but was then locked out of his account with £100,000 in it for nearly a year.
There is a mobile phone swiping epidemic in the country - but what is it the criminals are really after? Is it the handset, or something else?
We explain all, alongside businessman and This is Money columnist Dave Fishwick, who interviewed one of the gang leaders.
And sticking with Dave... he gives his views on what needs to the happen after the general election on 4 July for the North.
It's not just our phones being stolen… motor theft too is on the rise. A former police interceptor gives his tips on how to keep your vehicle safe.
Lastly, what is the magic number of salary to make you feel rich? Recruiter Indeed believes it has found the answer... -
Inflation is back on target at 2 per cent. After the spike into double-digits that triggered talk of a cost of living crisis and sent interest rates spiralling, we are now back at the Bank of England's target level.
So, is the great inflation panic over and is life about get easier?
Or will we be feeling the after effects of high inflation for years to come?
And what's going to happen to interest rates?
On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why inflation as come down and what happens next.
Plus, the couple who didn't get a Natiowide fairer share payout despite having £100,000 saved.
And finally, would you let your parents pay for you to go on holiday as an adult - or pay for your own adult kids to go with you?
The team look into the family time vs freeloading debate. -
It’s manifesto week and Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems have laid out their vision for the country – along with the Green Party, Reform and others.
The economy, tax and people’s finances are a cornerstone of the all the manifestos, but what are the main parties proposing and what could it mean for you?
On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert take a deep dive into the manifestos to see what’s there.
If the country votes for a change and we do get the widely predicted Labour government, what will it mean for your money – and does talking about growth mean there’s an actual plan to deliver it?
After 14 years in charge, were the Tories bold enough in their manifesto to derail Labour’s run at power?
And do the Lib Dems have the policies that could shake things up, including a plan to substantially overhaul capital gains tax?
Plus, what did Reform say?
All this and more go under the microscope, along with a look at what has really happened to our taxes in a decade-and-a-half under the Conservatives.
And finally, away from the election, how much did the most desirable new King Charles £5 note go for at a special auction this week? -
How much do you need in Premium Bonds to win the jackpot?
And if you haven’t maxed them out to the full £50,000, is it even worth bothering?
This is Money has run some in-depth analysis on all the £1million prizes over the past four years and this week revealed how much those lucky people held.
On this week’s podcast episode, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what it takes to win the Premium Bonds.
Simon gives us his tax manifesto to get us out of the mess Britain’s tax system is in.
Plus, one of our readers is in their mid-40s, would like to semi-retire to work on their own terms, travel and enjoy life in a decade, and wants to know if their £180,000 investments can grow enough to achieve that.
What does someone with those ambitions need to consider? The team take a look.
Should you consider buying a cheap electric car? Prospective buyers are worried about batteries but get over that and Simon says it could prove even cheaper to run than you think.
And finally, the new King Charles notes are out but what are the serial numbers to check your wallet for that could make them worth big money? -
This is Money's consumer champion Helen Crane celebrated the 100th edition of her Crane on the Case column this week.
Helen has won back more than £1.2million for readers over the course of all those columns and learnt a thing or two along the way about how to battle consumer problems and bad customer service.
On this podcast, she discusses the big wins, the satisfying victories, the worst cases of bad customer service - and gives her tips on how to get what you want.
Also on the show, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss whether working parents could be missing our by not claiming child benefit now that the rules have changed and more can get it.
Plus, if you owe tax on savings interest but don't have to do a tax return how will HMRC find out?
Is Scottish Mortgage worth backing as shares rebound but remain considerably down on their peak?
And finally, Charles Stanley's Dan Beecroft jons the show to explain 50-30-20 budgeting and why people love this rule of thumb for spending and saving. -
The Prime Minister put an end to all the speculation this week by giving us the date for the general election: July 4.
That comes as the latest inflation reading was 2.3 per cent, a little above forecasts making a base rate cut next month now unlikely.
Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce delve into the economic state of affairs and what the upcoming election could mean for your money, when it comes to tax, pensions, property and everything in-between.
Nationwide Building Society posted pre-tax profits of £1.77bn this week and as a result, it is dishing out another year of 'Fairer Share' loyalty payouts of £100 – will you qualify?
And not only that, it is now offering £200 to switchers and an exclusive 5.5 per cent loyalty savings rate.
How does early retirement sound to you? It seems it appeals to a lot of us because searches on Google for 'retire early' have increased threefold in the last decade.
But how much would you be willing to sacrifice to achieve it? At the extreme end, we have the FIRE movement, advocating saving 70 per cent of your income.
Special guest, former This is Money editor Andrew Oxlade had had enough – he explains why.
Lastly, This is Money has a new regular series called Modern Treasures with valuation expert Dan Hatfield – Lee reveals all about the first one, all about first edition books, and gives details on how to get YOUR items valued for free. -
Supermarket loyalty schemes have become even more of a big thing in recent years as the two giants Tesco and Sainsbury's have rolled out Clubcard and Nectar Prices.
But while cards bring lower prices, the points collected still mean prizes for some loyalty scheme fans.
So, what happens if a fraudster steals your points? This is Money's Angharad Carrick recently went on the trail of some stolen Nectar points and uncovered a story that delivered as many questions as it did answers.
On this podcast, Ang, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert discuss the mystery of the stolen Nectar Points and how our reader got short shrift from Sainsbury's, Action Fraud and the police when they had £230 nicked.
Plus, are these loyalty cards any good and worth having anyway and why is the competition watchdog investigating them?
Also on this week's show:
Many more people are taking mortgages than run past state pension age but with work and retirement blurring and changing does this matter? Simon explains why he thinks it does but for another reason.
Would you buy fake cash for a knockdown price off social media? It sounds daft, but this is a genuine thing - we look at how it is happening.
And should a reader who is still working at age 77, worth £2.6million and doesn't want a big inheritance tax bill start giving money away - and splashing out on themselves and their family? -
The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate for the sixth time in a row this week – but was it the right decision?
Should the MPC have been bold and made a cut? What does it mean for our mortgages and savings? And when will a move come - and in what direction?
This week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk about the base rate decision and what happens next.
In the world of property, the number of homes being devalued is on the rise. So, what's going on? And what can you do if it happens to you.
Bungalows are having a moment. They're not just for the elderly and downsizers, young families and first time buyers are also increasingly interested - pushing the price of them higher since the pandemic. .
Energy firms have been trying to push smart meters on us for years. Have they uncovered a new trick to get us to make the swap?
And finally, it's been good news for JD Wetherspoon - the no frills pub chain said it expects annual profits to come in towards the 'top end' of forecasts.
Where do you stand on Spoons? Lee and Simon face-off with different pints of view on the pub giant. -
With not one but two mortgage spikes fresh in our minds, a flurry of rate rises have got home owners and potential buyers worried again.
A bunch of major mortgage lenders raised their rates this week - and Santander did it twice.
So, are we about to see another mortgage spike or is this just what brokers and lenders like to optimistically call a mere 'repricing'?
And what does this all mean if you need to remortgage soon or want to buy a home?
On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert take a look at what's happening in the mortgage market, why rates are rising and whether the Federal Reserve flapping its wings on the other side of the world pushes up our homeowning costs.
Plus, Simon explains why you may not want to put all of your savings into your pension as it might dent early retirement chances.
The team look at how at the other end of the scale someone with a bigger pension than they need could pass it to their grandchildren.
Helen details a worrying Crane on the Case theft and how to protect yourself - and finally we discuss whether a passkey is the answer to our fraud fears. - Show more
