Cash ISAs are the UK’s favourite savings product, but just what are they, and how best to use them? And are they about to get a government makeover? With nearly £50 billion poured into them last year alone, reforms could impact millions of savers. Holly, Cameron and Laura unpack the possibilities for your savings strategy, and yes, now might be the time to start devising that strategy! Guests: Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance, AJ Bell, and Cameron Smith, financial educator. Hosted on Ac...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min
Online shopping is easy - until your parcel goes missing, turns up damaged, or never arrives at all. This week, Holly is joined by consumer journalist Vix Leyton to share delivery horror stories and explain your rights when things go wrong. Can couriers really leave your parcel anywhere and call it a day? And if they do, what can you actually do about it? Guest: Vix Leyton, Consumer Journalist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 18, 2025•33 min
Ever wonder how to turn an idea into a thriving business or take your side hustle to the next level? This week, Holly is joined by Hannah Prevett, the journalist behind How I Made It , the Sunday Times column profiling successful entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack what it really takes to start and sustain a business that actually lasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 12, 2025•30 min
This week on Feel Better About Money , Holly and expert guest Matt Morris are tackling a topic we've all heard of, but really, just what is it? Cryptocurrency - what you need to know about how is it used. Why is it breaking records right now? And might we be paying for pizza by crypto in the future? Guest: Matt Morris, Director at Carr Consulting & Communications. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 05, 2025•31 min
Ever been ghosted by a brand after a bad buy? You're not alone. In this episode of Feel Better About Money , we dive under the cushions of luxury sofas gone wrong, and hear about rejected refunds on financed cars, and overseas purchases gone bust. The Times Consumer Champion Kat Denham joins Holly and Lucy to reveal how to fight back when companies say no, and what your rights really are. Plus, some big news from Lucy as she signs off from the show, off to a brand new job! Guest: Katherine Denha...
May 29, 2025•26 min
The number of single person households in the UK is on the rise and in a big way! And yet, it costs more than ever to live alone. Just how does that happen? What is the so-called singles tax? And how much is it costing those of us who are 'un-partnered' as it is now described? This week Holly and Lucy are joined by Sarah Coles from Hargreaves Lansdown, who has a wealth of insights from their research into this issue, and offers clear advice on what we can do about it. Essential listening! Guest:...
May 21, 2025•31 min
What are your rights when your flight is delayed or cancelled? Holly and Lucy unpack what compensation and support you’re legally entitled to when travel plans go wrong with expert insight from Rory Boland, consumer travel editor at Which? . Plus, we hear Rachel Mortimer's real-life holiday horror story and explain how to actually get your money back. Read Rachel's story in full at The Times . Guest: Rory Boland, Editor and Consumer Travel Expert, Which? Contact: [email protected] Hosted ...
May 14, 2025•35 min
What does a Bank of England rate cut mean for your money? Holly and Lucy break down how the latest change to interest could affect your mortgage, savings, debt, and pensions with expert insight from consumer finance lawyer, and mortgage advisor Funmi Olufunwa. Guests: Funmi Olufunwa, Financial Lawyer, educator and mortgage advisor. Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 07, 2025•29 min
Lucy and Holly look at the financial pros and cons of going electric on the road. James Court from Octopus EV and Erin Baker from Auto Trader unpack the true costs of owning an electric car - from tax perks and lower running costs to charging infrastructure and government policy. What should buyers know before making the switch? And is it smart to invest now, given that petrol and diesel are being phased out by 2030? Guests: James Court, Director of Public Policy, Octopus Electric Vehicles. Erin...
May 01, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Lucy and Holly ask why a new generation of investors is turning to one of the world’s oldest assets: Gold. Joined by Brian Byrnes from Moneybox together they unpack gold’s historical role in the economy, its incredible performance, and how it compares to trendier assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks. Is gold still relevant in a digital-first world? Why are younger investors increasingly drawn to it? And does it have any downsides? Plus, we hear from young financial coach Laura An...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min
Big changes in global trade can feel...unsettling, and as President Donald Trump's tariffs move markets we’re here to help you stay steady. So what does all this mean for your savings, your investments, your pensions, your mortgages, and your bills? Amy Knight from NerdWallet and Fergus McDonald, from Evelyn Partners, join Holly and Lucy to give us the best tips for Trump proofing your finances! Guests: Amy Knight, NerdWallet & Fergus McDonald, Financial Planner at Evelyn Partners. Contact: ...
Apr 16, 2025•23 min
What actually is inheritance tax, and will it affect you? Can it be avoided without breaking the law? And why are Britain’s farmers so furious about it? In this episode, Holly Mead is joined by consumer finance expert Sarah Pennells to demystify one of the UK’s most controversial taxes. From gifting and the seven-year rule to pensions, property, and the latest government changes, Feel Better About Money is breaking it all down. Guest: Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London. ...
Apr 10, 2025•36 min
Pensions payouts can be confusing, but good news! You don’t have to figure it out alone. With a third of people over 55 unsure about their options and many worried about tax implications, we’re here to make it all a little clearer. Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb joins Holly and Lucy to demystify the process, explaining when and how you can access your pension, the pros and cons of lump sums, drawdowns, and annuities, and how to make sure your money lasts through retirement. Guest: Steve Web...
Apr 02, 2025•34 min
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement - but what does it really mean for your money? Holly Mead is joined by Jo Noble, Chris Etherington and Tom Selby to break down the key takeaways - from welfare cuts to tax crackdowns - as they look at what was announced, what was left out, and what may still come later this year. Guests: Jo Noble, Money Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Chris Etherington, Private Client Partner, RSM UK. Tom Selby, Director of Public Policy, AJ Bel...
Mar 27, 2025•34 min
Poor April! Next month has been labelled as 'awful'. Why? Because many household bills across the board are set to rise once again. So, what can we do to weather the storm? Consumer rights expert Martyn James joins Holly and Lucy to make it all feel a little less scary, with tips and tricks to help you save money. Guest: Martyn James, consumer rights expert, journalist and broadcaster. Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...
Mar 20, 2025•32 min
It’s thought our money habits are learned by the age of seven. So how do you give your child the best money saving chances? This week Holly and Lucy are joined by family wealth planner Francesca Smith to discuss how to teach children the basics about money - how to make those conversations fun, as well as the apps, cards and accounts suitable for young savers. The Times and Sunday Times have also launched a new parenting hub, where you’ll find all the latest articles on school and university gui...
Mar 13, 2025•32 min
From the 1p savings challenge to the 50-30-20 budgeting rule, the internet is brimming with advice on how to save pennies and turn them into pounds - but do they actually work? To separate fact from fad, Holly and Lucy are joined by Beth Snow from Beth's Budget Diary to discuss saving tips and tricks that make a difference. Listen: Getting started with investing Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 06, 2025•32 min
Driving lessons and car insurance costs are rising, but there are ways to cut costs. Holly and Lucy dive into the rising costs of driving with Julie Daniels from Compare The Market and Seb Goldin from Red Driving School. They reveal smart ways to save - from cutting insurance costs to avoiding scams that target learner drivers. Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
Holly and Lucy are joined by Kat Denham, champion champion for The Times and The Sunday Times , as they navigate the tricky world of bank accounts mishaps. From Frozen accounts, lost payments & dormant savings, Kat shares the best ways to protect yourself from losing money. Contact Holly and Lucy: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 20, 2025•24 min
Romance scams are on the rise with victims losing an average of £10,000. And with AI making fraudsters more convincing than ever, how can you protect yourself? Holly and Lucy are joined by Simon Miller from fraud prevention service Cifas and Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You , to find out about the latest scam tactics, the warning signs, and what to do if you or someone you love is a victim. Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min
Many renters, it seems, are changing homes every year - we find out why. It's a rapidly changing rental market and the Renters Rights Bill could potentially be made law this year bringing more transformation. So Holly and Lucy are joined by Anna Ambrose, National Head of Lettings at Strutt & Parker estate agency to find out how to rent better, and why December is a key month to remember. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 07, 2025•33 min
Many people it seems prefer saving over investing their cash. But is that always the best way to grow your money? To dispel investing myths and to see whether investing can be made comprehensible to all, this week, Holly is joined by investment experts Tom Stevenson and Alexandra Jackson who answer questions gathered by Lucy from ordinary commuters. Did they ask what you would ask? Find out! Guests: Tom Stevenson, Investment director for Personal Investing at Fidelity International. Alexandra Ja...
Jan 30, 2025•28 min
For many, paying off a mortgage is one of their biggest financial goals. So, this week Holly and Lucy are joined by mortgage expert, Sarah Tucker from The Mortgage Mum and Leigh Macfarlane, a content creator documenting her journey to becoming mortgage free. They share practical tips and strategies to make your dream of financial freedom a reality. Contact: Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
January is the peak time for many Brits to either book or start planning their next getaway. To help you get the best deals and savings, Holly and Lucy get expert advice from Claire Irvin, Head of Travel at The Times and The Sunday Times. She shares her top travel hacks to save you some cash on your next trip. Contact: Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 16, 2025•33 min
January is the time of year when couples are most likely to split up. So, what's the best way to navigate through a divorce? And how can you deal with your finances when splitting up? Sara Davison and Matthew Taylor offer expert advice. Guests: Sara Davison, Divorce coach. Matthew Taylor, financial specialist, Stowe Family Law. Listen: Take charge of your finances in 2025 Contact: Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 09, 2025•33 min
New year, new you and new money resolutions. Holly and Lucy are joined by personal financial advisor, Myron Jobson, to navigate all the key dates in 2025 to stay on top of your finances. Guest: Myron Jobson, Senior Personal Finance Analyst, Interactive Investor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 01, 2025•25 min
Holly and Lucy are here to guide you through one of the most daunting tasks of the season, filing your tax return. Last Boxing Day over 12,000 people tackled their tax returns ahead of the January 31st deadline. If you’re among the brave souls diving into paperwork right now, don’t worry you’re not alone! Holly and Lucy are joined by tax expert Elsa Littlewood to share practical tips, insights, and a dose of humour to help you face tax season fearlessly and confidently. Hosted on Acast. See acas...
Dec 26, 2024•19 min
Holly and Lucy are joined by financial advisor Gianpaolo Mantini to discuss navigating tricky financial conversations during Christmas, tackling topics like debt, inheritance, and salaries. Guest: Gianpaolo Mantini, Chartered Financial Planner, Partner at Saltus. Contact Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 19, 2024•27 min
Hundreds of thousands of Britons now have a side hustle. So, this week, Holly is joined by tax expert Nimesh Shah who deep dives into the world of side hustles and shares tips and tricks to stay tax savvy as you boost your earnings with an additional income stream. Guest: Nimesh Shah, CEO at Blick Rothenberg Host: Holly Mead, Deputy Money Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Contact Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 12, 2024•32 min
With the cost of gas and electricity going up, what is the best way to save on your energy bills? The Times' consumer champion, Kat Denham joins Holly and Lucy to help make sense of your energy essentials. Guest: Katherine Denham, consumer champion, The Times and The Sunday Times. And if you have a money problem that you would like Katherine Denham to investigate email [email protected] Contact Lucy and Holly at : [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min
