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This episode of Money Box investigates the ongoing Civil Service pension payment delays administered by Capita, with calls for their contract to be terminated due to widespread stress among retirees. It also explores the concerning drop in child benefit claims, discussing the impact of the high income charge and other benefits of claiming. Additionally, the program highlights rising energy costs, advocating for a new social energy tariff to support lower-income households, and celebrates Scotland's World Cup qualification with a rare commemorative banknote.
Money Box explores critical financial issues including the impact of caring responsibilities on carers' pensions and financial futures, featuring a personal story and expert insights from Carers UK. The program also examines the government's review into bank branch closures affecting access to in-person services, consumer experiences, and potential solutions like banking hubs. Furthermore, it details National Savings and Investments' plan to return unclaimed money to deceased customers' estates and highlights a report exposing the poor quality of financial guidance found on social media platforms.
Money Box Live investigates why the UK lags in investment compared to other nations, as the government launches a new initiative. Guests Karen Northey from the Investment Association and Independent Financial Advisor David Dodgson tackle common anxieties about risk and market volatility, emphasizing that long-term investment can counteract inflation better than cash savings. They also cover campaign strategies, the role of pensions, and essential tips for new investors to navigate the market safely, including distinguishing active from passive funds and avoiding scams.
This episode explores why millions in the UK lack wills, leading to potential financial chaos for families, and how to plan effectively. It also introduces the new "Invest for the Future" campaign with mascot Savvy Squirrel, aiming to encourage more people to invest by addressing common fears and knowledge gaps. Finally, the discussion clarifies how rising interest rates mean more people are paying tax on savings, offering guidance on thresholds and ISAs.
With more people living longer, this episode delves into how to ensure financial well-being throughout an extended retirement. Experts discuss the shift from traditional pensions to defined contribution schemes, evolving work patterns, and the importance of regular financial reviews. Listener stories highlight challenges like health issues and rising living costs, underscoring the need for early, flexible financial planning.
This episode explores two key personal finance topics: the Financial Conduct Authority's inquiry into the claims management industry for unfair practices, and the dynamics of bank account switching. It features an interview with an FCA director about misleading marketing and high fees, and discusses why more people don't switch banks despite incentives. Financial experts and serial switchers share insights on the process, benefits, and potential pitfalls of changing accounts, alongside advice on planning finances for an extended lifespan.
This episode explores how teenagers learn to manage money, covering early experiences with pocket money, the state of financial education in schools, and the challenges of finding part-time work in a competitive market. It features interviews with proactive teens balancing jobs and studies, and highlights how charities like Spear help disadvantaged youth develop essential employment skills. The discussion also emphasizes the crucial role parents play in fostering positive money habits and engaging in open financial conversations.
The episode investigates National Savings and Investments' significant delays in bereavement claims, leaving grieving families in distress and highlighting systemic issues. It also examines the Bank of England's decision to keep interest rates steady amidst inflation warnings, exploring how this affects mortgage choices and consumer uncertainty. Finally, the episode delves into a study on the scarring effects of youth unemployment, detailing current figures and profiling charities like Spear that help young people find work.
This episode delves into England's new Renters' Rights Act, exploring its significant changes including banning no-fault evictions, introducing open-ended tenancies, and combating discrimination. Experts discuss the act's practical implications for both renters and landlords, addressing concerns about property sales, court efficiency, and transitional rules. The discussion highlights diverse perspectives on the reforms, from tenants' improved security to landlords' worries about market stability.
Money Box discusses England's new Renters' Rights Act, examining its impact on tenants and landlords, including an end to no-fault evictions and rent bidding wars. The episode also investigates flaws in fraud reimbursement regulations, highlighting a 13-month time limit that leaves some victims unprotected. Additionally, it offers advice on fixing energy bills amidst rising costs and recounts a compelling story of a disabled man's battle to recover crowdfunded money lost in a bank transfer error, showcasing Money Box's intervention.
With global conflicts and surging fuel prices impacting travel, this episode explores listener worries about summer holiday plans. Experts discuss how airlines are adjusting schedules, the increasing costs of flights and package holidays, and the growing trend of UK staycations. The program delves into consumer protections for booked trips, the nuances of travel insurance for disruptions and war-related risks, and practical advice for navigating rebooking challenges and understanding jet fuel supply realities.
Money Box investigates the deepening cost of living crisis, highlighting that nearly half of adults fear affording energy bills and discussing the billions owed in energy and council tax debt. The episode also covers upcoming changes to council tax recovery, HMRC's warning on winter fuel payment scams, and the reasons behind the rise of polyemployment as young people increasingly juggle multiple jobs.
This episode of Money Box Live examines the economic ripple effects of global conflicts on UK households, with experts discussing how rising energy bills and market volatility are affecting personal finances. It covers practical steps, including the pros and cons of investing in green home technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, alongside advice on managing investments, pensions, savings, and mortgages in uncertain times. The panel provides guidance on how individuals can build financial resilience amidst global shocks.
Money Box investigates widespread delays faced by newly retired teachers awaiting pension payments, causing significant financial stress. The episode also examines the UK housing market's response to increased mortgage rates and economic uncertainty, offering advice for buyers and sellers. Additionally, it explores current rising savings rates for consumers and the crucial policy change lifting the two-child benefit cap on Universal Credit, detailing its financial relief for many families.
This episode of Money Box Live delves into the new Employment Rights Act, described as the most significant change to workers' rights in a generation. It covers key updates like statutory sick pay from day one, enhanced paternity leave availability, and changes to unfair dismissal rules. The discussion features insights from an ACAS advisor, an employment lawyer, the Employment Rights Minister, and various business owners, exploring the benefits for workers, concerns about costs for employers, and the role of the new Fair Work Agency.
Millions of people in their sixties will now wait up a year longer before they can claim their state pension. From Easter Monday the current state pension age of 66 will gradually increase over the next two years until it reaches 67 affecting everyone born on 6th April 1960 or later. How will it work for those affected? Rent arrears, council tax debt and unpaid utility bills are the main reason more than 400,000 people in Britain are homeless. A new report by the Centre for Homelessness Impact p...
Felicity Hannah and guests Jonathan Athow from HMRC and Emma Rawson from the Association of Tax Technicians demystify Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax. They explain the transition to quarterly digital record-keeping and filing, discuss the required third-party software, and address listener anxieties ranging from system complexity and data security to the impact on small businesses and the availability of exemptions. The discussion also covers HMRC's rollout strategy, awareness campaigns, and where taxpayers can find support.
This episode delves into the impact of rising petrol prices on UK drivers, explaining the various factors contributing to the increases. It also investigates the NS&I scandal involving nearly half a billion pounds owed to deceased customers' heirs and the ongoing apologies from Capita over severe delays in civil service pension payments. Finally, the discussion highlights a call for a financial literacy exam for 15-year-olds to improve understanding of real-world financial products and services.
This episode delves into critical financial issues, including government support for households affected by soaring heating oil prices and the complexities of its distribution across the UK. It also examines the current instability in the mortgage market, with interest rates climbing and deals disappearing. Furthermore, a criminologist uncovers the psychological tactics behind elaborate investment scams that lead sensible people to lose vast sums. Finally, listeners vote on which animal should grace the new Bank of England banknotes, with the hedgehog emerging as a popular choice.
Money Box delves into a turbulent week for the mortgage market as rates rise above 5%, offering expert advice for homeowners and first-time buyers. The episode also scrutinizes the government's new fraud strategy, drawing criticism from victim support groups for lacking clear targets. Additionally, discussions include rising heating oil and petrol costs, the Bank of England's plan for wildlife on banknotes, and the unexpected decision by banks to retain the £100 contactless payment cap.
This episode explores the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, including surging oil and gas prices, their impact on inflation, and potential changes to interest rates and mortgages. It also delves into the harrowing experience of a listener who lost over £300,000 to a cryptocurrency scam, detailing the criminals' methods and the challenges in combating international fraud. Finally, the podcast discusses an upcoming scheme for missold car finance compensation.
Money Box investigates the 'pitiful' emergency loans for former civil servants facing pension payment delays, highlighting systemic failures and the devastating impact on individuals. The episode also explores the surge in Buy Now Pay Later usage, particularly among older people, examining its role in managing essential costs but also the associated financial risks. Finally, it delves into the booming market for rare Pokémon cards, discussing their appeal as collectibles versus their highly volatile nature as an investment.
Money Box explores the latest warnings for claims management firms regarding mis-sold car finance, including the FCA's upcoming free scheme and consumer protections against excessive fees. The episode also examines trends in Junior ISAs for child savings and highlights the rising threat of online investment and job scams, offering advice on how to protect finances. Finally, it delves into the "pay by bank" online payment method, weighing its convenience against the significant loss of consumer protection.
How hard is it for young people to find a job and once they do how can they make it pay? Some 16.1% of people aged 16 to 24 are not able to find work according to the latest government figures, the highest level for 10 years. Without a job, being able buying a home, paying into a pension or just pay the bills can seem impossible. So what's the best way to go? Graduate job, apprenticeship or working your way up from an entry level job and what support is there for those struggling whilst on the h...
The CEO of Capita Public Services apologizes for severe delays affecting thousands of civil servants' pensions, causing significant hardship. The episode also delves into romance scams, with a listener recounting his £30,000 loss and an expert offering crucial advice. Additionally, changes to the Lifetime ISA for first-time homebuyers and the Warm Home Discount payment delays are examined.
In this Money Box Live episode, experts Sally Mitchell and Paul Broadhead demystify the mortgage market, tackling listener questions on fixed vs. tracker rates, borrowing limits, and longer terms. They provide essential advice for first-time buyers, those remortgaging, and even older borrowers, highlighting the importance of understanding affordability and credit health amidst changing regulations and market expectations. The discussion also covers niche products like offset mortgages and strategies for overpaying.
This episode of Money Box delves into critical financial issues affecting many in the UK. It uncovers the "catastrophic" delays in civil service pension payments, with thousands of retirees waiting months for their money and a union calling for urgent action and compensation. The program also highlights the widespread problem of persistent credit card debt, featuring a personal story of despair and Stepchange's call for stronger lending regulations. Additionally, it examines the positive impact of new rules requiring banks to refund victims of authorised push payment fraud and explores the implications of banks offering high-multiple, extended-term mortgages, including the risks and regulatory oversight.
Money Box Live examines the escalating student loan debt in the UK, highlighting the stark differences between older Plan 2 loans and newer Plan 5 loans, particularly the impact of frozen repayment thresholds and high interest rates on graduates. The discussion uncovers widespread student confusion regarding loan terms, the inadequacy of maintenance loans to cover living costs, and provides advice on repayment strategies and available support for those struggling. Ultimately, the episode explores the true cost and enduring value of a university degree in today's economic climate.
Money Box investigates the new "Report Fraud" agency, designed to replace the discredited Action Fraud, and its promise of more effective action against crime. The episode also uncovers alarming practices by bailiffs, leading to calls for statutory regulation to protect vulnerable debtors. Additionally, it examines new safeguards for households on heat networks and scrutinizes the high interest rates on student loans, which many graduates feel they were misled about, causing their debt to spiral.
More people are working past state pension age, whether by choice for routine and social connection, or out of financial necessity due to insufficient pensions. This episode delves into the diverse motivations and challenges, including the impact of life events on financial security, the gender pension gap, and differing state pension benefits. It also tackles age discrimination in the workplace and the broader economic need to support older workers, highlighting their valuable contributions and the importance of adapting retirement norms.
