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Paul Lewis and guests delve into the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, dissecting the national insurance cuts for employees and self-employed, and analyzing the unfreezing of the local housing allowance. The program also investigates a listener's challenging experience with petrol pump pre-authorisation that left her without funds for days. Finally, it addresses the concerning rise in financial abuse of vulnerable clients, offering insights into prevention and reporting.
This Moneybox Live special delves into the Autumn Statement 2023, analyzing its impact on personal finances. Discussions include Jeremy Hunt's tax cuts for employees and the self-employed, the confirmed 8.5% state pension rise via the triple lock, and increases to working-age benefits and the minimum wage. Experts examine the implications of fiscal drag, the potential for inflation, and the "pot for life" pension proposals, alongside public reactions and concerns about the ongoing cost of living crisis and unaddressed tax issues.
Moneybox investigates a significant rise in QR code scams, sharing a victim's harrowing experience and offering expert advice on prevention. The program also examines the government's cost of living support, with MPs warning it falls short for low-income households and disabled individuals. Finally, it delves into the legal and ethical issues surrounding a bank's initial refusal to grant a disabled man access to a high-interest savings account, emphasizing the importance of deputyship orders and equal access to financial products.
Saving for children presents various challenges, from choosing the best accounts like Junior ISAs and pensions to navigating the current cost of living crisis. Experts Kirsty Stone and Stephanie Fitzgerald discuss the importance of early financial education, even for toddlers, and how parents can balance their own financial security with saving for their children's future. The episode also highlights practical initiatives like school savings clubs and the power of compound interest, offering advice for both parents and extended family members on encouraging responsible money habits.
This episode explores financial assistance for homeowners facing mortgage arrears through Wales's "Help to Stay" scheme and the complexities of deferring state pension. It also covers winter fuel payments and highlights the increasing demand for baby banks, which provide essential items to families struggling with the cost of living, including the working poor. Experts discuss the broader societal issues of poverty and offer advice on seeking help.
Money Box Live delves into the often-tricky world where love meets money, discussing everything from dating etiquette and initial money conversations to the intricate financial realities of long-term relationships. Experts unravel the legal and financial differences between cohabitation and marriage, particularly concerning property, pensions, and divorce settlements, highlighting the risks of not formalizing arrangements. The episode also covers diverse methods couples use for everyday money management, the rising financial challenges for single individuals, and the critical importance of open communication and legal advice throughout a relationship's lifespan.
Moneybox investigates banks' varied records on reimbursing victims of authorized push payment (APP) fraud, with some returning less than half the stolen money. The episode also covers the unexpected tax burden on savings interest for millions, offering guidance on navigating these changes. Furthermore, new research uncovers the widespread practice of financial fibs and explores the often unequal financial outcomes of divorce, particularly regarding pensions and legal advice.
Broadcasting live from Lancaster, Moneybox delves into the UK's housing affordability crisis, highlighting how rising interest rates and rents are pushing a third of mortgage holders and four in ten renters into financial difficulty. Experts and residents discuss coping mechanisms like interest-only mortgages and family support, alongside systemic issues like housing supply shortages. The episode also touches on government policies, the challenges for first-time buyers, and the long-term implications of current trends for future generations.
Money Box investigates the alarming trend of people turning to loan sharks for basic necessities, highlighting the England Illegal Money Lending Team's efforts and offering legal alternatives. The podcast also explores why more pensioners face taxation on their state pension due to frozen allowances, with expert analysis on the implications. Additionally, it delves into the reasons behind the significant rise in car insurance premiums and provides practical tips for drivers to mitigate these increasing costs.
Over half a billion pounds were stolen by fraudsters in the first half of 2023, with authorized push payment (APP) scams on the rise. This episode features experts discussing the financial and emotional toll of fraud, exploring reimbursement policies, and the evolving tactics of criminals, particularly social engineering. It also examines the role of banking regulations, the accountability of tech platforms like Meta, and provides crucial advice for victims on reporting fraud and escalating complaints.
Moneybox investigates a sophisticated £1.6 million fraud against Kent Brushes, revealing how the bank, police, and Action Fraud allegedly mishandled the case and failed to recover funds. The episode also explores the significant challenges faced by homeowners utilizing the Help to Buy scheme, including soaring mortgage rates, administrative delays impacting remortgaging, and limited support options, leading to potential financial hardship.
Money Box Live investigates the UK's significant digital divide, revealing how millions are excluded from online financial benefits due to basic skill gaps, affordability issues, and inaccessible websites. Experts discuss the financial costs of being offline and the impact of bank branch closures, while community initiatives and policy changes aim to bridge these gaps. The episode also addresses specific challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and those in rural areas with poor connectivity.
The podcast explores the UK's soaring energy debts, with households owing over £2.5 billion, and discusses the role of energy suppliers and government support. It also examines the record £4 billion withdrawn from private pensions in three months, detailing reasons, tax implications, and long-term consequences. Additionally, the episode highlights the difficulties for paper tax return filers due to HMRC's online push, offering advice on deadlines and appeals.
This episode of Money Box Live delves into the often-overlooked topic of saving for one's own send-off, revealing that while many make provisions, fully covering costs remains a challenge. Experts and callers discuss diverse options like green funerals, body donation, and the role of "coffin clubs" in empowering individuals to plan. The discussion highlights the importance of clear communication with family, understanding funeral plan regulations, and exploring cost-saving strategies to ease the burden on grieving loved ones.
This episode investigates the collapse of One Life Funeral Planning, highlighting the lack of regulation and compensation for 13,000 customers. It also scrutinizes energy companies holding over £8 billion in customer credit, with calls for better regulation, transparency, and faster refunds. Additionally, the podcast explores the issue of unclaimed child trust funds and provides guidance on ethical investing, including insights on greenwashing and new financial exclusion trackers.
With energy costs remaining high and government support reduced, this episode offers crucial advice for navigating winter bills. It details available financial assistance for vulnerable groups, explores simple household efficiency tweaks like boiler flow temperature adjustments, and provides guidance on reclaiming excessive energy company credit. The program also features a compelling story of a homeowner who significantly cut costs using solar panels and a heat pump, alongside a rapid-fire myth-busting session for common energy-saving hacks.
This episode of Moneybox reveals that energy companies are holding over £8 billion in customer credit, prompting concerns from MPs and listeners struggling to retrieve their money. It also sheds light on new backdated bereavement benefits for unmarried parents, with less than a quarter of eligible individuals having claimed them. Additionally, the podcast covers important self-assessment tax deadlines and explains upcoming changes to energy bills, including a price cap fall that may still see many households paying more due to reduced government support and rising standing charges.
The Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates at 5.25% brings a pause to rate hikes, leading to a slight drop in mortgage rates but continued uncertainty for borrowers. The episode also investigates how nearly half of UK universities now encourage part-time work for students, reflecting a major attitude change driven by the cost of living crisis and its impact on student finances. Discussions include the struggles faced by students balancing work and study, the need for increased maintenance loans, and critical advice for savers to find the best rates.
While inflation has dropped, prices continue to rise, impacting household budgets and small businesses. This episode features experts from the ONS, consumer groups, and personal finance journalists who explain how inflation is measured and offer strategies to reduce personal spending. It also highlights the challenges faced by families and businesses, providing guidance on where to seek financial help and adapt to changing consumer habits.
Moneybox investigates how one in five UK adults ration essentials to manage debt, with a personal story highlighting the emotional toll. The episode also uncovers community groups battling banks over unexplained account closures, discussing customer rights and a new code of practice. Finally, a successful campaign reveals millions in unclaimed Pension Credit, emphasizing the need for better awareness and easier access to benefits.
This episode explores how to engage young people in pension saving, discussing plans to lower the auto-enrolment age and addressing common concerns about affordability. Experts explain pension basics, the triple lock debate, and options for the self-employed, while Richard Curtis advocates for green investments as a powerful tool for both financial security and environmental impact. The show also covers parental contributions for children's pensions and future tools like pension dashboards.
Moneybox investigates urgent financial matters impacting Britons, from the critical issue of inadequate retirement savings and calls for increased pension contributions, to the second Royal Mail price hike this year. The episode also delves into the government's proposal to digitize paper share certificates, raising concerns about potential losses of individual shareholder rights. Finally, it examines the significant collateral damage of the Hollywood strikes on thousands of self-employed UK film and TV crew members, highlighting the industry's reliance on American productions and the disputes over residuals and AI.
Moneybox Live tackles the UK's growing debt problem, highlighting how the rising cost of living is impacting millions. Through powerful personal accounts, including a single mother's struggle with £30k debt and a survivor of economic abuse, the episode reveals the emotional and financial devastation debt can cause. Experts from StepChange and Bestinvest offer practical advice on budgeting, engaging creditors, and navigating support from charities, while also discussing the risks of "buy now, pay later" schemes and the complex reality of bankruptcy.
The Moneybox podcast delves into several financial topics, revealing that one in five people now use Buy Now, Pay Later for essential expenses, with many struggling with repayments. It also highlights a report suggesting millions could be saved annually by building more accessible homes, improving quality of life for wheelchair users. The episode further covers the reopening of the HMRC self-assessment tax helpline and the government's consultation on allowing employers to access surplus defined benefit pension funds, sparking debate and concern among savers.
This episode broadcasts live from Leeds Freshers' Week, exploring the significant changes to student finance in England, including longer repayment periods and reduced earning thresholds. Experts Martin Lewis and a panel, alongside students, discuss the implications for graduates, the increasing struggle with living costs despite some interest rate cuts, and the vital role of budgeting and available support. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of university accessibility and the best ways families can provide financial assistance.
This episode explores how businesses on Barnsley's redeveloped high street are coping with the cost of living crisis. It features Dave, whose popular, affordable coffee shop is thriving despite increased overheads, and David, a long-serving butcher battling astronomical price hikes and reduced customer spending through diversification. The podcast also highlights Katie, whose candle melt side hustle blossomed by adapting to market trends and utilizing local trading opportunities, ultimately moving from surviving to thriving with council support.
This episode explores how Oasis Academy Harpur Mount, a primary school in Manchester, is grappling with the cost-of-living crisis. Principal Sally Herbert details financial strains, staff retention issues, and the school's vital role in providing support beyond education, including food, warm spaces, and housing advice for families. Parents share their struggles, while an education expert offers a broader UK perspective on budget cuts and staff challenges. Despite financial pressures, the school remains committed to fostering a thriving learning environment for its diverse community.
Moneybox investigates the severe impact of rising costs on UK farms, meeting two families adapting to these pressures. Kevin and Sian transformed their mixed farm with diversified ventures like farm shops and milk vending, significantly boosting profits. In contrast, Abi focuses on enhancing efficiency and adopting new technologies on her traditional mixed farm, facing different challenges while aiming for long-term resilience and affordable food production for all.
Money Box delves into how the UK's cost of living crisis is affecting diverse households, from low-income individuals to high earners. Listeners hear from Peter, who struggles with disability and soaring rent; Hollie, a new mum battling rising baby costs on maternity leave; and Kishan, facing huge mortgage hikes and health challenges. Economist Dr. Gemma Tetlow provides context, revealing how widespread the financial strain truly is, pushing many from thriving to merely surviving.
The Bank of England is expected to raise interest rates again this week, for the fourteenth consecutive time. The increase will hike the monthly repayments for anyone on a variable rate mortgage, for those trying to re-mortgage after coming off a fixed-rate and for first time buyers with new home loans. In this podcast we look at the dilemmas created by high borrowing rates. The experts in this podcast are Sonya Matharu, Senior Mortgage Broker at The Mortgage Mum and Tom Bill, Head of UK Residen...
