Money Box - podcast cover

Money Box

BBC Radio 4www.bbc.co.uk

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

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Episodes

Money Box Live: Escaping Economic Abuse

Delving into economic abuse, the podcast features harrowing accounts from survivors like Anastasia and Laura, illustrating how partners control finances, assets, and even basic needs, often leading to isolation. Experts detail the legal recognition of this abuse, the subtle signs to watch for, and crucial steps for escape and recovery, including utilizing charity support, bank assistance, and navigating challenging post-separation financial control through child maintenance. The discussion also highlights the profound psychological impact and the critical need for systemic improvements in supporting victims and restoring their financial independence.

Jan 01, 202528 min

FCA Seen as 'Incompetent' and Rare Coins

A new parliamentary report criticizes the Financial Conduct Authority as incompetent and dishonest, prompting a response from its Chief Executive who highlights reforms. The episode also examines the significant increase in mortgage costs for millions of UK households, offering expert advice for those remortgaging. Finally, it shares the story of a nine-year-old coin collector and gets expert valuation and tips for identifying rare coins.

Dec 28, 202425 min

Reporting Scams and Lifetime ISAs

The Moneybox podcast covers three pressing financial topics. It investigates the 159 fraud helpline's success and limitations through a victim's story, highlighting ongoing challenges in scam prevention. The episode also delves into a significant increase in complaints against St James's Place over historical fees and inadequate advice, alongside an expert's view on financial regulations. Finally, it examines how the Lifetime ISA's property price cap is penalizing first-time buyers, particularly in high-cost areas like London.

Dec 21, 202425 min

Water Bills and Inheritance Tax for Farmers

Moneybox explores the significant increase in people receiving help with water bills through social tariffs, highlighting regional disparities and calls for reform. The episode also covers the heated debate surrounding recent changes to inheritance tax exemptions for farmers, featuring farmer testimonies and expert financial advice. Finally, it delves into Northern Ireland's new consumer price index and celebrates a listener's student loan refund.

Dec 14, 202425 min

Lost Pensions and Student Loans

This episode delves into significant personal finance issues in the UK, starting with the estimated 3 million lost pension pots worth £30 billion and the challenges of tracing them due to job changes and auto-enrollment. It then addresses student loan overpayments, highlighting how hundreds of thousands of former students can claim back nearly £200 million. Finally, the discussion covers the reduction in Universal Credit debt deductions, explaining how this change benefits 1.2 million households by allowing them to keep more of their monthly award.

Dec 07, 202425 min

Inheritance Tax Changes and Car Finance

Moneybox explores the implications of the Labour government's budget, including significant tax rises on employers, changes to capital gains and inheritance tax, and the end of the personal allowance freeze. It also covers public and expert reactions, welcome news for carers with increased earnings limits, and a landmark car finance ruling that could lead to millions in compensation for hidden commissions. The episode highlights the need for transparency and informed consumer decisions in financial dealings.

Nov 30, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Budget Breakdown

Moneybox Live analyzes the new Budget's implications for personal finances, covering key changes like the freezing of income tax allowances, significant shifts in inheritance tax for pensions, and increased employer National Insurance contributions balanced by an enhanced employment allowance. Experts discuss the rise in minimum wage, changes to capital gains tax and stamp duty, and other measures affecting carers, low-income households, and even beer prices.

Nov 27, 202429 min

Budget Countdown and 'Finfluencers'

This episode delves into the significant anticipation surrounding Rachel Reeves' first budget, exploring potential tax increases and how individuals are proactively adjusting their finances. It sheds light on the alarming increase in households facing difficult choices between heating and eating this winter, with a focus on middle-aged people with dependents. Furthermore, the program discusses recent cuts to National Savings products and offers guidance on finding better savings deals. Finally, it addresses the growing concern of “finfluencers” giving illegal financial advice on social media, explaining how to distinguish credible sources from scams.

Nov 23, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Children's Finances

Moneybox Live discusses how to best prepare children for a financially stable future, prompted by a rush to protect family finances before the budget. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of pocket money, various savings vehicles like Junior ISAs, and the often-unclaimed Child Trust Funds. The episode also delves into modern financial challenges, including in-game spending and online influencer advertising, offering practical advice and strategies for parents to engage their children in understanding and managing money responsibly.

Nov 20, 202429 min

Carer's Allowance and Child Trust Funds

This episode of Moneybox delves into the ongoing Carer's Allowance overpayment controversy, featuring a personal story of debt and expert analysis of system flaws. It also uncovers how high administration charges decimated a young man's Child Trust Fund, leading to a major investment firm review. Additionally, the program explores public and industry reactions to potential fuel duty changes in the upcoming budget and warns listeners about a new scam impersonating government living allowance offices for winter fuel payments.

Nov 16, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Missing Out on Financial Support?

This episode reveals the shocking £23 billion in financial support unclaimed each year in the UK, covering Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance, tax-free childcare, and pension credit. Experts and personal stories highlight barriers like lack of awareness, system complexity, and stigma. The discussion emphasizes the importance of checking eligibility, overcoming digital exclusion, and normalizing the claim process for vital assistance.

Nov 13, 202429 min

Pension Credit and Renters Insurance

This episode delves into the government's campaign encouraging over 100,000 seniors to claim pension credit, highlighting personal stories and reasons for low uptake. It also exposes the harmful council tax debt collection practices, with a debt charity advocating for reform. Finally, the program investigates why nearly half of UK renters lack contents insurance, sharing a listener's harrowing experience and discussing solutions to this widespread vulnerability.

Nov 09, 202425 min

Money Box Live: How to Buy a Home

Moneybox Live explores the complexities of home buying, revealing why the process now takes longer and offering expert advice from an estate agent and property specialists. The discussion covers first-time buyer challenges, navigating mortgages and deposits, choosing conveyancers, understanding surveys, and strategies to mitigate risks like sales falling through and gazumping, while also comparing the English and Scottish systems.

Nov 06, 202428 min

Scam Special: Game Changing New Fraud Rules

This episode dives into the new mandatory rules for authorized push payment fraud, requiring banks to refund victims up to £85,000, significantly increasing reimbursement rates. Experts discuss the banking industry's readiness, the controversial £85,000 cap, and the crucial role of tech companies in prevention. Personal stories highlight the devastating emotional and financial impact of sophisticated scams, alongside insights into "gross negligence" and the Payment Systems Regulator's enforcement powers.

Nov 02, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Will You Pay More Tax?

With the new government's budget approaching, this episode of Money Box Live delves into listener anxieties about potential tax increases. Experts discuss the intricacies of Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, and pensions tax relief, clarifying current rules and speculating on possible changes. The discussion highlights public concerns over fairness and the economic implications for individuals, offering practical advice on navigating financial planning amidst uncertainty.

Oct 30, 202428 min

Working on Benefits and Banking Hubs

Money Box investigates a report calling for better support for working families on Universal Credit, highlighting how current earnings thresholds can leave them worse off. The program also examines the rollout and proposed improvements for banking hubs, designed to fill the void left by thousands of bank branch closures. Additionally, it delves into speculated tax changes affecting ISAs and dividends, and explains the implications of the upcoming energy price cap increase and new fraud reimbursement rules.

Oct 26, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Can you afford university?

This Moneybox Live podcast delves into the escalating costs of higher education in the UK, particularly focusing on the average £48,500 debt English graduates face. Experts break down tuition and maintenance loans, explaining the new 40-year repayment period and the widespread need for students to work part-time. The discussion covers the emotional toll of financial stress, regional fee differences, and whether student loans should be viewed more as a graduate tax, concluding with advice on planning and the undeniable value of the university experience beyond just career prospects.

Oct 23, 202428 min

Social Tariffs and Open Banking

Citizens Advice reveals nearly £2 billion in social tariff discounts for water and broadband are unclaimed, highlighting a 'postcode lottery' and low awareness for vital savings. The episode also delves into the £43 billion cost of pension tax relief, discussing potential reforms and public concerns with an expert from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Additionally, it covers upcoming mandatory fraud reimbursement rules set to strengthen victim protection and demystifies Open Banking, explaining its benefits, security measures, and future growth despite low public awareness.

Oct 19, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Fostering Finance

This episode explores the complex financial landscape faced by foster carers in the UK, who are self-employed and often struggle with inconsistent fees and allowances despite their demanding 24/7 role. Through interviews with experienced carers and charity experts, it highlights the 'postcode lottery' in payments and the need for better support, while also sharing a care leaver's journey through financial challenges and her aspiration to foster.

Oct 16, 202429 min

Winter Fuel Payment and Inheritance Tax

This episode delves into the significant impact of Winter Fuel Payment cuts on disabled pensioners, highlighting their increased energy costs and the emotional toll. It also explores the challenges self-employed individuals face in saving for retirement, offering insights into flexible pension options and the potential for auto-enrolment. Additionally, the discussion clarifies Inheritance Tax rules, including thresholds and allowances, and examines potential reforms the Chancellor might consider to raise government funds.

Oct 12, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Gambling Debt

This episode delves into the pervasive issue of gambling-related debt, revealing that a significant majority of helpline callers are affected. Experts discuss risk factors like age, gender, and financial pressure, alongside red flags for addiction. Personal stories from individuals like Bianca and Rachel powerfully illustrate the hidden nature and devastating consequences of addiction, including spiraling debt and family breakdown. The discussion also covers available support, debt management options, and calls for stricter industry regulation.

Oct 09, 202429 min

Household Support Fund and Gambling with Credit

Moneybox investigates the impact of the Household Support Fund, sharing a powerful story of how it provided life-saving assistance. The episode also uncovers a significant increase in loan applications rejected due to excessive gambling, highlighting the struggles faced by individuals and the insights lenders gain from open banking. Finally, it delves into the upcoming UK budget, discussing potential tax changes like Capital Gains Tax, public sentiment, and the economic arguments for and against such reforms.

Oct 05, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Cheaper Childcare?

Money Box Live delves into the new 15 hours of funded childcare in England, a significant relief for working parents. The episode features interviews with parents on their savings and struggles, alongside expert insights into eligibility, the sector's capacity, and the upcoming expansion to 30 hours. It also covers the tax-free childcare scheme, nursery operational challenges, and the impact of application cut-offs on parental leave.

Oct 02, 202428 min

Winter Fuel Payment and Using Cash

Moneybox investigates significant changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, now restricted to those on means-tested benefits, sparking debate and concern among affected pensioners. The program also explores the unexpected resurgence of cash use, with post offices filling the gap left by widespread bank closures, serving as a vital community financial hub. Finally, it examines the government's expansion of funded childcare, detailing its financial relief for parents but also the critical challenges faced by a struggling childcare sector regarding funding and capacity.

Sep 28, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Chasing a Dream

Money Box Live delves into the realities of turning passion projects into viable careers, examining the financial sacrifices and logistical hurdles faced by aspiring creatives and athletes. Guests, including a comedian, an Olympian, and a comic book writer, share their experiences navigating side hustles, employer relationships, and the significant costs involved. The discussion also covers legal aspects of secondary employment, funding opportunities, and the importance of long-term commitment and communication to sustain a dual career path.

Aug 28, 202428 min

Benefit Overpayments and Travel Money

This Moneybox episode delves into pressing financial issues, beginning with a look at nearly 10,000 DWP overpayment errors that have led to significant debt for low-income households. It then explores government plans to consolidate small pension pots, aiming to reunite people with billions in lost savings. Practical advice is offered on avoiding fees when spending money abroad. Finally, the episode highlights the inadequate duration and amount of bereavement support payments, featuring a poignant personal story and a charity's call for reform.

Aug 24, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Your Power of Attorney Questions

Felicity Hannah and experts Sam Cox from the Alzheimer's Society and Melinda Giles from Giles Wilson Law delve into Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). They discuss practical aspects like activation, costs, and the critical importance of setting up an LPA while one still has mental capacity, especially in light of rising dementia diagnoses. The episode also explores the emotional impact on families, the complexities attorneys face when dealing with institutions like banks, and measures to prevent exploitation, highlighting the enduring value of proactive planning.

Aug 21, 202432 min

Tackling Mobile Fraud and Savings Tax

This episode explores new police tactics to combat rising mobile phone fraud, where stolen phones are used to access banking apps and steal money, including victim accounts and prevention tips. It also delves into the increasing number of people paying tax on savings interest due to frozen allowances, offering expert advice on HMRC guidance and the benefits of ISAs. Furthermore, the program highlights significant challenges faced by court-appointed deputies in managing finances for vulnerable individuals due to bank barriers, and discusses the workings of children’s pensions.

Aug 17, 202425 min

Money Box Live: Renting and the King's Speech

This episode of Moneybox Live delves into the UK's rental market, discussing the new Renters' Rights Bill announced in the King's Speech. It covers major reforms like ending no-fault evictions, introducing pet rights, and setting property standards, while hearing directly from tenants about the emotional and financial toll of evictions and from landlords about their struggles with rising mortgage costs and difficult tenants. Experts from Crisis, Zoopla, and the NRLA provide insights into the housing crisis, the impact of demand, and the potential effectiveness of the new legislation in balancing tenant and landlord rights.

Aug 14, 202429 min

Financial Advice Barriers and Wages

Moneybox investigates why fewer people are paying for financial advice, highlighting barriers like minimum investment requirements and lack of trust, while offering resources for guidance. The program also delves into the new Labour government's proposals for a "real living wage" and changes to employment rights, including the debate around zero-hours contracts. Finally, it addresses the surge in mobile phone fraud, detailing personal experiences, new security features from tech companies and digital banks, and scrutinizes traditional banks' responses to reimbursement claims.

Aug 10, 202425 min
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