The Martin Lewis Podcast - podcast cover

The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Livewww.bbc.co.uk

Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.

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Episodes

Question Time: Is saving 15% of my salary into my pension enough? How long do I keep financial docs? ISA rules when I die?

Martin Lewis answers listener questions on crucial financial topics, offering advice on pension savings for young adults and strategies for managing growing credit card debt responsibly. He also delves into the often-confused rules around retaining financial documents and the tax implications for ISAs upon death. The episode features a success story about Junior ISA investments and a fun personal question about Martin's ideal museum artifact.

Jun 29, 202640 min

The huge new ISA and Lifetime ISA changes explained | Flight crew secrets

This episode dives deep into the raft of new Individual Savings Account (ISA) changes, explaining how upcoming rules affect cash and shares ISAs, including tax on cash holdings and transfer restrictions. Martin Lewis also unveils proposals for a new First Time Buyer ISA, compares it with existing Lifetime ISAs, and advises on strategies for maximising savings and bonuses. Additionally, hear practical tips from travel industry insiders to help holidaymakers avoid common mistakes when flying or going abroad.

Jun 25, 20261 hr 5 min

Question Time: Are we failures for not owning a home? Is the LISA still due to be replaced? Car finance claim success!

This Question Time episode addresses common financial dilemmas, including whether not owning a home signifies failure and practical steps for saving for a deposit. Martin also clarifies the tax treatment of Nationwide's Fairer Share bonus and provides an update on the anticipated Lifetime ISA reforms, offering practical advice for those impacted by the property cap. Listeners also hear a success story of reclaiming mis-sold car finance.

Jun 22, 202659 min

How it pays to be nice! The top ten big firms to haggle with and their call centre secrets

This episode guides listeners through effective call centre haggling techniques to secure better deals on broadband, TV, insurance, and more, including a list of top 10 companies and insider tips from staff. Martin also provides an update on fluctuating energy prices, explaining the difference between the price cap and fixed rates, and tackles a Money Mastermind quiz on lesser-known tax-free savings allowances.

Jun 18, 202658 min

Question Time: Pay off my Student Loan with a 0% card? Shift kids cash ISA to shares? Success: ‘Saved £500 on breakdown cover!’

This episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast tackles various listener money questions. Martin provides detailed advice on whether to pay off a Plan One student loan early with a 0% credit card, while also issuing a critical warning for those with Plan Two loans. The discussion also covers the risks and benefits of the Octopus Tracker energy tariff in a volatile market and offers guidance on investing children's Junior ISAs in shares versus cash. A listener shares a significant saving on breakdown cover, demonstrating the power of haggling.

Jun 15, 202646 min

Car finance payouts! Will it happen? Have you unknowingly signed up to a claims firm?

Martin Lewis details essential credit card protections, clarifying the differences between chargeback and Section 75 for reclaiming money. He offers a crucial update on the car finance mis-selling scandal, addressing scheme delays, eligibility, and the complexities of claims management companies. Additionally, the episode exposes how airlines like British Airways push customers to overpay for travel permits through third-party sites, advising listeners on how to use official, cheaper government channels.

Jun 11, 202648 min

Question Time: Get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing?

This episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast tackles diverse financial questions from listeners, including strategies for maximizing current account switching bonuses without closing main accounts, and whether young adults should purchase life insurance early to secure lower premiums. Martin also addresses concerns about entering higher tax brackets and its impact on savings, as well as clarifying investment timelines and risk management for long-term growth. The episode concludes with lighter queries, such as the eligibility for podcast listener badges and Martin's personal strength achievements.

Jun 08, 202646 min

Why the Price Cap rise is voluntary! £87bn of lost pensions & accounts. Reclaim student loans

This episode delves into various financial matters, starting with the staggering £87 billion in lost assets, including pensions, bank accounts, and child trust funds, offering practical methods to recover them. Martin Lewis then breaks down the upcoming energy price cap rise, explaining how it's calculated and advising listeners on whether to fix their tariffs. Finally, a "Money Mastermind" segment addresses frequent student loan overpayments, detailing who is affected and how to claim refunds.

Jun 04, 20261 hr 4 min

Big Energy Bill Hikes Coming: Should You Fix Now, Even If You’re Already Fixed?

Martin Lewis provides crucial insights into the predicted 13% rise in July's energy price cap, guiding listeners on whether to fix their tariffs now or wait. He also critically examines the government's approach to scam advert regulation, highlighting the financial and mental health risks. Additionally, the episode covers the Chancellor's latest cost of living announcements, including changes to mileage allowance and a deep dive into various energy tariff options.

Jun 04, 202659 min

Question Time: Cancel old credit cards? Martin: What 3 laws would you introduce? Pay v pensions?

Martin Lewis offers expert advice in this Question Time episode, covering essential financial topics. He guides listeners on maximizing savings interest while understanding tax implications and provides strategies for managing credit cards and credit scores effectively. The episode also explores the benefits of Gift Aid for higher-rate taxpayers and helps a listener weigh the complex choice between higher pay and increased pension contributions. Concluding with Martin's thought-provoking ideas for three new consumer protection laws, the podcast delivers practical tips and broader financial insights.

Jun 01, 202633 min

Question Time: Beginner investor: explain the risk? Faulty kitchen: getting money back? Self-employed: how to start a pension?

In this episode, Martin Lewis provides crucial advice for freelancers on setting up pensions, explaining tax relief and investment options. He guides a new investor through the risks and diversification strategies for Junior ISAs, emphasizing long-term perspectives. Listeners also learn how to enforce consumer rights for faulty items using the 'SAD FART' acronym and effectively pursue travel insurance claims by understanding the Ombudsman process.

May 18, 202638 min

Council Tax Cost Cutting Special: 5 ways to try to cut your bill & possibly get £1,000s back

This episode guides listeners through cutting council tax bills, from challenging property bands to claiming discounts for single occupancy, students, disabilities, and low incomes. It also delves into the complexities of Premium Bonds, the strict rules of Lifetime ISAs, and features engaging listener stories about their biggest money secrets. Learn how to navigate the system and potentially reclaim overpaid tax.

May 14, 20261 hr 2 min

What’s the best way to stooze (pervert 0% cards to make money)? | Top savings for 17yr-old | Will I lose Child Benefit?

This episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast tackles diverse financial dilemmas from listeners. Discussions include the optimal stoozing strategy for maximizing savings, understanding the high-income child benefit charge, and finding the best savings accounts for teenagers. Martin also provides essential advice on managing finances for young adults traveling abroad, concluding with a lighthearted personal segment.

May 11, 202630 min

Energy firms sitting on £3bn of our credit – how to get it back | Cheapest way to spend abroad

This episode guides listeners on managing energy direct debits, emphasizing checking credit balances to reclaim overpayments from firms holding £3bn. It also offers essential advice for holidaymakers on the cheapest ways to spend money overseas, including top credit and debit cards, and covers complex consumer rights for faulty bundled products. Additionally, hear inspiring stories of children's financial savvy.

May 07, 20261 hr 2 min

Question Time: Where do I put house sale money? Consumer rights wrong righted! How to talk to my partner about money?

This episode of Question Time features Martin Lewis tackling various financial dilemmas from listeners. He provides expert advice on navigating energy supplier changes during a cooling-off period and shares strategies for safely storing a large sum from a house sale while maintaining access. Additionally, Martin offers guidance on effectively discussing new financial insights with a partner and celebrates a successful intervention that corrected an online retailer's misleading returns policy.

May 04, 202631 min

Can you make £500 switching bank?

This episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast explores lucrative bank account switching bonuses, with some offering up to £500, and discusses their impact on credit scores. It also highlights the critical, often underclaimed Pension Credit, detailing how it unlocks various other essential benefits for vulnerable pensioners. Martin shares a compelling listener success story about recovering £5,000 through a credit card chargeback, offering practical financial advice on these key areas.

Apr 30, 202647 min

Question Time: I got £5k back after calling the pod! Can I move a loan to a 0% card? Claim car finance comp for dead relative?

Martin Lewis tackles complex financial queries, including the challenges of transferring a £15,000 loan to a 0% credit card and the risks of attempting loopholes for bank switching bonuses. A listener shares a triumphant £5,000 win through a chargeback claim, prompting an in-depth explanation of chargeback versus Section 75. The episode also provides crucial advice on how to navigate car finance compensation claims for deceased relatives and concludes with the humorous reveal of "Esquires" as the new title for podcast contributors.

Apr 27, 202635 min

The big mistake many make when saving or investing for their children…

This episode provides essential guidance on securing children's financial futures, comparing Junior ISAs and traditional savings, and highlighting the biggest mistake many parents make by not investing. Martin also gives a crucial update on car finance compensation claims and consumer rights. The episode concludes with a revealing Money Mastermind quiz on interest rates for various credit products, emphasizing the often-overlooked cost of overdrafts.

Apr 23, 20261 hr 4 min

Question Time: Keep saving hard, or spend more on my family? £30,000 stoozing success! Top up missing NI years?

Martin Lewis tackles diverse financial dilemmas, including whether to prioritize mortgage overpayment, investing, or family spending. He also addresses issues like car finance mis-selling claims for interest-free deals, the timing of Lifetime ISA bonuses, and the value of topping up missing National Insurance years for younger individuals. The episode also celebrates a significant stoozing success story and invites listeners to vote on a name for podcast contributors.

Apr 20, 202648 min

Energy fixes are back! | Best ISAs for 2026/7 | Council Tax Change

This episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast provides essential updates on energy bills, explaining the Energy Price Cap and the availability of cheaper fixed tariffs. Martin also details the new £20,000 ISA allowance for the tax year, offering guidance on savings and investments. He celebrates significant reforms in council tax debt collection for vulnerable people and shares inspiring listener tales of financial mistakes that unexpectedly led to positive outcomes. The episode wraps up with expert advice on navigating market volatility with Stocks and Shares ISAs and a fun quiz on tax thresholds.

Apr 16, 202656 min

URGENT MINI POD: Car finance mis-selling confirmed: Will you get your money back?

Millions of drivers were mis-sold car finance deals between April 2007 and November 2024, leading the FCA to establish a redress scheme with estimated payouts of £9.1 billion. Martin Lewis explains who is eligible, the three types of mis-selling (discretionary commission, unfairly high commission, contractual ties), and critically advises listeners to submit a complaint immediately to ensure faster compensation. He also details changes to compensatory interest and provides an urgent update for those previously rejected for discretionary commission claims.

Mar 30, 202621 min

Question Time: 5 year old TV’s faulty, can I get a refund? Your caller helped me sort my debt! When shouldn't I pay IN FULL?

This episode of Question Time addresses critical consumer dilemmas, from securing travel insurance refunds amidst global conflicts and resolving mobile discount disputes with providers like Vodafone, to understanding credit card payment strategies. Martin also shares an inspiring success story of debt recovery and provides guidance on consumer rights for faulty high-end electronics, emphasizing the 'SADFART' rules.

Mar 30, 202639 min

Lifetime ISA, is the free £1,000/yr still worth it? | Your insider MoneySaving tips

This episode extensively covers Lifetime ISAs (LISAs), their functionality for first-time buyers, state bonuses, and potential withdrawal penalties. Martin Lewis clarifies how LISAs interact with other ISAs, addresses common questions, and offers a detailed comparison with the predecessor Help to Buy ISA. Additionally, the podcast introduces a 'Share Once' policy for vulnerable individuals and features a segment of insider money-saving tips from various professions.

Mar 26, 202651 min

Question Time: Am I due car finance payback? 9-year-old learns about interest! If my bank overpays me, can I keep it?

In this Question Time episode, Martin Lewis addresses crucial financial dilemmas, from navigating the car finance misselling redress scheme and understanding eligibility for potential payouts, to the ethical considerations of unexpected bank overpayments. He also shares a heartwarming success story about a 9-year-old learning about compound interest, and offers strategic advice on maximizing credit card cashback with a partner. Martin concludes by tackling persistent online retailers with illegal returns policies and inviting listeners to suggest names for podcast contributors.

Mar 23, 202641 min

Isa Isa Baby! Everything you need to know before the end of the tax year

This episode provides an in-depth guide to ISAs ahead of the tax year deadline, explaining cash and shares ISAs, tax advantages, transfer rules, and investment strategies with expert Ed Marshall. It also includes crucial updates on the escalating energy crisis, the Bank of England's interest rate hold, and insights into mortgage market dynamics. The discussion aims to help listeners maximize their savings and investments tax-efficiently while navigating current economic challenges.

Mar 19, 20261 hr 4 min

Question Time: Should I overpay my mortgage? If I sign up online, why can’t I cancel online? Can I open an ISA for my niece?

In this Question Time episode, Martin Lewis provides expert advice on complex financial dilemmas, from navigating claims with multiple travel insurance policies to deciding when to overpay your mortgage versus investing. He also addresses common consumer issues, advocating for simpler online cancellation processes for subscriptions and sharing a listener's success story in securing a great broadband deal. The episode rounds off with a lighthearted discussion on fitness tracker accuracy and a continued quest to name the podcast's active listeners.

Mar 16, 202629 min

Car finance Mis-selling: what you need do | Top joint bank accounts | Economic Abuse the signs

This episode provides crucial updates on the car finance mis-selling scandal, detailing who's affected, how to find old agreements, and the compensation process, including pros and cons of regulatory vs. court routes. Martin also delves into managing finances as a couple, sharing various approaches and recommending top joint bank accounts. A significant segment features Deidre from Surviving Economic Abuse, explaining how joint accounts can be misused in domestic abuse and offering vital resources and support for victims. The podcast also touches on mortgage rate changes and a money-saving tip on stamp prices.

Mar 12, 202651 min

Question Time: Can I back-claim Child Benefit? Change broadband before April? Why does my 7% regular saver only pay 4%?

This "Question Time" episode features Martin Lewis tackling a range of listener financial dilemmas. Topics include strategic advice for changing broadband deals to minimize April price increases, navigating recent changes to child benefit eligibility and understanding back-claim options, and demystifying how interest is truly calculated on regular savings accounts. Additionally, Martin provides insights on consumer rights for digital game purchases using credits and addresses the complex challenge of securing car insurance for disabled individuals who rely on others to drive their vehicles.

Mar 09, 202633 min

Inheritance tax masterclass: how much is due & smart ways to reduce it! Energy price spike – what it really means

Martin Lewis delivers an inheritance tax masterclass, covering nil rate bands, the significant IHT benefits of marriage, and various gifting strategies including surplus income and annual allowances. The episode also provides crucial updates on the car finance mis-selling redress scheme, including payout timelines. Additionally, it analyzes the recent energy price spike, its impact on different tariffs, and consumer advice, along with a "Mastermind" quiz on mispriced items.

Mar 05, 20261 hr 6 min

Question Time: Homeless to Homeowner- what next? Debt making me ill.. help! Save, or pay on 0% card? Close old accounts?

This episode features Martin Lewis tackling complex financial dilemmas, from supporting someone overwhelmed by debt and its mental health impact to guiding a new homeowner on next financial steps. He also explores smart purchasing strategies using 0% credit cards versus saving, and offers advice on whether to close unused current accounts. The discussion includes lighter moments with personal anecdotes.

Mar 02, 202630 min
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