The Money To The Masses Podcast
Join Damien and Andy as they break down personal finance topics including investing, saving, budgeting and more, giving you the tools and knowledge to achieve your financial goals. Each week, they cover three topics, cutting through unnecessary financial jargon, providing practical tips and actionable advice to help you make the most of your money.
Episodes
Ep 556 - The dangers of irregular investing & money-saving hacks with Britain's Coupon King
In this week's episode, I analyse some recent research from JP Morgan Personal Investing and explain how inconsistent contributions can hurt your overall portfolio performance.Next, Andy and I chat with Jordon Cox, known to many as 'Britain's Coupon King', who shares some practical money-saving hacks and tips.[AD] Thank you to our sponsor Interactive InvestorNew customers can recei
Money Vault - Best investing quotes from famous investors
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode of The Money Vault, Damien and Andy take a look back at the most valuable investing quotes of all time. They explore the timeless wisdom of renowned investors, including George Soros, John Templeton, John Bogle, and Warren Buffett, explaining how thei
Ep 555 - Building an ISA bridge for retirement & New Buy Now Pay Later rules
In this week's episode, Damien explains the concept of an ISA bridge and how it can help you manage the financial gap between your ideal retirement date, the age you can access your private pension and your state pension age. Next, Damien explains how the new FCA regulations for Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services are likely to impact consumers, including new mandatory affordability checks and a
Money Vault - Private Healthcare - More affordable than you think?
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode of The Money Vault, we discuss the reality of NHS waiting times and the increasing number of people turning to private healthcare for diagnosis and treatment. We explore the main routes to accessing private medical care and the typical costs of common
Ep 554 - How to start investing & why now is the perfect time
In this week's episode, Andy discusses the findings of Vanguard's recent British Money Mindset report, highlighting a recent shift in the UK from saving to investing, largely driven by younger investors. He explains how new 'Targeted Support' tools from the likes of Quilter and Vanguard can give would-be investors the confidence to invest for the first time. Damien then takes a loo
Money Vault - The ultimate travel insurance checklist
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien provides a comprehensive guide on travel insurance. With summer holidays approaching, he outlines exactly what to look for in a policy, including the essential features, optimal coverage amounts, and the most common myths that leave holidaymak
Ep 553 - 10 commandments of money & Practical tips for reducing insurance costs
In this week’s episode, Damien shares some of the essential rules and concepts he has used in order to build lasting financial habits. These include practical ways to manage your budget, the importance of paying yourself first and avoiding lifestyle creep to help provide a comfortable financial future.Next, Andy looks at recent research on the interest applied to monthly car insurance premiums and
Money Vault - What are Money Market Funds?
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien discusses the confirmed changes to Stocks and Shares ISAs scheduled for April 2027. With the cash ISA allowance dropping to £12,000 for those under 65, the government is introducing a 22% tax charge on interest earned from uninvested cash held
Ep 552 - How to invest at different life stages
In this special investing episode, Kyle Caldwell (Funds and Investment Education Editor at ii) and Damien discuss the complete investing lifecycle - from Junior ISA portfolios and investing in your 40s and 50s, right up to building a sustainable income for your retirement. Whether you are just starting out or preparing to draw a pension, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you
Money Vault - How to build good money habits
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. On this week's episode, Damien revisits a classic episode on how to build good money habits. He reveals the simple daily routines that have helped him take control of his finances, including automating his savings, setting a monthly spending plan, and adopting ta
Ep 551 - How much to save for a comfortable retirement & mortgage splitting
In this week’s episode, Damien discusses the latest figures from the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA). He breaks down the exact amount you need in your pension pot to achieve your desired retirement lifestyle and reveals the monthly contributions required to get there, regardless of your current age.Next, he explains split mortgages, highlighting the potential benefits and drawback
Money Vault - Fund switch checklist
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. On this week's episode, Damien shares the last-minute checks you should make before switching your investment funds. Switching funds can seem straightforward, but hidden charges, differing share classes, and specific platform rules can easily catch you off guard.
Money Vault - Investor biases to avoid
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. On this week's episode, Damien revisits a classic episode from February 2025 on investor behavioural biases. He explores how human nature often leads to irrational financial decisions and examine seven common psychological traps, including loss aversion, confirma
Ep 550 - Get 4% cashback on your current account & the best investing apps in the UK
In this week's episode, Damien takes a look at the latest banking offers, revealing the ways you can get paid for carrying out your everyday banking. He explores the best current accounts for cashback with rates boosted up to 4%. He also looks at the best bank account switching deals before rounding up the best cashback credit cards on the market. Finally, he provides a summary of the best inv
Money Vault - Alternative to the 4% rule
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. On this week's episode, Damien explores the well-known 4% rule for retirement withdrawals and explains why relying on it during periods of market volatility could put your pension at risk. He then reveals an alternative approach highlighted by Vanguard known as &
Ep 549 - The money insights you missed
In this week’s episode, Damien and Andy are doing something a little different by sharing and expanding on the timely, bite-sized financial updates they regularly post across our social media platforms. Much of the fast-moving news we cover on our Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels, such as the latest government announcements and real-time energy cap updates, do not make it onto the podcast.
Money Vault - The difference between the Poor and the Rich
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. On this week's episode, Damien highlights the inequality that exists between people on low incomes and those that are wealthy. He explains how the game is rigged in favour of those with high incomes, in terms of access to specialist advice, financial products, an
Ep 548 - Optimal pension portfolios & latest property market update
In this week's episode, Damien discusses new research on the 4% pension withdrawal rule, exploring sustainable retirement income rates and the optimal asset allocation between equities and bonds. Andy then examines the latest property market data, highlighting the growing regional divide in UK house prices and what the current market conditions mean for both buyers and sellers. Finally, he loo
Money Vault - Stocks ignore bond market warning
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien revisits a classic from November 2021, where he explains the correlation between bonds and equities. He then brings it back to the present day, explaining the current financial landscape, highlighting a concerning disconnect between soaring st
Ep 547 - New forms of financial advice and mastering the energy cycle
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the evolving landscape of financial advice, from the introduction of "targeted support" to the rise of simplified advice. Damien also explains the key differences between full and restricted advice and how the new advice categories aim to close the UK's advice gap. Finally, Andy looks at the energy payment cycle, explaining how to calculat
Money Vault - How to achieve financial independence
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien revisits a classic from July 2021, offering a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to achieving financial freedom. He talks about budgeting, debt management, building an emergency fund, and emphasises the importance of a long-term investing strat
Money Vault - 26 ways to boost your pension
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien revisits a classic episode from March 2025, that offers 26 tips on how you can boost your pension and prepare for retirement. In it, he covers topics such as maximising your pension contributions, reviewing and consolidating your pensions, see
Ep 546 - 'Sell in May & go away' tested & Credit card traps to avoid
In this week's episode, Damien tackles the famous "Sell in May and go away" investment adage. Should you really cash out of the stock market to avoid a summer slump before reinvesting in the autumn? He looks into the latest research to see how this strategy holds up across UK and global markets. Finally, Damien and Andy expose the little-known credit card traps that could end up cost
Money Vault - How to inspire your children to build wealth
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien revisits a classic conversation about teaching children the fundamentals of building wealth. Prompted by an unexpected question about Bitcoin, he shares a personal story of how he guided his teenage daughter through the realities of money mana
Ep 545 - Spring clean your finances & the UK investment gap
In this week's episode, Damien and Andy discuss 9 ways to spring-clean your finances, covering everything from budgeting to taxes. Damien then discusses the UK investment gap and the 15 million Brits who are hoarding £610 billion in cash, and why that is a problem.Check out this week's podcast article on the Mo
Money Vault - Easy ways to cut your insurance costs
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, Damien and Andy provide tips on how to avoid over-insuring, choosing the right policies and how you can earn up to £100 cashback when buying a new policy. Resources:Request a callback (and receive up to £100 cashback when you take out a policy)Supp
Money Vault - Emergency funds vs Rainy day funds
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, we explore emergency funds and whether having a separate 'rainy day fund' could help you stay on track and avoid getting into debt.Resources:Listen to the full episode - Ep 346Follow Money to the Masses on social media:YouTube -
Ep 544 - The 15 scams to watch out for in 2026
In this week's episode, Damien and Andy highlight 15 of the most prevalent scams to watch out for in 2026, including the steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website to see the full list of resources from this week's show.Follow Money t
Money Vault - Coast Fire
Welcome to the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. The FIRE movement is a financial strategy focused on aggressive saving and investing, with the ultimate goal of retiring decades earlier than the traditional retirement age. In this episode, we explore 'Coast Fire', an alternative to the traditional FIRE move
Money Vault - End of Tax Year checklist
Welcome to the first episode of the Money Vault, our new midweek show where we revisit classic, evergreen episodes from the Money to the Masses archives. In this episode, we focus on the end of the tax year and highlight the key actions you should consider before the window closes on Easter Sunday.Check out our full, updated tax-year-end checklist below:https://moneytothemasses.com/news/end-of-tax
Ep 543 - How to become an ISA millionaire & the Best ISAs for 2026
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the increasing number of ISA millionaires and how you can join them. He then provides an extensive roundup of the best Stock and Shares ISAs out there, whether you want to run your own money or get a professional to manage it for you.Check out this week's podcast article on
Ep 542 - Where next for stock markets & Pay by Bank warning
On this week's show, Damien breaks down the ongoing stock market slump and explore where US and UK markets might be heading next. Then, Andy discusses the removal of the contactless payment cap, the rise of 'Pay by Bank' and the key pitfalls you need to watch out for.Check out this week's podcast article on t
Ep 541 - Rising Mortgages & Energy Bills: How to protect your money
On this week's episode, Damien breaks down why the market is suddenly betting on Bank of England rate hikes instead of cuts, and the immediate impact that is having on fixed-rate mortgages. If your remortgage date is looming and you're worried about rising rates, Damien walks you through exactly what you should do next. Plus, Andy explains why fixed-energy tariffs are soaring and what to e
Ep 540 - Investment Market Update: Middle East tensions & platforms paying most interest on cash
In this episode, Damien discusses the recent escalation in the Middle East and its immediate effect on global stock markets, bond markets and the price of gold. He also explains the importance of the US Dollar Index and why it is a key indicator to watch during times of geopolitical uncertainty. Finally, as ISA season approaches, Damien and Andy look at how you can earn interest on uninvested cash
Ep 539 - Junior ISA myth exposed & a mortgage overpayment 'trick'
In this week’s episode, Damien and Andy discuss new research that challenges the common fear that children will empty their Junior ISA savings the moment they turn 18. They also revisit the "Make your child a millionaire" strategy, explaining how parents can use compounding and annual contribution increases to set their children up for life, and why age 16 is a vital time to involve chil
Ep 538 - The worst stealth wealth destroyers
In this episode, Damien identifies the "stealth" wealth destroyers that can quietly erode your long-term financial wealth. He reveals how these factors can cost you hundreds of thousands of pounds over your lifetime, explaining how to recognise the common pitfalls and take control of your financial future.Check out this week's podcast article
Ep 537 - Vanguard LifeStrategy Global review & What to do if you missed the online self-assessment deadline
In this episode, Damien looks at Vanguard's newly announced LifeStrategy "Global" range. He provides a back-tested comparison versus the existing LifeStrategy fund range to help you decide if these new funds could be a good fit for your portfolio. In addition, Damien discusses the changes to the existing LifeStrategy fund range that aims to remove their inherent "home bias"
Ep 536 - Should you buy gold, how to do it & the risks
On this week’s show Damien discusses what is driving the rally in gold and the current investment bank predictions for where the price of gold might go. Damien then explains the different ways that you can invest in gold, along with the pros, the cons, the costs and the risks.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the
Ep 535 - Small changes with big impact and filling your pension gap
On this week’s show, Damien reveals the small changes you can make that can have huge positive impacts on your finances. Damien also discusses the average "pension gap" between the age at which people want to retire and the age at which they expect they can afford to retire. Finally, he explains how to close the "pension gap".Check out this week's
Ep 534 - HMRC tax return glitch warning & 2026 Housing market update
In this week's episode, Damien highlights a critical glitch in HMRC's self-assessment tool affecting Capital Gains Tax reporting for the 2024/25 tax year. He provides the steps you should take to correct your return and shares a tip on how you could reduce your tax bill by applying your annual allowance more effectively.Damien and Andy then discuss the latest data revealing a fall in UK ho
Ep 533 - New Year money resolutions that work & overpay your mortgage without cutting back
On this week’s show, Damien shares how to set New Year financial resolutions that actually stick and how to build lasting, positive money habits for 2026. Plus, he reveals a simple strategy to pay off your mortgage years earlier, that doesn't require a pay raise or cutting back on your spending.Check out this week's podcast article on
Ep 532 - Investment outlook for 2026 & Ways to improve your finances this year
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the possible investment themes of 2026 as well as investment bank predictions of where stock markets will be at the end of the year. Damien and Andy also reveal the various ways you can use Money to the Masses to improve your finances in 2026.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to
Ep 531 - Surviving an AI stock bubble & the best time to invest
This week, Damien discusses some recent research into the best investment strategy to navigate a potential AI stock market bubble. Damien also explores the 'calendar effect' to find out when is the most profitable time of year to start investing your money.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website to see
Ep 530 - Should you switch your fixed energy tariff & pension credit explained
This week, Damien and Andy explain why now might be a good time to fix your energy tariff. Even those already on a fixed-rate tariff may now be able to get a better deal without paying an exit fee. They then explain how over 900,000 pensioners could boost their retirement income by claiming an overlooked benefit.Check out this week's podcast article
Ep 529 - Budget 2025 Special
This week, Damien and Andy dig into the Budget to uncover the hidden changes the mainstream media missed. They also explain how the biggest announcements, including the new mansion tax and the new electric vehicle tax, will work in practice, before revealing the biggest winners and losers.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Ma
Ep 528 - Small financial habits to make or save you thousands
In this week’s episode, Damien shares a list of small financial habits that have quietly saved (or made) thousands of pounds over the years. Damien covers everything from smart shopping strategies and energy-saving hacks to optimising your bills and banking. Plus, Andy shares a listener success story about how a Share Save scheme turned a £3,600 investment into nearly £15,000.Check out this week&#
Ep 527 - Best valued stock markets & Why your credit rating might soon drop
In this week's podcast Damien takes a look at stock market 'value' around the globe before revealing which sectors within the US stock market are expensive and which are cheap. Andy and Damien then explain how a major overhaul of a leading credit reference agency’s scoring system will result in 44% of people experiencing a drop in their credit rating. Finally, Damien discusses new rese
Ep 526 - Budget 2025 predictions special
In this week's show Damien discusses the upcoming Autumn Budget, providing a summary of the latest rumours and predictions, explaining how likely they are and how they could impact your finances.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website to see the full list of resources from this week's show.Follow Money to the
Ep 525 - Rising annuity rates & Bank of England gilt surprise
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the slowing of gilt sales by the Bank of England (quantitative tightening). He explains why it is happening and how it impacts everything from future mortgage rates and pension funds to government borrowing ahead of the Autumn Budget.Next, he looks at rising annuity rates (one of the major benefits of rising gilt yields) and reveals how much income you
Ep 524 - Crypto ETNs explained & financial terms rebranded
In this week's episode, Damien discusses a significant rule change that provides UK investors with a new, regulated way to access crypto assets. He explains how crypto ETNs work, the potential tax advantages and the risks you need to be aware of before investing. He also explores a thought-provoking idea: could simply changing the names of everyday financial products or concepts, such as credi
Ep 523 - New car finance compensation scheme explained & investing in gold miners
On this week's show Damien explains how the new car mis-selling compensation scheme, announced by the FCA this week, will work. He explains who will be eligible for compensation, the average potential payout and what you now need to do. Finally, he discusses the soaring price of gold and explains the pros and cons of investing in gold mining stocks.Check out this week's
Ep 522 - Wills, Charitable gifts & Marriage - the IHT benefits & pitfalls
In this week's episode, Damien explains how leaving a gift to charity in your will can significantly reduce your inheritance tax (IHT) bill. He breaks down the rules and explores the most effective ways to structure your donation. Next, he reveals a little-known legal trap that affects anyone who gets married and could result in your estate being distributed according to the rules of intestacy
Ep 521 - How I doubled my money in 10 years running my own portfolio
In this week's podcast, Damien celebrates a major milestone as his publicly-run £50,000 portfolio approaches £100,000 after just 10 years. He shares some practical insights on portfolio construction, how he manages psychological biases, and explains why a disciplined, long-term process is the key to successfully growing your wealth.Check out this week's podcast article
Ep 520 - Best ways to earn cashback & The dangers of financial freedom
In this week’s episode, Andy reveals the best bank accounts for earning cashback, gives an overview of the top cashback credit cards, and highlights the best apps to boost your everyday spending. Next, Damien discusses the hidden dangers of financial freedom, including how to recognise when money turns from a tool into a source of anxiety. Finally, Damien shares some practical tips to help you use
Ep 519 - A guide to long-term asset funds & Trusts explained
On this week's podcast, Damien takes a look at Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs). With the news that Hargreaves Lansdown will allow retail investors to access these types of funds from next week, he explains how they work and why investors should remain cautious. Next, he provides an overview of trusts, explaining how they can be used effectively before highlighting the potential pitfalls.Check ou
Ep 518 - The key factors driving investment markets right now
On this week's podcast, Damien provides a comprehensive investment market update, explaining the key factors that are driving markets as we head into Autumn. Looking ahead, he explains what investors should be keeping an eye on, including upcoming central bank decisions, potential volatility in the bond market and why the "bad news is good news" mentality is currently driving investo
Ep 517 - Savings rate traps & Why you might need to ditch the 4% retirement rule
On this week's podcast Damien explains how the rise of short-term 'bonus' rates are creating a price war amongst providers. He reveals how these types of rates can leave you worse off as a saver before explaining how you can calculate the effective annual rate to see what you’re really earning. Next, Damien looks at whether the classic 4% retirement rule is still fit for purpose. With
Ep 516 - A simple strategy to help your child become a MILLIONAIRE
We’ve talked before about the incredible power of long-term investing and compounding, particularly when growing wealth for children. I personally use the millionaire strategy, which aims to make my children millionaires when they are older. The strategy is built upon several key principles discussed in our How to Become a Millionaire podcast episode. We’re excited to announce that we have partner
Ep 515 - Important car finance mis-selling update & base rate surprise
On this week's podcast Damien explains the latest development in the car finance mis-selling scandal and what action you need to take. He also discusses the latest Bank of England base rate cut. While it was widely anticipated, he explains why the market was caught off guard by what was contained in the accompanying meeting minutes.Check out this week's podcast article on t
Ep 514 - Complete Buy-to-Let Guide, Little-known State Benefits & Latest 'DaMoney' Questions Answered
In this week's podcast Damien provides a complete buy-to-let guide, including the latest tax rules and recent legislative changes. Next, Andy reveals some of the little-known state benefits you might be entitled to. Finally, Damien answers some of the most popular questions you've been asking DaMoney, the new AI guidance tool from Money to the Masses.Check out this week's podcast articl
Ep 513 - State Pension Warning, 30% Water Bill Rise & DaMoney Data Revealed
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the sustainability of the UK state pension, explaining why younger generations are likely to experience significant increases in state pension age. Damien and Andy then discuss the likely 30% increase in water bills over the next five years due to necessary infrastructure upgrades and what you can do to combat the rise. Finally, having answered over 3,000 q
Ep 512 - Showing you Damoney - introducing our new AI Guidance tool
In this week's episode Damien unveils his purpose-built AI guidance engine "DaMoney". Powered by 15 years of Money to the Masses guidance, DaMoney uses the vast library of unbiased knowledge built by Money to the Masses since 2010 including thousands of fact checked articles and hundreds of podcast and YouTube videos. The tool is the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to pro
Ep 511 - Buy or Rent (Which is best?), Make money from Credit Cards & Holiday Scam Warning
In this week's podcast, Damien reveals whether Renting or Buying a property is best using his own purpose-built calculator. Next, he discusses two ways you can make money from your credit card. Finally, Andy reveals the details of a widespread holiday scam, explaining how to avoid becoming a victim.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website t
Ep 510 - Why your first £100k is the most important, Truth about Premium Bonds & Council Tax Changes
This week Damien explains why saving your first £100,000 is the crucial milestone if you want to be wealthy. He then looks at Premium Bonds, revealing the possible returns you can expect if you have the maximum £50,000 holding. He also explains how to improve your chances of winning a £1 million prize. Finally, Andy discusses the proposed changes to how council tax payments are collected.Check out
Ep 509 - Pension IHT changes, How much do you need to retire & Credit file hack
In this week's show Damien explores the proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) on defined contribution pensions, set to begin in April 2027. He also discusses strategies that could be used to mitigate the potential impact. Next, he takes a look at how much money you'll need in retirement in order to achieve a minimum, moderate and comfortable lifestyle. Finally, Andy explains how you ca
Ep 508 - UK Wealth Uncovered (Where do you rank?) & Winter Fuel Payment Update
In this week's podcast, Damien examines the latest wealth data, which reveals the average wealth of UK households by age and region, looking at everything from property and pensions to savings and investments. Damien also covers the significant update to the Winter Fuel Payment for the upcoming winter, explaining the new rules, who will be eligible, and how a new income threshold will affect h
Ep 507 - UK Property Special: Latest on Mortgage rates, Products, Affordability tests & House prices
In this week's podcast, Damien provides a comprehensive update on the UK property and mortgage market. He reveals the latest Bank of England interest rate predictions, provides a snapshot of the best mortgage deals currently available and how you can lock in a mortgage rate in advance of your existing one ending. He also discusses the re-emergence of 100% (zero-deposit) mortgages, detailing th
Ep 506 - Ethical & sustainable investing explained, Cash ISA hack & Energy payouts
In this week's episode, Damien takes a look at ethical and sustainable investing, explaining the FCA's new fund labelling rules (SDR) and shares some of the best free tools that can help you find investments that match your values.Next, Andy explains how some energy customers who had prepayment meters wrongly installed could receive up to £1,000 compensation. Then, with the energy price ca
Ep 505 - Pension transfer tips, 10 common credit myths & SIM swap fraud
In this week's episode, Damien takes an in-depth look at pension transfers. He provides a list of pros and cons, shares the latest research on how long pension transfers take with different providers and finishes up with a guide on how the pension transfer process works. Next, he debunks 10 common credit myths, addressing misconceptions about credit scores, debt management and the impact of making
Ep 504 - Holiday Scams, Tax Code Checks & Direct Debit Warning
On this week's show, Andy highlights seven of the most prevalent holiday scams to watch out for as summer approaches. Next, Damien takes a look at UK tax codes, explaining how they work, what the letters and numbers mean (eg. 1257L), why they can often be incorrect and the steps you can take if you think your code is wrong. Finally, Damien shares a critical warning for those who diligently pay
Ep 503 - Cut prescription costs, my 10 year portfolio insights & get an energy refund
On this week's show Damien explains how to cut the cost of prescriptions, particularly for those requiring multiple items or those receiving HRT. Damien then shares some key lessons from successfully managing his £50k investment portfolio over the last 10 years. Finally, Andy explains how the energy payment cycle works and why late spring/early summer is an opportune time to check your energy acco
Ep 502 - Changes to Help to Save, the latest on Gold and Warren Buffet insights
On this week's show Andy explains how the Help to Save scheme works including how you can get a free £1,200 Government bonus. He also discusses the recent changes to eligibility rules that have resulted in over half a million more people now being able to benefit from the scheme. Damien then takes a look at the soaring price of gold, discussing the reasons behind its recent rally to all-time highs
Ep 501 - Trade war special
In this week's podcast, Damien breaks it all down. We explain recent developments (which are changing by the hour), discuss the immediate impact on investments, look at what could unfold in the coming weeks and explain how this might impact your finances.Watch the whole show on YouTube here:Check out this week's podcast article on the MTTM we
Ep 500 - Celebrating our 500th podcast episode
This week, Damien and Andy recorded their 500th podcast in Spiritland studios in Kings Cross. In this celebration episode they take a look back at the history of the Money to the Masses podcast and how it has evolved from those early days of recording at Andy's house, late at night trying not to wake his children. They share some happy memories and funny stories before moving onto how they see the
Ep 499 - Best Stocks & Shares ISAs in 2025, EV tax trick & Double-dipping warning
On this week's show I reveal the best stocks & shares ISAs in 2025, providing a comprehensive review of the leading investment platforms and trading apps in the UK. I analyse the cheapest managed and self-invested ISAs and provide details on how to get the best cashback and fee-free deals when signing up. I also look at recent performance and how the various platforms compare before revealing
*BONUS PODCAST* - How to build the perfect investment portfolio
In this bonus episode of the Money to the Masses podcast, Damien is joined by Kyle Caldwell, Funds & Investment Education editor at Interactive Investor. During their chat, they discussed the intricacies of building investment portfolios, focusing on key aspects such as diversification, asset allocation and the importance of understanding fund performance. This should not be considered financi
Ep 498 - Tax year checklist, Car finance mis-selling update & Chase bank changes
On this week's show Damien runs through some of the financial planning considerations ahead of the tax year end. He then gives an important update on the car finance mis-selling scandal, including some important dates for your diary. Damien also explains why you might receive a payout without having to do anything. Finally, Andy explains the changes Chase Bank has made to its current account c
Ep 497 - Best ways to boost your pension & Little-known credit card eligibility tip
On this week's show Damien explains more than 20 ways to boost your pension pot. Damien also discusses why time is running out for some people aged between 40 and 73 who could boost their state pension by paying voluntary National Insurance contributions. Finally, Andy reveals a little-known tip when checking your eligibility for a credit card offer.This show is sponsored by PensionBee the UK's
Ep 496 - Investing correlations, cash ISA raid & Moneyhub alternatives
On this week's episode Damien discusses the importance of understanding the correlation between different asset classes when building a diversified investment or pension portfolio. He then reveals which assets have been the best portfolio diversifiers and performers over the last 5 years. Damien then takes a look at the best Moneyhub alternatives following the news that the budgeting app is se
Ep 495 - Our best, worst, luckiest and unluckiest money decisions
On this week's episode Damien and Andy talk about their best and worst money decisions ever. They also discuss how good and bad luck have affected their finances at various points in their lives. Most important of all, Damien explains why it's essential everyone acknowledges the good, the bad, the lucky and unlucky decisions they've made if they are to make better decisions in the future.Thank you
