This is Money Podcast
This is Money Podcast provides weekly insights on personal finance, explaining how news events affect your finances. Hosted by the UK's leading financial website, it covers topics like savings, investments, mortgages, and budgeting. The show aims to help listeners make informed money decisions.
Episodes
Is axing the pension triple lock the right move?
The triple lock's days appear to be numbered. The Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed bold plans to ditch the pension guarantee from 2030 and replace it with what has been dubbed a 'double lock' at the Labour party conference this week. Is it the right move? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane discuss on this week's This is Money Podcast. Elsewhere, Angela Rayner announced th
Should we hike the income tax-free allowance to £15,000?
Could the personal allowance be raised to £15,570 in the Budget? That's the off the wall idea that emerged this week as a way of Labour nudging ahead if Andy Burnham called an early election.The podcast team discuss that and Simon's idea for how you could start to reform the tax system.Time stamps00:06 – Coming up: personal allowances, energy bills, buy-to-let and working from home02:01 –
What next for interest rates and how bad will it get for mortgages?
The Bank of England held the base rate again on Thursday but mortgage rates have soared this week.Major lenders have made a wave of hikes and there are warnings that more are on the way, so what's going on?Is this just another temporary spike as the mortgage market throws one of the wobblies we've seen a number of times in recent years or serious bad news, with rates set to stick higher?On this we
How much money do you need to retire early?
Retiring early, making your time your own and sticking it to the man is something many of us will have dreamed of.But what would it take you to get there and how much would you need to start investing now depending on your age and when you want to kick back?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at the early retirement dream. Is it realistic,
Why the UK has a bond market problem - and what it means for you
Is it crunch time on the bond markets or is this just another episode in a long-running soap opera that always leaves us on a cliff hanger?Turmoil on global bond markets has sent yields soaring on major countries' debt but the UK is suffering more than its rivals.So, what’s going on with the bond blowout? How bad is it? Why does the UK pay more to borrow than similar countries? And why is it bad n
Is Britain headed for a retirement renting crisis?
From next year, those in receipt of the full state pension will have to start giving some of it back to the government in income tax.The Treasury has put in place a ‘waiver’ system for less well-off pensioners – but it has been revealed this week that those who chose to defer their state pension could miss out because of the extra income they receive.On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost is joined
Bumper rate rise for Premium Bonds - are they now a no-brainer?
NS&I has just boosted the Premium Bonds underlying rate again to its highest level in nearly two years. The odds of winning are better too, with more £50,000 and £100,000 prizes to boot.More than 22million of us hold Premium Bonds but after years of being beaten by the best savings accounts, are they suddenly looking like a good option again? And why raise the rate at all? Lee Boyce, Georgie F
Is the property market coming back to life?
After years of stagnant sales and plummeting prices…is the housing market about to take off again?Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss what's going with property values and hunt for green shoots of recovery.14:46: Some of Britain's biggest banks are offering far better savings rates under different brands. We look at where the deals are hiding and how much more you could earn.22:47: Cr
Do you need to worry about Making Tax Digital?
Has tax just got a little more taxing? Making Tax Digital has come in, meaning hundreds of thousands of people need to make their first quarterly report to HMRC this week - and during the summer holidays to boot.Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce cover what you need to know about the changes and whether it’s a good move.How easy is it to find the right software, will it help reduce the ‘ta
We need to finally fix social care but who will pay?
Is the can finally going to stop being kicked down the road on social care?Andy Burnham has promised to correct what he has called a ‘dereliction of duty’ by a generation of politicians.But how does he plan to succeed where so many before him have failed, can he pull it off and who is going to end up paying?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert
Does Andy Burnham have the right ideas - and can we afford them?
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should we raise state pension age or axe the triple lock?
The rise in the state pension age looks likely to speed up again, as it was revealed this week that the Government has already been banking the gains.It is now almost certain that the state pension age will rise to 68 between 2037 and 2039, seven years earlier than the official timetable.But will it have to go up again and when? And is a further rise fair when life expectancy has stalled and it's
Is a mansion tax for properties 'worth' £1.5m or more fair?
Twice as many households could be forced to pay a new 'mansion tax' latest speculation suggests - the threshold may fall from £2million to £1.5million.That rumour comes with Andy Burnham expected to be Prime Minister before the end of the month.So exactly who will be affected, which regions are most at risk and is the High Value Council Tax Surcharge fair?Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss as mor
Halifax to vanish as Lloyds ditches the brand - should we care?
Goodbye Halifax! It’s being scrapped by Lloyds after 173 years. But why would you kill off one of Britain’s best known and trusted banking brands?Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the end of a very familiar name and talk through the history of what started out as a building society... and ask: is another historic name next?Also, Britons suffer the sharpest drop in wealth of any de
Bonus episode: Bank of England's Victoria Cleland on the future of cash - and wildlife on banknotes
On this bonus episode of the This is Money podcast, Lee Boyce speaks to Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland on her views over the future of cash.We talk about why preserving choice in payments is important, whether she fears physical money will die out and how we can stop Britain going totally cashless.How do we encourage retailers to accept cash and why are people turning away from usi
Can Andy Burnham fix Britain's tax and financial headaches?
Another one bites the dust. Sir Keir Starmer has resigned just two years in to being Prime Minister.This latest rotation of Britain's PM merry-go-round comes despite Starmer having done nothing particularly wrong. It wasn't scandal that brought down the Prime Minister, dramatic events, a vote of confidence, or a proper leadership challenge, just his party seemingly deciding it ws fed up with the m
Should you ask for an early inheritance?
Most families don't pay inheritance tax but those that do can get hit with huge bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.With pension pots soon to be included in calculations, this is going to be an issue facing more families in the years ahead.So if you know your parents or grandparents will get caught in their inheritance tax net, and you also know they don't want to 40 per cent of a c
House prices vs inflation: The slow motion property slump
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The big inheritance shake-up for unmarried couples - and what it means
The government is planning a major inheritance shake-up for unmarried couples but does it go far enough and will it trigger a wave of disputes?On this week's podcast Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the planned rules for co-habiting couples, who it covers, whether it goes too far or not far enough and why they still lose out on tax.Plus, how much do you need for a comfortable ret
Would you take a £1m lump sum or £1,000 a week for life?
It's the sort of theoretical question you might discuss at the pub with your mates. If you won the lottery and had the choice, would you pick a £1million lump sum, or take £1,000 a week for life? Pollster YouGov posed the question to 7,000 Britons recently, and it is fair to say opinions are divided. According to two money experts, there is a right answer - so which is the best strategy, and
Are you saving enough for a comfortable retirement?
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does more political chaos mean for your money and the economy?
A week is a long time in politics... and what a week it’s been. But what does all the turmoil mean for our money? And can we blame it all on Labour?Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss the threat to Keir Starmer's leadership and why it has caused some market panic. If the Prime Minister is ousted, what could the new man or woman in charge change when it comes to tax and wealth?Nearly
Should you worry about flights being cancelled and jet fuel shortages?
With millions of seats being cut from flights worldwide, it's safe to say many Britons may be worried about future travel plans - or are being put off booking holidays altogether.The Middle East conflict has pushed up the price of jet fuel and airlines are having to plan ahead to try and ensure as little disruption as possible.But what can you do if you end up getting swept up in cancellations or
Will the Renters' Rights Act work or backfire?
It's been a long time in the making and the idea has run through successive governments, but a new law to improve the life of those who rent their home has finally kicked in.Whether it's much-needed or much-feared depends what side of the landlord fence you are on, but what's not in doubt is that the Renters' Rights Act is a massive shake-up.The assured shorthold tenancy system that has been the b
Bonus interview: Why we need a campaign to get people investing
A new campaign has been launched to turn Britain's savers into investors. In this bonus episode, This is Money's Simon Lambert speaks to Karen Northey, of the Investment Association about the Take The Next Step campaign, backed by members of the investment industry and supported by the government and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.They discuss why investing matters, how it can grow people's wealth and w
Will the younger generation be worse off than their parents?
Is the younger generation going to end up worse off than their parents?A new survey shows young people aged 18 to 29 say the events of 2026 have left them feeling particularly pessimistic about the future, and the number who believe they will be worse off than their parents has doubled in the past year.Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss whether the idea the next generation wil
Are we about to become a nation of investors?
A new government-backed campaign to get Britain to become a nation of investors is about to kick off.The message that you can be making more of your money will be spread in adverts that we know will feature a squirrel... but not much more about.It's a campaign being led by the Investment Association, the fund management industry body, and backed by 20 financial firms, ranging from investing platfo
Is the generational wealth gap narrower than we thought?
Many younger adults think they are substantially less well-off than their parents.But while there are inequalities, new research suggests the wealth gap may be far narrower than previously reported - and it is largely down to the cash those in their twenties and thirties have stashed in their pensions. On this week's episode of the This is Money podcast Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Fros
Can plug-in solar panels save out energy bills - plus what's the fuss about private credit?
A solar revolution is on its way to Britain and can help save us from volatile and high energy bills, if you believe Ed Miliband.Plug-in solar panels are popular across Europe but currently rules in the UK mean that we can’t buy them and, as it says on the tin, simply plug them into our home’s electricity supply.But changes are afoot that will mean we could soon be buying individual panels that co
What you need to do with your Isa and pension before the tax year ends
There's just a week to go until the end of the tax year and if you haven't sorted your Isa, pension or the rest of your finances it's time to get your skates on.On this episode, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the important things you need to think about before 5 April... and ideally right now.From how your Isa allowance works, to parking cash and drip-feeding it, and why a pe
Isa investing bestsellers revealed - but is cash still king?
Isa season is in full swing as savers and investors race to beat the clock to fill up their allowance - but where are people putting their money?Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost take a look and reveal stocks and shares Isa bestsellers of 2026. And even before the current markets turmoil caused by the Iran conflict, Lee reveals just how much is pouring into cash.There are fresh warnings s
Mortgage rates are spiking - how bad will it get?
Mortgage rates have shot up this week as the impact of the conflict with Iran for inflation and interest rates sinks in.Banks and building societies have been racing to raise their fixed rates - with some even pushing them up twice in the space of a few days.It comes in response to a sudden switch around in expectations for the Bank of England base rate, but will this flurry of hikes continue or a
What does the Middle East conflict mean for your money?
In the past week, news headlines have been dominated by the conflict in the Middle East. It has pushed up oil and gas prices, and as such, concerns over our household finances in Britain.Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane discuss what the conflict means for investors, mortgage rates, price at the petrol pumps and energy bills - is there anything you can realistically do to keep a lid on the
Why is the FTSE 100 soaring – and can its run continue?
The flying Footsie is on course for the best start to the year since 1998 and driving it are 20 stocks that have risen by 50% or more in the past year.Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss what's going on for the flagship UK index and whether the run can continue.They also zoom in on Rolls Royce... its shares have soared by more than a thousand per cent in five years. Is it too late t
What you need to know about pensions with Steve Webb
Pensions are a topic that dominate the financial landscape and for the past decade This is Money readers have had Sir Steve Webb on hand to answer their questions.A former pensions minister, Steve has been our weekly columnist for ten years and helped guide people through the maze of retirement finances.On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Steve joins Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert to ta
Bonus: How we turned start-up Heidi into one of the biggest ski holiday firms
In this bonus This is Money podcast episode, Simon Lambert interviews Marcus and Alexander Blunt, the brothers behind travel firm Heidi, to find out how they turned a start-up into the UK's second biggest ski package holiday firm in eight years - and survived the pandemic's threat to the business along the way. Eight years ago, brothers Marcus and Alexander Blunt were passionate skiers frustrated
Is it time you switched your investment platform?
A shake up is happening in the world of DIY investing. Some of the biggest investment platforms are overhauling their fees ahead of Rachel Reeves' big push to get Britain investing - and under pressure from upstarts offering much cheaper services.The biggest name of all, Hargreaves Lansdown, has cut its prices for most investors, yet this seems to have triggered a chunk to jump ship. So, why are s
How do you solve a problem like student loans?
Student loans look like another mess that has reached a tipping point in Britain's shonky financial system.There are three different types of student loan plan that graduates could currently be on and one of them offers a particularly bad deal.Those who took out Plan 2 student loans, between 2012 and 2022, suffered fees being hiked to £9,000, face interest rates of RPI plus 3 per cent, and have se
Is a ground rent cap a good idea for leaseholders and why is it controversial?
The Government has announced plans for a cap on ground rent - is it a welcome policy that will finally fix a broken system or does it risk creating new problems along the way?Helen Crane, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss the plans first revealed on TikTok by the Prime Minister, what's potentially changing and when.Watch out - HMRC is about... Stamp duty investigations are on the rise - is it al
Is the weaker US dollar bad for investors and why is Vanguard reducing UK bias?
Donald Trump has been hijacking the headlines this week, with his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos a major talking point globally. With plenty of geopolitical drama afoot, what does a weakening US dollar mean for UK investors with money tied up in US and global funds?Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss.One of the world’s biggest investment firms, Vanguard has spurned the
Should you swap your star fund manager for a cheap tracker?
Life isn't what it once was for star fund managers. The investment industry once thrived on big names but these widely recognisable figures are few and far between nowadays.Two that remain are Terry Smith and Nick Train but their Fundsmith and Finsbury Growth & Income investors have had their patience tested by five years of underperformance compared to just sticking money in a cheap market tr
Tips to sort your finances and what's going on with pubs?
What are the financial foundations you need so that you can then start living a richer life?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what they think are the essential building blocks for taking control of your finances.From budgeting to protecting your family, what are the things you absolutely must do? They share what they've done right... a
What next for house prices in 2026?
It's safe to say it was a mixed bag for the property market last year, with a mixture of Budget speculation and stamp duty costs weighing on house prices, but mortgage lending rules loosening helping first-time buyers.So, what will happen in 2026 - Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss, and ask - will it be another stagnant year for house prices.Elsewhere, there's a warning top cash Isa rates are se
This is 2025: What happened to our finances and the economy this year
We are almost at the end of a year that turned out to be rollercoaster ride for our finances.Investors have had a good year but there was certainly some twists and turns along the way.The economy started off strong and then began to stutter, interest rates came down by a full percentage point and inflation spiked again.Meanwhile, the most hotly anticipated Budget turned out to be not as bad as it
How low will interest rates go... and will they stall earlier than we think?
The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the fourth time this year.The base rate is now the lowest it's been since 2023 but a split vote means markets and economists are now question how much lower they will go.On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what a 3.75 per cent base rate means for borrowers, savers and investors... and more importantly where rates are go
Will the mortgage price war revive the property market?
Mortgage lenders are battling to offer borrowers lower rates - running ahead of the Bank of England making an expected cut next week.That's good news for anyone buying a home but it's even better for the 1.9million people who need to remortgage next year - many of whom will be facing a payment shock as they come off much lower fixed rates.So, will the mortgage cuts revive the moribund housing mark
How good are public sector pensions - and should we cut them or protect them?
A guaranteed income for your retirement years, earned through your working life, with no need to worry about getting caught out by the vagaries of the stock market. Sounds good, doesn't it? That's what a public sector pension delivers - and it's a far better deal than the retirement funds most people in the private sector save into.So, why do we want to make the good thing worse, rather than the b
Bonus episode: The questions financial planners are being asked after the Budget... and the answers
The dust has settled on the Budget but while we now know what Rachel Reeves plans for our finances, many questions remain.The Budget featured a raft of tax rises – but also left out some moves that were widely rumoured to happen.On this special bonus episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Lisa Caplan, of Charles Stanley Direct, to find out what people are asking after the
What does the Budget mean for you... and how bad was it?
After the endless speculation, the Budget finally arrived this week.Rachel Reeves seemed happy with her statement and Sir Keir Starmer has been out singing its praises, but was the Budget a diamond in the rough or a dud?On this Budget 2025 podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dive into a Budget that many have commented is the most chaotic they can remember.After all the rumours, wor
Nvidia report bumper results - why does it matter and is an AI bubble set to burst?
Nvidia is the talk of the town after posting better than expected earnings results - has the chip maker genuinely eased fears of an AI bubble bursting… or just bought the market a bit more time?Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss what it means for investors in Britain and how much weight this multi-trillion dollar company holds.The Financial Services Compensation Scheme deposit pro
What does unemployment data, GDP figures and market moves say about the economy?
This week we've had some worrying looking unemployment figures and disappointing GDP growth.Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 soared within touching distance of 10,000, before hitting a Friday slump.Mix it all together and what does it show about the UK economy? Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.Nationwide Building Society has promised to keep all of its branches open until 2030 while major b
Never mind the B*****, here's the other financial stuff
Can you do a financial podcast and not mention the Budget right now?No, not really. But you can give it a good shot at keeping Budget chat to the minimum. On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert take breather from talking about Rachel Reeves and the endless cycle of madness that is the Budget 2025 build up to discuss some other stuff.Can they get through it without menti
Will Rachel Reeves dare to hike income tax?
Despite repeated assurances that Labour would not break its election manifesto by hiking income tax, it appears it is now under consideration by the Chancellor in the Autumn Budget.Why is Rachel Reeves mulling over this U-turn, how much would it cost us, and would she really dare to do it? This is Money's Angharad Carrick, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.Speculation over a 'mansion tax' in
Could you become an Isa millionaire? Meet the man who did it in his 30s
The dream of becoming an Isa millionaire will be a common ambition among many This is Money podcast listeners.Most will probably dismiss it as fantasy but what if you could actually get there?Recently a long-time This is Money reader got in touch to tell us that he had managed just that... at the age of 36.Ollie Perry was happy to share his story, not to boast but to try to inspire others and to s
Should Rachel Reeves keep her tax promises - or just break them?
Rachel Reeves is in a sticky position ahead of the Budget. Forecasts suggest she will need £30billion to balance the books - and having made such a fuss about the Tory 'black hole' and her fiscal rules, the Chancellor is in a bind.Problematically, the government also painted itself into a corner with Labour's election pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT - which amount for two
Why investors are worried about a giant AI bubble - and what happens if it bursts
AI hype is still driving share prices higher but there are a growing number of voices warning of a stock market bubble that might soon burst.The Bank of England added its name to the list of those raising concerns this week, as its Financial Policy Committee drew comparisons with the ‘dotcom’ boom 25 years ago that soon turned to bust.The red flags include a number of high profile, huge money deal
How to get a good job that's in demand... and AI won't steal
Britain's weather is famous for its ability to go from stunning to downright miserable in the blink of an eye. The nation's jobs market has a habit of doing the same.Not so long ago, workers finally had the upper hand and were celebrating a post-Covid jobs boom, where almost all roles were in-demand and some decent salary rises could be negotiated.Now, the chat down the pub is more likely to be ab
What is revenge saving and could it help you build up a pot of cash?
It's the latest social media craze, allegedly... revenge saving. But what on earth is it and can it really encourage people to get into the savings habit?This week, Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of revenge saving.And while this new buzz-term does the rounds, we have a stab at making our version - the mind-trick savings method.We discuss why you shouldn't get hung u
Bonus episode: The big questions people are asking on pensions and inheritance tax - and the answers
Pensions and inheritance are at the forefront of many people's minds ahead of the Budget.In her last Budget, Rachel Reeves announced she will pull pension pots into the inheritance tax net from April 2027. Meanwhile, there are concerns that pension tax-free lump sums and inheritance tax allowances could fall victim to another raid as the Chancellor tries to balance the books again.On this special
Should you try to take a big jump up the property ladder?
First-time buyers are borrowing big to try to skip the first rungs of the property ladder and buy bigger homes, a new report suggests.That comes alongside a slump in demand for flats, as buyers push for houses instead.So whether you are a first-time buyer or a home mover should you extend as far as you can to buy a home that will last you longer, or do you risk damaging your finaces by overstretch
How much do you need to earn to be rich?
Britain is suffering from an epidemic of people who are theoretically rich saying that they don't feel flush at all.If you're a higher rate tax payer on more than £50,000 then you are up in the top chunk of the country's earners, but chances are that unless you are well into six figures you don't feel particularly wealthy.And even many of those on £100,000-plus complain that they aren't comfortabl
Interview: Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson speaks to Simon Lambert
As the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson knows more about Britain's household energy than almost anyone else. In this interview with This is Money's Simon Lambert, he explains why bills are still so high, what we can do as a nation to try to bring them down - and the future of household energy.Greg explains what people need to know about solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars and ag
The delayed Budget, the stamp duty row and the gilts wobble – what is going on?
It’s September, it’s back to work, back to school and back to mild chaos.This week saw a delayed Budget announced, with a raft of speculation that will only mount over what bad news that could mean, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner forced to quite after underpaying stamp duty to the tune of £40,000, and long-term UK borrowing costs hit the highest level in 27 years.So, what on earth is going on
Would you move to Dubai to get away from tax hikes?
Dubai is doing its best to draw in disillusioned young Britons, offering cut-price properties, visa incentives for entrepreneurs and of course, the prospect of paying no income tax. Footballer Rio Ferdinand and his family have even announced they are making the move - but two young families This is Money spoke to say it isn't just for sports stars and influencers.They say it's easier to start your
Will there really be a new property tax - and how would it work?
We’re still a couple of months away from the Autumn Budget, but already the rumour mill is in overdrive.But while pensions, inheritance and even cash Isas have taken the spotlight in the past year, this week, a new tax target has emerged... property.This week, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the wild ideas being bandied about when it comes to reform on how we pay tax on homes.The
Down valuations are on the rise - should it worry buyers and sellers?
Down valuations are on the rise, so what happens if you and your mortgage lender don't agree on your new home's value?This week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk through the home valuation process and whether it is a fair system for banks, borrowers and sellers.How much more would you be willing to pay to be in a good school's catchment area? New data suggests living near a good pri
Interest rate decision divides Bank of England - what does it tell us about the economy?
The Bank of England has cut interest rates again, but this time, the decision wasn’t straightforward. Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane ask what the division in the Monetary Policy Committee tells us about the state of the economy right now, and what the cut means for our money. We also talk about plans to hit those in wealthier areas with bigger council tax bills. Why is the current system
The 37 taxes you pay and why it now takes £3.1m to feel 'wealthy'
While the average household pays £16,700 in direct tax on income, our audit shows this is just the tip of the iceberg.We all pay a multitude of other taxes, from air passenger duty to environmental levies on our energy bills.Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss what the total sum is - and that our tax rate is more like 57 per cent.And tax rises don't always bring in more cash for th
When will you be able to retire... and will it be with a state pension?
A stark warning has been sounded that the state pension age could have to rise to 74 for those under-30s.The Institute for Fiscal Studies' pronouncement in the same week that the government announced a state pension review set the cat amongst the pensions.But would Labour - or any party - really hike the state pension age that high? Wouldn't it be political suicide and spark protests in the stree
Mortgage help or mortgage madness? What six times salary loans will mean
How do you solve a problem like high house prices without sinking the economy?That's a conundrum that's kept politicians and central bankers awake at night for years. Now there's a new plan. Rachel Reeves unveiled a push for bigger mortgages this week, with the backing of the Bank of England, financial watchdogs, banks and building societies?Protections in place since the credit crunch-induced cra
Has the cash Isa been saved for good... or is a cut still coming?
The slashing of the cash Isa was considered a nailed on certainty in next week's Mansion House speech, but now it seems Rachel Reeves has had a change of heart.So, has the cash Isa allowance been saved for good, or is this just a victory for now - before the axe falls in the Budget?On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce discuss what next for the cash Isa and whether
One year in... has Labour been a success for our finances?
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it time to dump your Premium Bonds?
The nation's favourite savings product has just got a little less generous.The prize rate on NS&I's supremely popular Premium Bonds will be slashed from 3.8 per cent to 3.6 per cent from the August draw - the fifth cut since March 2024.On this week's podcast, Helen Crane, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost discuss why Premium Bonds are the Marmite of the savings world, and ask whether the lates
How to sort your finances: From budgeting, to savings and pensions
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How would you spend a lottery jackpot?
What would you do with £208million? Ahead of another Euromillions rollover, This is Money spoke to an adviser to those fortunate few who have scooped a jackpot to get some practical tips on what to do if you win big…just in case!Would friends and family be top of your list when it comes to how to spend it... or something else? Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss.Simon turns his focu
How far would you go to avoid your personal tax raid?
Tax is an increasingly taxing subject for many people who feel hard done by as Britain’s complicated system catches them out.From quirks of the system, such as the 60 per cent tax trap and child benefit removal, to the childcare cliff edge, frozen thresholds, and pensions soon to be dragged into inheritance tax, there’s a whole host of things to drive us mad.And, it’s getting worse. The Tories and
Has Nationwide found a winning formula with its cash bonuses?
Banks have many tricks up their sleeves to try to attract customers and reward loyalty but Britain's biggest building society Nationwide appears to have hit upon a winning formula.Its Fairer Share payments are back for a third year, with a £100 bonus for qualifying members.Fairer Share has been credited with helping boost Nationwide's already strong position in the current account market.The payme
The great wealth transfer - and to do with a windfall
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What red flags do you need to spot before you buy a home - and how do you find them?
How long did you take looking round your home before you put an offer in for it? The average prospective buyer spends just 43 minutes. Surprise, surprise, research suggests that it pays to take your time.This is week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk about what should be on your checklist before you take the plunge and buy a property.Should you go by vibes alone, or do you really ne
How low will interest rates go - and what does it mean for you?
Follow us on Instagram @dmgnewmedia.Follow us on TikTok @dmgnewmediaFollow us on X @dmgnewmediaEmail us hello@dmgmedia.co.ukText us 020 7938 6000.Hosts: Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce, Helen CraneProducer: Georgie Frost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
