This is Money Podcast

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 talk about what's happened over those ten years and discuss what you need to know about pensions. Whether they've been about saving for retirement, turning a pension into income, working out what the quirks of the state pension mean for you and much more, Steve has both helped the readers asking the question and the millions who have read the answers. Aided by This is Money's pension and investing editor, Tanya Jefferies, Steve has also undertaken campaigning journalism, exposing among other things the underpaid women's state pension scandal, which got us a mention in parliamentary reports. Also on this week's show, Simon reveals how to strike the best deal on a new car with the help of our industry insiders who know how much the salesman or woman will really knock off. Plus, if you get an inheritance you don't need, can you pass it on with incurring an inheritance tax liability yourself? And finally, just how good is Barclays' seemingly generous offer to pay you £1,000 for switching... and who exactly can get it?

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 by the difficulty of trying to organise the mountain holidays that they and their friends really wanted. Deciding on a ski resort, sorting flights, accommodation, transfers and getting friends from different parts of the country to the right place at the right time, had Marcus building complicated spreadsheets to work things out. After one mammoth piece or organisation, they had a lightbulb moment. Maybe it was time for a package holiday firm that allowed people to tailor their ski trips to what they needed, find the best place to go to and put customer service centre stage. With both the brothers working in the travel industry, they decided to figure out how to test their concept and the appetite for it and then launched their start-up in 2018, while doing full-time jobs - and both having babies born that year. They made a pact that if they could do £500,000 worth of sales in their first year, they would quit their jobs and go all-in, explains Alexander. From there, in the space of less than eight years Heidi has grown to become the UK's second biggest package holiday firm. That's no mean feat considering that the pandemic hit just two years in - and halfway through the ski holiday season. Marcus and Alexander tell Simon how they turned their business idea into reality, how they grew Heidi, the lessons they have learnt along the way and share their tips for other aspiring entrepreneurs.

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 seen the repayment threshold above which they lose 9 per cent of their income bounce around at the whim of governments. Meanwhile, lots of graduates are staring down the barrel of decades of a big extra chunk coming out of their wages, but then never actually clearing the debt before it gets written off after 30 years. As the reality bites of the student loans they signed up to at 18 - for an average post university debt of £50,000 - without properly realising the consequences, many late 20 and 30somethings are increasingly angry. Do they have a point and what can we do? On this week's podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk student loans, what might happen, what we could do - and who should pay for university. Plus, what does the Bank of England holding rates mean for borrowers and savers. For those who aren't losing their spare cash to a student loan and have got on the property ladder, should you overpay your mortgage? The man who got his mortgage paid off in four years - and how he did it. What on earth is happening to bitcoin and why is it crashing? And finally, what are the rules on flexible Isas and putting money back in?

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 all Angela Rayner's fault? And how do buyers find themselves in the crosshairs? 'Metal madness' is still in full swing with gold and silver on a tear up with some huge gains this week, but also some hefty falls. What's going on? NS&I has made some cheeky rate cuts but a cash Isa season seems to have erupted early - where can you find the best rates? And lastly, wood burners. Are they an environmental no-no, or can they help save money on your energy bills?

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 Chancellor's efforts to drive up investment in the UK, as it plans to cut its LifeStrategy exposure to the UK - why and what should you do? Nationwide has bumped up what it will lend on mortgages to six times salary – it means borrowers can potentially borrow £50,000 more. Is this a step in the right direction or the path to trouble? Are you saving enough for retirement? Our analysis shows what you need in your pot at every milestone age to be on track… and what to do if you’re off target. This is Money reporter Harvey Dorset tries out a £5,000 smartphone - so what do you get for such a huge outlay? Lastly, Lee speaks to actress Joanna Page about her finances – the Gavin and Stacey star reveals what her mum and nan taught her about money.

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 tracker fund. Both managers defended their approach this week, while offering their investors an apology of sorts. So, is it time to swap your star fund manager for a cheap index fund, or are the stock pickers likely to be proved right in the end? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the cult of the fund manager and whether it's had its day. Meanwhile, The Chancellor wants to get more of us investing but MPs have looked into her plans to cut the cash Isa limit and said it's unlikely to lead more people to the UK stock market. That's exactly what most investment experts told the Chancellor before the Budget, so is there any chance of change of heart? Parts of the London property market have been having a quiet house price crash, Georgie, Helen and Simon discuss what's going on and what kind of properties are affected. The team also ask if cashback is worth it - and look at the deals that could cost you money. And finally, if you want a cheap electric car runaround, what are your best options and what would it cost you?

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 control of your finances. They share what they''ve done right... and what they have done and still regularly do wrong? The new year has seen the row over pubs and business rates blow up, with the Prime Minister and Chancellor rumoured to be about to have to do another U-turn. What went wrong, why didn't they listen straight after the Budget and are publicans right to feel aggrieved? Banks shares have been on a tear, but is there still time to invest as Lloyds breaks through the symbolic 100p mark for the first time since its financial crisis plummet? And what would it take for you to turn your home into a zero bills house - and would it be worth the outlay?

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 set to fall. Can you really retire at 50? We reveal the top tips to do and what to plan for - and Georgie and Lee reveal their new year resolutions. And finally, have we reached peak coffee shop? Costa is struggling as owner Coca-Cola looks to offload it at a loss - but have we had enough of +£4 cups of coffee at chains?

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 could have been but has not gone down well with businesses and taxpayers. On this final 2025 episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take a quick ride through this year and what it meant for our finances.

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 going next. Plus, the social media savings tricks that Gen Z love - and what the rest of us can learn from them. Where has the highest household income and why how it is balanced matters. How to not get caught out by a counterfeit Christmas. And finally, another thorny question about a fence... but what's the answer? Merry Christmas from all of us at the This is Money Podcast.

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 market - and what should you do if your fixed rate is running out? On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk mortgages and the property market - including why experts say now is the best time in a decade to negotiate on a new build home. Plus, what does the Fed rate cut mean for investors, would you give a child or grandchild shares for Christmas, and finally, where are Britons trying to buy homes abroad... and why?

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 Budget - and the answers to those important questions.

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, worries and waiting, how good or bad was it? Some of the expected financial pain didn't arrive but there were plenty of tweaks to tax our pocket and our patience. Did the Chancellor cut the right balance between getting more money in and supporting the economy, did she articulate a clear plan, or are we back to drifting about aimlessly in the tax and spending doom loop doldrums? And most importantly, what will all the measures mean for your money?

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 protection limit will rise 41% to £120,000 from 1 December and data suggests young people are too focused on saving for short term goals and risk falling behind - does it matter? What is really likely to be in the Budget? With a week to go, we have a quick last minute briefing on what Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be cooking up. There might finally be a crackdown on ticket touts for gigs and other events - Simon reveals just how passionate he is about it and why action is needed. And finally, find out what former England and Arsenal goalkeeping legend 'safe hands' David Seaman did with his £100,000 Aston Martin DB7.

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 banks exit the high street. Does it make business sense? The Royal Mint has launched some yellow gold coins that has investors excited and what about gold's 'annoying little brother' silver - is it set to see prices soar? Lastly, we reveal the tale of a reader who had their flights to Dubai cancelled by BA at the last minute... before being quoted £20,000 one-way by Emirates to get away for half-term.

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 mentioning the Budget anymore than five times? Listen to find out. First up it's interest rates. Why did the Bank of England hold, will there be a cut next month and how far will they fall? Plus, how have rate expectations shifted and where exactly do mortgage borrowers and savers stand now? Next, it's house prices. Leading estate agent Savills says property values are due to rise 22 per cent in five years, but is that a lot or a little - and could homes actually be getting cheaper. Lee explains why savers are stashing so much cash and Simon sounds a clarion call for moving your money out of insult accounts. Then via a quick diversion avoiding sneaky speed cameras, it is on to the turf war. Is it ever okay to consider artificial grass and what will it do to your house price? Listen to the end for B***** mentions score.

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 the Budget has also reared its head again. The team discuss whether it's a good idea to tax people with pricey homes, and how on earth HM Revenue & Customs would decide whether someone's house is worth more than £2million or not. Elsewhere, some good news in store, as Goldman Sachs has predicted the Bank of England will cut interest rates at its meeting next week. Does fading inflation and sluggish growth mean this is now on the cards, and would the Bank dare to make a move before the Budget beast is unleashed? The team discuss. They also look at why we're now paying three times the energy standing charges we were six years ago, and why some chocolate biscuits can no longer call themselves chocolate.

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 show that it isn't just wealthy boomers who can manage to make an Isa million. On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss his story and what we can learn from it. How did he do it, are the big risks he took suitable for others, and what if you if prefer to get rich slower but with less chance of something going wrong? With a new top rate in town, Lee takes a look at the best buy savings deals on the market, Simon delves into why so many homes are seeing asking prices cut, and Georgie ponders why people are rushing to pay big money for retro tech that doesn't work.