This Is Money Show

If you think you're too savvy to fall victim to a pension scam - or any scam for that matter - you might want to think again.  Almost half of 45-65 year olds would potentially fall victim to six common tactics used by fraudsters, Financial Conduct Authority research claims. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look, as it's revealed the average victim loses £82,000. A psychologist also reveals five common tricks used by scammers to get you to part with your cash, whether it is pension-related or not. Elsewhere, we reveal how one reader was facing his house sale falling through thanks to a little known Cifas fraud marker being attached to his name via telecoms giant Sky. We teach you how to complain properly, as we aim to arm listeners with the knowledge they need to take on big firms when they do something wrong. The RAC launches a new insurance that could beat the car rental rip-off and the AA warns about keeping on the right side of the French driv

Changes in tax rules that will be introduced next year could hit the income of anyone who's self-employed - such as IT experts and business consultants. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost look at why it is being called a 'ticking timebomb' for contractors. Elsewhere, as the PPI deadline fast approaches, what will it mean for banks and consumers – and why you should DIY a claim before it's too late. Things go from bad to worse for Neil Woodford investors, as money will be locked in now until December at the earliest. The Financial Conduct comes in for criticism after failing to warn savers about a scam they knew about for nearly a month resulting in huge financial losses for three of our readers. And John Lewis gives advice on where to stash valuables before heading away with help from six ex-burglars.

Out go Theresa May and Philip Hammond, in come Boris Johnson and Sajid David – will it result in your finances falling out of top gear, or going on a grand tour? That's the question editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost tackle this week, as we have a new Prime Minister at the helm, and a new Chancellor as his sidekick. Boris has hinted at a stamp duty cut, an income tax cut, a fix for the social care crisis and promised more police officers and better infrastructure. Can he deliver on all that? And, more pertinently, will Mr Johnson manage to succeed when it comes to Brexit by Halloween?  We discuss all this and what other tricks may he have up his sleeve to help your finances? Meanwhile, we reveal why you may want to think twice before logging into public wifi at coffee shops and hotels. And there are top tips on how you can fight the financial fear of the school holidays. And we also discuss why going for a classic car maybe a better investment when it

  The threat of no deal is looming larger – just a few months after people had decided a softer Brexit was on the cards.    This week we had the Office of Budget Responsibility’s verdict on what a ‘benign’ no-deal Brexit scenario might look like for the economy. It would cost us £30billion, unemployment would rise to 5%, the pound would fall 10% and house prices would go down by the same amount.    And that’s not based on the IMF’s worst case scenario. The Chancellor said things could actually be more painful, Jacob Rees-Mogg suggested it was the wrong way round and we could be £80billion richer.   So could no deal really happen? What would it mean for your money? Are the OBR’s forecasts just more Project Fear? Or is ignoring experts measured forecasts Project Daft?   On this week’s podcast Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into Britain’s unpredictable short-term future.   Also on the show, we look at what we can learn from a trip back to This is Money a decade ago, consider why Lloyds is getting back into

It's official: IHT is the country's most hated tax. That's according to the Office of Tax Simplification, who have been looking into the quirks of the system at the request of the Chancellor. What needs to change – and could a Labour plan, bubbling away in the background, really be the answer? Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look. Whatever happens with IHT, most want to leave as much of their wealth as possible to loved ones when they pass away – so just how do you do it and how many bend the rules? Elsewhere, we update on what's going on at Deutsche Bank as thousands of jobs across the globe are axed. Eon goes green and says millions of its customers will now receive 100 per cent renewable electricity – but what does that mean? And on the topic of green, we have details of the first all-electric Mini – how much will it cost, what is its range and most importantly... is it any good?

t’s been more than a month since Britain’s most high profile fund manager Neil Woodford was embarrassingly forced to close the doors to his flagship fund. Since then, investors have been unable to sell out and this week - after the first 28 days of closure rolled round - Woodford Equity Income locked savers in for another four weeks. Over the past month, Woodford, his business, its associates and the entire fund management industry have been thrown under the spotlight, but ultimately, will all this fuss and fiasco make any difference? On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Alex Sebastian look at what next for the investment world, what has changed and whether once the noise dies down it will simply be back to business as usual. Can we learn anything from the Woodford mess? Are there other investments we should be looking at? Is this just another reason to ditch active management for passive funds? Will we still continue to love our star managers? All this and more com

The bumper fees we pay to estate agents to sell our homes are a common gripe, so what’s not to like about one that offers to do it for free? Yes, free.  Online agent Housesimple says that it will sell your home at no charge, rather than the 1.5 per cent you might pay a traditional High Street agent, or even the £900 or thereabouts that rival fixed fee agents charge. So, what’s the catch and would taking up this kind of offer be a good idea? On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Will Kirkman dive into the murky world of selling houses and whether estate agents are worth their fees. They also look at how much it costs to get on the property ladder around the UK and why it’s got more affordable in London, with one major caveat. On the agenda this week, in addition to that, is the help or lack of for mortgage prisoners and how to get your pension to last to 100. The team also take a trip back to the 1970s, to find out why a decade famed for being economically rubbish for the

Two-thirds of savers are being told to abandon final salary pensions - and this is despite the Financial Conduct Authority saying that advisers should start with the standpoint this is not a suitable option.   That revelation arrived this week as the FCA said too much advice on valuable pensions is 'still not of an acceptable standard.'   Are people getting the right advice about their gold-plated pensions, or are they right to jump ship? That's the question tackled by editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost this week.   Meanwhile, a reader discovers an old Post Office Savings Bank book from the 1960s – but what is it worth now and can you even take the money out.   Premium bonds – how do you really find out you've won the jackpot?   Britain has a net zero emissions target for 2050, but what are the best electric cars to buy now?   And forget fantasy football, we reveal the details of our fantasy share picking game where the winner will scoop a giant £20,000 grand prize.

Much is made of the difficulties faced by first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder, but less talked about is the problem facing second steppers and those looking to downsize. As growing families struggle to afford to move up the property ladder could intergenerational house-swaps be the answer?  That's the question editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost tackle this week. What are the potential stamp duty and inheritance tax traps to look out for, and is it a good idea? Simon debunks the different ways businesses report profits and what to look out for, and updates on Neil Woodford. Lee runs the rule over the top easy-access savings deals as a number now match Marcus Bank's 1.5 per cent rate. Meanwhile, we talk about the plans to protect physical cash, as usage continues to dwindle – that, despite a launch of a new set of Peter Pan 50p capturing the public imagination.

It's been a rocky week to say the least for Britain's most recognisable fund manager Neil Woodford – he suspended trading in his flagship fund, leaving savers unable to access their cash. And we still don't know the future of Sir Philip Green and his Arcadia empire, after a crucial rescue vote was suspended. This is Money assistant editor Lee Boyce, retail reporter Emily Hardy and host Georgie Frost discuss how it has gone wrong for the pair. What has led Woodford to this point, could there be a Financial Conduct Authority investigation, are savers trapped in the fund safe – and can he recover? Arcadia – with brands like Burton and Topshop – could be set to close 50 stores with the loss of 1,000 staff. What is a CVA and why hasn't Sir Philip managed to get a deal approved this week? We also discuss the High Street in general and a worrying set of figures – what can be done to help stop the decline? Elsewhere, we run the rule over a 'bonkers' plan for first-time buyers to raid pension pots fo

We often talk about good retirement planning being key to more secure and happier future – but what happens if the figures you were working on were completely wrong – and it's not your maths to blame… Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss a string of incorrect state pension forecasts sent out that will result in many facing a poorer retirement than expected. The Government only admits to making occasional errors but a former Pensions Minister reckons the latest cases could just be the tip of the iceberg. Elsewhere, we talk about a new code which will be give better protection against authorised push payment scams, which costs people millions of pounds each year. We update on Tesco Bank and its stops mortgage lending and explores the sale of its loan book. Simon gives an overview of Buffettology – how can you can potentially channel your inner Warren Buffett to become a better investor. Could you be rich from the Premium Bonds and not even know it? And

The mortgage price war claimed a high profile victim this week as Tesco Bank scrapped lending.   A great adventure into the world of banking - billed as a major challenge to the High Street banking giants with mortgages promoted in the aisles – has come to an end.   Tesco Bank will continue with its other products, but why has it ditched mortgages, why have a string of other smaller players shut their doors in recent months, and why did building society behemoth Nationwide issue its own caution on home loans this week?   On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dive into what is currently a weird world of mortgages: where a greater supply of money to lend than demand to borrow it means there are some very cheap deals on offer.   They also look at whether this may end up causing problems further down the line and ask how long it will be before more risky lending edges back in.   Also on this week’s show, the team look at a reader’s problem with a neighbour upstairs, who has strip

There’s an old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness, which is often swiftly countered with the suggestion that while this may be the case, having enough not to worry about it definitely helps. There are no shortage of cautionary tales that tell us it is better to be happy than rich, but does it matter if some people have an awful lot more money than others? And does it matter to both them and society how they got it - and whether it was earned by hard work? An in-depth five-year study was launched this week that aims to look into inequality in Britain; and not just at earnings and wealth, but also inequality in education, opportunity, gender, race, geography, class and generation. It arrived with a snapshot of Britain today and on this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost dive into the picture that paints and discuss whether we need to worry about inequality or not. They also look at how to work out how wealthy you are – and why that matters even if you subscribe to the mon

Many people say they would like to have a crack at a Grand Design of their own – or even a more modest one – but finding somewhere to build it is a problem. That’s why despite self-builders typically turning an immediate paper profit of 15 to 30%, according to specialist BuildStore, not many of us take the plunge.  Things could be about to change for the better, however, as keen to encourage more people to self-build the Government has told councils to launch Right to Build registers and make land available. On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of building your own home and look at whether the plan to raise self-build’s profile will work or fizzle out. From finding a plot, to using an architect, and getting involved yourself or employing someone to build it for you, they discuss how to do – and the barriers that may stand in your way. Plus Simon reveals how both his parents and his uncle - on separate occasions - went down the self-build route. Also on this week

Social care is a mounting problem for Britain but the issue is a can that has been kicked down the road repeatedly. Rather than tackle the fact that the state can't afford to care for today's elderly - let alone those that our ageing population will deliver in future - politicians have dodged and fudged.  This week a new suggestion emerged involving a hike in National Insurance contributions for over-50s.  Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look and ask: is it a good idea?  Elsewhere, we take a look the MPG figures given by manufacturers for cars and how to tell if that local shop or restaurant has really closed down for good.  Simon talks about a new flight tax concept and we reveal how to fightback against the those irritating customer service chatbots.

We haven't glued ourselves to train carriages, politician fences or the London Stock Exchange. No, this week's This is Money podcast opts for a less confrontational approach to the environment, with useful tips and tricks that are good for the planet as well as your wallet.  Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the green movement and what it means for the financial industry and businesses. Are they doing enough?  Alongside that, we look at what we - the consumer - can do to help the environment and save money along the way. Simon has three places you can make a big difference by adding pressure or changing behaviour, from picking green energy deals, to what to do about flying.  Meanwhile, the hybrid car of choice, the Toyota Prius, isn't just for Uber drivers and eco-conscious celebrities as it tops a survey of most satisfying motors to drive.  Elsewhere, outside of the green bubble – we look at where a pair of 40something business owners with no pension should invest.  We continue to p

TSB says defrauded customers will now always get their cash back, which has piled pressure on other banks to do the same. But will they – and should they have to? That's the question assistant editor Lee Boyce, reporter George Nixon and host Georgie Frost tackle in this week's podcast. In all, £354million was stolen last year authorised push-payment frauds and until now, banks had refused to pay compensation, claiming the victims should have been more careful. Elsewhere, we take a look at some of the new breed of smartphone apps could help you build a savings habit without even trying, as a report shows that many bury their head in the sand when it comes to financial decision making. Private landlords may no longer be able to evict tenants at short notice and without good reason under a major shake-up of the rental sector. The rate of annual house price growth in Britain has fallen to its lowest level for nearly seven years – with London and the South East seeing value drops. And finally, an investigati

There are three certainties in life. You know the drill. You’re born, you will die and you will listen to this podcast about tax.  As another new tax year is upon us, editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost explain the tax changes that will affect you.   There is a nice pay rise for more than 20 million people as the personal allowance is raised.   And Simon answers some of the questions on everyone’s lips: What is the lifetime allowance? What is inheritance tax? Why do married couples get a tax break? Should families be rewarded when both parents work? How does national insurance work? And why do the cost of stamps and all your bills all go up on the same day? You'll learn an awful lot about things you need to know about tax without having to read about it.  Enjoy.

As we fast approach one fifth of the way through the 21st century, the world of finance is modernising in ways that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. And not always in a good way.  The language of ‘savings’ has evolved to the point of dishonesty and even fraud. On this week’s podcast editor Simon Lambert and reporter George Nixon join host Georgie Frost to look at fancy new Innovative Finance Isas, at savings products that claim to offer 8% returns and to be protected by the official savings watchdog but are in fact risky investments – and the fraud investigation at London Capital and Finance, where thousands of ‘savers’ lost millions of pounds. Simon guides listeners through the dark side of mini bonds and the complex web of companies that savers’ money was poured into at LC and F before it collapsed owing £236m. The City watchdog supposedly overseeing the company is also now being investigated . On a cheerier note, George explains how teenagers are able to invest on the stock market and ho

The end of the financial year is looming - April 5 - and it means the clock is ticking if you haven't sorted your Isa or pension.  Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost have an Isa special for your ears this week. When it comes to cash Isas, you may already be too late as some banks and building societies have already pulled their best buys. Lee reveals his top cash picks for 2019, why there has been a move to cash tax-free accounts and why they are still worth having, even with rates still low. Simon reveals all you need to know about getting started on investing in an Isa – and why it could be worth looking at greener options.  The team call in the experts to give their last minute fund ideas and reveal why our Prudent Investor is nervous about what Brexit could do to his cash.