The Martin Lewis Podcast Question Time: Will my new husband need to pay for my daughter’s uni? Do high interest savings beat cash ISAs?
Nov 17, 2025
In this engaging discussion, listeners find out whether high-interest savings accounts are better than cash ISAs. Martin explains how a partner's income can impact maintenance loans for students, revealing the complexities of tuition fees and living costs. He also shares tips for saving on university expenses, like exploring welfare funds. And in a whimsical twist, Martin humorously declares his preference for spaghetti hoops over alphabetti spaghetti. It's a mix of practical advice and light-hearted banter!
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Pick The Highest Paying Account
- Choose whichever cash ISA or savings account pays the highest interest and has suitable access terms.
- If you won't pay tax on interest, interest rate matters more than the ISA wrapper.
Use Help To Save If Eligible
- If you receive Universal Credit and are working, open a Help to Save account to get unmatched bonuses.
- You can save up to £50 a month and receive a 50% bonus after two years on the highest balance.
Partner Income Affects Student Maintenance
- The student maintenance loan assessment treats a new partner's income as part of parental household income.
- That means a stepparent moving in can reduce a student's living loan even if they won't contribute.