

The Martin Lewis Podcast
BBC Radio 5 Live
Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2025 • 55min
An Energy Special!
In this Energy Special, Martin asks the boss of Ofgem why we pay more in the UK. Plus, he questions the boss of Octopus Energy about prices, smart meters and more.

Aug 7, 2025 • 40min
A Holiday Special!
In this Holiday Special, Martin goes through his top holiday hacks, including his car hire and insurance tips, and the cheapest ways to spend abroad. Plus, how to make sure your passport and GHIC is ready for your travels!

Aug 2, 2025 • 16min
Car Finance Compensation Special
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the Supreme Court's recent ruling on car finance agreements and its implications for compensation claims. Listeners learn about the reduced scope for compensation and who may still qualify. There's also a cautionary note to avoid immediate claims, as a redress scheme is on the horizon. The podcast further tackles car dealers' responsibilities and sheds light on the struggle of vulnerable consumers navigating complex financial transactions.

8 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 57min
Car Finance Agreements Update & Ask Martin ANYTHING!
An essential update on car finance agreements takes center stage, exploring a significant Supreme Court decision's impact. Listeners get practical advice on saving for kids' university and the age-old debate of buying vs renting. Dive into the necessity of financial education in schools and discover vital travel tips for managing money abroad. Lastly, hear insights on civil partnerships, consumer rights, and even a whimsical chat about cheese preferences!

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
A beginner’s guide to savings & how to maximise your interest
Dive into the essentials of saving with insights on maximizing interest through ISAs and the Help to Save scheme. Discover tips tailored for first-time buyers and the importance of balancing easy access with earnings potential. Hear a humorous mix-up that leads to crucial advice on pension entitlements, especially for women. Explore the challenges between mortgage overpayment and saving strategies, along with new regulations on broadband contracts. Listeners share their saving mishaps, making for a lively and informative discussion.

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
A beginner’s guide to investing… who should, how much & where to do it
Martin Lewis on Saving v Investing: which is right for you and how to do it…In this special podcast Martin is joined by two professional investment advisers to talk about:- What is going to happen to the ISA limit.
- Whether you should be saving, investing or doing a combination of the two.
- A beginners guide to investing and where you should put your money for the long term.
- What type of investment firm you should be looking at.
- Martin also gives an explanation of Bitcoin and what could happen if you want to invest in it.Get in touch with the podcast by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

Jul 11, 2025 • 58min
Testing your consumer rights and haggling skills
Martin Lewis records the podcast from Lords to share his money saving tips while watching the cricket.An explanation of your statutory return rights with a focus on what the law explicitly outlines as the timeframe you have to return online purchases.We also run through the top 10 companies to haggle with in the UK, with haggling tips and how to make big savings from service firms in mature markets, such as mobiles, where everyone already has the product so companies need to retain existing customers.He gives an update on the potential payouts for mis-sold car finance.Martin makes a suggestion on how to get young people investing WITHOUT cutting the £20,000 tax-free cash ISA limit, as reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be about to do.Tell Us is about your longest financial innings and includes advice on the best bank current accounts that are currently available.And Mastermind is swapped for Test Martin Special, or TMS for short, Eleanor Oldroyd and former England player Steven Finn help Adrian answer a cricket-themed question about what counts as legal tender.

Jul 3, 2025 • 58min
Free £1,000 a year for wannabe first time buyers | Will cash ISAs be cut | LISA v Pension
Discover the ins and outs of Lifetime ISAs and how they can be game-changers for first-time buyers. Martin dives into a recent energy bill drop and what it means for your wallet. He also discusses potential cuts to cash ISA limits and the public's reaction. Get the lowdown on consumer rights under Section 75 and the quirks of festival life with some amusing anecdotes. Plus, learn about a new top savings account that’s stirring things up and why early planning is vital for navigating the housing market!

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
The cheapest way to spend abroad, stop paying to pay! And find old pensions worth £10,000s!
With £31 billion in lost or unclaimed pensions in the UK, Martin tells you how to find your old pensions - which could be worth £10,000s! Plus, Martin’s top holiday money need-to-knows to help you stop paying when you spend abroad and get the most bang for your (Vietnamese) dong. And you tell us the worst financial advice you were given by your parents and grandparents.

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
Council Tax Money Back Special **UPDATED 20/6, after Government consultation launched**
***This episode was first published on 5th June. It was updated on 20th June to reflect the launch of a government consultation on the administration of Council Tax.***Martin goes through step by step everything you need to know about Council Tax. He explains:- How to check you are in the right band.
- How to challenge your Council Tax band.
- The Council Tax deductions you may be entitled to.
- How to collect and claim if you are owed Council Tax creditMartin also gives his response to this week’s Winter Fuel Payment news from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves