The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live
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Nov 17, 2025 • 27min

Question Time: Will my new husband need to pay for my daughter’s uni? Do high interest savings beat cash ISAs?

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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Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 9min

A wallet workout to gain pounds! Earn £100s in minutes perusing your purse or (digital) wallet

Discover how a wallet workout can help you identify the best debit and credit cards to maximize your savings. Learn about cashback options like Lloyds Ultra and how to pick travel cards wisely. Martin discusses essential checks, from your driving licence photo to ensuring your organ donor registration is current. Find out why it's crucial to evaluate foreign transaction fees and whether cash or card is better for small purchases. Plus, tips on fighting price hikes with O2 and managing overdrafts effectively.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 31min

Question Time: Is paying via PayPal a bigger risk? How to do a budget? Has the government ever told Martin to stay schtum?

In this engaging discussion, Martin dives into budgeting pitfalls and offers tips on detailed categorization to keep track of expenses. He shares practical methods like the jam-jar approach for allocating monthly funds. The conversation also touches on the complexities of payment protections, especially with PayPal and Section 75 rights. Plus, listeners learn how an 18-year-old can start building credit responsibly. Martin even clarifies the impact of marriage on wills and whether the government has ever asked him to stay quiet. Tune in for insightful money advice!
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Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 5min

Martin’s Savings Interest Masterclass: increase what you earn by up to 50%!

Discover how to supercharge your savings with expert insights on cash ISAs, fixed savings, and the best regular saver accounts. Learn about the importance of financial education in schools and the three crucial rules before saving. Martin dives into the pros and cons of fixed versus variable rates, explains how to navigate tax on ISAs, and shares strategies for maximizing bonuses from banks. Plus, hear listeners' stories about job satisfaction and get the lowdown on the Lifetime ISA and Help to Save programs!
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Nov 3, 2025 • 27min

Question Time: Will ISA changes hit what I’ve saved? Safer to stick cash under the bed? A credit card for my eight-year-old?

Listeners dive into burning questions like whether proposed ISA changes will impact their savings and if it's wise to stash cash under the mattress. Martin reveals why giving your eight-year-old a credit card is a bad idea and suggests prepaid options instead. He also clarifies that making a car finance claim won't affect your current agreements. Plus, he explains the marriage tax allowance and shares his simple dinner recipe. Tune in for insights that could save you money!
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Oct 30, 2025 • 60min

Martin v Ofgem boss: Why are energy bills so high (is it green levies?) | Scrap standing charges | Is the Price Cap a rip-off?

In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Brearley, Chief Executive of Ofgem, breaks down the complexities of household energy bills. He explains the components of energy costs, including wholesale prices and policy levies, while addressing the rising network costs driven by maintenance and renewable integration. Brearley also discusses the implications of standing charges, potential reforms, and how renewables may reduce prices long-term. Martin Lewis probes into O2's price hikes and regulatory transparency, ensuring consumers understand their rights amid rising energy costs.
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7 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 33min

Question Time: Can I refuse a Smart meter? Should I clear my student loan? Is a stoozer a loser?

In this engaging discussion, Martin tackles whether smart meters are mandatory and clarifies the benefits of upgrading. He advises on handling student loans, suggesting saving over immediate repayment. When it comes to energy tariffs, he weighs the pros and cons of one- versus two-year fixes. With a touch of broadcasting wisdom, he shares tips to enhance on-air delivery. Finally, he explains stoozing and its potential impact on future mortgage rates, offering strategic advice for managing debts.
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Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 3min

Free £400 for switching bank! Was Uni worth it? Cash ISAs to be cut

Discover seven banks ready to pay you to switch accounts and learn the ins and outs of the process, from eligibility to joint accounts. Dive into debates about the true value of university education, with diverse listener opinions revealing mixed outcomes. Also, get the latest on potential cuts to cash ISA limits and updates on car finance misselling. Explore how to tackle switching bonuses legally and hear personal anecdotes that add a light-hearted touch to financial discussions.
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Oct 13, 2025 • 27min

Question Time: Is cash king? Should you keep some mortgage debt? Can I reclaim student loan taken off my bonus?

This week, listeners dive into credit card strategies and whether unused cards should be canceled. The discussion heats up around managing mortgage debt and potentially keeping it for future borrowing flexibility. Martin also clarifies the ins and outs of reclaiming student loan deductions from bonuses and shares a success story about overpaid loans. Plus, there’s a glimpse into Martin's fitness journey and his routine updates. Finally, he tackles the complexities of distance selling rights at Argos.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 59min

14 million to get mis-sold car finance compensation!

A new £8.2bn redress scheme could see 14 million people compensated for mis-sold car finance. Martin Lewis breaks down what mis-selling looks like and who qualifies for claims. He advises on how to submit complaints, the importance of doing so promptly, and details about average payouts. Notably, he addresses how to claim for deceased relatives and the nuances of opting out to take cases to court. Plus, he clarifies eligibility of vehicles and provides practical tips on navigating the claims process.

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