The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live
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Dec 25, 2025 • 29min

Christmas Special: The best of Question Time!

In this festive discussion, Martin tackles intriguing questions like the risks of smart meters and whether you can refuse one. He dives into the intricacies of payment protection with PayPal, exploring its impact on credit card guarantees. Cash at home vs. banking safety comes into play, with plenty of practical advice. The conversation also covers the confusion surrounding student loans for blended families. And of course, there's a lighter moment as Martin debates whether he’d rather face one man-sized duck or ten duck-sized men!
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Dec 22, 2025 • 27min

Question Time: Council Tax £6,000 refund! £700 saved ditching O2! And a warranty schmarranty winner

Listeners share incredible savings stories, from ditching O2 for a £700 annual saving to securing a £6,000 council tax refund for severe mental impairment. One guest reveals how switching banks earned him a £400 bonus, while another discusses turning nine pension years into a valuable income. There's also a triumph over consumer rights when a faulty iPhone screen was replaced for free. Join in for practical tips and inspiring success stories that can help you save big!
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Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 3min

It’s Love Actuarially! Base interest rate cut help. And will you get £150 off energy bills?

In this week’s discussion, the Bank of England cuts the base interest rate—what does this mean for your mortgages and savings? Discover how to save on energy bills with the government's £150 discount. Listeners share heartwarming stories of financial kindness amidst the money talk. Martin also explores the curious case of opening Christmas gifts early to check for faults. Plus, insights on the tricky world of representative APR and when to switch banks. Tune in for practical tips and financial wisdom!
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Dec 15, 2025 • 28min

Question Time: How to deal with mounting debt? What happens to ISAs when I die? Is student loan paid before or after tax?

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how do I deal with my mounting debt? Is student loan paid before or after tax (and should I set up a direct debit if I’m close to paying it off)? Can someone take over my ISA allowance when I die? Plus, we have a student loan success story, and just how does Martin manage to do 26,000 steps a day? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite seaside town, if he’d ever go to space, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.
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Dec 11, 2025 • 1h 7min

Everything you need to know about ISAs (Cash & Shares) - but were too afraid to ask!

Dive into the complexities of ISAs with insights on cash, stocks, and the future of Lifetime ISAs. Discover how new rules allow multiple ISAs annually and the impact of recent budget changes limiting cash ISA allowances. Explore smart strategies on saving, investing, and avoiding penalties when transferring ISAs. Martin shares beginner tips for DIY shares ISAs and debates the pros and cons of Lifetime ISAs versus pensions. Plus, get festive with listener holiday tips and learn about the car insurance loyalty penalty!
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Dec 8, 2025 • 33min

Question Time: Can salary sacrifice cut student loan & savings tax cost? A Bridesmaid refund! And, state pension tax?

Dive into financial wisdom as salary sacrifice strategies for lowering student loan repayments are explored. Discover how increasing pension contributions can shift tax brackets and affect savings allowances. A heartwarming bridesmaid dress refund story highlights consumer rights, while Martin discusses the future of tax on state pensions. Plus, he shares his exhilarating experience on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and hints at his interest in Celebrity Traitors. Have a burning question? You can ask him anything!
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Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 3min

Are Credit Scores real or nonsense? How to make yourself more attractive to lenders

Discover the truth behind credit scores and why they might not be as real as you think. Learn how to make yourself more appealing to lenders by understanding key factors like income and affordability. Explore the latest changes in energy tariffs and what they mean for your bills. Hear stories of financial maturity from listeners and gain insights into building credit, correcting reports, and the importance of managing payments wisely. Get practical tips to enhance your financial standing and get ready to ask questions for future discussions!
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Dec 1, 2025 • 31min

Question Time: Time to ditch Premium Bonds? Do student loans cost more for middle earners? Credit on a low income?

Martin Lewis tackles hot financial topics, like whether it's time to ditch premium bonds and the hidden costs middle earners face with student loans. He breaks down how the ISA limit functions and discusses upcoming changes that could impact savers. Plus, there's a deep dive into the Online Safety Act and why it hasn't effectively reduced scam ads. Learn how savings interest is taxed and ways to manage your tax liability on earnings. With plenty of listener questions answered, there's financial wisdom for everyone.
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9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 28min

Budget 2025: Instant reaction special!

In a rapid-fire breakdown of the latest budget, Martin Lewis reveals impactful changes like the state pension increase and freezing of student loan thresholds. He discusses a significant shift in energy levies away from bills and the introduction of new surcharges for electric vehicles. A surprising end to the two-child benefit limit is on the horizon, while potential ISA reforms are also highlighted. With tips on switching tariffs and navigating fiscal changes, it's a must-listen for anyone interested in personal finance!
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Nov 24, 2025 • 29min

Question Time: Time to stop using my LISA? Are cashback & switch bonuses taxable? Are investments protected up to £85,000?

Dive into tips on getting hotel refunds for flight cancellations and understand the protection limits on investments versus savings. Discover whether it's wise to pause your Lifetime ISA contributions ahead of upcoming budget changes. Learn about the non-taxable nature of cashback and switch bonuses. Martin even shares his favorite music choices and how AI can help decode convoluted policy terms. It's an informative yet personal journey through financial queries and practical advice!

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