

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

10 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 42min
Energy Question Time: Is it time to fix? (spoiler: YES!) How do I get my credit back? Are Smart Meters… not?
With energy prices on the rise, save £100s with expert tips on fixing your tariff now. Discover the pros and cons of smart prepayment meters and get advice for low-energy users on standing charges. Learn how to reclaim excess credit from direct-debit accounts, and whether it's time to cash out if you're in the green. Dive into the tricky world of solar panels and export contracts, and find out how many smart meters are actually functioning as they should. Your energy savings journey starts here!

9 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 30min
Question Time: Is having a pension worth it? Why has my home insurance doubled? And Martin's Mick Jagger history!
In this enlightening discussion, the value of pensions takes center stage, highlighting their tax benefits and employer contributions. Martin shares a personal anecdote about trying to persuade Mick Jagger to finish his accounting degree. Listeners learn why their home insurance might have doubled and gain insight into the importance of fully paying off credit cards to avoid interest. Each question leads to practical advice that empowers listeners in their financial decisions.

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
Should you take a student loan? Martin’s five things you need to know about student finance
Dive into the complexities of student finance with insights on tuition costs and the nuances of loan repayments. Discover how parental contributions can impact students, and why current interest rates may not tell the whole story. There's also an update on energy standing charges that aims to help low users. Plus, listeners share amusing accidental savings stories. Martin emphasizes that loans might be better left for future investments like a mortgage, and he explains how different repayment plans affect graduates based on their earnings.

5 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 23min
Question Time: Should you invest in gold? Student loan interest? How to get energy credit back?
Explore how to reclaim your energy credit and whether switching suppliers is worth it. Martin dives into the ins and outs of student loans, addressing the 2023 reforms and interest changes. He also shares insights on investing in gold and when it's smart to overpay your mortgage. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted listener question about ducks and tips on locating a Child Trust Fund. If you've got burning financial queries, Martin's here to help!

6 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Grown Up Stuff: (Free) Wills & (even more important) Power of Attorney
Join Melinda Giles, a wills and probate expert, and Austin Lafferty, a Scottish law specialist, as they dive into the essentials of wills and lasting powers of attorney. They discuss why having a will is vital and how LPAs can be even more critical. Learn about the risks of DIY wills, the importance of updating your documents, and practical tips for choosing attorneys. The duo also tackles common conflicts with LPAs and offers insights into managing medical decisions. Wrap up with key takeaways that emphasize the need to protect your future.

Sep 15, 2025 • 27min
Question Time: Cutting Credit Card Debt, Scrapping the State Pension and more…
Dive into a financial whirlwind as listener questions tackle credit scores and the mysteries of lending criteria. Discover the implications of possibly scrapping the state pension and strategies for managing credit card debt effectively. Learn about the importance of having a power of attorney in relationships, and get the lowdown on ISA rules, including how to transfer funds smoothly. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted debate on the merits of pineapple on pizza!

Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Top Children’s Savings & Investment Accounts | Car Finance Mis-selling Update
Discover the ins and outs of children's savings with Junior ISAs, Child Trust Funds, and the power of premium bonds. Get the latest scoop on car finance mis-selling and find out how millions might qualify for compensation. Explore smart investment strategies for kids, including index trackers and robo-investing. Delve into how emotional perspectives shape our views on wealth and the importance of financial literacy for the younger generation. Plus, learn how early pension contributions can set children on a path to financial success!

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Beat the energy price hike, flight delay compo, and the £1 train!
Discover essential tips to beat the upcoming energy price hike and learn how to secure lower bills by locking into fixed rates. Find out how to claim compensation for past flight delays and hear success stories from listeners. Dive into the complexities of capital gains tax and the quirky 'Bed & Breakfast' rule. Plus, enjoy a playful touch with a discussion on Scrabble and a guide on redeeming damaged currency. This mix of practical advice and engaging anecdotes will keep you informed and entertained!

12 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 43min
A Savings and Investment Special!
Louise Claro, the Managing Director of Circle Financial Services and an independent financial advisor, joins the discussion on money management. They dive into the importance of defining personal financial goals and maximizing savings. Clara shares insights on the difference between accessible and fixed savings options. She also explains cash ISAs and the Help to Save scheme using a cake analogy. The conversation rounds off with smart investment strategies, emphasizing diversification and the advantages of index funds over managed funds.

Aug 21, 2025 • 40min
A Bills Special!
Dive into practical tips for slashing your mobile phone bills and staying updated on council tax changes! Learn how to challenge your council tax banding with essential evidence and find out about vital reforms improving debt collection for vulnerable individuals. Discover the significance of accessing discounts and benefits for those facing mental health issues. Plus, explore recent shifts in mobile contract rules that could lead to significant savings!