The Martin Lewis Podcast

BBC Radio 5 Live
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Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 5min

Life lessons for all ages! A warning if you’ve booked a holiday, and no standing charge tariffs?

Martin Lewis tells us his four life lessons he gave to graduates recently, so we asked you for yours! Plus, Martin’s annual warning if you’ve booked a holiday, an update to Ofgem’s no standing charge tariff for energy, and Mastermind is all about borrowing: does the length of a loan matter more than the interest rate? You’ll have to listen to find out! If you want to ask Martin a question, you can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his go-to dance move, if he knows the secret to parallel parking, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 36min

Question Time: At last, I’m debt free - what now? Overpay my mortgage or invest? Do I need pay NI if I want to retire early?

Listen in as Martin Lewis gives practical advice on whether to save, invest, or overpay your mortgage. Learn about National Insurance and its implications for early retirement. Hear Robert's inspiring story of becoming debt-free and discover the importance of celebrating financial milestones. Uncover tips on managing postgraduate loans and the significance of maintaining a balanced budget. Plus, get a peek into Martin's grooming routine and his surprising hair secrets!
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18 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 11min

Everything you ever wanted to know about tax but were too afraid to ask!

In this insightful discussion, tax experts Carrie Mellon and Rebecca Bennyworth tackle pressing tax topics. Carrie, a director at Opus Tax Limited, simplifies self-assessment deadlines and how to deal with the basics of inheritance tax. Rebecca, known for her policy advice, clarifies who needs to file returns and the impact of PAYE. They delve into the nuances of capital gains tax, savings interest allowances, and offer guidance for retirees. Plus, they highlight resources for taxpayers who need help with forms, making tax a little less daunting!
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Jan 12, 2026 • 33min

Question Time: Will my ex’s debt affect my credit score? Bridesmaid’s dress consumer rights? Credit card won’t give money back

In this engaging discussion, Martin Lewis tackles a range of pressing financial questions. He clarifies how an ex's debt might impact credit scores and dives into consumer rights when purchasing a bridesmaid's dress. A listener shares the woes of builder issues, prompting tips on Section 75 rights and chargebacks. Martin also emphasizes the importance of financial education for students and answers whether ex-partners' debts affect one's finances. Plus, get ready for a laugh as he reveals his wrestling persona and finishing move!
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Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 4min

Debt Masterclass: Slash the cost of existing credit cards, overdrafts, loans, BNPL and more

Dive into a masterclass on managing debt, as strategies for slashing credit card, overdraft, and loan costs are revealed! Learn the dangers of minimum repayments and the importance of prioritizing debts by APR. Discover the ins and outs of balance transfers, including tips on finding the best deals. Plus, insights on why incomes impact credit offers and alternative solutions for those in crisis. Finally, hear practical advice on setting realistic financial goals for the new year and understand the risks associated with buy now, pay later schemes!
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Jan 1, 2026 • 31min

Christmas Special: The best of Martin’s Money Mastermind!

Adrian Charles, a regular contributor known for his engaging insights, joins for a festive dive into consumer rights and financial savvy. They tackle critical topics like the legalities of returning faulty tech and clarify the differences between debit card payments and direct debits. Adrian learns that retail gift aid only applies when charities sell donated items. Plus, they discuss how adding a child as a secondary cardholder doesn’t help build their credit score. Tune in for festive fun and smart money tips!
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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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