

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!


