Money Box

The creative industries add around £124 billion to the UK economy according to government figures, but for actors, painters, or even influencers, making it pay can seem impossible.The actor Christopher Biggins joins the programme to share how he's managed to work in the arts for more than 50 years as well as exactly what you can earn from Christmas Panto. We'll also discuss how there's more than just booking the gig, people should also consider setting money aside to pay taxes and think about paying into a pension.Plus we'll hear from an illustrator, content creator and a theatre group working to improve access to the arts through 'pay what you can' classes.Felicity Hannah is joined by Jack Gamble, Director at Campaign for the Arts and Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at The Self-Employment Association, IPSE.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 27th of December 2025)Photo Credit: Simon Hadley

Dan Whitworth, an investigative reporter, discusses the rise in later-life marriages due to inheritance tax changes. Sally Mitchell, a mortgage broker, shares insights on current mortgage rates and how relaxed rules are helping first-time buyers. Charlie Newsome, a Warren Buffett fan and wealth manager, delves into Buffett’s investment principles and the excitement of his shareholder meetings. The conversation also touches on potential implications of new policies for finances and pensions, making for an engaging blend of personal finance and life changes.

In this lively discussion, Jo Thurston, a parenting coach from Action for Children, shares insights on the complexities of blended family finances. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication to navigate issues like budgeting for gifts and coordinating holiday traditions. Jo also highlights the legal steps necessary when merging families, including parental responsibility agreements and the significance of explicit wills for safeguarding children's inheritance. Listeners gain practical tips for fostering fairness and harmony in blended family dynamics.

Join Sarah Pritchard, Deputy Chief Executive of the FCA, as she discusses upcoming investment changes aimed at encouraging more people to invest rather than keep their savings in cash. She explains the new targeted support framework, detailing how it will tailor recommendations based on customer profiles. The conversation also touches on significant historical shifts, including women's financial rights that began transforming in 1975, highlighting personal stories from women who experienced the old lending rules firsthand.

Dr. Pragya Agarwal, a behavior and data scientist, dives into the psychology of impulse buying, explaining how dopamine and present bias fuel our spending habits. Vikki Brownridge, CEO of StepChange, highlights the dangers of using credit for impulsive purchases, which can spiral into serious debt. They share real-life stories, including one mother's struggle with Buy Now Pay Later schemes. The duo discusses the impact of social media on Gen Z spending, practical tips to curb impulse buys, and the mental health implications of debt, offering insights on support options.

Dan Whitworth, a BBC reporter, shares heartfelt interviews with families in Stoke grappling with fuel poverty, revealing the struggles of living in cold homes. Adam Scorer, from National Energy Action, discusses the alarming impact on children's health and education, advocating for better government support. Adele Greenwood clarifies salary sacrifice pension changes coming in 2029, explaining implications for workers and strategies to maximize savings. The conversation also touches on managing Christmas costs with practical tips for families.

How much do we really understand about our pay?From frozen tax thresholds to salary sacrifice and minimum wage increases, a number of changes made in the Chancellor's budget might have left you looking a bit more closely at your payslip.So, what do all those figures mean, what is your employer legally obliged to provide and what can you do if you think your pay is wrong?Joining Felicity Hannah to answer your questions and comments this week is Dr Hilary Ingham, Professor of Economics at Lancaster University, Funmi Olufunwa, a Personal Finance Expert and financial educator and Kevin Rowan, Director of Dispute Resolution from ACAS the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Helen Ledwick and Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025).

Dan Whitworth, a broadcast reporter focusing on social policy, and Liz Sayce, a disability and social policy expert, dive into urgent topics. They tackle the challenges unpaid carers face, revealing how flawed guidance has led to significant debts due to overpayments of Carer's Allowance. Sayce emphasizes the need for government action on her independent review's recommendations. Additionally, they discuss the recent commitment to exempt compensation for families affected by contaminated blood from inheritance tax, bringing relief to many.

For months we’ve heard speculation about what the Autumn Budget might bring - now we know. The Chancellor has delivered her statement, setting out plans for taxes, benefits, and spending. But what does it mean for your money? Our panel of experts break down the key announcements and explain how they could affect you. Felicity Hannah is joined by David Dodgson, a partner at the independent financial advisors, The Private Office; Helen Thornley, a tax expert from the Association of Taxation Technicians; and Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance specialist for the mutual life and pensions company, Royal London. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Helen Ledwick Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 26th of November 2025).

Dan Whitworth, a dedicated reporter, discusses the staggering rise in fraud cases and inadequate prosecution rates. He teams up with Dave Mead, who leads a local charity providing crucial support to fraud victims, detailing the emotional toll and recovery efforts involved. Dame Meg Hillier shines a light on HMRC's shocking errors that led to wrongful child benefit suspensions for thousands of families, questioning the adequacy of their response and highlighting the harsh human impact. The conversation wraps up with insights on financial protections for savers amidst forthcoming tax policy changes.