Money Box

Eimear Devlin, a dedicated reporter investigating child benefit issues, joins Dan Whitworth, who shares insights on the rising costs of school trips. Together, they explore the fallout from HMRC's suspension of child benefits affecting thousands due to holiday data errors. Dara Hughes, a Sinn Féin MP, highlights the severe impacts on families and the political implications. Charlotte Harding offers practical advice for schools to support parents with trip expenses as financial pressures rise. Conversations also touch on potential changes to council tax and protections for domestic violence victims.

Sarah Rogers, a reporter specializing in consumer issues, probes the shocking cancellation of the Family Protection Plan by Maiden Life, leaving many facing financial uncertainty. Consumer advocate James Daly discusses the lack of regulation and potential redress for beleaguered policyholders. Helen Thornley enlightens listeners on the confounding 'Simple Assessment' process from HMRC, stressing how it could lead to duplicated tax demands. Finally, David Dodgson shares insights on looming changes to ISAs and the implications for savers as the budget approaches.

Neil Bellamy, a consumer insights director at NIQ, explores the current state of consumer confidence and why people still feel pressure from inflation. Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer at Which?, outlines practical tips for managing household bills and subscriptions effectively. Meanwhile, consumer journalist Harry Wallop discusses growing concerns over rising prices in restaurants and grocery costs. Together, they share money-saving strategies, from cashback hacks to grocery trading down, all while helping listeners navigate the ongoing financial squeeze.

Jo Krasner, a Money Box reporter known for her incisive financial insights, discusses critical issues surrounding the infected blood scandal and the potential inheritance tax threats facing victims' families. She highlights the urgent demand for tax reforms as over 3,000 victims have passed away. Krasner also delves into public backlash against skyrocketing standing charges for energy, revealing mixed reactions and the proposals from Energy UK that could complicate costs for consumers. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing financial concerns!

Richard Donnell, head of research at Zoopla, shares insights on first-time buyer trends, revealing two-thirds receive family support. Jane King, an independent mortgage adviser, discusses practical advice for overcoming deposit hurdles and offers tips for improving creditworthiness. They highlight regional affordability differences, with buyers in London facing tougher conditions. The conversation covers innovative schemes like shared ownership and the First Homes initiative, making buying a home slightly more accessible for new entrants to the market.

Dan Whitworth, a BBC reporter, leads the discussion on the alarming rise of unauthorised recurring card payments that catch consumers off guard. Catherine Hart from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute explains why this practice is deemed outrageous and how to reclaim lost funds. Trusha Hirani, a solicitor, emphasizes the critical need for professionally drafted wills and the risks of dying intestate. Craig Calder from TSB reveals that two-thirds of first-time buyers are overpaying their mortgages and shares strategies to balance overpayments with budgeting.

In this lively discussion, Ben Rowland, Chief Executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, breaks down how apprenticeships work and explains funding intricacies. Rachel Kayes, Community Manager for the Association of Apprentices, highlights crucial budgeting tips and discusses challenges faced by mature apprentices. Meanwhile, Kira Lynchie, a recent degree apprentice, shares her inspiring journey of earning while studying, emphasizing the financial rewards and opportunities that come with degree apprenticeships.

Lucy Rigby, Treasury Minister, discusses government strategies to boost retail investment and the associated risks. Charles Randall, former chair of the FCA, emphasizes the importance of long-term investing and warns about the pitfalls of high-cost assets. Alex Neal from Consumer Voice clarifies the FCA's compensation scheme for car finance mis-selling, detailing eligibility and the average payout. Together, they explore the potential benefits and challenges of investing while advocating for consumer protection and informed financial decisions.

Join Louise Claro, an independent financial adviser, Philippa Hann, a former lawyer turned CEO, and Julia Sage-Bell, a senior policy advisor at PIMFA, as they dive into the world of investing from the London Stock Exchange. They discuss the barriers to investing, especially for women, and emphasize the importance of starting early with proper savings. The guests also explore risks, accessible investment options like ISAs, and the significance of professional advice. Plus, they highlight the Leeds reforms aimed at empowering investors!

Luke Wilson, a BBC reporter known for his on-the-ground insights, reveals the startling drop of cash transactions below 10% in retail, highlighting the concerns for the vulnerable who still rely on it. Natalie Seeney, Chair of Cash Access UK, passionately discusses the implications of this shift, advocating for essential services to accept cash. Baroness Roz Altman, a former pensions minister, explains the phased rise in state pension age and the necessity for flexibility to accommodate health needs, while grounding her insights in fiscal realities.