Money Box

Join BBC reporters Dan Whitworth and Catherine Lund, alongside James Bowen from the National Association of Head Teachers and retired head teacher Joanne Hurst, as they tackle urgent issues in the Teachers' Pension Scheme. They discuss devastating delays impacting educators' financial stability and the union's call for government intervention. Additionally, Catherine reveals how motorists may claim a share of £200 million due to undervalued car insurance payouts, shedding light on the compensation process and individual experiences.

Kate Baucherel, a digital strategy consultant, and Louise Abbott, a partner focusing on fraud and crypto law, delve deep into the world of cryptocurrencies. They explain how blockchain works and discuss the regulatory landscape shifts coming from the FCA. The duo highlights the alarming rise of crypto scams and provides crucial advice on avoiding them. They also touch on the environmental impact of cryptocurrencies and the importance of acting quickly when funds are stolen. With insights on investing and recovery, they shed light on the future of digital assets.

Jade Garnie, Chair of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, highlights the alarming trend of trust mis-selling, revealing that many unsuspecting individuals are paying hefty sums for ineffective schemes meant to protect their homes from inheritance tax and care fees. She emphasizes the need for proper advice from accredited solicitors. The discussion also touches on the easing of buy-to-let mortgage rates, which offers landlords hope amidst financial pressures, while Northern Ireland sees a unique rise in house prices due to local demand and limited supply.

This week on Money Box Live we're looking at a topic that's very difficult but very important. What happens to your finances when the worst happens? How do you plan for your financial future when you've been diagnosed with a life-limiting or terminal illness? It's a question a group of MPs have been asking too. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospice and End of Life Care has found that people can face real hardship because they often have extra costs combined with a loss of earnings.Felicity Hannah is joined by Jamie Thunder, senior policy manager for financial security at the end of life charity Marie Curie and Nina Sperring, partner at Price, Slater, Gawne solicitors. She's also a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which specialises in estates and wills. We also hear from Nathaniel Dye, a music teacher who was diagnosed with incurable bowel cancer at 36.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: James Graham and Helen Ledwick Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(First broadcast at 3pm Wednesday 17th September 2025)

Discover how the Mortgage Charter has helped over a quarter of a million homeowners manage payments amidst rising rates. Learn why more people are withdrawing tax-free cash from pensions, driven by personal needs and budget speculation. Millions are missing out on unclaimed benefits, totaling tens of billions, with simple steps to access crucial support. Finally, the proposed removal of the £100 contactless payment limit sparks discussions about consumer safety and banking responsibilities.

Tom Allingham, a representative of Save the Student, shares vital insights on the rising costs of university in the UK. He explains the recent increase in tuition fees for the first time in eight years and the complex funding models across different regions. The issue of mounting student debt, averaging £53,000 in England, is highlighted through a graduate's struggle with repayments. Additionally, Tom discusses rising rent prices, housing quality issues, and how these factors influence students' choices about where to study.

The podcast dives into upcoming changes to pension inheritance rules set for 2027, highlighting confusion around tax implications for families. Listeners are educated on the state pension underpayment crisis, particularly affecting women who paused work for caregiving. There's a discussion on the rising costs of student living, with new research revealing maintenance loans barely meet needs. Finally, challenges with HMRC's outreach and claims processes are explored, alongside insights on the decline of local currencies.

Being a tenant can be pricey — and it’s only getting pricier. Private rents rose by almost six per cent in the year to July, and while the pace may be slowing, the average UK rent still stands at over £1,300 a month. So what does that mean for the millions of people living in private rented homes? This week on Money Box Live, we're looking at the cost of renting — and what it’s doing to your finances. We’ll hear from a family forced to live apart because they can’t afford to rent together, and from a woman struggling to rent because of debt problems. We’ll ask what the upcoming Renters Rights Bill means for tenants — and what tax breaks are available to people who choose to rent out a spare room. With rising prices, limited supply, and big reforms on the horizon, join us as we unpack the pressures facing renters — and what support is out there. Felicity Hannah is joined by Matt Hutchinson from Spare Room, Vicky Spratt, Housing Correspondent for The i, and Matt Sheeran from Money Wellness Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Helen Ledwick Editors: Jess Quayle and Craig Henderson (This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 3rd of September 2025).

Hundreds of former retained firefighters have come forward to claim millions of pounds in missing pension payments after Money Box covered the story earlier this summer. We'd reported how their union, the Fire and Rescue Service Association, had warned thousands of its members risked missing out on the payments very often worth tens of thousands of pounds for each individual.Scammers have been sending texts pretending to be from the government to try and trick pensioners into applying for the Winter Fuel Payment. That's a payment that can be worth up to £300 off energy bills over the colder months. It's prompted the Department for Work and Pensions to issue a warning, telling people to beware of the texts, which ask people to click on link which could be used to steal money from victims.How are the rumours about changes to stamp duty affecting the housing market? And a reminder that if you’re the parent or carer of a 16-19 year old you’ve got until Sunday to renew your child benefit claim.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Catherine Lund and Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 12pm Saturday 30th August 2025)

Join Deborah Meaden, renowned Dragons' Den investor and entrepreneur, as she shares invaluable insights on the financial wisdom many wish they had known earlier. Listeners reveal regrets about budgeting, understanding compound interest, and handling workplace pensions. Entrepreneur Dave Fishwick discusses his money mistakes and offers essential tips for financial success. Maths teacher Bobby Seagull emphasizes the critical need for financial education, while planner Kirsty Stone addresses the importance of cultivating positive financial habits for a secure future.