Money Box

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.

Tim Reid, Director of Research at LaingBuisson, and Tina Jennings, General Secretary of the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries, dive into the booming world of private healthcare, noting over 8 million now hold private medical insurance. They discuss what's driving growth, the types of coverage available, and the rise in employer-provided plans. Tina explains challenges like rising premiums and the impact of private care on NHS pressures. Listeners gain insights on navigating policy choices and the importance of brokers in securing the best deals.

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)