Money Box

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.

The podcast dives into crucial updates on pensions and childcare that could reshape financial futures. With the government's review of state pension-age and new initiatives for 30 hours of funded childcare, working parents stand to save significantly. It also sheds light on retained firefighters who may be owed thousands in pension payments following legal changes, urging them to take action. Additionally, savvy travelers can catch money-saving tips for their summer excursions. It's a treasure trove of financial insight!

John Webb, a credit expert at Experian, and Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer and consumer champion at Which?, dive into the often confusing world of credit scores. They discuss critical factors affecting scores and the importance of checking credit reports for accuracy. Hear a gripping tale of someone fighting to fix their score after fraud, alongside essential tips for building and improving credit. They also cover strategies for facing credit challenges and the significance of timely payments. Tune in for practical advice that can help shape your financial future!

In this engaging discussion, Steve Webb, a former pensions minister, and Daniela Silcock, a pensions research expert, tackle the troubling statistics surrounding women's retirement savings. They reveal that women hold just 42p for every £1 men have in private pensions and discuss the lingering impact of caregiving and unequal pay on financial independence. The guests share insights on government initiatives for unclaimed pensions aimed at women and the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure fair retirement opportunities for all.

There's a surge in requests for water meters as consumers seek relief from rising bills, with some finding significant savings. However, installation challenges persist for others, especially single occupants. In a major development, proposed cuts to cash ISA contributions won’t go ahead, easing fears for savers. The podcast also dives into a landmark Supreme Court ruling impacting how wealth is divided in divorces, stressing the need for updated laws to adapt to modern relationship complexities.

It was a momentous day on Tuesday as the government and regulators announced major changes in the way investments will be sold. What's been proposed and what's the role of the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, in that?Inflation rose to 3.6%, this week the highest it has been since January 2024 - what's behind that?And two of the UK's leading end of life charities have told Money Box people given less than 12 months to live should not have to pay Council Tax before they die. The call from Marie Curie and Hospice UK comes just a few weeks after Manchester City Council became what's believed to be the first local authority in the UK to introduce such a scheme. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 19th July 2025)

Unemployment is at its highest level in four years, leading to pressing discussions about job loss. Experts share insights on legal rights and financial management during job hunts. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll of redundancy and the challenges in the job market, particularly for older candidates. The impact of AI on recruitment and issues of motor insurance following job changes are also covered. Listeners are guided to support resources, ensuring they’re informed and prepared for their next steps.

Reform of the state pension, auto-enrolment into company pensions and consolidation of small pensions spread across several providers are proposed this week in a major report on the future of pensions. It says major changes are are necessary to ensure today's workers have an adequate income in retirement. The conclusions come at the end of a two year study by the independent research organisation the Institute for Fiscal Studies, we'll speak to them about the report.Hundreds of thousands of people whose homes are heated using communal heat networks are less than 6 months away from greater protection as the industry gets ready to come under Ofgem regulation for the first time. Up until now people in homes that are on heat networks, which use a single heat source to pipe hot water to multiple households, have not had the same rights as those on mains gas or electricity, but that is about it change. What difference could the new regulations make?How could the way you get financial advice change in the future? We'll discuss new proposals by the regulator the Financial Conduct Authority aimed at helping more people get financial advice.And, what would you like to see on a new bank note from the Bank of England? Email us now moneybox@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle(audio credit British Pathé)(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 5th July 2025)

Andrea Coady, Head of Policy at Nacro, and Ana Caldeira from Catch 22 dive into the financial realities faced by ex-offenders. The conversation reveals the concept of 'bang-up' pay and the challenging journey of reintegration after prison. They discuss the stigma and barriers in securing basic banking services, highlighting the urgent need for better financial education and support systems. These insights shed light on how financial stability can significantly reduce re-offending rates and aid in rebuilding lives.

Six million people will have £150 knocked off one winter electricity bill this winter. The Government has announced an expansion of the Warm Home Discount scheme which will almost double the number getting it. Who is eligible and how will people get the payment?Money Box has been receiving a steady stream of emails from members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme complaining about how their pensions are being managed. With more than 2 million members and liabilities of £278 billion the TPS is one of the largest in the UK. So what is going on? Dan Whitworth investigates.Child maintenance is a regular financial payment made by a parent who doesn't live with their child to help support the child's living costs. This week the government has announced plans for some significant changes to the way those payments are collected and transferred. We'll explain what's changing.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner Studio Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 28th June 2025)