Money Box

Richard Curtis, Sophie Smith, and Helen Morrisey discuss the importance of green investments for engaging young people in pensions. They also explore the problem of self-employed individuals not saving enough, the power of retirement funds in addressing climate change, and taking ownership of your financial future through pensions dashboards.

This week there have been warnings that millions of people aren't saving enough for retirement and calls for pension contributions to be increased. One thinktank - New Financial - released a report saying that despite the success of auto-enrolment nearly a third of the UK workforce are not saving for a pension at all. Most aren't saving enough and will have smaller pensions in future. The government says auto-enrolment means billions more is being saved into pensions. If you are one of the millions of people who own shares directly in a UK company then you may have to give them up. There are just two weeks left to have your say about the future of how those shares are held. It's because paper share certificates are on the way out to be replaced by digital versions. We'll discuss what this means. If want to have your say email "digitisationtaskforce@hmtreasury.gov.uk".If you're wondering where your favourite show on Netflix or Paramount has gone it might be a victim of the strikes in Hollywood where 11,000 writers and more than 150,000 actors have been on strike for the last few months. It means a large number of productions being filmed or produced in the UK have been put on hold, leaving the mainly self-employed crew members with no work and no financial support. We'll hear from those affected.Plus Royal Mail has announced that the price of posting a letter will rise in October for the second time this year. We'll have the details on that.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Sarah Rogers Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 9th September 2023)

15 million adults in the UK feel financially insecure as a result of the rising cost of living. And almost 1 in 10 say they have debt they don’t know how they will repay – that’s according to the charity Christians Against Poverty.Felicity Hannah and a panel of experts answer your questions on everything debt related - from the cost of childcare, bankruptcy and support if you have been the victim of financial abuse.Featuring, Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at Bestinvest and Richard Lane from the debt charity StepChange.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Researcher: Luke Smithurst Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 3pm, Wednesday 6th September, 2023)

One in five people are using Buy Now, Pay Later for essentials, with many struggling to manage repayments. Building more accessible homes could save millions annually and improve the lives of wheelchair users. The government is exploring changes to pensions, including accessing surplus funds. Concerns arise regarding pension fund surpluses, regulations, and risks of early withdrawals.

Podcast discusses recent changes to student finance in England, including extended loan repayment period and lowered income threshold. Guests explore impact on current and future students, struggles and concerns of student finance, financial challenges faced by students in England, and benefits of student discounts and financial support options.

The podcast explores the challenges and adaptability of high street businesses in Barnsley. It discusses the impact of inflation on the market, contrasting experiences of Dave and David, and the economic value of local high streets. Katie's side hustle and plans for expansion are also highlighted. The podcast ends with an exploration of Barnsley market and upcoming topics.

Sally Herbert, Principal at Oasis Academy Harpur Mount, primary school in Manchester, discusses the impact of the cost of living on children's education. They touch upon challenges like staff turnover, managing school finances, funding and budget constraints, and the dedication of teachers amidst financial difficulties. Laura McInerney and a Department for Education spokesperson also provide insights on the future of schools.

Rising costs are having an impact on almost everyone, but that impact is very different for different sections of the economy. Rising food production costs are pushing up everyone’s grocery bills, and squeezing farmers’ profit margins. How are farms adapting to survive difficult times? Are any of them finding new ways to thrive?Felicity Hannah travels to South Wales to meet two farmers, both running family businesses. Kevin and Sian, who, since covid, have diversified their 200 acre mixed farm into a profit making business. And Abi who works alongside her parents and uncle on a 700 acres mixed farm of dairy, sheep, arable, and beef has seen costs spiral but has long term financial solutions for her family business to thrive again. The programme also talks to Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union which represents 47,000 farming businesses across England and Wales, to ask what does the future look like for farmers. Series Producer Smita Patel Editor Clare Fordham Studio Engineer Rod Farquhar

Explore rising costs and how they affect different social groups, featuring interviews with Peter, a person with disabilities who faces budget challenges, Hollie, a new mom juggling finances on maternity leave, and Kishan dealing with mortgage rate hikes. The program also delves into the cost of living crisis, the struggles of households, and the impact of rising expenses on home ownership and childcare costs.

Experts discuss the challenges of rising interest rates on homeowners, including higher monthly payments and difficulties for those seeking new mortgage deals. They explore the impact on the housing market, uncertainty in choosing between short-term fixes or longer-term options, and challenges in obtaining a mortgage. The resilience of the Cheadle housing market is highlighted, along with advice on reducing property prices. The effects of high interest rates on the housing market and the upcoming interest rate announcement are also discussed.