Money Box

With fewer than two weeks to go until the 2019 General Election, Money Box takes a personal finance look at the manifesto pledges of the four main parties. Among the subjects covered are issues like workers’ rights, benefits and taxes. Hear the Chancellor, the shadow Chancellor, as well as Liberal Democrat and SNP spokesmen on finance, talk through their promises and how they’d bring about the changes they want to see.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: Eleanor Briggs, Dan Whitworth and Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

What can and can't bailiffs do when they knock on your door to collect a debt? What happens if it's not your debt, or you've paid it off already? And can you refuse them entry? Louise Cooper is joined by Matt Hartley from Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline; by Russell Hamblin-Boone, CEO, Civil Enforcement Association, the trade association representing civil enforcement agencies (bailiffs) and by Mike Holmyard from Citizens Advice Scotland.If you'd like to share your stories, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox

Money Box has learned that an increasing number of families who bought new build freehold homes are finding a few years later find they cannot sell them. It's down to the annual charges made to pay for things like maintenance of roads, streetlights, and parks. In many cases the local council will not take on these costs so, through a management company, developers impose a so-called rentcharge on the houses to cover these expenses. Legally this means that the management company can take possession of a property if the homeowner gets 40 days behind with their payments - something mortgage lenders don't like.Every year more than 4000 people reach state pension age - but do not qualify for a state pension. Many of them are self-employed and may have paid thousands of pounds a year in National Insurance contributions - but not the right sort of contributions to qualify for a pension. We speak to someone in that situation.When you buy a meal do you leave a tip? Around one in eight of us never does. Perhaps because we carry less cash or because we're not quite sure what happens to the tip we leave. Do the waiters really get the money? Or is it taken by the managers to meet their costs? Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Andrew Smith

From comic books to Dinky Toys, costume jewellery to milk bottles, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to collecting. But where should you buy and how to be sure you’re getting a good price, whether you're buying or selling? Paul Lewis is joined by Roo Irvine from Kilcreggan Antiques shop in Argyle and Bute. She's also an expert on BBC's Antiques Roadtrip and Bargain Hunt. Also on the panel is vintage toy collector, Lawrence Lambert, valuer on BBC TV’s Cash in the Attic.If you'd like to share your stories, contact the Money Box team. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday. Or email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox

The UK's banks haven't been able to agree who should pay compensation to customers who have had money fraudulently stolen from their bank accounts. Until last May the banks routinely refused to refund these customers. A new Code promised that all innocent customers would be reimbursed from 28 May but that runs out at the end of next month. We speak to Tom Blomfield boss of Monzo, one of the biggest online-only banks.Can technology be used to make it easier and cheaper for people to borrow money - especially those who use expensive short term credit or have poor credit ratings? That was the starting point for the Affordable Credit Challenge which was launched in July to make loans not only more affordable but also more available to low income households. We find out about the solutions that have made it onto the shortlist.A few weeks ago we were contacted by a listener who had suggested to his daughter and son aged 19 and 18 that they start a pension. But they told him "it was a bonkers idea". But could they be persuaded it was in fact something worth considering?And the joke bank notes that made their way into circulation: who bears the cost when they’re discovered not to be legal tender?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

What are the career options available for 16 year-olds today and what are the financial implications? Whether it's college, some paid work or getting an apprenticeship, how will your money issues change if you leave school and pursue other choices?Presenter: Adam Shaw Guests: Billy Sexton, All About School Leavers Erin Bartley, Careers adviser with Skills Development Scotland Tom Stenner-Evans, Partner, Michelmores

People who put money into a UK-wide hotel room investment scheme have been told they’re likely to have lost their money. Northern Powerhouse Developments tempted more than a thousand people to buy hotel rooms in tourist hotspots across England and Wales. Investors were told their money would earn them 10% a year and also be used to refurbish the hotels that had been bought. But, four years since it began to attract investors, the company behind the scheme is bust and the hotels are up for sale. BBC Wales reporter Kayley Thomas has been investigating.Three small energy suppliers owe the regulator more than £2 million between them because they have not obtained enough energy from renewable sources. This so-called renewable obligation is run by the regulator Ofgem to make sure that energy suppliers source enough of their energy as 'green'. We discuss the significance of this.Rising housing costs and inflexible tenancies are forcing young couples to live together long after their relationship has ended, sometimes sharing a room or even a bed. One survey of 2000 people found that one in six of us have lived with an ex-partner at some time. But is there anything you can do to ease the financial pain?Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Could you save enough of your income and budget so tightly that you can afford to retire in your thirties or forties? A US movement called FIRE – Financial Independence Retire Early – encourages millennials to stash enough cash to quit their job early and still live well. But how does it work? And do you have to be on a massive salary to make it a reality? With interest rates at historic lows, where can you invest for a decent return? What happens if you're a low-income earner? And what sacrifices must you make to achieve retirement before you reach fifty? Louise Cooper will be joined by Barney Whiter, one of the UK's biggest ‘FIRE’ bloggers and Claer Barrett, Editor of FT Money Contact the Money Box team to tell your stories and ask questions. The number to call is 03 700 100 444, geographic charges apply. The lines open at 1pm on Wednesday 6 November 2019. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox

In amongst this week's political upheaval, a date was set for opposite-sex civil partnerships to become law. The first ceremonies will take place on December 31 2019. So what impact could this have on your financial health?Money Box has been hearing from disgruntled clients of a claims management firm demanding money from some customers years after they thought their claims were closed. Ben Carter has been investigating.Earlier this week the regulator relaxed mortgage affordability barriers with the aim to help an estimated 150,000 home owners trapped in high cost loans and not able to switch to a better deal. The FCA estimates the measures may only help as few as 2000, leaving the rest still stuck.Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Our expert panel take a look at the problems around mental health and money. From how to make your benefits work better for you, talking with banks and how to avoid the complications that can come from periods of poor mental health.You can call Money Box Live 03 700 100 444. Or email us moneybox@bbc.co.uk or tweet @moneybox.Panel- Anne Riddle from the Bridge Money Advisory Service in Stoke-on-Trent Helen Undy from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Ayaz Manji from Mind