Money Box

Philippa Cornish, Head of Charities at the Charities Aid Foundation, shares insights on the £3 billion expected to be donated during the festive season. She discusses the motivations behind holiday giving and emphasizes the need for transparency in charitable contributions. The conversation includes practical tips to avoid scams and ensure donations reach the intended causes. Additionally, inspiring stories from young fundraisers who raised £400,000 for children's hospitals highlight the impactful personal connections in charitable giving.

Claire Mills, Deputy CEO of Charity Finance Group, discusses the alarming banking issues faced by charities, with 90% reporting problems over the past two years. She reveals that many struggle to change signatories on bank accounts and highlights the emotional toll these challenges take. The conversation also shifts to the recent Scottish budget, focusing on income tax updates and the two-child benefit cap. Finally, they provide essential insights on Attendance Allowance for pensioners and how to avoid duplicate insurance coverage.

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, sheds light on the hidden crisis of financial control in relationships. Almost a million women face economic abuse, often leaving them trapped and vulnerable. The conversation unveils the legal recognition of economic abuse and its devastating impact on access to necessities. Personal stories spotlight the emotional toll and the urgent need for awareness and systemic support, emphasizing how recognizing the signs can empower victims to reclaim their autonomy.

Sam Rushworth, co-author of a critical report on the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, discusses allegations of incompetence and dishonesty within the organization. He highlights testimonies from victims of financial scandals, stressing the urgent need for reform. Additionally, listeners share their struggles with rising mortgage rates and seek advice on remortgaging their homes. The episode features a charming young coin collector who showcases a rare £2 coin, exploring the sentimental value and market dynamics of unique collectibles.

Discover the chilling effects of courier fraud as a victim shares her harrowing tale of losing £4,000. Learn about the rise of complaints against a wealth management firm and how the 159 service is assisting scam victims in connecting with banks. Find out how the Lifetime ISA, while offering benefits, can hinder first-time buyers due to property price caps. The podcast also stresses the urgent need for transparency in financial services and discusses the alarming increase in financial scams affecting the vulnerable.

Explore the rising support for low-income households facing soaring water bills in England and Wales, highlighting striking disparities across regions. Delve into the emotional fallout and strategic adjustments family farmers must consider with new inheritance tax regulations. Discover a listener's unexpected success in reclaiming a student loan refund, alongside a shocking story from the wellness industry that unveils darker truths about exploitation. It's a rollercoaster of financial insights and personal stories that resonate deeply.

Hidden among the complexities of UK financial systems are over 3 million lost pension pots, totaling a staggering £30 billion. New research reveals a 17% rise in these unclaimed funds, prompting government initiatives to simplify tracking. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of former students are urged to check for potential refunds on overpaid loans, with up to £184 million available for reclamation. The conversation also highlights changes in universal credit repayments, promising to ease the burden for 1.2 million households.

A historic budget introduces significant tax increases, including higher National Insurance and Capital Gains Tax. The freeze on Income Tax thresholds will finally end in 2028, while minimum wage rises are on the horizon. Experts also dissect a landmark Court of Appeal ruling that could secure millions in compensation for car finance buyers, exposing shady dealership practices. The discussion highlights the pressing need for transparency in financial dealings and the wider economic impacts on communities navigating these changes.

Dr. Arun Advani, Professor of Economics at the University of Warwick, provides expert insights on the recent budget announcement. He discusses a monumental £40 billion tax increase affecting personal finances, including significant changes to inheritance tax and national insurance. The conversation includes implications for small businesses, particularly in hospitality, and examines the surprise cuts in alcohol duty, particularly for draft beer. Advani also tackles how these financial changes intertwine with government support for low-income households amidst growing economic pressures.

In this insightful discussion, Dan Whitworth, a reporter for Money Box, delves into the looming financial challenges faced by middle-aged households in light of the forthcoming budget. With rising costs forcing difficult choices, he highlights a staggering rise in households struggling to balance heating and food. The conversation also tackles the implications of changing interest rates and warns about the pitfalls of unregulated 'finfluencers' giving potentially harmful financial advice online. Discover how to navigate these turbulent financial waters!