Money Box

Discover how the government is reclaiming millions from carers who exceeded earnings limits, the challenges faced by carers, long wait times at HMRC helplines, retirement savings concerns, and the quirks of using a £50 note in shops.

Exploring strategies for negotiating pay rises, the significance of employee perks, frustrations of missing out on back pay, managing work-life balance, unique employee benefits like treehouses and fireman's poles, and challenges in capturing a notorious human smuggler.

The Pension Dashboard is intended to provide an online service to millions of people who have paid into a pension at work by showing all their pots and their value in one place. But the National Audit Office this week revealed a 'digital skills' shortage is behind delays, providers now have until October 2026 to connect to it. The costs of the dashboard are also up by almost a quarter to £279 million. Some people hoping to sell their leasehold homes are being charged large amounts by their freeholder to fill out a simple form which helps the sale to go through smoothly. We hear from 'Harry' who was just days away from exchanging contracts on his two bed flat in London when his sale collapsed because his freeholder wouldn't sign an LPE1 form unless Harry paid more than £20,000. The forms contain information such as ground rent and service charges and rules on pets. Also in the programme we answer listener questions about how to protect your money when banks merge, and applications open on the 12th of May for the next round of government funded childcare. Working parents in England with children aged nine months to under two years can apply for 15 hours of subsidised childcare starting from September. Parents have been encouraged by the Department for Education to act as soon as possible to secure their place. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Jo Krasner Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Sarah RogersThis episode was first broadcast on Saturday the 11th of May.

This episode discusses the financial implications of divorce, including the average income drop post-separation, managing finances after splitting up, and the complexities of sharing debts and accounts. Experts share insights on separating finances and making a financial plan when ending a relationship.

Elderly couple faces account freeze due to outdated documents, highlighting digital exclusion. New online calculator helps boost state pension by filling in NI record gaps. Royal Mail suspends penalty for fake barcoded stamps. Financial planning advice for unmarried couples post breakup

Unpaid carers in the UK face financial challenges and emotional tolls while balancing care commitments, with insights on carer poverty and support available. The podcast explores carer's allowance, eligibility rules, and benefits, highlighting the struggles of caregivers balancing their own health needs. It also delves into the financial hurdles of caregiving, including care assessments and attendance allowance, while emphasizing the importance of community support for carers.

Discover the challenges faced by carers dealing with overpayments of Carer's Allowance, and the call for urgent government action. Learn about Barclaycard's reduced minimum payments on credit cards and the potential impacts on interest and debt. Explore the changes in ISAs allowing multiple accounts in a tax year and partial transfers, shedding light on financial institutions' limitations and responsibilities.

Delving into the complexities of leasehold properties in the UK, the podcast discusses issues like ground rent, service charges, and potential reforms. Experts highlight challenges faced by leaseholders, emphasizing the importance of understanding lease agreements. The impact of the Leasehold Reform Bill on charitable income is explored, shedding light on the financial implications for a charity reliant on leasehold revenues. Government-funded services and online communities offer support for leasehold issues, advocating for transparency and standardized accounting.

New regulations aim to protect victims of fraud, including those using Electronic Money Institutions. Listener Carol shares her struggle for a refund. Changes in ISAs allow for multiple accounts. Monthly car insurance payments come with high costs. Podcast discusses fraud, ISA updates, and insurance payment methods.

Car insurance costs are soaring, with premiums up 46% in the last year. The episode explores alternatives to car ownership, rising fuel and maintenance costs, and challenges faced by the motor insurance industry. Discussing 'fronting' in insurance, electric vehicle charging costs, and difficulties insuring older vehicles and learner drivers.