This is Money Podcast

Discover the staggering 37 taxes that UK households grapple with, revealing a tax rate that could hit 57%. Explore why the government's wealth tax proposal faces challenges, with diminishing capital gains tax returns. Hear insights on what it really means to feel wealthy in different regions, especially with rising living costs. Plus, get expert advice on inheritance tax strategies and hear listeners' tax queries that unveil clever and compliant financial tactics. Tune in for a mix of practical advice and fascinating discussions!

Experts discuss potential changes to the state pension age, suggesting it might rise to 74. They emphasize the importance of early retirement savings and the impact of socioeconomic disparities. The psychological barriers to saving for retirement are explored, along with upcoming taxation changes affecting families. Criticism of including pensions in the inheritance tax framework highlights unfair burdens. Finally, there's an analysis of the FTSE 100's rise and contrasting strategies for investing in Bitcoin amid its volatility.

Discover the controversy surrounding proposed mortgage reforms that aim to ease housing affordability for first-time buyers. Experts discuss the risks of larger loans and the lessons from past financial crises. The podcast also dives into the FTSE 100's recent surge, exploring its implications for investors. Additionally, there's a spotlight on upcoming changes to inheritance tax, and practical advice on navigating investment diversifications and choosing the right funds in today's market.

The podcast dives into the potential future of cash ISAs after a recent policy shift, questioning if the allowances are truly secure. It discusses Nvidia's groundbreaking $4 trillion valuation and the implications for investors. Partners are encouraged to consider joint finances, stirring up thoughts about transparency in relationships. The episode also debates the privacy concerns surrounding smart doorbells, exploring the balance between security and surveillance. Lastly, it investigates trends in banking strategies, including attractive offers and credit card management.

The nation's favourite savings product has just got a little less generous. The prize rate on NS&I's supremely popular Premium Bonds will be slashed from 3.8 per cent to 3.6 per cent from the August draw - the fifth cut since March 2024. On this week's podcast, Helen Crane, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost discuss why Premium Bonds are the Marmite of the savings world, and ask whether the latest cut will prompt devotees to jump ship.  We also look at where else they could stash their rainy day fund - and keep the tax-free benefits.  Elsewhere, the team ask why a Lloyds Bank customer was turned away from the counter when they asked to withdraw £600 in cash - and told they could only do it at the machine outside.  We also hear from a reader who has a moral dilemma. They are having £40,000 of work done on their home, and the builder has asked them to pay in cash.  It seems there may be some creative accounting at work - but our reader hasn't been told that in so many words, and it could of course be perfectly above board.  Could they get in trouble if it does turn out the builder is evading tax? Will the bank ask questions? And can you even take out that much money in one go?  Next, Tanya discusses the latest number crunching which reveals that opting out of your work pension in your twenties, even for five years, could leave you £40,000 poorer at retirement.  With younger people's budgets stretched in many directions, paying into a pension isn't always a priority.  So how can they ensure they save enough for a comfortable retirement, and is it possible to make up for lost time?  Finally, we look at what most people would spend the money on if they received an inheritance - or at least, what they say they would spend it on.

What would you do with £208million? Ahead of another Euromillions rollover, This is Money spoke to an adviser to those fortunate few who have scooped a jackpot to get some practical tips on what to do if you win big…just in case! Would friends and family be top of your list when it comes to how to spend it... or something else? Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss. Simon turns his focus on The Big Winter Fuel u-turn and the spending review – 'pray for Rachel and all of us,' he says. We borrowed too much to buy our home - what can we do about our huge mortgage? And an auction expert revealed the four types of property that savvy buyers are snapping up right now.

Tax is an increasingly taxing subject for many people who feel hard done by as Britain’s complicated system catches them out. From quirks of the system, such as the 60 per cent tax trap and child benefit removal, to the childcare cliff edge, frozen thresholds, and pensions soon to be dragged into inheritance tax, there’s a whole host of things to drive us mad. And, it’s getting worse. The Tories and now Labour have both chosen to ratchet up the things that trip people up to raise money, rather than sort out a tax system that most economists say is a total mess. So how far would you go to avoid your personal tax raid? And is tax changing people’s behaviour? Lee highlights how. On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dive into how the British tax tail is wagging the dog. Plus, as the Switch 2 arrives and the video game industry goes from strength to strength, should you invest in video game firms? How much do you need for a comfortable retirement – and what does that get you? And finally, you put up an 8 foot fence for privacy, your neighbour has gone from non-plussed to threatening to call the council over a planning breach, what do you do? The team have some answers. And for all the listeners that Simon directed to the gem that is the comments section of the story, here’s the link. > Are we allowed an 8ft fence? Our neighbour says we've broken planning rules

The discussion kicks off with Nationwide's new £100 cash bonus initiative and its implications for members. The hosts then dive into the competitive banking landscape, revealing how attractive bonuses drive customer retention. HSBC's Premier account perks spark debate on income requirements versus benefits. Investment opportunities are explored, highlighting NVIDIA's success amidst market volatility. Finally, insights into the emotional dynamics of home viewings and the implications of changes in retirement age provide a thought-provoking conclusion.