This is Money Podcast

The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate for the sixth time in a row this week – but was it the right decision? Should the MPC have been bold and made a cut? What does it mean for our mortgages and savings? And when will a move come - and in what direction? This week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk about the base rate decision and what happens next. In the world of property, the number of homes being devalued is on the rise. So, what's going on? And what can you do if it happens to you. Bungalows are having a moment. They're not just for the elderly and downsizers, young families and first time buyers are also increasingly interested - pushing the price of them higher since the pandemic. . Energy firms have been trying to push smart meters on us for years. Have they uncovered a new trick to get us to make the swap? And finally, it's been good news for JD Wetherspoon - the no frills pub chain said it expects annual profits to come in towards the 'top end' of forecasts. Where do you stand on Spoons? Lee and Simon face-off with different pints of view on the pub giant.

Recent mortgage rate increases have homeowners and buyers worried. The team discusses the reasons for the rate rises and the impact on the housing market. They also talk about pension savings strategies, passing pensions to grandchildren, phone theft crimes, and transitioning to pass keys for online security.

FTSE 100 hits record highs with mining merger bid and tech star acquisition. Discussion on UK market, investment trusts, retirement planning, state pension top-ups, and inheritance tax. Light-hearted segment on backseat drivers' habits and car etiquette.

Discussion on changing inflation rates, impacts of rising interest rates, challenges faced by farmers, Neil Woodford as a 'finfluencer', ISA regulation changes, plastic bag charge conundrum, and promotion of Kathalon bag with financial news update.

Financial experts Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost discuss the 8.5% state pension boost, potential means testing challenges, delays in the online pension service, NS&I IT meltdown, a dance teacher's outrageous energy bill, and the curious case of an American Express card with a 704.6% APR.

There's a warning for savers who's fixed term deals are coming to an end - don't take your eye off the ball now or risk having your returns wiped out in a matter of months. A year ago, there was a flurry of savers choosing fixed-rate bonds as they improved drastically. But if you don't act, the chances are it'll rollover into an awful rate. On this week's This is Money podcast, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk savings, just as we head into a new financial year. Also on the savings front, NS&I reveals the rate of the new British Savings Bond - is it worth it? And an Isa millionaire reveals all to This is Money on how he built up a seven-figure pot. Helen tackles another reader problem – this time, it's a case of the unwanted and unneeded Sim card costing a pensioner couple hundreds of pounds. And on the utilities front, Lee reveals how Ofcom saved him from a 75 per cent rise in his monthly broadband costs, and why you should check if you're out of contract with your mobile phone. Mortgage approvals are up - but house prices nudge lower. What's going on?  Meanwhile, research shows a record third of all homes are being bought by first time buyers – and they make up 89 per cent of buyers in one Berkshire town. Lastly, entrepreneur Tim Armoo runs the rule over five money-making fads doing the rounds on social media – are any of them worth your time?

Discussing the controversy around a new 99% mortgage deal. Debating the benefits and risks of tiny deposit mortgages. Covering gift card draining scams and retirement income planning. Exploring expert investment strategies and trends in the market.

Financial expert Rob Morgan from Charles Stanley Direct joins the podcast to discuss the importance of sorting your pension and Isa before the tax year ends. They explore strategies for optimizing tax benefits through ISAs and pension contributions, emphasize the urgency to act due to impending tax changes, and provide insights on maintaining a well-diversified investment portfolio.

Speculation on potential Bank of England rate cuts and their impact on economy. Debate on compensating women affected by state pension age changes. Investigation into state pension underpayments and chaos at HMRC. Meet the Scambaiters - vigilantes fighting against scammers.