This is Money Podcast

Tanya Jefferies, a financial markets expert, Georgie Frost, a personal finance journalist, and Lee Boyce, a financial analyst, discuss gold hitting record highs amid economic uncertainty. They dive into the factors influencing this surge, the volatility of gold investments, and the implications for households facing rising energy bills this winter. The trio also tackles the legal intricacies of lending money to friends while intoxicated and the potential challenges of living next to a property converted for student housing. It's a fascinating blend of finance and real-life dilemmas!

Lee Boyce, a financial expert, and Georgie Frost, a commentator on economic trends, dive into recent inflation data and its impact on our finances. They discuss rising inflation rates and the consequences for mortgage and savings rates. The duo previews a bustling housing market this autumn and debates the fairness of fines for parents taking kids out of school during term time. They also analyze supermarket struggles amidst rising competition and explore surprising finds in low-cost shopping, particularly on platforms like Aliexpress.

Stock markets around the world saw huge falls this week, but is it a sign of more trouble ahead or just a storm in a teacup?  Simon takes a look at what’s behind it all, and why investors should avoid the temptation to start tinkering with their portfolios once the horse has already bolted.  His advice is to ignore the voice in your head that says you should get out now to stave off disaster - but also pay attention to its existence. Good news for motorists, as car insurance premiums have started to fall for the first time in two years. Or is it?  They still remain at near-record highs, and are up a whopping 48 per cent since 2022. This is Money's Sam Barker discusses why premiums went so high, who has been worst affected, and how to keep costs down.  Staying on the topic of insurance, the UK has been gripped by riots in the past week and This is Money has been looking at what your compensation rights are if your home or car gets damaged. Elsewhere, Sam explains the latest tactic broadband firms are using to squeeze cash out of their customers - and asks why the regulator Ofcom appears to be looking the other way.  Mortgage rates have been shifting fast this week, and Simon rounds up the latest deals.  We also answer a question from a reader who wants to know what to do with his £80,000 redundancy pay-off. 

Interest rates have finally dipped from 5.25% to 5%, a notable change for borrowers and savers alike. The housing market shows surprising resilience, with house prices possibly hitting previous highs amid rising mortgage rates. Consumers are advised on navigating this unpredictable landscape, especially regarding mortgage options. Recent pension tax relief reforms are shaking up fairness discussions. Plus, watch out for rising telecom prices that could put additional strain on household budgets.

Discover the secrets to building a solid financial foundation! Learn the importance of an emergency savings pot and how to transition from saving to investing. Explore the hurdles first-time homebuyers face and innovative solutions to overcome them. Delve into pension planning and investment strategies tailored for the self-employed. Plus, uncover frustrations around the UK's high tax rates. Tune in for practical tips to secure your financial future and grow your wealth long-term!

It's official - we're complaining about our neighbours more, new data shows. When it comes to noise, many appear sick of barking dogs, squeaky trampolines and loud music ruining the enjoyment of our homes. This week, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk about neighbour wars - and what we can do about it. And sticking to the property front, does it matter if you're a 'super' nimby? And if you do want to fight back against developments in your area, what's the sensible way to do it? We also look at the danger of pricing your home too high - and the Rightmove data that shows just how risky it can be. Grandparents and parents are digging depper than ever to send children to university. What do young adults need to know before they take out a student loan? Lee goes back to school to talk to kids about money and the working world - but what did HE learn from the experience? And from festivals to sporting events, why has having fun become so expensive?  

Do you feel financially confident? When it comes to budgeting, saving, investing, and building your pension, are you clueless, comfortable, or cracking on? A piece of research this week by Moneybox claimed that being financially confident could add £67,000 to your lifetime wealth – on average those with confidence were worth £145,000 on average, compared to £78,000 for the unconfident. But what does being financially confident actually mean and how can you get there? On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look at how to boost your financial confidence and whether the tips to do so could work. Plus, a week into a new government and with a planned pensions review looming, the team look at what Labour could mean for our retirement savings. Meanwhile, investors seem to be cheering Labour taking charge and this week investment giant BlackRock flagged Britain’s ‘relative political stability’ and cheap stock market, so does that mean good future returns? Investing a large sum was on the mind of a reader who asked This is Money an unusual question: I’m inheriting £10million, should I set up an investment trust? So, what is the answer to that? And finally, a new report has revealed Britain’s best places for customer service – did your favourite make the list?

All change, please. In a radical reshaping of the political landscape, Britain has elected a Labour government for the first time in 14 years. New prime minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made bold promises of revival, growth and wealth creation. But many fear that Britain’s troubled public finances will also mean that promises not to raise taxes will prove empty. So, what has Labour said it will do, what important things have been left unsaid, what will it mean for the economy and your finances and is there a path to prosperity that doesn’t involve more tax pain? On this special election podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what Labour’s election victory could mean for our money. The team discuss the manifesto promises on the economy and growth and at how robust the no tax rise pledges are. Can Labour’s housebuilding plans and planning shake up deliver more homes? What are its other plans to get growth going? Plus, the team look at the Tories’ 14 years in charge of the economy and the positives that can be drawn amongst the turbulence. And finally, what have we got to be optimistic about as we move into the next chapter of British life?

You find a decent paying savings account, diligently squirrel away your money, watch it grow… only for the taxman to come along and swipe a chunk. And since savings rates have been much better in recent years, the amount HMRC is taking in in savings tax revenue has gone up significantly It's only going to increase according to estimates, to the tune of £10.37billion in 2024/25, up from £6.6billiion in 2023/24 - and £1.2billion in 2021/22. So, how can you dodge the trap? This week, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce look at this growing revenue spinner. It also means taking advantage of Isas is key - and we're very keen on one tax-free account in particular. And sticking with savings, this week Helen explains the case of a Barclays customer who had a stroke - recovered better than expected - but was then locked out of his account with £100,000 in it for nearly a year.  There is a mobile phone swiping epidemic in the country - but what is it the criminals are really after? Is it the handset, or something else? We explain all, alongside businessman and This is Money columnist Dave Fishwick, who interviewed one of the gang leaders. And sticking with Dave... he gives his views on what needs to the happen after the general election on 4 July for the North. It's not just our phones being stolen… motor theft too is on the rise. A former police interceptor gives his tips on how to keep your vehicle safe.  Lastly, what is the magic number of salary to make you feel rich? Recruiter Indeed believes it has found the answer...

Inflation is back on target at 2 per cent. After the spike into double-digits that triggered talk of a cost of living crisis and sent interest rates spiralling, we are now back at the Bank of England's target level. So, is the great inflation panic over and is life about get easier? Or will we be feeling the after effects of high inflation for years to come? And what's going to happen to interest rates? On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why inflation as come down and what happens next. Plus, the couple who didn't get a Natiowide fairer share payout despite having £100,000 saved. And finally, would you let your parents pay for you to go on holiday as an adult - or pay for your own adult kids to go with you?  The team look into the family time vs freeloading debate.