Which?

Join travel journalist Lauren Bell as she debunks popular holiday hacks that flood social media. She reveals that gifting chocolates for upgrades is futile and that checking in late can surprisingly net better seats on Ryanair. Discover why booking flights on Tuesdays doesn’t actually save money, and learn that midweek isn’t always the cheapest time to fly. Plus, find out how haggling with Airbnb hosts can yield discounts, while hotel upgrade emails mostly flop. Tune in for money-saving insights!

Tom Selby, Director of Public Policy at AJ Bell, joins the discussion, bringing deep insights into pensions and tax policies. The duo delves into the implications of the income tax freeze and the new tax rates on savings and dividends. They break down the rationale behind cash ISA reforms and the changes to Lifetime ISAs. Selby warns about the upcoming £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice, while both guests highlight the complexities introduced by the latest Budget and how it affects everyday finances.

Join Grace Witherden, a Which Money expert specializing in independent banking advice, and Gabriel Nussbaum, a personal finance creator known as That Money Guy. They dive into the ins and outs of switching bank accounts, exploring lucrative switching incentives and the potential pitfalls. Discover the seven-day switching process, current top offers, and savvy tactics for maximizing bonuses. They emphasize the importance of reading the fine print and highlight when to switch for optimal benefits.

Discover the best home insurance policies for 2025 as experts reveal top recommendations. Learn about the surprising claims acceptance rates, with one-third of claims partially accepted or disputed. Find out why NFU Mutual and Tesco Insurance made the cut, balancing high cover and affordability. Explore common claim types like storm and accidental damage, plus tips to reduce premiums effectively. Get insights into the scoring criteria for Best Buy policies, ensuring you choose the right coverage for your needs.

Andy Laughlin, Principal Researcher at Which?, dives into the growing reliance on AI search tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. He discusses the investigation's surprising findings, revealing that many users trust AI with high-stakes inquiries despite accuracy issues. Laughlin identifies common pitfalls, such as outdated information and the risks of sycophantic responses. He also offers practical advice for consumers to use AI safely, ensuring they assess the reliability of AI-generated information amidst rapid adoption. The future of AI's role in information access appears both promising and concerning.

Join mortgage expert Sam Wilson from Which? and David Hollingworth of L&C Mortgages as they dive into whether loyalty to your lender really pays off. They dissect the recent mortgage trends and the varying rates from major banks like Santander and Nationwide. Sam reveals insights on how existing customers often miss out on better deals, while David emphasizes the benefits of shopping around. They also touch on the new Renters' Rights Act, exploring its potential impact on the rental market and landlord behavior.

A new survey reveals that 37% of energy customers face significant problems with their providers. Discover common mishaps with smart meters, including signal failures that prevent access to cheaper tariffs. Learn about gas and electricity smart meters having communication issues and what it means for your bills. Tips on challenging rising direct debits and ensuring accurate readings are shared, empowering listeners to take control of their energy costs. Plus, hear about upcoming regulations aimed at improving customer service and compensation!

Katie Alpin, Head of Strategic Insight at Which?, and Kaja Cordwell, a policyholder with a harrowing insurance claim story, dive into the urgent need for reform in home and travel insurance. They discuss the emotional toll of inadequate claims handling and the distressing challenges faced by consumers, like Kaja, who endured prolonged insurer delays after a house fire. Katie highlights the gaps in regulatory enforcement and discusses Which?'s advocacy efforts to push for significant changes in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability for insurers.

In this episode of Which? Shorts, we explain why it pays to plan ahead for a future boiler repair or replacement. The last thing any of us want is to unexpectedly shell out thousands of pounds when our boiler suddenly packs in. So what can you do to prepare? Paying monthly for boiler cover can bring peace of mind, but we've crunched the numbers to see whether or not it's worth shelling out for. Read more on how to choose the right boiler cover & sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter Become a Which? member for 50% off the usual price

Join consultant dietitian Sophie Medlin, founder of City Dietitians, and public health nutritionist Shefalee Loth for a deep dive into the world of herbal supplements. They discuss the allure and risks of botanical claims, highlighting the lack of safety regulations and the potency of common herbs like echinacea and turmeric. Discover why social media fuels misinformation, the real effects of medicinal mushrooms, and critical interactions with medications. Their insights help clarify when herbal remedies can be beneficial and when they might be harmful.