This Is Money Show

Two-thirds of savers are being told to abandon final salary pensions - and this is despite the Financial Conduct Authority saying that advisers should start with the standpoint this is not a suitable option.   That revelation arrived this week as the FCA said too much advice on valuable pensions is 'still not of an acceptable standard.'   Are people getting the right advice about their gold-plated pensions, or are they right to jump ship? That's the question tackled by editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost this week.   Meanwhile, a reader discovers an old Post Office Savings Bank book from the 1960s – but what is it worth now and can you even take the money out.   Premium bonds – how do you really find out you've won the jackpot?   Britain has a net zero emissions target for 2050, but what are the best electric cars to buy now?   And forget fantasy football, we reveal the details of our fantasy share picking game where the winner will scoop a giant £20,000 grand prize.

Much is made of the difficulties faced by first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder, but less talked about is the problem facing second steppers and those looking to downsize. As growing families struggle to afford to move up the property ladder could intergenerational house-swaps be the answer?  That's the question editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost tackle this week. What are the potential stamp duty and inheritance tax traps to look out for, and is it a good idea? Simon debunks the different ways businesses report profits and what to look out for, and updates on Neil Woodford. Lee runs the rule over the top easy-access savings deals as a number now match Marcus Bank's 1.5 per cent rate. Meanwhile, we talk about the plans to protect physical cash, as usage continues to dwindle – that, despite a launch of a new set of Peter Pan 50p capturing the public imagination.

It's been a rocky week to say the least for Britain's most recognisable fund manager Neil Woodford – he suspended trading in his flagship fund, leaving savers unable to access their cash. And we still don't know the future of Sir Philip Green and his Arcadia empire, after a crucial rescue vote was suspended. This is Money assistant editor Lee Boyce, retail reporter Emily Hardy and host Georgie Frost discuss how it has gone wrong for the pair. What has led Woodford to this point, could there be a Financial Conduct Authority investigation, are savers trapped in the fund safe – and can he recover? Arcadia – with brands like Burton and Topshop – could be set to close 50 stores with the loss of 1,000 staff. What is a CVA and why hasn't Sir Philip managed to get a deal approved this week? We also discuss the High Street in general and a worrying set of figures – what can be done to help stop the decline? Elsewhere, we run the rule over a 'bonkers' plan for first-time buyers to raid pension pots fo

We often talk about good retirement planning being key to more secure and happier future – but what happens if the figures you were working on were completely wrong – and it's not your maths to blame… Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss a string of incorrect state pension forecasts sent out that will result in many facing a poorer retirement than expected. The Government only admits to making occasional errors but a former Pensions Minister reckons the latest cases could just be the tip of the iceberg. Elsewhere, we talk about a new code which will be give better protection against authorised push payment scams, which costs people millions of pounds each year. We update on Tesco Bank and its stops mortgage lending and explores the sale of its loan book. Simon gives an overview of Buffettology – how can you can potentially channel your inner Warren Buffett to become a better investor. Could you be rich from the Premium Bonds and not even know it? And

The mortgage price war claimed a high profile victim this week as Tesco Bank scrapped lending.   A great adventure into the world of banking - billed as a major challenge to the High Street banking giants with mortgages promoted in the aisles – has come to an end.   Tesco Bank will continue with its other products, but why has it ditched mortgages, why have a string of other smaller players shut their doors in recent months, and why did building society behemoth Nationwide issue its own caution on home loans this week?   On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dive into what is currently a weird world of mortgages: where a greater supply of money to lend than demand to borrow it means there are some very cheap deals on offer.   They also look at whether this may end up causing problems further down the line and ask how long it will be before more risky lending edges back in.   Also on this week’s show, the team look at a reader’s problem with a neighbour upstairs, who has strip

There’s an old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness, which is often swiftly countered with the suggestion that while this may be the case, having enough not to worry about it definitely helps. There are no shortage of cautionary tales that tell us it is better to be happy than rich, but does it matter if some people have an awful lot more money than others? And does it matter to both them and society how they got it - and whether it was earned by hard work? An in-depth five-year study was launched this week that aims to look into inequality in Britain; and not just at earnings and wealth, but also inequality in education, opportunity, gender, race, geography, class and generation. It arrived with a snapshot of Britain today and on this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost dive into the picture that paints and discuss whether we need to worry about inequality or not. They also look at how to work out how wealthy you are – and why that matters even if you subscribe to the mon

Many people say they would like to have a crack at a Grand Design of their own – or even a more modest one – but finding somewhere to build it is a problem. That’s why despite self-builders typically turning an immediate paper profit of 15 to 30%, according to specialist BuildStore, not many of us take the plunge.  Things could be about to change for the better, however, as keen to encourage more people to self-build the Government has told councils to launch Right to Build registers and make land available. On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of building your own home and look at whether the plan to raise self-build’s profile will work or fizzle out. From finding a plot, to using an architect, and getting involved yourself or employing someone to build it for you, they discuss how to do – and the barriers that may stand in your way. Plus Simon reveals how both his parents and his uncle - on separate occasions - went down the self-build route. Also on this week

Social care is a mounting problem for Britain but the issue is a can that has been kicked down the road repeatedly. Rather than tackle the fact that the state can't afford to care for today's elderly - let alone those that our ageing population will deliver in future - politicians have dodged and fudged.  This week a new suggestion emerged involving a hike in National Insurance contributions for over-50s.  Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look and ask: is it a good idea?  Elsewhere, we take a look the MPG figures given by manufacturers for cars and how to tell if that local shop or restaurant has really closed down for good.  Simon talks about a new flight tax concept and we reveal how to fightback against the those irritating customer service chatbots.

We haven't glued ourselves to train carriages, politician fences or the London Stock Exchange. No, this week's This is Money podcast opts for a less confrontational approach to the environment, with useful tips and tricks that are good for the planet as well as your wallet.  Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the green movement and what it means for the financial industry and businesses. Are they doing enough?  Alongside that, we look at what we - the consumer - can do to help the environment and save money along the way. Simon has three places you can make a big difference by adding pressure or changing behaviour, from picking green energy deals, to what to do about flying.  Meanwhile, the hybrid car of choice, the Toyota Prius, isn't just for Uber drivers and eco-conscious celebrities as it tops a survey of most satisfying motors to drive.  Elsewhere, outside of the green bubble – we look at where a pair of 40something business owners with no pension should invest.  We continue to p

TSB says defrauded customers will now always get their cash back, which has piled pressure on other banks to do the same. But will they – and should they have to? That's the question assistant editor Lee Boyce, reporter George Nixon and host Georgie Frost tackle in this week's podcast. In all, £354million was stolen last year authorised push-payment frauds and until now, banks had refused to pay compensation, claiming the victims should have been more careful. Elsewhere, we take a look at some of the new breed of smartphone apps could help you build a savings habit without even trying, as a report shows that many bury their head in the sand when it comes to financial decision making. Private landlords may no longer be able to evict tenants at short notice and without good reason under a major shake-up of the rental sector. The rate of annual house price growth in Britain has fallen to its lowest level for nearly seven years – with London and the South East seeing value drops. And finally, an investigati

There are three certainties in life. You know the drill. You’re born, you will die and you will listen to this podcast about tax.  As another new tax year is upon us, editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost explain the tax changes that will affect you.   There is a nice pay rise for more than 20 million people as the personal allowance is raised.   And Simon answers some of the questions on everyone’s lips: What is the lifetime allowance? What is inheritance tax? Why do married couples get a tax break? Should families be rewarded when both parents work? How does national insurance work? And why do the cost of stamps and all your bills all go up on the same day? You'll learn an awful lot about things you need to know about tax without having to read about it.  Enjoy.

As we fast approach one fifth of the way through the 21st century, the world of finance is modernising in ways that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. And not always in a good way.  The language of ‘savings’ has evolved to the point of dishonesty and even fraud. On this week’s podcast editor Simon Lambert and reporter George Nixon join host Georgie Frost to look at fancy new Innovative Finance Isas, at savings products that claim to offer 8% returns and to be protected by the official savings watchdog but are in fact risky investments – and the fraud investigation at London Capital and Finance, where thousands of ‘savers’ lost millions of pounds. Simon guides listeners through the dark side of mini bonds and the complex web of companies that savers’ money was poured into at LC and F before it collapsed owing £236m. The City watchdog supposedly overseeing the company is also now being investigated . On a cheerier note, George explains how teenagers are able to invest on the stock market and ho

The end of the financial year is looming - April 5 - and it means the clock is ticking if you haven't sorted your Isa or pension.  Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost have an Isa special for your ears this week. When it comes to cash Isas, you may already be too late as some banks and building societies have already pulled their best buys. Lee reveals his top cash picks for 2019, why there has been a move to cash tax-free accounts and why they are still worth having, even with rates still low. Simon reveals all you need to know about getting started on investing in an Isa – and why it could be worth looking at greener options.  The team call in the experts to give their last minute fund ideas and reveal why our Prudent Investor is nervous about what Brexit could do to his cash.

The Government wants to scrap gas boilers in new homes by 2025 – but what are the viable alternatives? And how much will they cost? This week, This is Money editor Simon Lambert, reporter Grace Gausden and host Georgie Frost explore the options. And on the energy theme, you can now ask Alexa: when will my electricity bills be cheapest? Energy company Octopus has teamed up with Amazon, the creator of Alexa, and will pay customers to use electricity at off-peak periods. Sound too good to be true? We also talk 'dumb' smart meters and reveal which energy firm we're leaving en masse... Plus the team teach you the tips of the successful haggle as it emerges which telecoms giants are easiest to bargain with. Enjoy.

With all the shenanigans in Westminster this week you could be forgiven for failing to register we had a Spring Statement at all – let alone clocked its finer points. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost fill you in on what you may have missed.  It includes forecasts from the Office for Budgetary Responsibility on the UK economy, along with income growth, interest rates, the pound and house prices. We also have the true scale of the tax burden on families and businesses, with the overall tax take equivalent to 34.6% of Britain's economy, a level not seen since Harold Wilson was Prime Minister. Income tax receipts will rise nearly £54billion in the next five years, with steep rises forecast for National Insurance, VAT and Corporation Tax. A hike in probate 'fees' was waved through without a vote or debate in parliament by classifying it as a fee not a tax – but the ONS is now calling it a tax. The OBR also reveals that two flagship savings schemes have not been anywhere

Put on your party hats, it's Isa season! After years in the doldrums could we have a proper Isa battle on our hands in 2019? Santander and Coventry Building Society have launched two best-buy easy-access tax-free deals, and that appears to have put some wind in the sails of This is Money assistant editor Lee Boyce. Editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost – along with Lee – talk all things Isas: whether they are worth it, the options and importantly, are the new top rates a potential catalyst for more competition? Elsewhere, we take a look at new fintech firm Dozens, offering a five per cent return spotted after a recent London Transport advertising blitz. There is a victory for This is Money readers, as Virgin Money refunds credit card customers stung by charges after unwittingly setting minimum payments rather than paying the full balance when changing card. Simon runs the rule over a 95% interest-only mortgage launched by Newbury Building Society. Finally, we talk about our latest Freedom of Infor

National Savings and Investments has launched Ernie 5.0 – its fifth generation machine that draws the Premium Bond numbers. It now takes just 12 minutes for numbers to be generated by the Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment compared to 10 days back in the early 1970s. This week, editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost answer the question – what would you do if you gained a windfall, big or small, either from the Premium Bonds or by other means? What does it mean to win big and what are the first things you need to think about if you’re lucky enough to come into some cash? And when it comes to gifting some of your windfall to children, should it go towards their student loan, help with a house deposit, put in a pension or help them get involved in investing? We also discuss a 57-year-old reader who was the latest star in our regular Money Pit Stop series, who wants to make sure his own investment portfolio can withstand downturns and provide him with a good income

A will may be considered the expression of someone’s last wishes, but more of them are being challenged. High property prices and increasingly complicated families are being blamed for the rise in disputes, but would you challenge someone’s will? In this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost dive into why inheritance rows are more commonplace and how difficult it is to try to overturn a will. Also this week, alongside some money-saving tips for millennials a heated debate kicks off about buying flat whites vs saving for homes at a time when house prices are sky high compared to ages. Simon reveals his lessons from holding Lloyds shares all the way up, all the way down and then all the time that they have bumped along since the financial crisis. And we dig into the case of a car park prang that led to countless phone calls from ambulance chasers – and how this manages to happen. Enjoy.

Inflation has slipped to 1.8 per cent - below the 2 per cent target - and the Bank of England has downgraded the UK's growth prospects and indicated interest rate hikes are on hold. But at the same time, wages are rising by more than inflation and unemployment remains low. So has the clock already started ticking on a slowdown in the UK economy, or is this just some pre-Brexit jitters that could eventually be followed by a bounce? This is Money editor Simon Lambert, alongside assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost, dig into what's going on, as the growth forecast is slashed to the lowest annual rate since the recession a decade ago. But there's also some good news: lower CPI also means that more savings accounts are now inflation-beating and we look at where you can get a real return on your money and what the prospects for rates are. Elsewhere, we talk about the property market and a recent slump in prices in London and the South, along with why you should consider carefully how long your mor

Investing has proven to be the best way to beat inflation and grow your wealth over the long-term, but how do you get started? And if you do already invest but feel you’ve lost track of your goals or ended up with a jumble of investments, how can you improve things? In this second edition of a two-part podcast special on saving and investing, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into how to be a smarter investor. They bust the jargon and look at why people should invest, how to get started, what investments you can choose and how to find the right ones for you. Simon discusses his experience of investing, what he got right along the way and importantly the things he got wrong. But why should you invest? Well, between 1900 and 2017 owning UK shares would have delivered an average return of 5.5 per cent, beating cash savings at 1 per cent and property at 1.8 per cent, according to the respected Credit Suisse Investment Yearbook. There’s no guarantee that history will be repeated, but companies should alwa