Original Broadcast: This is Money
Twice as many households could be forced to pay a new 'mansion tax', latest speculation suggests — the threshold may fall from £2 million to £1.5 million. That rumour comes with Andy Burnham expected to be Prime Minister before the end of the month. So, exactly who will be affected, which regions are most at risk and is the High Value Council Tax Surcharge fair? Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss as more middle-class homeowners potentially face an annual bill, which won't be ring-fenced for local services. Also, the scourge of cowboy builders — trust in traders falls as millions grappled with shoddy home repairs in the past 18 months. How can you find a good tradesperson, and what are your rights if things go wrong? NS&I is in panic mode, as it is far below the amount required to meet its financial targets. As such, it has boosted rates across all products since April. Which ones should you open and which should you avoid?And lastly, the tricks to get you into VIP airport lounges for less this summer — even if you've booked economy.
Guests: Lee Boyce
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Original Broadcast: The Financial Outlook for Personal Investors
Oil prices have plunged in recent weeks as the war in Iran appears to be coming to a halt. But why did predictions of $200 oil never materialise? We discuss the underlying dynamics. We also covered a new Stablecoin that could be disruptive to payments, and why Nike’s comeback is stalling out. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Tyler Crowe discuss why oil prices are dropping, did China prevent an energy crisis? Also, the new open USD Stablecoin, and are Stablecoins Disruptive? Plus, Nike’s earnings, and can Nike make a comeback? Companies discussed: Nike (NKE), Visa (V), Mastercard (MA). Host — Travis Hoium; Guests — Lou Whiteman, Tyler Crowe (1/7).
Guests: Lou Whiteman,Tyler Crowe
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
On this bonus episode of This is Money, Lee Boyce speaks to Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland on her views over the future of cash. We talk about why preserving choice in payments is important, whether she fears physical money will die out and how we can stop Britain going totally cashless. How do we encourage retailers to accept cash and why are people turning away from using it? How do we keep cash relevant? We also talk about the 'paradox of cash' where cash is used less frequently for transactions, notes in circulation continue to grow and whether it's fair that part of our lives have seemingly gone cashless, including car parks. With the House of Lords recently announcing a National Resilience Committee looking at whether we should hold cash reserves at home — is there any ideal amount we should hold? Victoria's signature is on bank notes from 2014 — 2018, and on notes since last year again too, after becoming chief cashier again — how does that feel? Also, we talk about the bank note consultation currently happening — why replace historical figures with wildlife? And has she been surprised by some of the backlash? There are eighteen choices on the list, and nearly half a million people have cast their vote. Lee's favourite is a kingfisher on a fiver and a brown hare on a twenty ... what are your picks? You can vote until 3 July: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/help-us-design-our-next-series-of-banknotes.
Guests: Lee Boyce,Victoria Cleland
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Original Broadcast: Thought for the Week
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, what better way for Donald Trump to anchor his legacy in the minds of all young people born during his presidency than granting them a $1,000 contribution when their Trump Account is opened? However, as Michael Dell and other philanthropists have shown, we need to focus on the most disadvantaged in order to break the cycle of deprivation. The Share Foundation and Share Alliance show how to do this, alongside initiatives such as this new American starter capital account. Background music: 'Everything Has a Beginning' by Joel Cummins
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
As we approach installation of the seventh prime minister in just ten years, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Helen Crane discuss how we are being seen as the political basketcase of Europe, and what it means for your money. There's also fury over reforms to ISAs, and a warning that Rachel Reeves' new tax on investors won't work. Plus, the Bank of England wants your help.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Brand new research has revealed how modern weddings are dividing opinion across Britain — from child-free ceremonies and “no social media” rules to refusing plus-ones and even inviting exes to the big day. The study also found that more than a third of Brits have turned down a wedding or hen or stag invitation because it was simply too expensive, while younger adults are spending more than ever to attend weddings. Zoe Burke is the UK’s leading wedding expert and joins Rory McGowan to discuss this, as well as some helpful wedding planning advice for the summer.
Guests: Zoe Burke
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Most families don't pay inheritance tax, but those that do can get hit with huge bills running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. With pension pots soon to be included in calculations, this is going to be an issue facing more families in the years ahead. So if you know your parents or grandparents will get caught in their inheritance tax net, and you also know they don't want to see 40% of a chunk of their hard-won wealth going to the Government, should you ask for an early inheritance to solve the problem? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss how to tackle the thorny issue of giving money away, without triggering a family fallout. Plus, will the Bank of England still hike interest rates this year, how did a woman end up with another person's massive energy bill from the other side of the country, and is Labour's new plan to make home buyers' offers binding a good idea? And finally, Simon talks us through his shortlived SpaceX adventure after he decided to sign up for the latest stock market craze.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: Motley Fool Show
Five years ago, electric vehicles were the talk of the market. But in the U.S., sales of electric vehicles are falling and competition is heating up. With that backdrop, Rivian has introduced the R2 and investors still think this will be a game-changer for the company. We discuss the vehicle and company’s prospects, whether autonomy will be a tailwind, and get to hidden gems on our watchlist in this episode. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren discuss Rivian’s R2 launch, the decline of EVs in the U.S., and will autonomy be a value add for EV companies? Also, hidden gems in the EV market. Companies discussed: Rivian (RIVN), Tesla (TSLA), Quantumscape (QS), General Motors (GM), Lucid (LCID), Uber (UBER), NXP Semiconductors (NXPI). Host — Travis Hoium; Guests — Lou Whiteman, Rachel Warren.
Guests: Lou Whiteman,Rachel Warren
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New research suggests many Brits are confused about what makes a healthy diet, with widespread misconceptions around fibre, sugar and "healthy" food marketing. The findings also reveal that while summer dieting remains common, many people continue to consume high-calorie snacks, sugary drinks and condiments, highlighting the challenge of balancing healthy intentions with everyday eating habits. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Sarah Stannard, Health & Wellness Coach, who can explain some of the common nutrition misconceptions revealed by the research and share practical tips for making healthier choices, enjoying summer treats in moderation, and maintaining a balanced approach to eating.
Guests: Sarah Stannard
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The Government is planning a major inheritance shake-up for unmarried couples but does it go far enough, and will it trigger a wave of disputes? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the planned rules for co-habiting couples, who it covers, whether it goes too far or not far enough and why they still lose out on tax. Plus, how much do you need for a comfortable retirement and will you get there? And, what it will take in 25 years' time. How to invest in index funds and profit the easy way. Also, what can you do if someone ditches a car or van on your road?
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