Original Broadcast: This is Money
AI hype is still driving share prices higher but there are a growing number of voices warning of a stock market bubble that might soon burst. The Bank of England added its name to the list of those raising concerns this week, as its Financial Policy Committee drew comparisons with the ‘dotcom’ boom 25 years ago that soon turned to bust. The red flags include a number of high profile, huge money deals involving OpenAI, with Oracle, Nvidia and now AMD, along with a massive data centre infrastructure splurge and questions over the robustness of credit markets. But why has AI gone from great investment hope to potential market super villain in a short space of time? What on earth is going on with U.S. tech giants' 'I give you money, you buy my stuff' deals? And are there genuine parallels to be drawn with the dotcom boom, or the months before the credit crunch? Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert, look at why people are worried about an AI bubble popping and what investors can do to protect themselves. Plus, could you claim some money back from the car finance compensation that the FCA announced this week? Could we really scrap stamp duty — and would that be a good idea? And why did some households manage to pay nothing for their electricity last week?
Guests: Angharad Carrick
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
It's the latest social media craze, allegedly — revenge saving. But what on earth is it and can it really encourage people to get into the savings habit? Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of revenge saving. And while this new buzz-term does the rounds, we have a stab at making our version — the mind-trick savings method. We discuss why you shouldn't get hung up on saving large amounts, chasing high interest rates and to visualise money like a snowball going downhill. Meanwhile, we look at the little known government savings account that has seen £220m in bonus payments — could you benefit from opening one? A current account with a 6% savings rate, but it’ll set you back a whopping £17 a month — can it really be worth it? Also, HMRC can now take money DIRECT from your bank account or ISA if you haven't paid taxes; and Steve Webb answers a reader question — why can't I get my state pension on my 66th birthday?
Guests: Sir Steve Webb
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Britain is suffering from an epidemic of people who are theoretically rich saying that they don't feel flush at all. If you're a higher-rate taxpayer on more than £50,000 then you are up in the top chunk of the country's earners, but chances are that unless you are well into six figures you don't feel particularly wealthy. Even many of those on £100,000-plus complain that they aren't comfortably living the lifestyles they expected when they dreamed of that kind of money. So, what's going on, what income does it take to make someone rich, does wealth matter more, or is it all to do with how much you have going out? As This is Money launches a new calculator that tells you how you compare, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the state of the nation's incomes. Also, where are the best places to retire to and how does Britain score, how hard is it to take your mortgage with you when you move and are EPCs a swizz. Plus, listen to Lee speak to Ross Kemp for a special 'Me & My Money' interview.
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
As the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson knows more about Britain's household energy than almost anyone else. In his interview with This is Money's Simon Lambert, he explains why bills are still so high, what we can do as a nation to try to bring them down — and the future of household energy. Greg explains what people need to know about solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars and agile energy deals — and what we can do for those who don't want any of those things. He also discusses an idea that he is passionated about, making renewable energy cheaper — and sometimes even free — for those nearer to the source, which he believes could help both individuals and businesses - and attract big technology firms to the UK.
Guests: Greg Jackson
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Dubai is doing its best to draw in disillusioned young Britons, offering cut-price properties, visa incentives for entrepreneurs and of course, the prospect of paying no income tax. Footballer Rio Ferdinand and his family have even announced they are making the move — but two young families This is Money spoke to say it isn't just for sports stars and influencers. They say it's easier to start your own business, they can get petrol for 50p a litre, and send their children to private school. Helen Crane and Georgie Frost are joined by Money Mail editor and This is Money alumna and Money Mail editor Rachel Rickard-Straus to discuss whether the money incentives would ever be enough for them to do the same. It comes as yet another planned tax hike is being rumoured ahead of Labour's Autumn Budget. This time, landlords are being threatened with paying National Insurance on the income they make from rent — but who will the tax hike really hurt? Elsewhere, our savings expert Sylvia Morris is convinced NS&I will slash the rate on its ever-popular Premium Bonds this October. Georgie is ditching hers, but should you do the same — and where can you get a better rate? Finally, Helen discusses helping a reader who was told she couldn't get her money back for an £883 ferry crossing her husband booked, as she had the wrong kind of death certificate.
Guests: Rachel Rickard-Straus
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The Bank of England has cut interest rates again, but this time, the decision wasn’t straightforward. Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane ask what the division in the Monetary Policy Committee tells us about the state of the economy right now, and what the cut means for our money. We also talk about plans to hit those in wealthier areas with bigger council tax bills. Why is the current system so unequal, and how could your area be affected? Helen discusses a water company who told an elderly couple they needed their pipework replacing at a cost of thousands — when in reality, all they needed was a new water meter (which is given away for free). Finally, Lee explains who can claim from the car finance scandal - and what to do if you can't find the paperwork.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
While the average household pays £16,700 in direct tax on income, our audit shows this is just the tip of the iceberg. We all pay a multitude of other taxes, from air passenger duty to environmental levies on our energy bills. Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss what the total sum is - and that our tax rate is more like 57%. And tax rises don't always bring in more cash for the Treasury coffers. As the Government weighs up introducing yet another tax — this time a wealth tax — we explore why despite the allowance being slashed the capital gains tax take is down and what it means for the Chancellor's plans. How much you need to feel wealthy in different areas of Britain? Does £1 million still cut it? The six burning questions everyone is asking financial advisers right now… and their expert answers. And we answer a reader query: 'Could I give £250 gifts to 400 people who then pay them to my daughters to beat inheritance tax on £100,000?'
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The slashing of the cash ISA was considered a nailed on certainty in next week's Mansion House speech, but now it seems Rachel Reeves has had a change of heart. So, has the cash ISA allowance been saved for good, or is this just a victory for now — before the axe falls in the Budget? Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss what next for the cash ISA and whether there was any merit in plans to cut the allowance. Plus, why has Nvidia become the world's first $4 trillion company, is it still worth investing in and have you got any chance of finding the next stock market superstar before it takes off? Should you combine your finances with your partner's and reveal all to them? And finally, it's the polarising question of our times: are you for or against Ring and other video doorbells?
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce consider how your money has been impacted by the first 12 months of the Labour Government: the good, the bad and the ugly. It's now looking almost inevitable that the limits on Cash ISA investment will be cut, and the team look ahead to the prospect of more tax rises on the way. Meanwhile, the IFS plans to sort out the state pension, and they discuss a key question for those looking to move home: what's putting people off buying your house?
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The nation's favourite savings product has just got a little less generous. The prize rate on NS&I's supremely popular Premium Bonds will be slashed from 3.8% to 3.6% from the August draw — the fifth cut since March 2024. Helen Crane, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost discuss why Premium Bonds are the Marmite of the savings world, and ask whether the latest cut will prompt devotees to jump ship. We also look at where else they could stash their rainy day fund - and keep the tax-free benefits. Elsewhere, the team ask why a Lloyds Bank customer was turned away from the counter when they asked to withdraw £600 in cash - and told they could only do it at the machine outside. We also hear from a reader who has a moral dilemma. They are having £40,000 of work done on their home, and the builder has asked them to pay in cash. It seems there may be some creative accounting at work — but our reader hasn't been told that in so many words, and it could of course be perfectly above board. Could they get in trouble if it does turn out the builder is evading tax? Will the bank ask questions? And can you even take out that much money in one go? Next, Tanya discusses the latest number crunching which reveals that opting out of your work pension in your twenties, even for five years, could leave you £40,000 poorer at retirement. With younger people's budgets stretched in many directions, paying into a pension isn't always a priority. So how can they ensure they save enough for a comfortable retirement, and is it possible to make up for lost time? Finally, we look at what most people would spend the money on if they received an inheritance — or at least, what they say they would spend it on.
Guests: Helen Crane,Tanya Jefferies
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