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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Original Broadcast: This is Money
It's the sort of theoretical question you might discuss at the pub with your mates. If you won the lottery and had the choice, would you pick a £1 million lump sum, or take £1,000 a week for life? Pollster YouGov posed the question to 7,000 Britons recently, and it is fair to say opinions are divided. According to two money experts, there is a right answer — so which is the best strategy, and why is likely to make you much richer? Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane discuss. Easy access savings rates have barely budged in recent weeks, but fixed-rate deals are becoming much more attractive. We look at some of the best — and Helen explains why a number of HSBC customers are feeling disgruntled after ISA transfers to the bank were hit with a raft of delays. The team also looks at Volvo's chaotic EV recall, and what drivers who have been told their car is a potential fire risk can do. It has been confirmed that the energy price cap will rise by 13% in July, with costs for the average household climbing by £221. So is it worth thinking about fixing your tariff? And in last week's heatwave, we discuss data which reveals exactly how expensive it is to keep cool. Are new-fangled air cooler devices worth it, and is air conditioning as pricey as many assume?
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Helen Crane discuss a new Government report showing the scale of savings shortfall in British pensions, and how millions with lifestyle pensions could be left short. Also — mansion and wealth taxes are back on the agenda. Plus, Nationwide's new 'fairer share' gets an airing, and the team ask whether it makes sense to cap food prices.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
A week is a long time in politics — and what a week it’s been. But what does all the turmoil mean for our money? And can we blame it all on Labour?Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss the threat to Keir Starmer's leadership and why it has caused some market panic. If the Prime Minister is ousted, what could the new man or woman in charge change when it comes to tax and wealth? Nearly a quarter of retailers now no longer accept cash — but there is a cohort of 'cash preppers' tucking money away at home in case of payment outages. Should we care? NS&I has bumped up the underlying rate on Premium Bonds and made the odds of winning a prize shorter — are they now a good home for your cash again? And finally, Lloyds Bank launches a first-time buyer mortgage requiring a £5,000 deposit. Is it a good way to step onto the property ladder?
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
With millions of seats being cut from flights worldwide, it's safe to say many Britons may be worried about future travel plans — or are being put off booking holidays altogether.The Middle East conflict has pushed up the price of jet fuel and airlines are having to plan ahead to try and ensure as little disruption as possible. But what can you do if you end up getting swept up in cancellations or delays? Helen Crane, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss. Also, Helen steps in to help a man finally get a £1,100 refund after his flight was cancelled in the pandemic ... SIX years ago.The high street is in crisis, with TG Jones the next retailer to axe shops and staff. What's gone wrong? And, it's no secret banks have closed branches at rapid pace: with banking hubs celebrating their fifth birthday, are they filling the gap well? More homeowners are selling off chunks of their garden. But what are the dangers and is it a good idea? And finally, six watches to invest in that experts say will become classics.
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
It's been a long time in the making and the idea has run through successive governments, but a new law to improve the life of those who rent their home has finally kicked in. Whether it's much-needed or much-feared depends on which side of the landlord fence you are on, but what's not in doubt is that the Renters' Rights Act is a massive shake-up. The assured shorthold tenancy system that has been the backbone of renting a home for almost forty years has been torn up and replaced with rolling contracts that tenants can get out of with two months' notice. Landlords, however, will find it much harder to get their property back, put the rent up, or even turn down pets. So, is this what the rental market needs, or is it likely to backfire as some property experts warn? With decades of experience of renting, covering the property market — and even helping with a family business that's involved in it — Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert dig into the Renters' Rights Act. Plus, the Bank of England held interest rates — but could it actually need to raise them three times this year? And what's behind the rocketing number of 45p/£ taxpayers and why isn't it Rachel Reeves' fault? Finally, travel experts reveal where is still cheap to fly to for the summer; so do you fancy a holiday in Cork, Dortmund or that old Wags' favourite, Baden-Baden?
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
A new campaign has been launched to turn Britain's savers into investors. In this bonus episode, Simon Lambert speaks to Karen Northey of the Investment Association about the Take The Next Step campaign, backed by members of the investment industry and supported by the Government and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.They discuss why investing matters, how it can grow people's wealth and why Britain's savers can seem reluctant to dip their toes into something that has the power to substantially improve their chance of beating inflation and improving their finances.
Guests: Karen Northey
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Is the younger generation going to end up worse off than their parents? A new survey shows young people aged 18 to 29 say the events of 2026 have left them feeling particularly pessimistic about the future, and the number who believe they will be worse off than their parents has doubled in the past year. Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss whether the idea the next generation will have it better than previous ones is now bunkum. Elsewhere, what do you want to see less of on the high street? And how can they improve? A student loan interest cap kicks in later in the year — for some. Simon explains what it means. And do you use a dodgy fire stick for watching TV, films or football? We discuss whether the net is closing in on their illegal use.
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
The Government is about to launch its 'Retail Investment Campaign' to encourage people to start investing, but will it work? The Bank of England hints at rising interest rates, but it's not in a rush to make early decisions. Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Helen Crane discuss these and other issues, including flight cancellations and supermarket pricing tricks. Plus, how much would you need to pay for an A4-sized slice of property in your area?
Guests: Helen Crane
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Original Broadcast: This is Money
Many younger adults think they are substantially less well-off than their parents. But while there are inequalities, new research suggests the wealth gap may be far narrower than previously reported — and it is largely down to the cash those in their twenties and thirties have stashed in their pensions. Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss why official figures got it wrong, and whether property versus pension is a pointless comparison. The team also ask what will happen to interest rates and mortgages due to the fact that — for now at least — a ceasefire in Iran appears to be holding. Elsewhere, Lee reports on a ferocious best buy battle at the top of the fixed Cash ISA tables, where even the high street banks are getting involved. And finally, another Chinese pretender to Amazon's retail throne has entered the UK. Is Joybuy any good, how did it fare when our reporter put its delivery service to the test — and do we really need another place to buy bargain toilet rolls online?
Guests: Helen Crane
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