Cash Chats UK Money & Personal Finance podcast

Last week I hosted a free online event called Lockdown Money Live, and here's the first of the highlights. There were four sessions and this week on the podcast you'll get to hear my interview with money blogger Faith Archer about the schemes available to you if you can't work. We discuss what happens next to the furlough scheme and support for the self-employed, as well as share what you should be doing if you're worried about redundancy. Don't forget to join the Cash Chats community on Facebook. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING The MSE guide to the furlough scheme ACAS redundancy guidance Faith's article on Bounce Back Loans Watch all the Lockdown Money Live sessions On the blog this week Should you extend or take a mortgage holiday? Chip app review – Can it help you put money into savings? Pick of the deals Times Plus trial offers – get free movie Free Kindle book offers Earn 2.02% with a Virgin Money account ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/ MUSIC The music is Easter Island by Lonely Punk and provided on a creative commons licence

This week I'm looking at a vital part of your finances - the information that banks, lenders and other companies use to work out whether they want to give you a product or money. Known as a credit report, it holds details of all your accounts, payment history and more. And linked to this is your credit score. They're different things but both very important. Here's how they work, when they're used and how you can access them for free. Don't forget to join the Cash Chats community on Facebook. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING My guide to credit reports and credit scores My video explaining how to avoid getting rejected for credit cards Clearscore Credit Club Credit Karma MSE's report on some banks using Open Banking to find mortgage holidays The Lockdown Money Live event on Facebook Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

If you want to take some of the effort out of managing your money then it's worth thinking about the ways you can automate your finances. Tricks include moving money between multiple accounts, making sure you don't forget payments, boosting your savings pot, switching energy and earning cash when you spend. Please do leave a review and rating. Here's how to do it on Apple Podcasts and iTunes. Further Reading & Listening How to automate your savings How automatic energy switching services work My 14 current accounts (Cash Chats #79) Airtime Rewards review Join the Cash Chats Facebook community ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

I talk a lot about how to avoid debt in the first place, from getting the best price and value through to better managing your money. But sometimes that's not enough. A big factor is getting over the shame you might feel about your situation and the decisions you've made. So how do you do this? Well it can really help to know you aren't in this alone. That other people are going through the same things, feeling the same emotions. The more accounts of money management that we read and recognise, the less alone we feel. So this week my guest is Instagrammer Clare Seal, aka @MyFrugalYear. She has gone through this herself and is sharing her way out of £27,000 worth of debt with her 50,000 followers. Shame was a big part of her debts getting beyond her control, and it's something she's passionate about helping people break free of. And a lot of what we talk about applies even if you don't have debt. We can all feel shame about finances - whether that's an impulse buy through to being unable to do something as you can't afford it. Further reading and links Debt & Shame Clare's MyFrugalLife Instagram account Clare's book Real Life Money from Amazon Clare's book at Waterstones How to quickly clear your credit card debt Questions to ask to find out if your debts are a problem Free and impartial debt support from StepChange The Money Advice Service's Debt Advice Locator tool Elsewhere on the blog How to search price history and know if you're getting a good deal The cheapest way to rent movies online and by post Halifax Reward account to change: Is it any good? More deals ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

How side hustles can boost your income. In the second part of my making money series I've been joined by Ken Okoroafor from The Humble Penny blog to talk about how "side hustles" such as tutoring or setting up your own eBay / Amazon shop can make a big difference to your income. Please do leave a review and rating. Here's how to do it on Apple Podcasts and iTunes. Further reading & links Episode 121 of Cash Chats - Money making part one The Humble Penny blog - Ken's guide to side hustles Upwork - freelance marketplace Just Park - rent your drive Ken on Episode 93 of Cash Chats - FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Deals at Be Clever With Your Cash - Amex, NBA & Ancestory special offers ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

If you're in need of some extra cash there are a couple of ways you can do this. In this first part I'm joined by money making blogger Emma Drew to talk about how things like online market research, eBay and receipt scanning can boost your coffers. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. Further reading & links Emma's guide to survey sites including Prolific and YouGov Sign up to Research Opinions Sign up for a cashback site bonus Sign up for Oh My Dosh Sign up for 20 Cogs Sign up for Swagbucks Sign up to Qmee Sign up to Airtime Rewards Sign up to Receipt Hog Sign up for Shoppix All the best deals on Be Clever With Your Cash ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

Probably the biggest purchase we'll ever make is going to be buying a house. But once you're on the housing ladder it doesn't mean you can't still make savings. In this week's episode I've looked at two key ways you can reduce the overall interest you pay, which can be worth thousands of pounds. The first is to boost your LTV (Loan to Value) and the second is to make overpayments. Individually they'll cut what you pay, combined the savings will be huge. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING & LINKS > How to use LTV to lower your mortgage interest rate > Should you overpay on your mortgage? > Money Saving Expert's mortgage overpayment calculator > Money Saving Expert's mortgage rate calculator ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

This week I've looked at what you can do if you think you'll struggle to have enough cash left towards the end of the month and your next payday. FURTHER READING How to survive until payday How to make a budget How to stick to a budget How to stop spending money Spend less by using what you've already got What benefits are you entitled to Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

There are a couple of taboos people tend to avoid talking about. Money is one, another is dying. So combined must be some kind of super-taboo! But it's really important that you do have that conversation. Here's what you need to think about in terms of your own finances and plans, as well as how to discuss it with family members. It might not be the cheeriest of subjects but it's vital you have some plans in place to make sure your money goes where you want it to go, and the loved ones you leave behind aren't forced into debt to pay for your funeral. FURTHER READING > My article on why it's time to talk about dying and your money > Different ways to get a will (Which? online) > Prepaid funeral plan guide (Money Saving Expert) > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/

From mortgage holidays through to interest-free overdraft buffers, here's what you need to know about how your bank is working during the crisis. I've looked at your borrowing (so credit cards, loans, mortgages and overdrafts), your banking (including customer support and bank switching) and your savings (how safe your money is and ways to access locked away cash). FURTHER READING Banking during the coronavirus crisis: Mortgages, overdrafts, loans, savings and more How much an overdraft is really costing you How to make a soft application for a credit card Find free debt advice via The Money Advice Service Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus "deals of the week" rundown of the hottest offers from the last seven days. Andy also runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, presents Channel 5's Shop Smart Save Money and founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com. To contact Andy email Andy@Becleverwithyourcash.com ANDY ON SOCIAL Andy's handle is @AndyCleverCash and you can follow him over at: twitter.com/AndyCleverCash instagram.com/andyclevercash GET ANDY'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER You'll also get a free Quidco bonus for signing up https://becleverwithyourcash.com/newsletter/