Money Box

The podcast discusses the rise in household costs in the UK, warns about scams and fraud associated with gift cards, and explores the upcoming increase in energy bills. It also touches on topics such as measuring household inflation, lack of security surrounding gift cards, and the potential of smart meters in creating personalized energy tariffs.

Discover the rising cost of Christmas and how to keep costs down. Learn about the prevalence of fraud and scams during the holiday season. Get tips on cutting the cost of Christmas dinner. Explore cost-effective ways to cook Christmas dinner. Learn how to navigate financial constraints and cut back on Christmas spending. End with thanks to the guests and an ad for a podcast about Joni Mitchell.

Teenagers targeted with risky financial products through social media ads; need for stronger financial education. Increasing number of homeowners making mortgage overpayments; how much is needed to make a difference. Zero interest loans for electricity, gas, and heating oil. Importance of marriage allowance and fuel cost assistance. Interest-free energy loans and financial challenges. Popularity of credit unions and promotions for Money Box podcast.

Explore the changing landscape of banking in the UK, including the rise of digital banking and the decrease in cash usage. Learn about the history of banking and the challenges faced in building trust in the system. Discover the concept of open banking and its impact on customers. Hear about the benefits of credit unions as an alternative to traditional lenders. Dive into the story of Dave Fishwick, who created a community bank after being refused by traditional banks. Discuss the future of banking and the need for more community banks. Plus, hear listeners' opinions on the ease of banking and updates on previous episodes.

A cyber-attack on a company providing IT services to law firms has left property buyers in limbo. UK's largest lenders are extending mortgage offers for affected individuals. A national debt charity is calling for better identification of customers in problem debt. Charities are facing closures of bank accounts, hindering access to funds. People express frustration with bank account closures and lack of communication. The podcast also explores responsible lending and challenges faced by small charities.

This week on Money Box Live we're talking about Power of Attorney. What it means, who needs one and some of the pros and pitfalls.Presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star, Angela Rippon shares her experiences with the programme and Felicity Hannah is joined by a panel of experts to answer your comments and questions.Solicitor Gary Rycroft helps clients set up and manage the legal side of Power of Attorneys and Sandra McDonald is former Public Guardian for Scotland and author of 'Power of Attorney: All you need to know: granting, it, using it or relying on it.'Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Luke Smithurst Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle(This programme was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday the 29th of November at 3pm).

We'll take a closer look at what the Autumn Statement means for your personal finances. On Wednesday the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, made announcements about tax, pensions and benefits. With his top takeaways, Paul Lewis talks tax cuts and the unfreezing of the local housing allowance.A listener went into a filling station to put just enough petrol in her car to leave her enough money to buy food for the family dinner. Then, the petrol station ringfenced the cost of a full tank and although she spent a fraction of that, the rest was not released for two days. Why did that happen and what can she do?And the new global report from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which says reports of financial abuse of vulnerable clients is increasing. Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Sandra Hardial Researcher: Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast, 12noon Saturday 25th November 2023)

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has opened the red briefcase once again to deliver the Autumn Statement in the Commons.But what does it mean for you and your money? Felicity Hannah will be looking at how today's announcements impact your personal finances - from pensions, to taxes and benefits.Joining her to answer your questions and comments are, Alice Haine, Personal Finance Analyst at BestInvest, Dawn Register, Partner at the accountancy firm BDO and Sangita Chawla, Managing Director for Standard Life.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Reporter: Paul Ruddick Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm, Wednesday the 22nd November, 2023).

The number of reported scams involving QR codes has nearly quadrupled in less than three years according to figures seen by Money Box. The data was revealed by City of London Police and gathered from reports made to Action Fraud. The Charted Institute of Trading Standards is warning those reports are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. We'll hear the story of one woman who was scammed after using a QR code in a car park.The government's cost of living support payments to help people on low incomes cope with rising bills have not been enough to meet the scale of the problem. That's the warning from Parliament's Work and Pensions Committee which this week called on the government to consider widening the eligibility for future payments. The Department for Work and Pensions says the payments have provided a significant financial boost to millions of households and are just one part of the record £94 billion support package - which includes a 10.1% rise to benefits earlier this year and a more than £2 billion Household Support Fund to help with the cost of household essentials.A young disabled man was denied access to a high interest savings account - after his parents, who have a court order to deal with his finances, tried to open the account. How common is this and what can you do? And what can you expect from the Autumn Statement?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Joanna Morris and Jo Krasner Producer: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Sandra Hardial Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm, Saturday 18th November 2023)

Experts discuss challenges and options for saving for children's future, including choosing the right accounts and affordability. They also emphasize the importance of teaching children about money and involving them in the saving process. The podcast explores the impact of a savings scheme on a school community and highlights the need for financial education for young people. It also discusses ways to encourage children to save and incentivize savings.