Money Box

Dr. Pragya Agarwal, a behavior and data scientist, dives into the psychology of impulse buying, explaining how dopamine and present bias fuel our spending habits. Vikki Brownridge, CEO of StepChange, highlights the dangers of using credit for impulsive purchases, which can spiral into serious debt. They share real-life stories, including one mother's struggle with Buy Now Pay Later schemes. The duo discusses the impact of social media on Gen Z spending, practical tips to curb impulse buys, and the mental health implications of debt, offering insights on support options.

Dan Whitworth, a BBC reporter, shares heartfelt interviews with families in Stoke grappling with fuel poverty, revealing the struggles of living in cold homes. Adam Scorer, from National Energy Action, discusses the alarming impact on children's health and education, advocating for better government support. Adele Greenwood clarifies salary sacrifice pension changes coming in 2029, explaining implications for workers and strategies to maximize savings. The conversation also touches on managing Christmas costs with practical tips for families.

How much do we really understand about our pay?From frozen tax thresholds to salary sacrifice and minimum wage increases, a number of changes made in the Chancellor's budget might have left you looking a bit more closely at your payslip.So, what do all those figures mean, what is your employer legally obliged to provide and what can you do if you think your pay is wrong?Joining Felicity Hannah to answer your questions and comments this week is Dr Hilary Ingham, Professor of Economics at Lancaster University, Funmi Olufunwa, a Personal Finance Expert and financial educator and Kevin Rowan, Director of Dispute Resolution from ACAS the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Helen Ledwick and Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday 3rd December 2025).

Dan Whitworth, a broadcast reporter focusing on social policy, and Liz Sayce, a disability and social policy expert, dive into urgent topics. They tackle the challenges unpaid carers face, revealing how flawed guidance has led to significant debts due to overpayments of Carer's Allowance. Sayce emphasizes the need for government action on her independent review's recommendations. Additionally, they discuss the recent commitment to exempt compensation for families affected by contaminated blood from inheritance tax, bringing relief to many.

For months we’ve heard speculation about what the Autumn Budget might bring - now we know. The Chancellor has delivered her statement, setting out plans for taxes, benefits, and spending. But what does it mean for your money? Our panel of experts break down the key announcements and explain how they could affect you. Felicity Hannah is joined by David Dodgson, a partner at the independent financial advisors, The Private Office; Helen Thornley, a tax expert from the Association of Taxation Technicians; and Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance specialist for the mutual life and pensions company, Royal London. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Helen Ledwick Researcher: Eimear Devlin Editor: Jess Quayle Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Radio 4 on the 26th of November 2025).

Dan Whitworth, a dedicated reporter, discusses the staggering rise in fraud cases and inadequate prosecution rates. He teams up with Dave Mead, who leads a local charity providing crucial support to fraud victims, detailing the emotional toll and recovery efforts involved. Dame Meg Hillier shines a light on HMRC's shocking errors that led to wrongful child benefit suspensions for thousands of families, questioning the adequacy of their response and highlighting the harsh human impact. The conversation wraps up with insights on financial protections for savers amidst forthcoming tax policy changes.

Dan Whitworth, a consumer finance reporter, dives into the rising number of households struggling with water bills, revealing two million now benefit from social tariffs. He discusses alarming statistics about water debt and practical relief options. Joanne Dewar, co-founder of Project Nemo, passionately advocates for improved banking services for people with learning disabilities, emphasizing the need for innovation and clear communication. Their insights shed light on essential support systems for both consumers and recent graduates navigating the complex job market.

Eimear Devlin, a dedicated reporter investigating child benefit issues, joins Dan Whitworth, who shares insights on the rising costs of school trips. Together, they explore the fallout from HMRC's suspension of child benefits affecting thousands due to holiday data errors. Dara Hughes, a Sinn Féin MP, highlights the severe impacts on families and the political implications. Charlotte Harding offers practical advice for schools to support parents with trip expenses as financial pressures rise. Conversations also touch on potential changes to council tax and protections for domestic violence victims.

Sarah Rogers, a reporter specializing in consumer issues, probes the shocking cancellation of the Family Protection Plan by Maiden Life, leaving many facing financial uncertainty. Consumer advocate James Daly discusses the lack of regulation and potential redress for beleaguered policyholders. Helen Thornley enlightens listeners on the confounding 'Simple Assessment' process from HMRC, stressing how it could lead to duplicated tax demands. Finally, David Dodgson shares insights on looming changes to ISAs and the implications for savers as the budget approaches.

Neil Bellamy, a consumer insights director at NIQ, explores the current state of consumer confidence and why people still feel pressure from inflation. Lisa Webb, a senior lawyer at Which?, outlines practical tips for managing household bills and subscriptions effectively. Meanwhile, consumer journalist Harry Wallop discusses growing concerns over rising prices in restaurants and grocery costs. Together, they share money-saving strategies, from cashback hacks to grocery trading down, all while helping listeners navigate the ongoing financial squeeze.