This is Money Podcast

We often talk about good retirement planning being key to more secure and happier future – but what happens if the figures you were working on were completely wrong – and it's not your maths to blame…Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost discuss a string of incorrect state pension forecasts sent out that will result in many facing a poorer retirement than expected.The Government only admits to making occasional errors but a former Pensions Minister reckons the latest cases could just be the tip of the iceberg.Elsewhere, we talk about a new code which will be give better protection against authorised push payment scams, which costs people millions of pounds each year.We update on Tesco Bank and its stops mortgage lending and explores the sale of its loan book.Simon gives an overview of Buffettology – how can you can potentially channel your inner Warren Buffett to become a better investor.Could you be rich from the Premium Bonds and not even know it? And which firms offer the best salaries in Britain? It's all crammed inside this week's podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mortgage price war claimed a high profile victim this week as Tesco Bank scrapped lending. A great adventure into the world of banking - billed as a major challenge to the High Street banking giants with mortgages promoted in the aisles – has come to an end. Tesco Bank will continue with its other products, but why has it ditched mortgages, why have a string of other smaller players shut their doors in recent months, and why did building society behemoth Nationwide issue its own caution on home loans this week? On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dive into what is currently a weird world of mortgages: where a greater supply of money to lend than demand to borrow it means there are some very cheap deals on offer. They also look at whether this may end up causing problems further down the line and ask how long it will be before more risky lending edges back in. Also on this week’s show, the team look at a reader’s problem with a neighbour upstairs, who has stripped the floor back to floorboards and is creating noise issues, despite a lease that says there must be carpets. How do you enforce that? Thomas Cook’s troubles and what they mean for holidaymakers are under the spotlight too. And finally, ever wondered why sometimes drivers get a ticket but at others escape with just a warning, or what really drives police officers mad behind the wheel?  You need to listen to the segment on the secrets of a traffic cop revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s an old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness, which is often swiftly countered with the suggestion that while this may be the case, having enough not to worry about it definitely helps.There are no shortage of cautionary tales that tell us it is better to be happy than rich, but does it matter if some people have an awful lot more money than others?And does it matter to both them and society how they got it - and whether it was earned by hard work?An in-depth five-year study was launched this week that aims to look into inequality in Britain; and not just at earnings and wealth, but also inequality in education, opportunity, gender, race, geography, class and generation.It arrived with a snapshot of Britain today and on this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost dive into the picture that paints and discuss whether we need to worry about inequality or not.They also look at how to work out how wealthy you are – and why that matters even if you subscribe to the money doesn’t buy happiness mantra.This week’s podcast also reveals the perks that you can get if you are over-60, after Jeff Prestridge wrote about those he discovered that he can now pick up now he’s had a big birthday. More seriously, the team flag the vital help that over-65s can get if they are struggling.And finally, if you’ve ever thought you’d like to live in a certain part of town, on an exact street, or even ‘in that house there’, we look at the new service Knock for Sale that will send owners a card for you for £5 to tell them you are interested and maybe tempt them to sell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many people say they would like to have a crack at a Grand Design of their own – or even a more modest one – but finding somewhere to build it is a problem.That’s why despite self-builders typically turning an immediate paper profit of 15 to 30%, according to specialist BuildStore, not many of us take the plunge.  Things could be about to change for the better, however, as keen to encourage more people to self-build the Government has told councils to launch Right toBuild registers and make land available.On this week’s podcast, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost dive into the world of building your own home and look at whether the plan to raise self-build’s profile will work or fizzle out.From finding a plot, to using an architect, and getting involved yourself or employing someone to build it for you, they discuss how to do – and the barriers that may stand in your way.Plus Simon reveals how both his parents and his uncle - on separate occasions - went down the self-build route.Also on this week’s podcast, the team look at whether pensioners should get a stamp duty break and if you can sell your home for less than it’s worth to avoid equity release and care costs.Neil Woodford’s claim that his strategy will come good is in the spotlight and Simon reflects on whether sticking with his Woodford investments was a wise move.And finally, Britain’s car buyers may love an SUV but we reveal why choosing one will hit your pocket harder than a good old fashioned estate car. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social care is a mounting problem for Britain but the issue is a can that has been kicked down the road repeatedly.Rather than tackle the fact that the state can't afford to care for today's elderly - let alone those that our ageing population will deliver in future - politicians have dodged and fudged. This week a new suggestion emerged involving a hike in National Insurance contributions for over-50s. Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost take a look and ask: is it a good idea? Elsewhere, we take a look the MPG figures given by manufacturers for cars and how to tell if that local shop or restaurant has really closed down for good. Simon talks about a new flight tax concept and we reveal how to fightback against the those irritating customer service chatbots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We haven't glued ourselves to train carriages, politician fences or the London Stock Exchange.No, this week's This is Money podcast opts for a less confrontational approach to the environment, with useful tips and tricks that are good for the planet as well as your wallet. Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the green movement and what it means for the financial industry and businesses. Are they doing enough? Alongside that, we look at what we - the consumer - can do to help the environment and save money along the way.Simon has three places you can make a big difference by adding pressure or changing behaviour, from picking green energy deals, to what to do about flying. Meanwhile, the hybrid car of choice, the Toyota Prius, isn't just for Uber drivers and eco-conscious celebrities as it tops a survey of most satisfying motors to drive. Elsewhere, outside of the green bubble – we look at where a pair of 40something business owners with no pension should invest.  We continue to puzzle over the baffling state pension top-up system and ask: just how far over the limit could you potentially drive in your area before being issued with a ticket? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TSB says defrauded customers will now always get their cash back, which has piled pressure on other banks to do the same.But will they – and should they have to? That's the question assistant editor Lee Boyce, reporter George Nixon and host Georgie Frost tackle in this week's podcast.In all, £354million was stolen last year authorised push-payment frauds and until now, banks had refused to pay compensation, claiming the victims should have been more careful.Elsewhere, we take a look at some of the new breed of smartphone apps could help you build a savings habit without even trying, as a report shows that many bury their head in the sand when it comes to financial decision making.Private landlords may no longer be able to evict tenants at short notice and without good reason under a major shake-up of the rental sector.The rate of annual house price growth in Britain has fallen to its lowest level for nearly seven years – with London and the South East seeing value drops.And finally, an investigation has found Amazon is flooded with fake reviews which could be misleading us into wasting our money – should we trust the five stars and how can you spot the duds? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are three certainties in life. You know the drill. You’re born, you will die and you will listen to this podcast about tax. As another new tax year is upon us, editor Simon Lambert and host Georgie Frost explain the tax changes that will affect you.   There is a nice pay rise for more than 20 million people as the personal allowance is raised.   And Simon answers some of the questions on everyone’s lips:What is the lifetime allowance?What is inheritance tax?Why do married couples get a tax break?Should families be rewarded when both parents work?How does national insurance work?And why do the cost of stamps and all your bills all go up on the same day?You'll learn an awful lot about things you need to know about tax without having to read about it. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we fast approach one fifth of the way through the 21st century, the world of finance is modernising in ways that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. And not always in a good way.  The language of ‘savings’ has evolved to the point of dishonesty and even fraud.On this week’s podcast editor Simon Lambert and reporter George Nixon join host Georgie Frost to look at fancy new Innovative Finance Isas, at savings products that claim to offer 8% returns and to be protected by the official savings watchdog but are in fact risky investments – and the fraud investigation at London Capital and Finance, where thousands of ‘savers’ lost millions of pounds.Simon guides listeners through the dark side of mini bonds and the complex web of companies that savers’ money was poured into at LC and F before it collapsed owing £236m. The City watchdog supposedly overseeing the company is also now being investigated .On a cheerier note, George explains how teenagers are able to invest on the stock market and how easy it can be to get started, plus a couple of new free share dealing services, an old-fashioned holiday trap and whether insurance companies would pay out if your flash car crash is on video and on social media.Enjoy.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the financial year is looming - April 5 - and it means the clock is ticking if you haven't sorted your Isa or pension.  Editor Simon Lambert, assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost have an Isa special for your ears this week.When it comes to cash Isas, you may already be too late as some banks and building societies have already pulled their best buys.Lee reveals his top cash picks for 2019, why there has been a move to cash tax-free accounts and why they are still worth having, even with rates still low.Simon reveals all you need to know about getting started on investing in an Isa – and why it could be worth looking at greener options.  The team call in the experts to give their last minute fund ideas and reveal why our Prudent Investor is nervous about what Brexit could do to his cash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.