Money Box
Business & Finance
About
The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
Episodes
- Teacher's Pension Delays and Best Savings Rates
This episode of Money Box examines the delays in teacher pension payments and the government's response. It also looks at the impact of rising mortgage rates on the housing market and highlights the best available savings rates. The discus…
- Money Box Live: Changes to Rights at Work
This episode of Money Box Live discusses the new Employment Rights Act, detailing changes such as enhanced statutory sick pay, new paternity leave rights, and updated protections against unfair dismissal. The discussion includes insights f…
- Pension Age Rise and April Tax Changes
This episode discusses the rising state pension age, increasing to 67 for those born on or after April 6, 1960. It also covers issues of homelessness, compensation for mis-sold car finance deals, and upcoming tax changes for dividends and…
- Money Box Live: Making Tax Digital Guide
This episode of Money Box Live explains HMRC's new Making Tax Digital system for income tax. It covers who will be affected, how it works, and what taxpayers need to do to prepare, with insights from HMRC and the Association of Tax Technic…
- Petrol Price Rises and NS&I
This episode of Money Box covers rising petrol prices, the replacement of the NS&I boss after a lost funds scandal, and delays encountered by retired civil servants awaiting pension payments. It also examines a proposal for an exam to asse…
- Heating Oil Guide and Banknotes
This episode of Money Box discusses government heating oil support for rural households, the state of the mortgage market, and the tactics used by scammers in investment fraud. Additionally, the programme covers the Bank of England's new b…
- Mortgage Rates and Banknotes
This episode covers the recent rise in UK mortgage rates, the government's fraud strategy, changes to contactless payment caps, and upcoming wildlife designs for Bank of England banknotes.
- Middle East Conflict and Crypto Scams
This episode of Money Box covers the economic effects of the Middle East conflict on energy prices, details a significant investment scam experienced by a listener, and explains the new car finance compensation scheme.
- Civil Service Pension Loans and Pokémon Cards
This episode of Money Box discusses the inadequate system for emergency hardship loans for civil service pensioners, the increasing use of Buy Now, Pay Later services among older age groups, and the market for rare Pokémon cards.
- Motor Finance Claims and Pay by Bank
This episode of Money Box discusses the regulator's warning regarding car finance compensation claims and the rise of 'pay by bank' options for online shopping. It also covers the usage of junior ISAs and the targeting of personal finance…
- Money Box Live: Starting Out
Paul Lewis and his guests explore the challenges young people face in finding employment and managing finances. The episode discusses career paths, such as graduate roles and apprenticeships, and examines government support for youth unemp…
- Pension Delays Apology and Romance Scams
This episode of Money Box features an apology from Capita Public Services regarding civil service pension delays. It also discusses the rise of romance scams, the planned replacement of the Lifetime ISA, and the Warm Homes Discount.
- Money Box Live: How to Pick a Mortgage
Paul Lewis and Felicity Hannah discuss how to choose a mortgage in this episode of Money Box. They are joined by guests to address listener questions regarding trackers, mortgage terms, and guidance for first-time buyers.
- Credit Card Debt and Civil Service Pensions
This episode of Money Box discusses reports of persistent credit card debt, delays in civil service pension payments, and rising bank refunds for stolen funds. It also examines the implications for borrowers as some lenders begin offering…
- Money Box Live: Student Loan Debate
This episode of Money Box discusses the impact of student loans on graduates, covering repayment thresholds, the differences in loan plans, and maintenance support. Felicity Hannah is joined by guests from Save the Student and the National…
- Report Fraud and Student Loans
This episode examines the new Report Fraud agency, concerns regarding student loan interest rates, calls for bailiff regulation, and new protections for households on heat networks. Presenter Paul Lewis speaks with guests about these finan…
- Money Box Life: Working for Longer
This episode of Money Box examines the trend of people working past retirement age. Guests discuss the motivations for continuing work, employer flexibility, and the tax implications of accessing pensions while employed.
- Energy Ombudsman Powers and Cheques
The Energy Ombudsman needs stronger powers to ensure energy suppliers comply with decisions, according to the chair of Parliament's Energy Select Committee. The episode also covers the increasing trend of people working beyond state pensio…
- Money Box Live: Do Electric Cars Add Up?
This episode of Money Box Live discusses the increasing adoption of electric cars in the UK, spurred by government sales bans on petrol and diesel cars. Experts Felicity Hannah, Stuart Masson, and Melanie Shufflebotham explore the costs, p…
- Energy Bill Battle and Restrictive Covenants
This episode of Money Box covers a listener's battle over a 1,700 energy bill, HMRC's handling of Child Benefit errors, and the implications of restrictive covenants when buying a home.
- Money Box Live: Inheritance Tax
This episode of Money Box Live discusses inheritance tax, explaining what it is, who pays it, and upcoming changes that could affect more estates. Pension and tax specialist Clare Moffat and wealth protection solicitor Nina Sperring join h…
- Child Benefit and Credit Cards
Millions of pounds in child benefit were wrongly suspended due to incorrect data, affecting over 60% of parents. Credit card borrowing saw its fastest annual rise in nearly two years, with balances reaching nearly £78 billion. A pension ru…
- Money Box Live: Women's Finances
This episode of Money Box Live explores the evolution of women's financial independence over the past 50 years, examining progress since the Sex Discrimination Act and ongoing challenges like childcare costs, wage gaps, and pension dispari…
- Making Tax Digital and Savings Rates
The Money Box episode covers Making Tax Digital, a significant change starting in April for sole traders and landlords with turnovers above £50,000, requiring quarterly submissions via commercial software. It also discusses the decrease in…
- Can You Make a Creative Job Pay?
This Money Box episode discusses making creative jobs financially viable, with insights from actor Christopher Biggins on a 50-year career and panto earnings. It covers financial planning for taxes and pensions, and explores initiatives li…
- Mortgages, Silver Marriages and Warren Buffett
The Money Box podcast discusses the Bank of England
- Money Box Life: Blended Family Finances
This episode of Money Box Life focuses on the financial challenges faced by blended families, discussing practical issues and how children perceive them. Experts Jo Thurston and Liz Wyatt provide insights.
- Investment Changes and Women's Financial Rights
This Money Box episode covers upcoming UK investment recommendation changes, new FCA regulations on targeted support and marketing, and the historical context of women's financial rights. It also touches on a new energy debt scheme for peo…
- Money Box Live: Impulse Spending and Debt
Felicity Hannah explores the psychology of impulse spending, especially during the festive season, with behaviour scientist Dr Pragya Agarwal and debt expert Vikki Brownridge. The episode features a case study of a mother's debt crisis and…
- Energy Costs for Families and Salary Sacrifice Pensions
New research indicates 6 million UK children live in fuel poverty. The episode explores government and supplier support for struggling households, upcoming changes to salary sacrifice pensions in April 2029, strategies for low-cost Christm…
- Money Box Live: Making Sense of Your Pay
This episode of Money Box Live discusses recent changes to pay, including budget impacts like frozen tax thresholds. Host Felicity Hannah and guests explore how to understand your payslip, employer obligations, and how to resolve potential…
- Cash ISA Change and Carers Allowance
This episode of Money Box discusses imminent tax changes from the Budget, such as freezing tax thresholds and altering Cash ISA limits. It also covers an independent review of Carer's Allowance, highlighting debt issues faced by unpaid car…
- Money Box Live: Autumn Budget 2025
Money Box Live discusses the 2025 Autumn Budget, with experts breaking down the Chancellor's plans for taxes, benefits, and spending and explaining their potential effects on listeners' money.
- Life-changing Scams and Child Benefit
This episode of Money Box examines how fraud victims are supported in their pursuit of justice and highlights a UK charity's collaboration with police. It also discusses HMRC's incorrect withdrawal of child benefit from thousands of famili…
- Water Bills and Graduate Jobs
This episode of Money Box discusses the rise in households using water social tariffs and the increasing debt owed to water companies. It also covers the challenges in the graduate job market and potential student loan refunds.
- Suspended child benefit and the cost of school trips
Money Box discusses the suspension of child benefits for parents taking holidays abroad, rising school trip costs impacting parents and schools, and potential changes to council tax bands.
- Funeral insurance cancelled and not-so-simple assessment?
Funeral insurance policies are being cancelled, leaving policyholders with potentially nothing. Additionally, HMRC is issuing
- Money Box Live: Beating the squeeze?
Money Box Live addresses the ongoing impact of high inflation, even after it fell from double digits. Experts Neil Bellamy, Lisa Webb, and Harry Wallop discuss strategies for consumers to manage costs and afford essentials and treats.
- Infected Blood Compensation and Standing Charges
Lawyers are urging the government to address Inheritance Tax concerns for infected blood scandal victims, as compensation payments could face significant tax burdens. Separately, Energy UK has advised against proposed reforms to standing c…
- Money Box Live: First-Time Buyers
Money Box Live discusses the process of buying a first home, noting that first-time buyers made up 40% of sales in the first half of the year. The episode examines the difficulties faced by buyers due to salary-price discrepancies and vary…
- Unauthorised Recurring Card Payments and Overpaying Mortgages
Money Box addresses concerns about unauthorised recurring card payments, discusses mortgage overpayment trends, and explains the importance and process of making a will.
- Money Box Live: Apprenticeships
This episode of Money Box Live discusses the financial implications of apprenticeships, covering topics such as pay and their effect on family finances. Guests include Ben Rowland and Rachel Kayes, with Felicity Hannah presenting.
- Investing and Car Finance Compensation
The Chancellor is encouraging investment to boost economic growth, with Treasury Minister Lucy Rigby addressing investor concerns about risk. The episode also covers the rise in private pensions for children and the Financial Conduct Autho…
- Money Box Live: At the London Stock Exchange
Money Box Live broadcasts from the London Stock Exchange, covering investment basics and options. Experts discuss who investments are suitable for and how to start, in light of government efforts to encourage saving.
- Paying with Cash and Pension Age Rise
This episode of Money Box covers the declining use of cash for retail payments, with cash now representing less than 10% of transactions. It also addresses the upcoming increase in the state pension age from 66 to 67 and discusses how list…
- Money Box Live: Private Healthcare
The number of people with private medical insurance has increased by 4% to over 8 million. This episode of Money Box Live examines the reasons behind this growth, featuring insights from Tim Read of LaingBuisson and Tina Jennings from the…
- Teachers' Pensions and Car Insurance Compensation
Money Box investigates issues with the Teachers' Pensions Scheme, including delays and service failures. It also covers the Winter Fuel Payment, state pension scam warnings, and potential compensation for motorists due to underpaid car ins…
- Money Box Live: Understanding Crypto
This episode of Money Box Live discusses cryptocurrencies, explaining how they work and the potential changes in UK regulation. Experts Kate Baucherel and Louise Abbott join Felicity Hannah to cover topics including consumer protection and…
- Warning over Trusts and Landlord Mortgages
Lawyers warn that consumers are being misled into paying thousands for ineffective trusts to protect home value from inheritance tax or care fees. Additionally, buy-to-let mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest in nearly three years,…
- Money Box Live: Navigating a Terminal Illness
This episode of Money Box Live addresses the financial challenges faced by individuals with terminal illnesses. Guests include experts from Marie Curie and a legal firm, alongside a personal account, to discuss planning for financial futur…