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Money Box

Money Box

BBC Radio 4

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

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Top 10 Money Box Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Money Box episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Money Box for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Money Box episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Fancy earning interest on a £10,000 loan? We’ll find out about what negative interest rates mean for consumers in Denmark and what might happen if they were introduced here. Felicity Hannah talks to Niels Arne Dam, Chief Economist at Finance Denmark and Paul Pester, former CEO of TSB and currently the chair of research and ratings agency Fairer Finance.

Women’s finances have been hit harder than men’s by the Covid crisis, so could that risk a widening wealth gap and how do we fix it? Maike Currie, investment director at Fidelity Investments and Professor Annamaria Lusardi, head of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at The George Washington University School of Business have some ideas.

And, if you’re eating too much chocolate this weekend then you’re not alone! But can that tell us anything about how you plan your pension, your investments, your savings? Or does it just mean you like chocolate? Felicity talks to Dr Pragya Agarwal, a behavioural data scientist and Claire Walsh, a chartered financial planner.

Researcher: Jonelle Awomoyi Production Co-ordinator: Janet Staples Sound Engineer: Graham Puddifoot Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Emma Rippon

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Money Box - Social Tariffs and Open Banking
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10/19/24 • 24 min

People are missing out on nearly two billion pounds' worth of discounts on water bills and broadband, according to Citizen's Advice. Social tariffs give lower prices to people on low incomes, but the charity says there's a "postcode lottery" when it comes to what people can get. The government says more than 1.3 million households in England and Wales benefitted from £200m worth of help with water bills in 2022/23 and that it's working with broadband providers to raise awareness of social tariffs. Industry groups say many customers choose low-cost broadband over social tariffs and the number of households getting help paying for water should double by 2030.

How might the Chancellor change tax relief on pensions in the upcoming budget?

More than 11 million people used Open Banking in July - that figure was up by 12 percent on the month before. We'll discuss how it works.

And, have you been affected by a scam? Ahead of a special programme on October 5th we'd like to know your experiences - email [email protected].

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Jo Krasner and Emma Smith Editor: Jess Quayle

(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 21st September 2024)

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Money Box - Money Box Live: Fostering Finance
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10/16/24 • 28 min

There are nearly 70,000 children in the UK who are in foster care.

Foster carers main concern has to be the children they look after, including many who have experienced neglect and trauma. But they are self-employed, so there are also financial considerations, from allowances and fees, to tax returns and receipts.

In this programme we'll hear from charities, foster carers and care leavers. We'll also discuss new analysis from the Fostering Network, which found foster carers face a post code lottery when it comes to fees they’re paid.

Foster carers are given an allowance to pay for clothes and food - but they're also usually paid extra on top to recognise their time and skills. Those fees aren't fixed though, and local authorities can each individually decide how much to award.

Using freedom of information requests the charity found 60% of local authorities across the UK are paying foster carers the equivalent of less than £5 an hour based on a 40 hour week. Local Authorities are given funding from central government and the devolved nations – the told us they are reviewing support for foster carers.

Felicity Hannah, is joined by Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network and Brenda Farrell, Head of Fostering at Barnardo's.

Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle

(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Weds 18th Sept 2024).

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Each year it’s estimated that £23 billion worth of help and support – from housing benefits to pension credit – goes unclaimed according to Policy in Practice.

We look at the kind of help that is available, and hear from listeners on their experiences trying to claim the benefits they’re entitled to, as well as who might be able to get money off their childcare or broadband bills.

Presenter Felicity Hannah is joined by a panel of experts who answer your questions on how to make the best of the available support: Rachael Walker, research and policy director at Policy In Practice; Sam Hubbard, Head of Core Services at Citizens Advice in Staffordshire North and Stoke On Trent and David Samson, a benefits expert at Turn2Us.

And we hear from a range of people with their own experiences of trying to secure benefits – sometimes during life-changing moments. Gary from Lincolnshire tells us how he had to become a carer for his poorly wife. But during a difficult journey to obtain benefits, it was only by chance that he discovered certain types of support he was entitled to. Meanwhile, Esther from London tells us how she wasn’t aware she could be entitled to a carer’s allowance for her children – two of whom have complex needs .

Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Craig Henderson Editor: Sarah Rogers

(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday 16th October 2024).

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Money Box - Cost of Bereavement
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05/18/22 • 29 min

The emotional toil of losing a partner, family member or friend is often compounded by the financial impact. With funerals costing more than £4000 and probate taking around a year on average, Charmaine Cozier hears from Tom, Laura and Annette about their experiences and an expert panel gives their tips. Guests: Deborah Smith – Spokesperson – National Association of Funeral Directors Poppy Mardall – Founder & Chair – Poppy’s Funeral Directors Nick Hill - Money Expert - Money and Pensions Service
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Money Box - Debt during the pandemic
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03/24/21 • 34 min

A recent report by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that the coronavirus pandemic has driven more people into financial vulnerability. More adults in the UK have fallen into debt or have little capacity to ride out financial shocks, the FCA said.

While furlough, other support grants and the Universal Credit uplift have helped many people avoid money problems, concerns are growing over the financial damage from multiple lockdowns, job losses, lower earnings and redundancies.

How are people coping with debt during the pandemic and what support is available?

Joining presenter Louise Cooper on the panel:

Helen Undy, chief executive, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Richard Lane, head of external affairs, Stepchange Colin Mathieson, from Advice Direct Scotland

If you have a question about debt, please get in touch. E-mail [email protected] or tweet @MoneyBox.

Producer: Darin Graham Editor: Rosamund Jones

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Money Box - Pension Scams & HMRC and Fuel Vouchers
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02/17/24 • 25 min

Some people who have been defrauded out of some or all of their pension fund are now being chased by HM Revenue & Customs for tax on money they no longer have. They were persuaded by advisers to cash in their pension and invest it in schemes that promised big returns. In fact they were often fake and some or all of their money disappeared. But HMRC is demanding tax on this missing money because they cashed in their pension too early. A campaign group based in Parliament is calling for a change in the law to protect them from what it calls the largest tax scandal in British history. In response, HMRC told Money Box “We do not tax pension savings lost to fraud. What we do tax are amounts that people release, or attempt to release, from their pensions where not authorised in law. It is our responsibility to collect the tax people legally owe and maintain a fair tax system for all. We sympathise with people who may have lost money by entering such arrangements and handle these situations on a case by case basis. We take the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and do everything we can for those who engage with us to get their tax affairs in order, including by offering affordable payment plans.”

As temperatures hit a new low this week one charity is nearly doubling the size of the vouchers it gives to those who can't keep warm. We'll speak to the Fuel Bank Foundation which helps people on prepayment meters manage their bills.

A record number of people will need to re-mortgage this year - are the choices getting any better?

And all you need to know about filing your self assessment form.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Tamzin Kraftman Researcher: Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle

(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 20th January 2024)

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Money Box - MBL: Trading in stocks and shares
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06/16/21 • 27 min

Low interest rates on savings has made many people consider putting money built up during the pandemic into stocks and shares in the hope of higher returns. But what do you need to know BEFORE you make that first trade?

We explore the risks, how to navigate the jargon and - most importantly - whether this type of investment is really for you.

Do you have an experience you'd like to share? Email us: [email protected].

Expert panel: - Susannah Streeter, Senior investment and markets analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown - David Stevenson author of “Investing in shares for dummies” and Adventurous Investor column, Financial Times

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Rumella Dasgupta Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Alex Lewis

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Money Box - The costs of being disabled
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07/06/22 • 34 min

85% of families with disabled children use more energy, from electric hoists to extra heating and powered wheelchairs. Going without these can mean a significant decline in the standard of living and health for disabled people and their families. With energy costs soaring, how are disabled people coping? What support is available? We have tips on how can you save money on energy, food and other necessities as prices soar.

Adam Shaw is joined by Emma Tracey from the Access All podcast as they discuss the cost of living for disabled people.

Panel:

James Taylor - Director of Strategy - Scope

Helen Undy - Chief Executive - Money and Mental Health

Listen to the Access All podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02r6yqw

Producer: Drew Hyndman

Editor: Emma Rippon

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In March of this year Money Box listener Nicola's financial adviser made his first attempt to move her investment fund, valued at £40,000, from Aegon to another provider. Nine months later, despite making a formal complaint and taking their case to the Financial Services Ombudsman, the money has yet to arrive. To date Aegon has offered Nicola £100 which it increased this week to £500, as an apology "for the unacceptable delays she has faced in the transfer of her funds." Guest: Nicola's independent financial adviser, Iain Forrest, Director of Forrest Financial Management and we also hear from the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Dan Whitworth reports on a HMRC VAT exemption rule clarification which recently came into force and has resulted in some people seeing a sudden increase in their property management company service charge. The clarification is intended to make it clear that third parties such as property management companies are subject to VAT. Some of these companies have started to pass the cost on. Guest: Alan Pearce, VAT Partner, Blick Rothenberg.

A pensions dashboard which will allow people to see their scheme details, old and new, big and small, in one place, online, for the first time is due to go live next year. However the first version won't contain state pension details and once it’s up and running pension providers will be able to offer their own commercial dashboards. Guest Sir Steve Webb, Director, Royal London and former pensions minister.

Presenter: Adam Shaw Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Richard Vadon

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FAQ

How many episodes does Money Box have?

Money Box currently has 670 episodes available.

What topics does Money Box cover?

The podcast is about Podcasts and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Money Box?

The episode title 'What might negative interest rates mean for UK banking services?' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Money Box?

The average episode length on Money Box is 29 minutes.

How often are episodes of Money Box released?

Episodes of Money Box are typically released every 4 days.

When was the first episode of Money Box?

The first episode of Money Box was released on Jun 27, 2015.

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