Ask Martin Lewis Podcast

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Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis joins 5 Live's Emma Barnett for debate and tips on how to make the most of your money. Featuring guests from the business world.

BBC Radio 5 live


    • Dec 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 226 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Ask Martin Lewis Podcast

    Christmas Special: The best of Question Time!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2025 29:25


    As it's Christmas, Producer Matt has chosen his favourite questions you've asked Martin in our Question Time podcast, including: Can I refuse a smart meter? Is paying by PayPal a bigger risk? Should I keep cash under my mattress? Should you invest in gold? Will my new husband need to pay for my daughter's university? And, would Martin want to fight 1 man-sized duck, or 10 duck-sized men? You'll have to listen to find out! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite radio station, how many marshmallows he can fit in his mouth, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Council Tax £6,000 refund! £700 saved ditching O2! And a warranty schmarranty winner

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 27:17


    In this special ‘Success Time' edition of our Question Time podcast, this week is all about listeners who've saved. They tell us what they've done to save, and Martin explains how you can do the same! The successes this week include: a multi-bank switching success, getting a phone retailer to overturn its decision not to replace a faulty handset, and a success worth £100,000.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite film, what he carries with him wherever he goes, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    It's Love Actuarially! Base interest rate cut help. And will you get £150 off energy bills?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 63:24


    Martin Lewis has a selection box of topics in this week's podcast, including: the Bank of England has cut the base interest rate, what does it mean for your mortgage, savings, credit cards, and loans? It's Love Actuarially as you tell us when you've received a random act of financial kindness. The government's taking £150 off energy bills, so Martin explains how it will work – especially if you're on a fix. Plus, Mastermind is all about representative APR, and should you open expensive Christmas presents early? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite colour, if he can move his eyebrows independently or not, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: How to deal with mounting debt? What happens to ISAs when I die? Is student loan paid before or after tax?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 27:48


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how do I deal with my mounting debt? Is student loan paid before or after tax (and should I set up a direct debit if I'm close to paying it off)? Can someone take over my ISA allowance when I die? Plus, we have a student loan success story, and just how does Martin manage to do 26,000 steps a day? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite seaside town, if he'd ever go to space, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Everything you need to know about ISAs (Cash & Shares) - but were too afraid to ask!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 67:12


    Martin Lewis tells you everything you need to know about ISAs - the Cash, Stocks and Shares, Help-to-Buy, and Lifetime varieties – as well as what ISA changes in the budget means for you. Martin talks about the government consultation on replacing the Lifetime ISA and tells you if it's still worth it. Plus, you tell us your cheap Christmas magic tips, Mastermind is all about car insurance renewal, and do you know where your stopcock is? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite font, what his go-to coffee order is, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Can salary sacrifice cut student loan & savings tax cost? A Bridesmaid refund! And, state pension tax?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 33:14


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can using salary sacrifice allow me to cut the amount of student loan and savings tax I pay? How will not paying tax if you only get the state pension work in practice? Help, I'm about to turn 50! Is there anything I should do with my finances? Plus, we have a bridesmaid dress return success story (including how Martin helped them find love), and would Martin rather do Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? or Celebrity Traitors?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite tube line, if he's a snorer or not, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Are Credit Scores real or nonsense? How to make yourself more attractive to lenders

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 63:06


    Martin Lewis goes through everything you need to know about credit scores – including if they're actually real. He also explains how you can make yourself appear more attractive to lenders, including the most important factors they look for. Plus, what the budget means for your energy bills, you Tell Us when you finally felt financially grown up, and Mastermind is all about when a direct debit isn't actually a direct debit.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite motorway, what his skincare routine looks like, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Time to ditch Premium Bonds? Do student loans cost more for middle earners? Credit on a low income?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 30:42


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how does the ISA limit actually work, is the online safety act really working, how can I get credit on a low income, is it time to ditch premium bonds, do student loans cost more for middle earners, and when does savings interest actually count for tax purposes?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite sandwich filling, how many sugars he has in his tea, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Budget 2025: Instant reaction special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 27:40


    In this special episode, Martin Lewis shares his initial reaction to Rachel Reeves' budget. He tells Matt Chorley about the measures that will have an impact on you - including Lifetime ISAs, salary sacrifice on pensions, state pension increase, student finance repayment thresholds, the two-child benefit limit, high income property surcharge, and electric vehicle surcharges.

    Question Time: Time to stop using my LISA? Are cashback & switch bonuses taxable? Are investments protected up to £85,000?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 29:04


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on absolutely anything and everything, including: how to get hotel money back on flight cancellations, do investments have the same protection as savings if a provider goes bust, should I stop putting money in my LISA, and what's his favourite type of music?If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite city, what he does in his spare time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Millions can now reclaim student loans! | Savings safety limit to rise | Will energy prices go up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 55:32


    Martin goes through the four different reasons why many university leavers in their 20s, 30s and 40s may be able to get £100s or even £1000s of student loan money back. Plus, what's likely to happen when the new energy price cap is announced this Friday, Martin goes over the now bigger protection for people's savings, you tell us the cheapest item you've ever taken back to a store to complain about, and Martin's Money Mastermind is all about retail gift aid.If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you've always wanted to know his favourite song, what he does in his spare time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Will my new husband need to pay for my daughter's uni? Do high interest savings beat cash ISAs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 27:16


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how to open savings accounts with limited ID, is there a way to make more cash from ISA bonuses, can I end my broadband contract if I'm moving house and does Martin prefer spaghetti hoops, or alphabetti spaghetti? If you've got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    A wallet workout to gain pounds! Earn £100s in minutes perusing your purse or (digital) wallet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 69:14


    Martin Lewis tells you how to speedily spot the best debit cards, credit cards, overdrafts, improve your driving licence, organ donor cards and more! Plus, new top savings, Martin's meeting with the Chancellor, and success story on how to beat the O2 price-hike hike!If you've got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Is paying via PayPal a bigger risk? How to do a budget? Has the government ever told Martin to stay schtum?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 31:05


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin takes your questions on anything and everything, including: how to compare electric vehicle tariffs, why bank accounts lie, how an 18-year-old builds credit, and is your will invalid after you get married?If you've got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Martin's Savings Interest Masterclass: increase what you earn by up to 50%!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 64:37


    Martin Lewis gives you his savings interest Masterclass, helping you maximise every penny. He covers cash ISAs, fixed savings, regular savers, putting money away for a home, how savings tax works, how safe savings are, and more! If you have a question for Martin, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk and you could be on the show!

    Question Time: Will ISA changes hit what I've saved? Safer to stick cash under the bed? A credit card for my eight-year-old?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 27:09


    In this week's Question Time, Martin answers your questions about absolutely anything and everything – including: Will the predicted budget ISA changes affect me? Should I give my eight-year-old a credit card? Should I keep cash under my mattress? Can a car finance claim jeopardise my current car finance agreement? How does the marriage tax allowance work? Plus, what did Martin have for his tea last night?If you've got a question for Martin on absolutely anything and everything, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Martin v Ofgem boss: Why are energy bills so high (is it green levies?) | Scrap standing charges | Is the Price Cap a rip-off?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 59:32


    It's Martin v Ofgem this week (well, Jonathan Brearley, the boss). Martin asks Jonathan why energy bills are so high, about scrapping standing charges, who funds the regulator, writing off energy debt, issues around green energy, and loads more. It's a jam-packed episode, also including what Martin thinks about O2 raising their prices by more than they promised, and what you should do if you're affected. If you have a question for Martin, you can ask him in his Question Time podcast! Email your question to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk and you could be on the show!

    Question Time: Can I refuse a Smart meter? Should I clear my student loan? Is a stoozer a loser?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 32:38


    In our Question Time podcast, Martin takes your questions on anything and everything within reason. Including: is it worth fixing energy for longer than a year?; are app-based savings accounts worth it?, plus the producer asks him for broadcasting tips! Send an email to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk to suggest your question.

    Free £400 for switching bank! Was Uni worth it? Cash ISAs to be cut

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 62:48


    Martin Lewis takes you through the seven banks willing to pay you to switch, what it means for your credit score, joint bank accounts, overdrafts and how some make £1,000s doing it. Plus, you tell us if university was worth it. We discuss rumours that the Chancellor may cut the cash ISA limit, plus an update on car finance misselling. You can get in touch with the team by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you've had following Martin's advice

    Question Time: Is cash king? Should you keep some mortgage debt? Can I reclaim student loan taken off my bonus?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 27:09


    In our weekly Question Time, you ask Martin questions on anything and everything, and he does his best to answer them. This week: if I have a lot of credit cards, should I cancel any unused ones? Should I keep my mortgage debt or pay it off? Is Martin working out? A double helping of student finance, and more! If you've got a question for Martin, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk, and it could be in the podcast!

    14 million to get mis-sold car finance compensation!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 58:32


    Martin Lewis takes you through the mis-selling of car finance after the regulator launched its plans for a mass £8.2bn redress scheme – where 14 million people could get compensation. He explains why it's being paid, how much you could get, if you could get it, what you need to do to get it, should you go to court, can you claim for deceased relatives, and loads more.This is an emerging situation so listen for updates future podcasts! If you've got a burning question for Martin's Question Time podcast, send an email to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk - it can be about absolutely anything you want, within reason!

    Energy Question Time: Is it time to fix? (spoiler: YES!) How do I get my credit back? Are Smart Meters… not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 42:20


    With the energy price cap rising 2%, and predicted to remain high for the next year, Martin Lewis answers your questions on how you can save £100s a year on home energy bills. Including new low standing charges tariffs, smart meter issues, why fixing now works and loads more...Send in your questions for future Question Time podcasts by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Is having a pension worth it? Why has my home insurance doubled? And Martin's Mick Jagger history!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 30:29


    Question Time: Is having a pension worth it? Why has my home insurance doubled? And Martin's Mick Jagger history! Martin explains why pensions offer the biggest savings, why you must pay off credit cards IN FULL, and recounts the time he tried to convince Mick Jagger to finish his finance and accounting degree. Our Q&A podcast choose the issues and Martin provides the answers. Share your questions and tips by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Should you take a student loan? Martin's five things you need to know about student finance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 63:58


    Martin Lewis has his five things you need to know about student finance, including how much it'll really cost you, why the interest rate might be a red herring, how much parents are expected to contribute and much more. He also has an update on energy standing charges. And Tell Us is all about when you've saved a shedload of money… completely by accident! You can get in touch with the team by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you've had following Martin's advice!

    Question Time: How to get energy credit back, and should you invest in gold?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 23:15


    Martin Lewis answers your questions on absolutely anything and everything (within reason!), including how to get energy credit back, student loan interest rates, should you be investing in gold, and is overpaying your mortgage worth it?You can get in touch with the team by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk – make sure to send in your burning questions and any successes you've had following Martin's advice!

    Grown Up Stuff: (Free) Wills & (even more important) Power of Attorney

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 74:18


    Martin Lewis tackles wills and power of attorney with Melinda Giles, Member of the Law Society's Wills and Equity Committee, and Austin Lafferty, member of the Council of the Law Society of Scotland. Plus, Mastermind is all about your credit file.You can email the podcast team at MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

    Question Time: Cutting Credit Card Debt, Scrapping the State Pension and more…

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 26:42


    In this Question Time podcast Martin answers your questions on credit scores, scrapping the state pension, cutting the cost of credit card debt and the car finance compensation scheme, plus loads more.

    The Top Children's Savings & Investment Accounts | Car Finance Mis-selling Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 66:24


    Martin Lewis has everything you need to know about children's saving and investing, including Junior ISAs, Child Trust Funds, top savings, Premium Bonds and even children's pensions. Plus, an update on the car finance mis-selling saga, an update on Lifetime ISAs, you tell us when you've felt the richest, and this week's Mastermind is on personal loans.

    Beat the energy price hike, flight delay compo, and the £1 train!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 63:26


    Martin has everything you need to know to keep your bills down ahead of the energy price cap going up in October. Also in the podcast: what to do if you've had a flight delayed in the past six years, you tell us the best quid you've spent in the last five years, and Mastermind was all about Capital Gains Tax – have you heard of the ‘Bed & Breakfast' rule?

    A Savings and Investment Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 43:22


    In this savings and investment special, Martin speaks with two professional investment advisers. Plus, his beginner's guide to savings and how to maximise your interest.

    A Bills Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 40:00


    In this Bills Special, Martin goes through everything you need to know about Council Tax, including how to check and challenge your band. Plus, his four easy steps to help reduce your mobile phone bill.

    An Energy Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 55:11


    In this Energy Special, Martin asks the boss of Ofgem why we pay more in the UK. Plus, he questions the boss of Octopus Energy about prices, smart meters and more.

    A Holiday Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 40:26


    In this Holiday Special, Martin goes through his top holiday hacks, including his car hire and insurance tips, and the cheapest ways to spend abroad. Plus, how to make sure your passport and GHIC is ready for your travels!

    Car Finance Compensation Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 16:12


    Martin gives his reaction to the Supreme Court's ruling on car finance agreements. He explains why the scope for compensation has been reduced, who might still be eligible, and why it's important that potential claimants do nothing...for now.

    Car Finance Agreements Update & Ask Martin ANYTHING!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 57:23


    In this episode, Martin gives an update on the ongoing car financing agreements case going through the Supreme Court. He also answers your questions on absolutely anything, including how much to save for your kids to go to university, buying vs renting, and… is Martin getting into politics?

    A beginner's guide to savings & how to maximise your interest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 65:06


    After covering investment last episode, this time Martin gives a beginner's guide to savings, including top savings, a 25% savings boost for first-time buyers, a Help to Save 50% boost, regular savings and more. Plus, a warning for women aged between 41 and 90 who've previously cared for someone. And you tell us your instruction vs destruction tales.

    A beginner's guide to investing… who should, how much & where to do it

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 68:01


    Martin Lewis on Saving v Investing: which is right for you and how to do it…In this special podcast Martin is joined by two professional investment advisers to talk about:- What is going to happen to the ISA limit. - Whether you should be saving, investing or doing a combination of the two. - A beginners guide to investing and where you should put your money for the long term. - What type of investment firm you should be looking at. - Martin also gives an explanation of Bitcoin and what could happen if you want to invest in it.Get in touch with the podcast by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

    Testing your consumer rights and haggling skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 57:55


    Martin Lewis records the podcast from Lords to share his money saving tips while watching the cricket.An explanation of your statutory return rights with a focus on what the law explicitly outlines as the timeframe you have to return online purchases.We also run through the top 10 companies to haggle with in the UK, with haggling tips and how to make big savings from service firms in mature markets, such as mobiles, where everyone already has the product so companies need to retain existing customers.He gives an update on the potential payouts for mis-sold car finance.Martin makes a suggestion on how to get young people investing WITHOUT cutting the £20,000 tax-free cash ISA limit, as reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may be about to do.Tell Us is about your longest financial innings and includes advice on the best bank current accounts that are currently available.And Mastermind is swapped for Test Martin Special, or TMS for short, Eleanor Oldroyd and former England player Steven Finn help Adrian answer a cricket-themed question about what counts as legal tender.

    Free £1,000 a year for wannabe first time buyers | Will cash ISAs be cut | LISA v Pension

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 58:14


    Martin looks at Lifetime ISAs, after a report was published by the Treasury Committee on the future of the first time buyers savings account, he explains the basics of them and answers questions on who they are good for, who they don't work for and when is the best time to open one.Energy bills dropped 7% this week, Martin explains what people should be doing, and most importantly what happens next.Martin reacts to reports the Chancellor is to drop cash ISA allowance in her Mansion House Speech on 15 July.Mastermind tests if Adrian knows when you are covered by Section 75 Consumer protection.And there's a new top savings account that's a bit different isn't there?

    The cheapest way to spend abroad, stop paying to pay! And find old pensions worth £10,000s!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 62:05


    With £31 billion in lost or unclaimed pensions in the UK, Martin tells you how to find your old pensions - which could be worth £10,000s! Plus, Martin's top holiday money need-to-knows to help you stop paying when you spend abroad and get the most bang for your (Vietnamese) dong. And you tell us the worst financial advice you were given by your parents and grandparents.

    Four easy-speedy steps to slash your mobile bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 59:41


    Martin goes through his four easy steps to help you reduce your mobile bill. Plus, with energy bills likely to rise due to conflict in the Middle East, should you fix now? What do the Warm Home discount changes mean? And you tell us your children's financial tips.

    Winter Fuel Payment – How it'll really work (Eng & Wales) | And are you drinking enough beer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 46:54


    The Winter Fuel Payment will again be a universal payment in England and Wales for state pensioners this winter, yet it'll be clawed back via the tax system where someone earns over £35,000. How will this work in practice? What counts as £35,000 earnings, and what if there are two, three or more pensioners in a house.Martin also answers questions on saving for a pension, who should opt out of receiving winter fuel payment and how to avoid being scammed.Pint rights: we also look at how to make sure you get the pint you paid for.

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