Ask Martin Lewis Podcast

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Martin goes through step by step everything you need to know about Council Tax. He explains:- How to check you are in the right band. - How to challenge your Council Tax band. - The Council Tax deductions you may be entitled to. - How to collect and claim if you are owed Council Tax creditMartin also gives his response to this week's Winter Fuel Payment news from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Martin reacts to the latest Energy Price Cap announcement from the regulator Ofgem. The new cap coms into force from July, and applies to households in England, Scotland and Wales on variable tariffs. But what should you do now? With fixes on the market well below the cap rate, Martin explains how to get the best deals on your energy.

Martin Lewis looks at the Energy Price Cap and what your best options are for your bills.He gives his view on the recent announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will be expanded. A guide on how to get paid to switch bank accounts.Tell Us this week is all about when have you saved a fortune by pure accident?Mastermind explains the difference between annual and compound interest.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson joins Martin Lewis to answers your questions about the cost of childcare. They cover topics such as are there enough funds for 30hrs funded childcare? Why 800,000 miss out on Tax Free Childcare? Child Benefit cliff-edge problems & more.

Why locking in savings can be a winner. Should you fix your mortgage now or wait? How to get accepted for a mortgage, and more.Martin reacts as the Bank of England cuts UK base interest rates again from 4.5% to 4.25%, we recorded this literally minutes after it happened and focus on answering your questions about the impact on savings and borrowing (especially mortgages)For savers there's a warning to act quick if you want to fix.Mortgage holders big questions was fix now or wait – we cover that, but also a fascinating discussion with our mortgage broker guest on what it takes to get accepted for a mortgage whether for a new one or remortgaging, lots of eye opening facts there.In the Tell Us, with summer coming what's far cheaper to buy abroad (things that you can then bring home that is)And in the Mastermind we find out if Adrian knows why it's always important to turn your suncream around.

It's the credit and debit plastic fantastic masterclass you've been waiting for… Martin answers all your questions on how to manage your credit card debt, which are the top cards to use abroad and the myths around your ‘credit score'. Plus find out which are the best 0% deals and how to ooze with stooze. Get in touch with the podcast by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

The main topic is all about how you could potentially get money back from your energy firm. If you pay by monthly direct debit then Martin explains why you should be checking now if you're owed serious cash.The Tell Us is about shrinkflation. Where can you find provable evidence of groceries, cleaning productions or cosmetics that are no longer as big as they were.Plus, if you're aged 20 to 25, Martin explains a trick that can get you a free four-year railcard worth £100 via the bank Santander.Get in touch… email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

Full best buys – and everything you ever wanted to know about cash ISAs but were afraid to ask. With the realistic prospect of the cash ISA limit being reduced in the near future, Martin explains what to do right now to get the most out of your savings. Get in touch… email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

You ask, Martin answers. A must-listen at this crucial time of year. Martin and Adrian go through the big questions from you as a number of big changes come into force. Plus you tell us about customer service done well, and Adrian tackles a mastermind on credit scores. You can email the podcast team via martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin Lewis puts YOUR questions to Greg Jackson, the boss of Britain's biggest energy retailer Octopus. Smart meters, profits, standing charges & will prices EVER drop? Plus with energy prices going up by 6.4% next week, is now the time to fix? To get in touch, email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

ISA ISA baby!Martin joins Adrian to answer all your questions on savings tax, Cash ISAs, Junior ISAs and more before the fast approaching deadline in April. Chartered Financial Planner Ed Marshall also joins Martin to help with stocks and shares ISAs. You tell us about your financial ‘light bulb' moments.Plus Martin shares his thoughts on back-billing with MPs… find out why you might not have to pay for energy usage if its more than a year old.Get in touch with the podcast by emailing martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk

Martin's poorly, but he's battled through the coughs and splutters because he's adamant that YOU need to hear how you could boost your state pension by TENS of THOUSANDS of pounds.If you're aged between 40 and 73 – it's a must listen.It's all about missing National Insurance years. Martin brings you a step-by-step guide and a full Q&A. It's everything you need to know.

Martin answers a huge number of questions on savings, on how ISA's work, where is a safe place to keep your money, the pros and cons of investing, should you be saving or paying off debt and far more.The podcast also covers lots of other subjects such as getting travel insurance for holidays booked a long time ahead, how credit cards really work, what to do if a car finance firm hasn't replied to your reclaim complaint and more.This week's Mastermind is all about if borrowing more means you actually pay less?

The energy price cap, which determines prices for two-thirds of homes will rise by 6.4% in April… yet some people will see rises of up to 9%. In this pod Martin Lewis looks at what it means for you, and how do you beat it.Former head of strategy at BP, Professor Nick Butler - who is now visiting professor at the policy institute at Kings College London - explains why UK energy prices are so much higher than Europe, the problems with the way the price cap is set, and the impact of green energy on our bills.Plus, a warning on pay-by-app, a pension-themed Mastermind, and the Tell Us is about the most shocking, horrifying, unexpected bill you've ever received.And there are tips on childcare costs and the scourge of council tax debt collection. There's also urgent advice on how to cut the cost of train tickets, and what Martin told MPs this week about Lifetime ISAs.

A special podcast all about starting and saving in a pension, including the two pension superpowers that instantly double your investment.Martin is joined by Charlotte Jackson from Money Helper, the free and impartial service giving help with money and pensions. They explain how pensions actually work, and whether you should stay opted to your work place pension. Should you consolidate your pensions? How to start your first pension? Should you start a pension for your child? How to get totally impartial free guidance. Stakeholder pensions versus nest versus SIPPs? How much to save in your pension?If you want to hear more on pensions, then check out our special ‘Not The Martin Lewis Podcast' episodes from July 2024 on this feed.

Martin explains why you should still shop around for the best deal, even if your car insurance renewal is lower than last year. Plus reaction to the interest rates cut, the latest on April's energy cap price change and you tell us what your job has taught you about money. To get in touch with the podcast email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin gives you his holiday tips, everything from the cheapest way to spend abroad to how to maximise your annual leave.The Tell Us this week is all about things your children misunderstand / mis-assume about money.Martin also explains credit rating, how to cut your water bills and how to get £100 off your energy standing charges.To get in touch with the podcast, email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin and Adrian talk about new rules that stop surprise price increases in the middle of your contract. Plus how to get the best price on your broadband and where to look for brilliant mobile deals. Plus you share your budgeting tips – and Adrian faces a special wifi Mastermind question. Email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk if you want to get in touch.

After last week's cold snap, Martin shares his best tips on how to save money on your energy bills, including whether or not it's worth fixing. In “Tell Us” this week, Martin finds out how people are managing their household finances as well as recommending the best joint accounts. And it's another round of Mastermind for Adrian, quizzing his knowledge on flight compensation schemes.

Martin looks at the dos and don't of getting the best travel insurance deal, plus are cats legally different to dogs? Have energy bills really risen every year, LISAs for retirement, no fault car insurance claims, car hire abroad and more…To get in touch with the podcast, email martinlewispodcast@bbc.co.uk.

A look back at what you need to know about mortgages and how to save as a first-time buyer. A Tell Us about the most joy you've ever got from spending under £5 and another one that got a huge response looking at what people did with their first pay packet. Also a Mastermind looking at car insurance.

Martin answers your Money Saving and financial questions on topics such as inheritance tax, how much to have in your pension, debt pay off pecking order, life insurance, how interest payments work, cash ISA rules, car finance and even the tax arrangements of Father Christmas.There is also a Mastermind looking at credit card interest repayment.