Tax and benefit system in the United Kingdom
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Robert Salter and Tom Goddard look at the now infamous “donkey field” connected to Keir Starmer. With politicians’ tax affairs under the spotlight yet again, Robert explains why the arrangement looks more like straightforward trust planning than a scandal, and sometimes what makes the front page isn’t really much of a tax dodge at all. The pair explore what this story says about public attitudes to politicians and tax — and whether the criticism is fair or just noise. Then it’s over to the NFL’s return to London, where visiting players could find themselves facing a very different kind of tackle: the UK tax system. Filing returns and paying into the UK’s fiscal black hole might not feature in the playbook, but it’s all part of the rules. Finally, Robert and Tom discuss HMRC’s recent stakeholder conference. Promises of closer working with advisers sound great on paper but as changes regarding National Insurance show, HMRC’s actions don’t always match the words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Medics' Money podcast, Ed, Andy, and Tommy discuss the impact of current UK tax policies on productivity, particularly focusing on fiscal drag and marginal tax rates. They highlight how tax traps are affecting both the public and medical professionals, especially those earning around the £100,000 mark. The team delves into budget speculations, including potential changes in national insurance that could impact GP partners. They also reflect on the V11 scandal involving Premier League footballers to draw parallels with how doctors can be vulnerable to poor financial advice. Key points include the dangers of high-pressure sales tactics, promises of high returns with minimal risk, and word-of-mouth referrals without proper due diligence. They emphasise the importance of financial education and the necessity of using vetted advisors. Additionally, they touch on pension issues, tax-free allowances, and the upcoming Medics' Money Live event. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:50 Meet the Medics Money Team 02:09 The New Middle Class Tax Revolt 03:19 Marginal Tax Trap Explained 07:49 Pre-Budget Speculation and Concerns 09:40 State Pension and Triple Lock 13:56 Trump's Investment Strategy for Newborns 18:40 National Insurance and GP Partners 23:00 Government Budget Speculation 23:33 Targeting Wealthier Classes 24:40 Marginal Tax Rates and Policy Behaviours 27:03 GP Partnerships and Business Structures 29:41 Financial Vulnerability of Footballers and Doctors 33:08 Red Flags in Financial Advice 41:59 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events
This week, we're shaking things up. Instead of focusing on a single topic, I'm sharing some of the most thought-provoking debates and discussions happening right now inside the HMO community.The truth is, the best ideas don't just come from me sitting here deciding what to talk about — they come from you. From the questions you're asking, the challenges you're tackling, and the creative strategies you're putting forward. And because we don't always agree, the conversations are all the more valuable.In today's episode, we'll dive into four hot topics:A Treasury rumour: could National Insurance really be charged on rental income? It's unconfirmed, but it's already raising big questions about valuations, market values, and what it could mean for landlords.A planning hack I never knew about even after 20 years in the business. A clever strategy to take your HMO from six to seven beds.Valuations under pressure: are they starting to come in lower, and what trends are we actually seeing on the ground?The great desk debate: should you put desks in bedrooms, and are fold-down versions really worth it? A surprisingly simple question with a lot of strong opinions.Tune in to see where you stand on these debates and maybe pick up a new strategy or two along the way.-
https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk/raf/ Your property portfolio is facing its biggest threat in a decade, and it's coming directly from the government. Today, Sean talks to Kevin McDonnell, who teaches 1000s of property professionals how to protect and grow their portfolios. He's a seasoned investor who's dissecting the government's next potential moves on property tax. Kevin and Sean break down the proposed seismic shifts in stamp duty and what they mean for you and your next purchase, the potential overhaul of capital gains tax and the rumoured new annual tax for property owners that could impact your cash flow. Stay tuned to the end as Kevin reveals the hidden opportunity and the surprising upside for savvy investors. KEY TAKEAWAYS The changes will lead to seismic changes especially if they eliminate stamp duty and introduce a National Property tax. Including the prices of cheapest properties soaring, so get in early. Be alert to opportunities created by market fear and uncertainty. When others are hesitant, there are bargains to be found. Understand all of the proposed changes : Stamp Duty, Capital Gains, National Property Tax and National Insurance for Landlords. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people and experts that can help you make informed decisions and rework your strategies. Attend educational events, such as Progressive´s free "Multiple Streams of Property Income" event to learn how to protect and grow your portfolio in a changing tax environment. Investigate the possibility of purchasing investment properties through limited companies. This could mitigate the impact of new taxes that target personally owned buy-to-lets. Consider buying before the proposed changes take effect. Focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term gains. BEST MOMENTS "It's all about having the knowledge and the people around you that will teach you how to do this stuff right." "We're running a Multiple free Streams of Property Income event soon. It's specifically around the things that are happening now … Come and learn about how to protect themselves when this stuff happens." "Get those cheap properties snapped up….Whilst this window is open, it's time to make hay." VALUABLE RESOURCES MSOPI – Multiple Streams of Income: https://www.progressiveproperty.co.uk https://kevinmcdonnell.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST Sean Fitzpatrick is a property investor, educator, and the Face of Progressive Property. With a 6-figure portfolio and expertise in creative strategies, finance, and off-market deals, Sean shares success stories from the Progressive Property community, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help investors succeed. Tune in for practical tips and no-nonsense advice to accelerate your property journey. ABOUT THE HOST Kevin McDonnell is a Speaker, Author, Mentor & Professional Property Investor. He is an expert when it comes to creative property investment strategies. His book No Money Down: Property Invest talks about how to control and cash flow other people's property to create financial freedom. CONTACT METHOD https://www.facebook.com/kevinMcDonnellProperty/ https://kevinmcdonnell.co.uk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@progressiveproperty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g1KuusONVStjY_XjdXy6g Twitter: https://twitter.com/progperty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/progressiveproperty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressiveproperty/ Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/progressivepropertycommunity Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Progperty This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we shine a light on a common but costly issue—Class 2 National Insurance wrongly charged by HMRC. Thousands of self-employed people and small business owners are impacted each year. We'll explain why it happens, how it affects your state pension and benefits, and the exact steps you should take to put things right.Main Topics & Discussion What Class 2 NI Is: Class 2 National Insurance is a flat-rate weekly contribution (£3.45 in 2024–25) paid by the self-employed. It secures your entitlement to the state pension and certain benefits. While the cost is relatively small, missing payments can leave gaps in your record that affect your long-term financial security. Why HMRC Gets It Wrong: Errors often occur because of mismatched data across HMRC systems, mistakes in reporting self-employed profits, or discrepancies between your self-assessment and NI records. These issues can trigger incorrect charges, meaning you pay contributions you don't actually owe. The Real Impact: Overpaying NI reduces your immediate cash flow, which is critical for self-employed individuals. On the flip side, if HMRC fails to charge you when it should, you may end up with gaps in your NI record, putting your future pension entitlement at risk. How to Check: The best defence is to stay proactive. Always log into your HMRC account to check your self-assessment details and compare them with your National Insurance contributions. Reviewing your pension record regularly helps you spot missing or extra payments early, avoiding problems later. Steps to Fix: If you think you've been wrongly charged, contact HMRC as soon as possible. Provide supporting documents, such as tax returns, profit and loss statements, or payment evidence. You can request corrections to your NI record or claim a refund for overpayments, but the process takes time, so early action is key.Common Mistakes to Avoid Assuming HMRC Is Always Right: Many taxpayers accept charges at face value, but HMRC systems are not flawless. Always double-check your notices and statements before paying. Ignoring Your Records: Failing to review your NI contributions and pension record regularly could mean years of unnoticed errors. By the time you claim your pension, it may be too late to fix. Not Reclaiming Refunds: If you don't take action, you could lose money unnecessarily. HMRC does process refunds, but you must initiate the request and provide the right evidence.Final ThoughtsClass 2 National Insurance may look small on paper, but the consequences of getting it wrong are significant. Errors can drain your cash flow or leave gaps in your pension record. By checking your account, acting quickly, and challenging HMRC when necessary, you can save money and protect your future benefits. Proactivity pays off when it comes to NI.Episode Timecodes [00:00:00] – Introduction to Class 2 NI errors [00:01:20] – What Class 2 NI contributions cover [00:03:15] – Why HMRC often charges the wrong amounts [00:05:42] – The impact on pensions and benefits [00:07:30] – How to spot and check for errors [00:09:10] – Steps to fix HMRC...
Landlords, brace yourselves the government's latest move could cost you an extra £885 per property in London and £722 elsewhere. Yes, we're talking about National Insurance on rental income. In this episode of The Investor's Corner Podcast, we cut through the noise to explain: The £2bn tax grab — and what it really means per property How NI could push rents up by £1,000 a year Why smaller landlords are most exposed The big question: absorb it, pass it on, or sell up? Short, sharp, and straight to the point, everything UK landlords and property investors need to know right now. This episode is sponsored by Survey Network Bridging the Gap Between You and the Professionals - https://www.survey-network.co.uk Listen Now Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Awfoi9dUoU55k0D7uf64a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-investors-corner/id1588273348 Don't forget to subscribe for more straight-talking insights for landlords and property investors.
In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Neil Dymock to break down the latest developments in the Scottish and wider UK property markets. From falling rents in Dundee to the impact of government taxes, Neil provides valuable insights for landlords, investors, and anyone keeping an eye on where the market is heading.
As Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson was one of the most influential figures in British economics. Now Provost of Queen's College, Oxford, (as well as a Times columnist) having stepped down from the IFS this summer after a decade and a half of leading the independent think tank, Johnson offers his verdict on the British economy, what he makes of some of the choices facing Starmer's Labour government (including the possibility of a change to property taxes), his views on some of the decisions they've made so far (including Chancellor Rachel Reeves's raising of employer National Insurance contributions), how much credibility he gives to fears of an IMF bailout, the levels of taxation in the country, the financial policies of Reform UK and the Greens, comparisons between the cost of borrowing under Reevs and Liz Truss, and what he'd do if he were a benign dictator.
Dubai is doing its best to draw in disillusioned young Britons, offering cut-price properties, visa incentives for entrepreneurs and of course, the prospect of paying no income tax. Footballer Rio Ferdinand and his family have even announced they are making the move - but two young families This is Money spoke to say it isn't just for sports stars and influencers. They say it's easier to start your own business, they can get petrol for 50p a litre, and send their children to private school. Helen Crane, Georgie Frost are joined by Money Mail editor and This is Money alumna and Money Mail editor Rachel Rickard-Straus to discuss whether the money incentives would ever be enough for them to do the same. It comes as yet another planned tax hike is being rumoured ahead of Labour's Autumn Budget. This time, landlords are being threatened with paying National Insurance on the income they make from rent - but who will the tax hike really hurt? Elsewhere, our savings expert Sylvia Morris is convinced NS&I will slash the rate on its ever-popular Premium Bonds this October. Georgie is ditching hers, but should you do the same - and where can you get a better rate? Finally Helen discusses helping a reader who was told she couldn't get her money back for an £883 ferry crossing her husband booked, as she had the wrong kind of death certificate.
Nigel Farage and Reform UK have dominated the summer political agenda with radical immigration proposals: leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and suspending the Refugee Convention. But are these policies legally possible – and politically effective?In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner break down:Farage's immigration plan and whether he's shaping or simply riding public opinion.Why Labour's response has been so weak – and whether Keir Starmer risks being outflanked on immigration.The Tory dilemma: can Kemi Badenoch or others reclaim ground after years of failure?Rachel Reeves' controversial proposal to slap National Insurance on landlords' rental income – will it fix the £50bn black hole or just squeeze tenants?No.10 turmoil: Starmer's shake-up of his top team, Treasury distrust, and growing Downing Street dysfunction.We also hear why Kirsty Allsopp thinks Reeves is "running the economy like Baldrick," and why some insiders fear the government could collapse if the Autumn Budget goes wrong.
Rob presents a detailed comparison of the tax systems in Dubai and the UK, highlighting the stark differences that impact entrepreneurs and high earners. He covers various taxes, including income tax, national insurance, VAT, corporation tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and property taxes, illustrating how Dubai's favourable tax environment contrasts sharply with the UK's higher rates KEY TAKEAWAYS Dubai offers significantly lower tax rates compared to the UK, with income tax and national insurance at 0% in Dubai versus up to 45% and 15% respectively in the UK. Other taxes such as capital gains tax and inheritance tax are also 0% in Dubai, while they can reach up to 28% and 40% in the UK. The high tax rates in the UK are driving wealthy individuals and entrepreneurs to leave the country, with predictions of over 100,000 millionaires and billionaires potentially departing by 2030 The UK tax system imposes multiple layers of taxation, including taxes on income, employment, and inheritance, which can discourage investment and entrepreneurship Starting a business in the UK can be a strategic move to mitigate tax burdens, as business owners can pay taxes after earning income, unlike employees who pay taxes first. Setting up a company is presented as an accessible option for individuals looking to improve their financial situation. BEST MOMENTS "In the UK, the higher bracket is 45%, but shockingly, in the 100 to 125 grand bracket, the nominal net rate ends up being 60%." "In Dubai, income tax is 0%, National Insurance is 0%, whereas in the UK, income is up to 45% and National Insurance is 15%." "Inheritance tax is like the most evil, nefarious type of tax... we're ruining generational wealth with inheritance tax." "Why would you stay in the UK?" "Setting up a company is actually easier than ever, even though running it is not as easy as it used to be." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://robmoore.com/ bit.ly/Robsupporter https://robmoore.com/podbooks rob.team ABOUT THE HOST Rob Moore is an author of 9 business books, 5 UK bestsellers, holds 3 world records for public speaking, entrepreneur, property investor, and property educator. Author of the global bestseller “Life Leverage” Host of UK's No.1 business podcast “The Disruptive Entrepreneur” “If you don't risk anything, you risk everything” CONTACT METHOD Rob's official website: https://robmoore.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/?ref=br_rs LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979
In this episode of the Torque Up Podcast we sit down with Mitch, aka Bright Spark from the Midlands, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing the trade today – the government's failure to protect electrical apprenticeships.We discuss the impact of rising costs, why apprentices are at risk of being priced out of the industry, and what this means for the next generation of sparks. Mitch also shares real site stories, the struggles of running a business, and how social media is changing the game for electricians.⚡ Sponsored by Chauvin Arnoux UK – test and measurement instruments trusted by professionals.00:00 – Welcome to Season 3 01:40 – Meet Mitch aka Bright Spark 04:50 – Social media and the trade 10:10 – Tesla chargers and PEN protection 16:20 – Running your own business as a spark 31:30 – Apprenticeships: then vs now 40:00 – Why government policy is failing apprentices 44:40 – Rising costs and National Insurance impact 50:00 – Will weekend courses replace apprenticeships?
Trivial benefits are a great way to reward staff and directors without adding tax or National Insurance to the bill. In this episode of the I Hate Numbers podcast, we explain what trivial benefits are, the rules that must be followed, and how they can be used effectively in 2025. This is about giving without the tax sting.Main Topics & DiscussionWhat Are Trivial Benefits? Small gifts or perks given to employees that do not count as taxable income. Completely exempt from tax and National Insurance if all conditions are met. Can be given to both employees and directors, but with limits for directors.Key Conditions for Exemption Cost must not exceed £50 per benefit. Must not be cash or a cash voucher. Must not be a reward for work or performance. Must not be part of contractual entitlement.Annual Limit for Directors Directors of close companies (and their family members) have a total annual cap of £300 in trivial benefits. This means up to six separate £50 gifts per tax year.Examples of Trivial Benefits Flowers for a birthday. Gift card (non-cash) to celebrate a personal event. Meal out not linked to business performance. Small seasonal gifts like chocolates or wine.Common Mistakes to Avoid Exceeding the £50 limit – the whole benefit becomes taxable if this happens. Giving cash or cash vouchers – these are always taxable. Linking the benefit to performance or contractual terms.Final ThoughtsTrivial benefits are a simple, tax-efficient way to build goodwill with staff and directors. Staying within the rules ensures the gift remains tax-free, helping businesses to be generous without unwanted costs. Planning these benefits throughout the year can also make them more meaningful and spread the goodwill.Links Mentioned in This Episode Book a CallEpisode Timecodes [00:00:00] – Introduction to trivial benefits [00:01:12] – What trivial benefits are [00:02:08] – Rules for exemption [00:03:30] – Directors' annual limits [00:04:22] – Examples [00:05:16] – Common mistakes [00:06:20] – Final adviceHost & Show InfoHost Name: Mahmood RezaAbout the Host: Mahmood is an accountant, tax expert, and founder of I Hate Numbers. With over 30 years of experience, he helps businesses make sense of tax and finances so they can grow with confidence.Podcast Website:https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/i-hate-numbers-podcast/
Labour's economic policies are hitting Britain's job market hard — from higher National Insurance and rising minimum wages to new employment regulations that make hiring riskier and more expensive. Joseph Dinnage, deputy editor of CapX, examines the latest data on job losses, recruitment slumps, and the growing costs facing small businesses, and warns of the impact on graduates, hospitality, and the wider economy.Despatch highlights the best writing from CapX, read by an automated voice, and is produced by the team behind The Capitalist.Stay informed with CapX's unmissable daily briefings from the heart of Westminster. Go to capx.co to subscribe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
(00:38) What is the Scottish Business Monitor?(02:44) What business types are represented and what is the sample size?(04:28) Has poor business sentiment from Q1 2025 recovered in Q2?(06:50) What changes have we seen based on the changes to employer national insurance contributions?(08:37) What does business sentiment look like for 2026?(11:26) What factors are contributing to current business sentiment?
In this week's episode, Damien discusses the sustainability of the UK state pension, explaining why younger generations are likely to experience significant increases in state pension age. Damien and Andy then discuss the likely 30% increase in water bills over the next five years due to necessary infrastructure upgrades and what you can do to combat the rise. Finally, having answered over 3,000 questions in its first week, Damien reveals the most popular topics being answered by DaMoney, our purpose-built AI guidance engine.Check out this week's podcast article on the Money to the Masses website to see the full list of resources from this week's show(00:00) - Money to the Masses Podcast Episode 513(02:58) - Overview of the UK state pension system, eligibility, sustainability concerns, the triple lock, and future projections(10:54) - Planning for retirement, checking your state pension age, and filling National Insurance gaps(12:38) - Retirement planning tips(15:51) - Water Bills: Why Are They Rising and What Can You Do?(19:38) - Reducing water usage, seeking support if struggling to pay(24:01) - DaMoney (our AI guidance tool) Overview of the most popular topics and questions asked by users Follow Money to the Masses on social media:YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/moneytothemassesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/moneytothemassesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/moneytothemasses Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@moneytothemassesYou may already compare products and services online and make purchases but by doing so via our dedicated page you might not only save money but could also earn cashback or take advantage of exclusive offers for MTTM listeners.Every time you use a link on the page we may earn a small amount of money for our podcast. We only use affiliate links that give you an identical (or better) deal than going direct. Thank you for being an incredible part of our community. Your support means the world to us.Support the show by visiting and bookmarking our dedicated podcast page:Money to the Masses Dedicated Podcast Page - Click to support the showLinks referred to in the podcast:The future of the state pension by the IFSGovernment revives the Pension CommissionWill you get a state pension?How much is the state pension?The state pension triple lock explainedHow to fill gaps in your National Insurance recordHalf of Over 40s' vote influenced by triple lock commitment - According to the FTWater bills set to rise more than 30% over the next 5 yearsTry our AI guidance tool 'DaMoney' - Ask it any money questionIf a link has an * beside it this means that it is an affiliated link. If you go via the link, Money to the Masses may receive a small fee which helps keep Money to the Masses free to use.
Starmer Is Killing UK Pubs – Rick Cressman Slams Labour's Hospitality Wrecking #UKPubs #Starmer #LabourParty #RickCressman #JonGaunt #HospitalityCrisis #UKpolitics Jon Gaunt interviews Rick Cressman, owner of Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire, to expose how Keir Starmer's Labour government is destroying British pubs and hospitality.
On this episode, I'm joined by a producer who cuts through the noise: Guffy Wright from The Mahoney Group. If you're an insurance professional trying to be everything to everyone, you are about to get run over. I'm not saying that to be negative, but to be real with you: focusing on the wrong clients is the fastest way to burn out and kill your growth.Guffy joins me to break down the exact mindset and strategies he used to double his own business. We get into why "a lot of little things" done consistently is the real secret, how to identify the psychographics of a perfect client, and why saying "no" is one of the most powerful tools you have. This is your chance to build a real strategy while everyone else is just chasing leads.▶▶ Sign Up For Our Social Media Sales Seminar:https://www.completegameu.com/registration-SMSSKEY MOMENTS(00:00:00) Using Digital Strategy To Build A National Insurance Brand | with Guffy Wright(00:05:00) Targeting Growth-Minded Clients(00:09:00) Attracting Ideal Clients through Psychographics(00:11:54) Specializing in Niche Markets for Growth(00:15:05) Athletes with Grit and Empathy in Insurance(00:29:06) “Antifragile” Leadership(00:38:54) Prioritizing the Human Touch in SalesCONNECT WITH ANDY NEARY
Federal Insurance Open Season isn't until November, but today is a great day to take inventory of your insurance coverage and start planning ahead. Here with practical tips and considerations is the Director of Marketing and Fundraising for Consumer's Checkbook, Kevin Moss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today's conversation is with Sasha Yanshin, a data analyst turned content creator whose brutally honest commentary on the UK economy has earned him a loyal audience across YouTube and social media.Sasha studied Maths at Oxford before going on to work with major organisations like Phones4U, Barclays, Capital One, MBNA, HSBC, Mastercard, RBS, and Tesco Bank. He's now best known for his YouTube channels Sasha Yanshin and Sasha Takes on the UK, where he cuts through political spin and media narratives to explain what's really going on with the UK economy.Expect to learn:Why “unexpected” is the most misleading word in economic headlinesThe collapsing UK high street — barbers, vape shops, and money laundering concernsThe real impact of business rates and National Insurance hikes on small businessesLabour's rumoured wealth tax — will it actually generate revenue or destroy it?The hidden truth about National Insurance and how it misleads workersHow the minimum wage has risen 60% in 5 years, and why that isn't as helpful as it seemsUK's unfunded pension liabilities at 200% of GDP — is this sustainable?Wages are up — but why that might not be a good thingThe brain drain — why global innovators are fleeing the UKWhy US culture encourages entrepreneurship more than the UK - and how we fix thatSasha's take on AI's potential economic impact, and what needs to change for the UK to progressThis is a hard-hitting, eye-opening chat about how policy decisions and short-term thinking are affecting your money, your future, and your country.Whether you're a business owner, voter, or just someone trying to make sense of what's happening in the UK, this episode is a must-listen.Today's episode is optimised by Puresport.You can save 10% using code CAMBRO10 – https://bit.ly/3RmVT0V Connect with Sasha:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SashaYanshinSasha Takes on the UK: https://www.youtube.com/@sashatakesonukTwitter/X: https://x.com/sashayanshinConnect with Col:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/Email List: https://mailchi.mp/548e38ba5942/colincambroPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/ColCampbell
Rachel Reeves has pledged a ‘new era of nuclear power' as the government confirms a £14.2 billion investment in the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk. This comes on the eve of Labour's spending review, with the government expected to highlight spending pledges designed to give a positive impression of Labour's handling of the economy. However, as Michael Simmons tells James Heale and Lucy Dunn, there are signs that the government's National Insurance hike is starting to bite.Plus – Nigel Farage has made two announcements in as many days. This morning, he unveiled Reform's new chairman, former MEP Dr David Bull, taking over from the recently returned Zia Yusuf. And yesterday he was in Port Talbot, where he pledged to reopen their steel works and even explore reopening coal mines, with one eye on next year's Welsh elections. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK Economic Stagnation AnalysisNick Cohen @NickCohen4 talks to Simon Nixon @Simon_Nixon discussed the UK's economic stagnation since 2008, highlighting the impact of financial sector reliance, austerity policies, and Brexit. They analysed Keir Starmer's recent EU trade deal, noting modest improvements but emphasising its limited impact on addressing broader economic challenges. Simon suggested that deeper EU integration could yield greater economic benefits, while Andrew questioned whether rejoining the EU would be politically feasible.Businesses Navigate Political Party ChallengesNick Cohen & Simon Nixon discuss the challenges businesses face in aligning with political parties, particularly the Conservative Party, due to its current opposition to policies beneficial for business, such as the Brexit deal and trade agreements with India. They noted that businesses may seek alternatives to advance their agendas, given the presence of multiple parties in the political landscape. Simon highlighted the economic impact of the recent National Insurance rise, which was implemented to fund social care but has been met with skepticism and uncertainty about its long-term effects on employment and inflation.Economic Policy Challenges and SolutionsSimon and Nick discussed the challenges of economic policy, particularly the reliance on low tax rates and central banks to stimulate growth. They agreed that raising taxes is necessary to reduce debt and ease pressure on central banks, as seen in both the UK and US.Economic Challenges in UK and USThe discussion focused on the economic challenges facing both the UK and the US, with Simon Nixon highlighting how Liz Truss's fiscal policies have left limited room for manoeuver before requiring tax increases or spending cuts. Nixon compared the US situation under Donald Trump, noting that while Trump's tax cuts were temporary, his administration is now pushing through a budget that would increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, primarily to prevent tax rates from rising.Global Economic Challenges and ReformsSimon discussed the global economic challenges facing various countries, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, emphasising that no country has a perfect solution. He highlighted the impact of technology, particularly AI, on employment and the need for bold administrative reforms to improve state management. Simon also touched on the Labour Party's sudden rise to power and the lack of comprehensive plans upon taking office, noting the difficulty of implementing significant reforms while in government.Read all about!Simon Nixon's Substack column Wealth of Nations is one of the best and most insightful reads on economics and finance. His latest column - Europe's Crippling Risk Aversion - is here.Nick Cohen's regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Marbury v. United National Insurance
Keir Starmer presented the US/UK trade deal as a jobs-saving triumph. Badenoch claims we were “shafted”. What's the real picture? Will car, beef and ethanol (?) exports to the US make a difference to our economy? Why are the people who demanded Brexit so furious that we've signed exactly the sort of deal Brexit was supposed to facilitate? And while we're here, what's the truth about the Indian trade deal and the National Insurance exemptions that so enrage the the Take Back Controllers? Import/export expert Dmitry Grozoubinski, author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade, walks Andrew Harrison through the intricacies of the deal and explains what's coming next. • Buy Why Politicians Lie About Trade through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to indeed.com/bunker to get your £100 sponsored credit. Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Produced by Liam Tait. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Governments around the world have raided private pensions, seized assets, and shifted retirement promises. Is the UK state pension safe — or is it a slow-moving Ponzi scheme? In this episode, we break down historic examples, population math, and why Bitcoin may be your way out.
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse Biden BBC interview Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail Five takeaways from Bidens BBC interview West Midlands housing estates plagued with constant problems Final designs revealed for Queen Elizabeth memorial Kashmir Why India and Pakistan fight over it What we know about Indias strike on Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir Government defends National Insurance exemption in UK India deal The wedding with almost 100 bridesmaids
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail Final designs revealed for Queen Elizabeth memorial Kashmir Why India and Pakistan fight over it Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse The wedding with almost 100 bridesmaids What we know about Indias strike on Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir Biden BBC interview Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine Government defends National Insurance exemption in UK India deal Five takeaways from Bidens BBC interview West Midlands housing estates plagued with constant problems
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail Five takeaways from Bidens BBC interview West Midlands housing estates plagued with constant problems The wedding with almost 100 bridesmaids Final designs revealed for Queen Elizabeth memorial Government defends National Insurance exemption in UK India deal Kashmir Why India and Pakistan fight over it Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse Biden BBC interview Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine What we know about Indias strike on Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir
Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Five takeaways from Bidens BBC interview Kashmir Why India and Pakistan fight over it Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse Final designs revealed for Queen Elizabeth memorial Government defends National Insurance exemption in UK India deal The wedding with almost 100 bridesmaids Biden BBC interview Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine What we know about Indias strike on Pakistan and Pakistan administered Kashmir Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail West Midlands housing estates plagued with constant problems
What are the numbers behind the new trade deal between India and the UK? Have the Conservatives lost all economic common sense? Will it matter to voters whether Reform UK's economic policies are bonkers? Robert and Steph discuss these questions and more. We appreciate your feedback on The Rest Is Money to help make the podcast and our partnerships better: https://opinion-v2.askattest.com/app/41f5060f-0f52-45bc-bf86-bf3c9793618e?language=ENG Sign up to our newsletter to get more stories from the world of business and finance. Email: restismoney@gmail.com X: @TheRestIsMoney Instagram: @TheRestIsMoney TikTok: @RestIsMoney goalhanger.com Visit: monzo.com/therestismoney/ Assistant Producer: India Dunkley, Alice Horrell Producer: Ross Buchanan Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The UK and India have agreed to the terms of a free trade deal, set to be Britain's largest since Brexit. Yet, controversial tax breaks could exempt Indian migrants from paying National Insurance for the next three years, a move that critics are calling ‘pro-immigration'. And catholics wait for the sign of white smoke as cardinals gather behind the Vatican's closed doors to choose the next pope. Despite the unpredictability of the conclave, there are some candidates emerging as favourites with eleven main contenders and the chosen cardinal is widely expected to carry on Pope Francis's agenda of progressive politics when elected. From St Peter's Square, The Telegraph's Tim Stanley speaks with Camilla and Kamal on the frontrunners, the history of the ritual and whether the electors might be watching the Oscar-winning film Conclave for research. Producer: Georgia CoanProduction assistance from Oliver Macnaughton and Lina Adams Planning Editor: Venetia RaineyExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsSocial Media Producer: James SimmonsVideo Editor: Valerie BrowneStudio Operator: Meghan SearleEditor: Camilla Tominey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The UK and India have finalised a major trade agreement, reducing tariffs on UK exports including gin, whisky and cars. The government says the agreement will eventually add £4.8bn per year to the UK economy, but the Conservatives say a National Insurance exemption for temporary workers from India is ‘two tier' taxation. Also on the programme: India carries out air strikes on what it called ‘terrorist targets' in Pakistan and Pakistani administered Kashmir; and we hear from Syria where families are trying to find the remains of their loved ones killed by the Assad regime.
More funding pressures for the PSNI - the Nolan Show can reveal it has to find another £7M from its cash strapped budget to pay for the rise in National Insurance contributions. And a former senior police officer warns about the impact on front line services and says Stormont must step in.
With the Commons in recess the pod heads down the pub for another episode looking at the UK's hospitality industry and the struggles it continues to face - with a host of global headwinds and domestic policy contributing to a bleak outlook for the sector in 2025. Joining host Alain Tolhurst for a pint in The Westminster Arms, a stones throw from Parliament, is Conservative MP Richard Holden, vice chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Pubs and the Shadow Paymaster General, Morgan Schondelmeier, policy manager on tax and trade at the British Beer and Pub Association, Ellie Hudspith, campaigns manager for CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, Steve Alton, CEO of the British Institute of Innkeeping, and Jonny Garrett, chair of the British Guild of Beer Writers and co-host of the Craft Beer Channel. They discuss what the government can do to help this crucial part of the economy, that not only contributes £54 billion in tax receipts, £20 billion in exports, and is the third largest employer in the UK - but also plays a vital role in the country's social fabric - after it was hit by the triple of whammy of rising business rates, a National Insurance hike, and increased staff costs, this month.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
BBC NI Economics and Business Editor John Campbell and SDLP Cllr Carl Whyte discuss
Over the past few weeks there's been speculation over the future of ISAs - Individual Savings Accounts. At the moment each saver can deposit up to £20,000 each tax year into an ISA tax-free, but there have been reports that the Treasury is considering making some changes. Things like lowering the limit to £4,000. In a statement to Money Box the Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that while it's important to support people to save, they want to get the balance right. She wants to create "more of a culture in the UK of retail investing." What does that mean and what might change?Some listeners have been experiencing delays after trying to boost their state pension by filling old gaps in their National Insurance record. At the moment a window is open for people who have not yet reached pension age and those already on the new state pension to fill gaps in their record back as far as 2006. But in just a few weeks time that window will close. The government told us that it's processing payments as quickly as possible and that people who at least take the first step by 5 April will still be able to fill those gaps.Are water companies banned from sending out bills for water used more than 12 months ago as energy suppliers are? And more than 35,000 people who were aged 55 or over took out new mortgage loans in the last 3 months of 2024, up 30% on the year before, what's behind the rise?Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researchers: Eimear Devlin and Jo Krasner Editor: Jess Quayle(First broadcast 12pm Saturday 8th March 2025)
This week on The Tax Factor, Blick Rothenberg CEO Nimesh Shah and Heather Self break down the Chancellor’s very uneventful Spring Statement. No surprises, no fiscal fireworks - but don’t be fooled. With major tax changes hitting in April, your wallet will feel it. And as for the Autumn? Nimesh and Heather predict another ‘black hole’ in the public finances, so could Labour be forced to rethink pledges on pensions, Income Tax, VAT, or National Insurance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rachel Reeves Out of Her Depth and On the Freebie Take Again! In this video, Jon Gaunt dives deep into the latest political scandal involving Rachel Reeves, the Labour Chancellor of the Exchequer. As pressure mounts on the UK government to deliver a Spring Statement that satisfies both the markets and the Labour Party, Gaunty asks: Is Rachel Reeves really up to the task? Is she simply out of her depth in this high-stakes political environment? Jon also covers the breaking news that Rachel Reeves has been caught accepting freebies again — this time, tickets for Sabrina Carpenter. Why is she unable to buy her own tickets? It raises serious questions about her ability to lead and make tough decisions for the country. Looking back at last July, it's hard to believe that under Labour leadership, the government would be making decisions like cutting disability benefits, slashing overseas aid, reducing the civil service, tightening eligibility for the winter fuel allowance, and even raising National Insurance on employers. What's really going on in UK politics, and can Labour continue to be trusted with the nation's future? This video provides a sharp analysis of the UK political landscape, offering debate, free speech, and insights into the actions of Rachel Reeves. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth analysis on UK politics and breaking news. Keywords/Tags: Rachel Reeves, Jon Gaunt, UK politics, Labour Party, UK news, political scandal, Spring Statement, disability benefits, overseas aid, civil service cuts, National Insurance, free speech, Gaunty, political analysis, UK Chancellor, Labour government, Sarah Carpenter tickets, political debate, Labour leadership, UK economic policies, political pressure, freebie scandal, UK government news, March 2025 politics.
Recording of the introductory remarks at the Academy of Ideas Economy Forum on 20 March 2025. Ever since the great financial crisis of 2008, growth in Britain – both in terms of GDP and living standards – has stagnated. While the Covid pandemic and lockdowns didn't help, the problems of the UK economy (indeed, most Western developed economies) are longstanding. What has gone wrong? Labour has promised a return to growth, yet the new government has already announced big hikes in taxes like employers' National Insurance, while promising billions in investment into decarbonising the electricity grid and imposing regulations on everyone from car manufacturers to house builders. Unsurprisingly, the economy only just avoided a technical recession in the second half of last year and GDP per capita has fallen. For Lord Jon Moynihan, author of the recent two-volume Return to Growth: How to Fix the Economy, the blame lies with high levels of taxation and government spending – particularly spending on growth-stifling projects and programmes. In advance of the latest forecasts from the Office for Budgetary Responsibility and Rachel Reeves's spring statement, what should we do to revive the economy?
Neil talks about the crucial difference between earning money and saving money, using a personal anecdote about a tenant's high electricity bill to illustrate his point. He emphasises that whilst earning an extra pound may seem equivalent to saving a pound, the reality is that earned money is subject to taxes and deductions, making saved money far more valuable. Neil shares practical tips on reducing unnecessary expenses, such as canceling unused subscriptions, minimising food waste, and exploring overlooked opportunities like renting out spare rooms. By focusing on cost-saving strategies, listeners can potentially reduce their workload and increase their financial well being. KEY TAKEAWAYS Earning vs. Saving Money: There is a significant difference between earning a pound and saving a pound. While both may seem equivalent, saved money goes directly to the bottom line as pure profit, whereas earned money is subject to taxes and deductions. Understanding Tax Implications: To take home an extra pound, one must earn significantly more due to income tax and National Insurance deductions. Reducing Unnecessary Expenses: Regularly review and cut unnecessary expenses, such as unused subscriptions or inefficient routines, to improve financial health. Small savings can accumulate and lead to significant financial benefits. Maximising Resources: Look for overlooked opportunities to generate income, such as renting out spare rooms. This can provide substantial additional income without requiring extra work. Mindful Spending: Avoid impulse purchases and wasteful habits, such as food waste or unnecessary storage costs. Being mindful of spending can help reduce costs and improve overall financial stability. BEST MOMENTS "A saved pound is a pound. End of story. Well, almost. The saved pound is equal to at least £1.30 of pre-tax earned money." "To earn an extra pound in your hand, you're going to have to earn a lot more than that, because you're going to have some of it sliced off in deductions and taxation." "We all do daft things. I am living proof of doing daft things on a daily basis. But doing daft things with money is something you can probably change." "If you have a spare room in the house, consider renting it out. You can rent a room at your house for up to seven and a half thousand pounds a year before you have to even mention it on your tax return." "Saving money here and there won't make you rich directly, but it just might mean that you don't have to work quite so much to have more money in your pocket." VALUABLE RESOURCES www.Neilcowmeadow.com info@neilcowmeadow.com HOST BIO Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!
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.
Care and support providers are coming together around the UK in a series of protests over the government's plans to increase employer National Insurance contributions. They are warning that care providers may go out of business unless they receive more support. Nadra Ahmed, co-chair of the National Care Association, which represents smaller and medium-sized care providers, joins Nuala from Westminster.Nuala is joined live in the studio by two of the country's best-loved stage and screen Olivier award-winning actors – Celia Imrie and Tamsin Greig. They are currently playing mother and daughter in Backstroke, a new play at the Donmar Warehouse in London, that unpicks the complications of their relationship over a lifetime.Barely two months after the end of the sex abuse scandal which gripped France last year, another horrific trial has begun there. The case of the former surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec, will be the biggest child sex abuse hearing in the country. He is accused of raping or sexually assaulting 299 people, mainly child patients. Some were under anaesthetic as he was operating on them. BBC reporter Laura Gozzi was in court in Brittany and explains how this latest case has affected the French nation. Music writer Stevie Chick pays tribute to Roberta Flack who has died, aged 88. At a party recently, journalist Kate Mulvey found it hard to relate to her old friends because of the amount of Botox and filler they had. So now she's decided to dump those friends. Kate talks to Nuala about the prevalence of these ‘tweakments', and how it's affected her friendships.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Emma Pearce
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Williams v. Integon National Insurance
In this week’s episode, Robert Salter and Gabby Donald look at the major tax developments making headlines. They discuss the Trump administration’s executive order to withdraw the US from the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax (GMT) deal and ask: does this signal the demise of the GMT initiative? While closer to home, the Public Accounts Committee has accused HMRC of providing subpar service and eroding public confidence in the UK tax system. They also explore the case of a Norwegian company facing a 10-year National Insurance bill and the lessons learnt. And Gabby shares why we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to more tedious food VAT tribunals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The LAMMA 2025 farm machinery show is underway at the NEC in Birmingham - but is anyone buying? Charlotte Smith visits the show to check out the latest in farm machinery and innovation. She takes a look at a new sprayer which can target individual weeds, and finds out why farmers want to play a farming computer game.She also hears how many farmers are feeling less able to invest in new kit after a difficult year for farming: wet weather hit harvests and incomes, and then October's Budget saw a surprise acceleration of the phasing out of subsidy payments in England, alongside changes to employers National Insurance and of course the introduction of inheritance tax on farms. Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced by Heather Simons
As Trump announces the appointment of Elon Musk to tackle US government efficiency, James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and editor Michael Gove about the dynamics of Labour's relationship with the tech billionaire. Musk had a public spat with Labour figures over the UK summer riots, the Center for Countering Digital Hate - co-founded by Starmer's Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney - is facing a congressional investigation, and some Labour figures are even calling on the party to quit X/Twitter. Should Musk's closeness to president-elect Trump worry the Labour government? But first, the team discuss Health Secretary Wes Streeting's proposed NHS changes, and Liberal Democrat attacks on Labour's National Insurance employer increase. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Today, we look at how the Budget will impact the NHS, businesses and farmers.Adam speaks to the Health Secretary Wes Streeting about how the money for the NHS will be spent and when people might feel the benefits of the extra spending. And how will Chancellor Rachel Reeves changes to National Insurance contributions affect some NHS services?Simon Jack, business editor, explains how businesses are feeling about the planned changes to National Insurance. And, Adam discusses why farmers are so annoyed about changes to inheritance tax with host of Farming Today Charlotte Smith.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Today we look at Labour's first Budget in 14 years. Adam and Chris are joined by BBC economics editor Faisal Islam and BBC chief economics correspondent Dharshini David. They look at all the headlines from the Budget and analyse the political reaction.The government outlined a historic tax increase of £40 billion, including an increase in National Insurance contributions for employers from April. Rachel Reeves also set out plans to continue the freeze on fuel duty and a £22.6bn increase in the "day-to-day health budget" for the NHS.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Anna Harris and Gemma Roper. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham
Rachel Reeves has announced that taxes will rise by £40 billion in Labour's first Budget for 14 years. The headlines include: an increase in employers' National Insurance contributions from April to 15 per cent, raising £25 billion; that the freeze on income tax and National Insurance thresholds will not be extended past 2028; that the lower rate of capital gains tax will be raised from 10 per cent to 18 per cent, and the higher rate from 20 per cent to 24 per cent; that fuel duty will remain frozen for the next two years; and the introduction of VAT on private school fees from January. The Chancellor didn't want to surprise anyone with this Budget. She didn't want to shock the markets, nor did she want any accusation that she had played fast and loose with the public finances. Still, that won't make today's fiscal event any less memorable – or painful. Will these measures lead to any meaningful growth? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Michael Gove. Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe economy across the globe is imploding on itself, in the UK a record 633,000 businesses are on the brink of collapse. People cannot afford food, gas and housing. ALDI just proved that the prices back in 2019 under Trump were better. People are transitioning into gold and bitcoin at an accelerated pace. The [DS] is beating the war drums very loud, they want war in the end, the patriots know this, this will be countered with peace. Cyber attack intel is now pointing to a cyber attack before or during the election. The [DS] is scared of the majority, when the people are awake the people think logically. The change batter will cause chaos in the election process. The people know the elections are rigged, it's time to shine the light on the source. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy Record 633,000 Businesses in Britain on Brink of Collapse: Report A record number of businesses are “on the edge of collapse” in Britain as the left-wing Labour Party government in Westminster is reportedly set to impose the largest tax hike in modern history. According conducted by the Begbies Traynor business advisory firm , 632,756 companies in the UK are experiencing significant financial difficulties that may force them to close down their operations. This represents a 32 per cent increase over this time last year, and a 5.1 per cent jump since the leftist government of Sir Keir Starmer came into power in July. The research found that the construction, property, and support services sectors were struggling the most under the current economy, the Daily Mail reports. It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly set to unveil the biggest tax hikes in her autumn budget. Part of her plan may potentially include an increase in the contributions bosses have to pay the state in National Insurance for employees The mere threat of large tax increases have already seen many wealthy people decide to leave the country for more business destinations such as Dubai or Swetz. Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1847665330832760859 points over the last 3 years as mortgage rates have more than doubled. At the same time, the median down payment to income ratio is now ~100%, exceeding 2006 housing bubble levels. Housing affordability has a long way to go. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1847634913337503812 financial stress has grown. The highest chance of delinquency, at 20.0%, was seen among Americans earning less than $50,000. Furthermore, delinquency probabilities for those making over $100,000 rose to 8.4%, the highest since September 2014. Consumers are drowning in debt. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1847348239810646533 sales increased by 3.9% last year, to $956 billion. Online shopping is anticipated to be a major contributor of growth, with sales expected to rise 8.0%-9.0%. Meanwhile, retailers are expected to hire between 400,000 and 500,000 seasonal workers, lower than 509,000 hires last year. Holiday sales growth is set to slow. ALDI Commits to Thanksgiving Prices Lower Than 2019, Feeding 10 People for Less than $47 This holiday season, ALDI is offering its lowest-priced Thanksgiving basket in five years – a full meal for 10 people at less than $47.* With reports showing grocery prices are up 50% across the industry on hundreds of items compared to 2019,** shoppers will get welcome relief at ALDI on their favorite Thanksgiving fixings. Throughout the Thanksgiving season,