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The Martin Lewis Podcast

The Martin Lewis Podcast

By BBC Radio 5 Live

Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.

Episodes

Cut energy bills, fix savings and free Greggs

Martin is back with a bumper episode. Find out the savings account you need to know about, why even though energy prices are lower some people could be paying more this winter and also the action that you need to take this weekend to keep your bills as low as possible. Plus how you could be paid to insure your phone, free Greggs and Martin finds out the financial nuggets that older people would love to tell their younger, working selves. Don’t miss it! Jump to: 07:51 Best savings rates 11:31 Martin’s energy advice 24:34 Problems with energy meters 30:50 What people who’ve retired wish they’d known… 1:00:10 Free Greggs!
27/09/23·1h 4m

Teen money special: Lessons for everyone

Martin joins the 5live Teen 23 Summit to give financial advice to teenagers and students, with a guide to savings, inflation, credit cards and money that apply to everyone. 00:00 Introduction 05:58 Maintenance loans and top uni tips 22:34 Tell Us 27:05 Questions from teens 34:17 Podcast-only tips, National Trust and more 36:54 More teen questions 43:19 More Tell Us 45:23 Mastermind
20/09/23·55m 5s

Make £100s in time for Christmas, and state pension boosting

With around 100 days until Christmas, Martin looks at the financial opportunities to make some more money to pay for it – and how to cut costs. And with the pensions 'triple lock' in the news again we look at how to boost your state pension – more than 800,000 people could be missing out on extra pension credits. Plus you ‘tell us’ the strangest things you found left behind, when you moved in to a new home.
13/09/23·57m 25s

Huge best buy savings, and are you due flight compo?

Martin is back to talk about the best savings accounts out there at the moment. Advice on how to get your money back if your flight is delayed or cancelled. And you ‘tell us’ your childhood money memories. 01:36 Intro 09:07 Saving Accounts 16:20 Flight Compensation 44:10 Mastermind 49:37 Podcast Tips
06/09/23·55m 41s

Are cash ISA’s ni-sa? & will lower inflation mean cheaper mortgages?

Martin explains why Inflation is down and whether mortgage rates will follow, why you should open or reopen a cash ISA and Mortgage Charter help, should you access it and how do you do it? PLUS what is a day?... (When you’re holiday roaming on your phone)
19/07/23·57m 54s

Top 10 holiday tips & energy switches are back

Martin Lewis gives you some top tips on how to save money when going on holiday. Energy switches are back - Martin talks you through all you need to know. Plus, you 'tell us' your experiences of living abroad and how it compares to life in the UK.
13/07/23·36m 39s

Uni costs to increase 50% – Everything you need to know

Martin Lewis explains all you need to know about student finance including the changes coming THIS September with a new plan (Plan 5) Martin is joined by three prospective university students from Westminster Kingsway College and parents concerned about funding their children through university. AND a warning for anybody on a fixed rate energy tariff as well as good news for First Direct customers. PLUS Martin is featured in Succession… sort of.
05/07/23·1h 5m

Are you missing out on £100,000+? Meter reading week and Dead Ringers....

Martin Lewis live from LORDS! He responds to the Chancellor’s mortgage charter announcement and talks about what else the government could do to cut the cost of living. 4 ways you may be missing out on THOUSANDS of pounds! PLUS how to reduce your water bill and of course… many, many cricket puns.
28/06/23·1h 1m

My mortgage meet with the Chancellor, should you overpay? – and travel tips

Martin comes to the podcast straight from Number 11 after an emergency meeting with The Chancellor over mortgages. So Martin talks mortgages rates and whether you should overpay your mortgage with savings or extra cash AND some very important bonus travel tips if you’re planning a holiday abroad. PLUS Nihal throws a twist in the show with some Mastermind antics and you ‘tell us’ your favourite free activities to do with your kids over the summer.
21/06/23·59m 4s

Pay up to £800 get £6,000 – HUGE boost to your state pension.

The deadline for buying back National Insurance contributions to boost your state pension has been extended to 2025. Martin explains why the deadline has been extended, how to check if you should be doing it and shares the success stories of those who have already done it, got £1,000s and transformed their finances. And in Mastermind the stakes are higher than ever as Martin DOUBLES the points… will Nihal be able continue his winning streak under the pressure?
14/06/23·1h

Mortgage mayhem, energy fixes, car insurance & Tesco tips

Martin talks your through how to beat the current mortgage mayhem, with help from Andrew Montlake, Managing Director of the mortgage brokerage Coreco. Can you get a fix on your energy bills and should you? How to triple your Tesco Clubcard credit AND podcast exclusive tips to help drive down car insurance costs. PLUS You ‘tell us’ your tales of the financial kindness of strangers…
07/06/23·1h 11m

The Energy Price Cap Decoded (& new 4.25% savings)

This week Martin talks you through everything you need to know about the latest energy price cap. What will you pay? How does it work? Are fixes coming back? Plus standing charges, switching and pre pay help! You ‘tell us’ how your energy usage has changed over the last two years. AND will Nihal finally get a Mastermind right, or will he go off the rails?
25/05/23·59m 28s

Are you due new energy compensation? Plus renters rights (& wrongs)…

If you’re struggling to pay your rent, Martin shares his top tips. Plus how to check if you are due compensation from your energy firm and - is the energy price cap coming down in July? It’s National Numeracy Day too, so Martin explains why you should shy away from numbers. And you ‘tell us’ the WORST gifts you’ve been given…
17/05/23·52m 37s

How to check if you’re owed £100s of energy credit and are 100% mortgages good?

Is your electricity and gas provider sitting on £100’s of YOUR money? Martin explains why May is the PERFECT TIME to get that money back! Have you been considering a 100% mortgage? Martin explores whether it could help you get on the property ladder. You ‘tell us’ your best birthday presents and Martin reveals Nihal’s ‘secret commercial venture’ in this weeks’ Mastermind. Plus FINALLY podcast producer Lillie-Mae gets an official nickname!
10/05/23·53m 57s

Scam-busters, the best debit card and is cash king?

The Martin Lewis podcast is here and it’s an emotional one. As it is announced that the UK is to ban all cold calls selling financial products as part of a national crackdown on scams, Martin reveals that a relative of his was the victim of a scam call earlier this week – while he was in discussions with the government about the policy. Did you know 41% of crime in the UK is now fraud? Martin talks about how to keep yourself, and those you care about, safe. Plus how you can get cashback on purchases, as well as paying no fees abroad… and why you REALLY need to figure out if you, or someone you know might be eligible for pension credits. It’s a complex system but there’s an eligibility checker to see if you’re entitled to more – but you’ve only got till May 19th – so get your skates on. And this week’s Tell Us is all about the last time you used cash, and Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind one more time. PRODUCER: Susanne Courtney
03/05/23·57m 21s

Are your savings safe in the bank? (and paying to squeeze blackheads)

With some uncertainty in the banking world, Martin talks you through how safe your savings are and how to make the most of the savings you have. Martin also answers your questions including ‘What is better: a Help to buy ISA or a Lifetime ISA?’ and ‘What should I do with my inheritance?’ and you ‘tell us’ about the strangest thing you’ve ever paid for… Plus some podcast exclusive tips on how to get a discounted family pass for National Trust sites and how you can get your hands on a free baked potato and beans!
26/04/23·53m 19s

10 ways to pimp your pension (& warranty schmarranty)

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here - he tells you the ten things you MUST know about your pension, from how to find lost money in old pensions, to when you can opt in for extra pension contributions from your employer. PLUS when to ignore your warranty and still get what you want… Elsewhere in the podcast, Martin reacts to the latest inflation figures, you ‘tell us’ your summer holiday bargains and Martin is challenging YOU to come up with a nickname for new podcast producer Lillie-Mae…
19/04/23·53m 25s

Finally you can fix your energy bill - but should you? And more…

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here and energy bills are once again top of the agenda. For the first time in a long time you can fix your energy bills – but the question is should you? At the moment there’s only one company offering a fixed rate but there could be more to come. Martin and Nihal discuss the pros and cons of fixing and whether we really will see our energy bills drop considerably by the end of the summer. You need to get a move on to claim hundreds of pounds back before the end of the tax year.. There are around 2.1 million couples eligible for the marriage tax allowance who don't get it. It can be worth up to £238 a year – but you can only claim back 4 years so you need to get your claim in before the end of this financial year. Did you have a PPI payout? You're likely due tax back, but go quick. Again you need to get your application in by the 5th April. Plus more tips that you wouldn’t have heard on the radio… Elsewhere in the podcast, you ‘tell us’ whether you’ve already started your Christmas shopping, and Nihal’s Mastermind question is all about his knowledge of pharmaceuticals…
29/03/23·45m 56s

Budget special: energy, tax, childcare, pension and Help to Save

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here – and it’s a Budget 2023 special. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis reacts to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget. Free childcare of 30 hours a week for working parents in England is being expanded to cover one and two-year-olds, but will only be fully implemented by September 2025. Currently, working parents with three and four-year-olds are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week. The plans are part of a government drive to encourage more people back to work to boost economic growth. The Chancellor is also scrapping the lifetime allowance on tax-free pension contributions, which is currently £1.07m, to stop people like doctors from retiring early. Plus the government will extend support for energy bills at current levels for a further three months. Typical household energy bills in Britain had been due to rise to £3,000 a year from April, but instead will be kept at £2,500 until the end of June. But a £400 winter fuel payment will not be renewed, meaning households' costs will still rise in the short term. The government also promised to bring prepayment energy charges in line with those for direct debit customers. This should save households about £45 a year on their energy bills from July. Elsewhere in the podcast, you Tell Us your top budgeting tips, how do you stick to a budget? Is it 'credit card in freezer' or spreadsheets? What's worked surprisingly well for you? Plus Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind, and this week is quizzed on Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Producer: Isabelle Tudor
15/03/23·41m 49s

ISAs, ISAs, baby... cheap flights and pensions boost

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your ISA questions. Interest rates are up, so ISAs are back for many, although you need to sort them by 5 April or sooner. Martin shares his key ISA need-to-knows. Elsewhere in the podcast, you Tell Us what’s the oldest, working object you have in your home that you never use. Plus, when did you last use it? And how much are a home's unused items worth, in total? Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind, and this week is quizzed on how much of your private or company pension you are allowed to leave to your spouse in your will. Plus Martin’s podcast-exclusive tips – including how to get cheap EasyJet flights and an update on ‘How to Turn £800 into £5,500’. The government has now extended the deadline to buy back old National Insurance years until 31 July. If you're age 45 – 70, you may be able to boost your state pension by £1,000s. Producer: Isabelle Tudor
08/03/23·1h 3m

Energy bill help, free wills and super service

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here – founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis joins BBC Radio 5live’s Nihal Arthanayake to answer your energy questions. The Energy Price Cap will fall by 23% in April 2023, to £3,280/year for a typical household, but energy bills are currently controlled by the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) – and this is set to rise by 20% from 1 April. This is why Martin has been urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to postpone the rise – a plea now backed by more than 85 other organisations. The energy secretary Grant Shapps said he is "very sympathetic" to the suggestions and he was working "hard" with Chancellor on the issue. Elsewhere in the podcast, ‘Tell Us’ what is your best ever experience of customer service? When did a firm go above and beyond and who was it with? Did it make you more loyal in future? And Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind – this week he’s quizzed on pensions. Plus Martin’s podcast exclusive money-saving tips, including changes to Chase, the app-based bank, which is a best or near best-buy in a good few categories. Also it’s Free Wills Month – it’s a charity event that lets you get solicitor-drafted wills for free. In return, they hope you'll make a donation or leave a 'bequest' in your will, leaving them something when you die.
01/03/23·59m 7s

Council tax, £1000s back? Money-piphany, energy bills

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions. In this episode we look at how to check if you could save on your council tax, ahead of the 5% rise due for many of us in April. Plus, the council tax discount many people can apply for - that they may know nothing about. Elsewhere in the podcast you Tell Us your best ‘Money-piphany’ - that moment when your eyes were opened to how something in debt or budgeting worked, which changed your approach to finances forever. Plus Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind and is quizzed about who currently sets the overall maximum amount that most consumers in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
22/02/23·1h 3m

How to turn £800 into £5,500 - Part Two

Long: The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your questions on buying national insurance contribution years to top up your state pension. As the buy-back deadline is fast approaching, Martin has an urgent plea for those aged between 45 and 70. They could be missing years off their state pension worth £1,000s, so check yours and your family and friends now. Elsewhere in the show, why Martin has written to the chancellor to call for April's planned rise in the energy price guarantee to be scrapped. The average bill is expected to rise from £2,500 to £3,000 if the cap is amended. He called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to halt the cap increase, saying it is no longer necessary because wholesale energy prices have "come down very substantially". Producer: Isabelle Tudor
15/02/23·27m 4s

Beat water bill increases, student finance & biggest ever savings

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, including several queries on upcoming changes to student finance. Water bills could rise by 7.5% from April for households in England and Wales - the largest increase for nearly 20 years. The industry body Water UK says the rise due in April could take average water bills to nearly £450 a year because of rising energy costs. Martin shares all the hidden savings you could make, potentially saving thousands. Elsewhere in the podcast, you Tell Us what single action you have taken to save, not earn, the biggest amount of money in one go. Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind and is quizzed about whether non-taxpayers get tax relief if they save into a pension. Plus Martin has updates on cost-of-living payments for those in park homes or using heating oil or LPG. Producer: Isabelle Tudor
08/02/23·44m 22s

Uni costs doubling, holiday must-dos and money fails

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions. You Tell Us your most embarrassing money fail, Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind and is quizzed on Section 75.
01/02/23·54m 40s

Haggling help, LISAs, free cash for teens? And more…

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions. Elsewhere in the podcast, you Tell Us your best haggle. How much did you save, and what are your top haggling tips? Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind and is quizzed on Child Trust Funds. Martin confirms 14% broadband and mobile price hikes due April. He warns that for those in contract there's little you can do, except take note when that contract ends, and act then. But adds million of people are out of contract and urges them to ditch and switch or haggle. This week’s episode has all the information below will help you do that. Plus, Martin demands reforms to rules and thresholds linked to Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) as he warns they could be costing first-time buyers.
25/01/23·52m 15s

Underpaid cash ISAs, broadband hike, WHAT-ER saving

Marin Lewis and Nihal Arthanayake's regular weekly dive into the world of money saving tips. This week Martin explains why you could be missing out if you have a cash ISA, how to beat inflation when it comes to your mobile phone and broadband and why a water meter could save you money. Plus bonus money saving tips that you can only hear on the podcast, Nihal tries his luck at Mastermind and you tell us about your positive money surprises.
19/01/23·51m 36s

24,630 steps to sorting your debts, kid finance gurus and more

Martin Lewis joins Nihal Arthanayake to answer your debt-related questions. In this week’s “tell us” Martin asks how your kids have helped you with your finances. Plus Martin’s podcast-only money saving tips, including how to save on cinema tickets.
11/01/23·53m 58s

Will energy prices rise or fall? 1p challenge and cash ISAs

Martin Lewis answers your financial questions including what are my rights if my parcel isn’t delivered? Why are wholesale gas prices falling but bills aren’t? Elsewhere in the podcast, ‘Tell Us’ what were your new year’s financial resolutions last year. Did you keep to them? How long did they last? Did it work? BBC Radio 5live’s Nihal Arthanayake takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind – he’s quizzed on savings and cash ISAs. Listen to find out how he gained 10% of a point. This week, Martin’s podcast exclusive money-saving tips include an urgent warning to high earners and the self-employed. Don't miss the 31 January 2023 self-assessment tax return deadline or risk a £100 fine. As well as a plea to anyone who pays for a NHS prescription. He estimates more than one million people in England missed out on savings of around £40 in the 12 months leading up to this April because they didn't buy a prescriptions 'season ticket'. Producer: Isabelle Tudor
04/01/23·59m 17s

Money Mastermind Special

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here and this week is a festive special. In a compilation of the year’s best Money Mastermind questions, Martin tests BBC Radio 5live’s Nihal Arthanayake’s financial knowledge.
21/12/22·54m 36s

Consumer right & wrongs, dictionary corner, advice to 18yr old self…

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions including when is the £200 payment for homes that use heating oil, have an LPG boiler or biomass boiler due? In the 12 months to November 2022 the inflation figure was 10.7% but what does inflation mean? Why is inflation so high? When will inflation go down? This week, Martin has an urgent reminder for people to check if they are eligible for pension credit as the deadline for the Cost of Living payment of £324 is this week. Elsewhere in the show, Countdown's Susie Dent gets in touch about Martin’s dictionary corner. ‘Tell Us’ what’s the one piece of money wisdom you wish you could tell your 18-year-old self? Plus Martin’s podcast exclusive money-saving tips – such as the cheapest places to get your Christmas vegetables. Producer: Isabelle Tudor
14/12/22·54m 16s

Energy cost cutters, Mortgages, 7% and Will he or won’t he?

On this week’s podcast Martin and Nihal Arthanayake share their energy saving tips, Martin’s got an update on a mortgage summit he’s involved in with the Chancellor, and there’s a bonus podcast-only tip for savers too!
07/12/22·55m 32s

How to turn £800 into £5,500

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here. Founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions including is a dehumidifier a cost effective way to dry clothes? Is it cheaper to use an oven, air-fryer or microwave? This week, Martin has an urgent plea for those aged between 45 and 70. As you could be missing years off your state pension worth £1,000s, so check now. Elsewhere in the show, ‘Tell Us’ have you re-gifted gifts. What was it? Did it backfire? Plus Martin’s podcast exclusive money-saving tips and the cheapest shop to buy Baileys this week. Producer: Isabelle Tudor, Laura Harmes Editors: Will Cooper, Tom Green, and Ben Sears
30/11/22·43m 47s

Black Friday ‘best’ deals – are they worth it?

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here – founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis answers your financial questions. What is Grey Friday? When is Cyber Monday? Martin reveals whether Black Friday is any good. He shares the best and the worst type of deals – plus his take on pre-Xmas, Boxing Day and January sales. But before you get pulled into an impulse buy, Martin coaches us in his ‘Money Mantras’ and ‘Black Friday shopping memo’. This week, listeners Sheena and Aimee got in touch to ask about interest on Help-to-Save and energy bills. Elsewhere in the podcast, ‘Tell Us’ the most expensive thing you’ve bought but never used.
24/11/22·31m 10s

Budget Analysis, Credit, Christmas and Jeremy Hunt’s Fiscal Drag Show

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here – founder of Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis joins BBC Radio 5 live’s Nihal Arthanayake to answer your questions – such as is Black Friday a good deal? Also this week, Martin has an urgent plea for anyone who can’t afford to clear their credit card debit: get a 0% balance transfer. And there’s Martin’s analysis of the key announcements in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement. Elsewhere in the podcast, ‘Tell Us’ how much of your Christmas shopping have you done? What did you buy and when did you start? Nihal takes on Martin’s Money Mastermind – he’s quizzed on the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and FCA regulations. Plus podcast exclusive money-saving tips, including where to get a free letter from Santa and how to extend expiring Tesco Clubcard vouchers. Producer: Isabelle Tudor Editors: Will Cooper, Tom Green and Ben Sears
16/11/22·57m 15s

Savings boost, Christmas pre-NUPPs & baboon bums

Who gets the cost of living payment? When is the second cost of living payment? The Martin Lewis Podcast is here – and Martin has an urgent plea for anyone who hasn’t receive their £150 council tax rebate. Martin and BBC Radio 5live’s Nihal Arthanayake talk returns, ‘pre-NUPPs’ and baboon bums. They ask whether it is possible to cut back at Christmas? Plus Martin’s advice on how to best protect your savings from inflation and what to do if you have an order with furniture site Made.com after it entered administration
09/11/22·1h 1m

Preparing for death, divorce & dementia

Martin Lewis on why it’s financially crucial to prepare death, divorce and dementia. But don’t be down, there’s also advice on energy, cheap train travel and free beer.
02/11/22·45m 55s

Mortgages: Stick or Twist?

The Martin Lewis Podcast is here, with a brand new sound. Martin and Nihal Arthanayake talk mortgages as listeners ask if they should stick with a longer fix or take a chance on variable rates. Martin’s got some special tips on how you might be able to top up your state pension and how to get some extra cash in time for Christmas. Plus, have you ever found a bone fide second-hand bargain?
12/10/22·44m 21s
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