The Martin Lewis Podcast

Martin’s leading this week’s podcast with an urgent warning for anyone carrying credit card: now is the time to act. He explains why he's concerned the top deals could get worse, runs through how balance transfers work, reveals the best options currently available, shares tips to maximise your chances of acceptance, and looks at when a loan may beat a credit card solution. If you're paying interest on existing debt, this is a must-listen guide to cutting costs and taking control. Martin also has an update on Car Finance Mis-selling. After months of waiting, there’s finally a key date in the diary for the next stage of the process. With millions potentially affected, he explains what happens next, what it means for consumers, and what you should be doing now. Plus, this week’s Tell Us asks: what have you quietly hidden, downplayed, or conveniently forgotten to mention to a partner, child or parent that cost a little more than expected? The responses range from scuba gear splurges and secret spending pacts to…

Martin Lewis is back with another bumper listener Q&A, tackling everything from Child Benefit and consumer rights to career advice and mortgage strategy. He explains whether a pay rise could affect your Child Benefit entitlement and whether salary sacrifice could help. Plus, Martin answers a question from a homeowner on a tracker mortgage, revealing why it can be worth securing a mortgage deal up to six months in advance. He explains how having an offer in your back pocket can provide valuable protection if rates rise, while still leaving you free to walk away and choose a better deal if rates improve. He also helps a listener caught out by an auto-renewing subscription that doubled in price, explaining what rights consumers have and whether there's a way to challenge the renewal or cancel. A student asks Martin what it takes to do his job. The question sparks a candid conversation about journalism, broadcasting, consumer campaigning and building expertise. Martin shares lessons from his own career journey,…

This week, Martin’s diving into one of his favourite topics: free money. From bank switching bonuses to cashback stacking, it’s packed with practical tips that could put cash back in your pocket. First though, Martin starts with a straightforward back-to-basics guide to Inheritance Tax, explaining who pays it, when it applies, and some of the key rules and myths everyone should understand. Then it’s on to one of the hottest money-making opportunities around right now: bank switching. With some banks offering up to £600 in incentives, Martin breaks down exactly how switching works, who can qualify, what you need to do to get the cash, and whether opening and closing accounts could have any impact on your credit score. Sticking with the theme of boosting your finances, Martin reveals how to become the ultimate cashback king or queen. He explains how savvy shoppers can maximise rewards by combining cashback credit cards, cashback websites and cashback apps, turning everyday spending into a money-saving machine.…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin tackles a mix of consumer rights, energy-switching dilemmas and investing nerves in this week. He explains why you have fewer rights when buying personalised products, where the line is between a genuinely customised item and something that only looks bespoke, and what protections you still have if things go wrong. Plus, if you're planning a house move, can you take a fixed energy tariff with you or are you forced onto a new deal? Martin unpacks the rules, the pitfalls and what to check before you move. And in our new Your Answers feature, Angela tells us she invested £5,000, saw it fall by £150 almost immediately, panicked and sold. Now she's wondering whether she should get back into investing. Martin put the question to listeners and received more than 3,000 responses. From lessons about staying calm during market dips to hard-earned experiences of investing for the long term, he shares the wisdom that stood out. Finally, a brilliant success story: one caller boosted…

Martin asks a big question: is it finally time to ditch Premium Bonds? They’re the UK’s most popular single form of savings, with more than £136 billion invested. The prizes are tax-free, they’re backed by the Government, and there’s always the dream of winning big. But despite all that, Martin explains why Premium Bonds are often held by the wrong people. He’ll break down exactly who they work well for, who could do better elsewhere, what the alternatives are, and how to check whether you’re one of the lucky savers owed a share of more than £100 million in unclaimed prizes. In this week’s Tell Us, Martin tackles a financial dilemma that can test even the strongest relationships: lending money to family and friends. Have you done it? Did you charge interest? Did it all work out, or end in disaster? Martin shares listeners’ stories and reveals his top tips on how to lend money in a way that protects both your finances and your relationships. Plus, this week’s Mastermind sees Adrian put his knowledge to the…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: what should every teenager know about money? Martin has important answers that apply to every adult too. Can my son claim back tax he shouldn’t have paid on his summer job? Are time of use tariffs still worth it in these times of energy price volatility? Can you stooze with other 0% finance offers, not just credit cards? We also have a council tax re-banding success, and Martin explains how you could too! Plus, why Question Time will never be the same again. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know if he’s got a sweet tooth, what he’d take with him to a desert island, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

What’s next for interest rates and, more importantly, what does it mean for your money? Martin is joined by an economist to look ahead at where rates could be heading over the next year, before a mortgage broker helps turn the forecasts into practical advice. Whether you're saving, borrowing, remortgaging or weighing up your next financial move, they'll explain how changing rates could affect savings accounts, mortgages, loans and more. Plus, in this week’s Tell Us, we hear your stories of the most expensive things you’ve bought and never used. From hairdryers gathering dust to hot tubs that became very pricey garden features, it's a chance to confess those purchases that seemed like a great idea at the time. And finally, Martin may have jumped the shark with this week’s Mastermind. A question about savings unleashes his inner thespian, and let's just say he might have enjoyed the performance a little too much. The real challenge is deciding whether the acting helps explain the answer... or completely…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: my energy fix ends in December; with huge price rises coming, should I ditch it and refix now? Our wedding coincides with the end of our mortgage fix, will the extra spending cause problems? How do I switch our joint savings account? If two families are travelling together, should we each get family insurance or a group policy? We have a success, where Maddy was mis-sold a data plan and got over a grand back! And Martin shows us the wide range of accents he can do… or at least he tries! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this mini ‘100 days to go until the big day’ episode, Martin Lewis gives you his top tips to help you save money and ease the stress around the cost of Christmas, including: bank switches giving you free cash, toy sales, banning unnecessary presents, what’s basket bluff (and how to play it), and loads more! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite London bus route, how many pets he has, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if I haven’t filled up my ISA from last year, can I add the remainder now? What rights do I have when I buy goods secondhand if they’re faulty? My bank has done a strange thing; can you work out why? We hear from Fran, who’s become a huge money saving convert, saving thousands, and wants to know if it’s time to step up and become a stoozer (which is where you create a false 0% debt in order to save the cash at high interest). We’ve got a ‘sweet spot’ car insurance success, where Cath halved her costs by getting quotes at just the right time, and Martin tells you how you can too! Plus, has Martin’s wife ever brought home a piece of tech that he just had to go and buy for himself? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know how he likes his eggs cooked, what his dream car…

This episode is your complete guide to saving and investing for children. Martin Lewis is joined by an investment specialist to answer everything you've ever wanted to know about putting money aside for under-18s, including whether it's better to save or invest (spoiler: for many children with a long-term horizon, investing may win out), how Junior ISAs and Child Trust Funds work, the best buys currently available, and the key things parents, grandparents and family members need to know before putting money away. They'll also explore investment fund options, whether Premium Bonds are a good choice for children, and even the often-overlooked world of children's pensions. Plus, in this week's Tell Us, Martin hears your stories of the times carefully checking a bill, invoice or statement saved you money. From spotting simple errors to uncovering major overcharges, including one listener who used AI to identify a £1,000 rental discrepancy. Then, Mastermind tackles a question many shoppers have wondered about:…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how do I get a PAC code when there's multiple numbers on my account? Will I be protected by Section 75 if I part-pay with vouchers? Should I move savings for my child into an ISA? Is there a service to stop an addict accessing loans and credit cards? We also have a success, where Hannah tells us how she passed Martin’s advice to a friend, and saved her £540 on her mobile and broadband! Plus, Matt asks Martin how he organises his wardrobe. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know how many hours a day he spends on his phone, what his go-to karaoke song is, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this week's The Martin Lewis Podcast, it's Back to Life, Back to Reality as Martin returns with a pot pourri of essential September savings and money tips. From a crucial warning for parents of senior school children about the true future cost of university, to how you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds in compensation for delayed or cancelled flights this summer, Martin tackles the money issues that could put cash back in your pocket. He also explains how workers who wear a uniform could be missing out on tax relief, plus plenty more practical ways to save. With the Energy Price Cap rising, Martin breaks down the urgent deals currently available that could help cut your bills. He explains whether now is the right time to fix your tariff and, importantly, what those already on a fixed deal should do next. Spoiler: don't rush into refixing without understanding the pitfalls. Energy is also the focus of this week's Mastermind. In the Tell Us feature, it's all about the "C" word... Christmas. Listeners…

This is a special best-of episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast, where Producer Simon has picked his favourite topics Martin has covered. Martin Lewis delves into one of the most talked-about financial topics in the UK: Inheritance Tax. From understanding who pays it and when, to the key allowances, gifting rules and common misconceptions, Martin shares some of his most valuable insights to help families make sense of the complex rules surrounding passing on wealth. Plus, in the Tell Us, Martin hears from listeners about the unexpected lessons they learned after retiring. From financial surprises and lifestyle changes to the things they wish they'd known sooner, these honest and often heartwarming reflections offer valuable insights for anyone planning for life beyond work. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite paper size, what prescription he has in…

With Ofgem announcing the energy price cap will rise by 4% in October, Martin Lewis has recorded a special urgent podcast to tell you everything you need to know to beat the price hike and save on your energy bills.

We have picked more of our favourite questions you’ve asked Martin for another special best-of episode of our Question Time podcast. In this edition: How do I escape a joint account? Save hard, or spend more on my family? Plus top tips for beginner investors and a success story on how to explain making interest on savings with your children. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite paper size, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

This is a special best-of episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast, where Producer Simon has picked his favourite topics Martin has covered. Martin Lewis tackles one of the household bills causing confusion for millions: Council Tax. From discounts and exemptions to challenges, refunds and ways to check you're not paying more than you should, Martin shares some of his most useful guidance to help you navigate the system and potentially save money. Plus, in Tell Us Martin reveals the fascinating secrets shared by flight crew workers. From booking tricks to what really happens behind the scenes, hear the insider tips and surprising confessions that you won't want to miss. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite paper size, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to…

This is a special best-of episode of our Question Time podcast, where Matt has picked his favourite questions you’ve asked Martin, including: I’m 23 and saving 15% of my salary into my pension, is that enough? My 5-year-old TV’s faulty, can I get a refund? We’ve also hear from Robert, who’s finally debt free after making poor financial decisions when he was younger - and wants to know what he should do now. Then we hear from Carly, who, after hearing Robert’s story on the podcast, decided to seek help with her debt. Plus, how we (or you) decided what we should call you if you come on the podcast. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite paper size, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I use AI to improve my finances, and if so, what’s the best and safest way? We’re in our 60s, is it better to not pay off the remainder of our small mortgage? Will a bit of fiddling give us Section 75 credit card protection on our new windows? Am I wrong to use Amex at small retailers? We have a success where keeping old paperwork, as Martin suggested on the podcast, boosted our caller’s pension by 20%! Plus, you ask Martin what products he wouldn’t be able to live without if he had to spend less. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know what his second favourite podcast is, how he feels about films that run for longer than three hours, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Part two of our ‘I don’t get money’ podcasts. Martin explains your consumer rights when returning purchases, including what protection you have when goods are faulty, bought online, or simply not what you expected. He also guides listeners through the practicalities of starting to draw from a pension, covering the key decisions retirees face and common mistakes to avoid. Credit card borrowers ask about balance transfer deals, with Martin discussing when they can save money, what fees to watch out for, and how to use them effectively to tackle existing debt. The podcast also delves into several important later-life financial topics. Martin answers questions on inheritance tax, clarifying who may be affected and the rules families should be aware of, while also explaining the importance of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney before it becomes urgently needed. With savings rates remaining a key concern, Martin discusses when interest earned on savings could become taxable, helping listeners understand…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: what are the financial benefits of marriage? We want to upsize to a bigger house; how do we know if we can we afford the bills? How do I deal with unfairness when investing for my children of different ages? We have a success, where our caller switched bank but was able to keep their linked regular saver. There’s also an update to the “which student loan do I pay back first?” question from last week, and Martin’s discovered a real problem with the answer! Plus, if Martin could go back in time, what event would he choose to go to, and why? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know if he’s green-fingered, how many books he’s read this year, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this special I Don’t Get Money edition of The Martin Lewis Podcast, Martin goes right back to basics, tackling the financial concepts listeners have always found confusing but were perhaps too embarrassed to ask about. From understanding exactly how pensions work and what an energy ‘unit’ actually is when it appears on your bill, to unpicking the difference between saving and investing (and whether investing is really just a form of gambling), Martin breaks down the jargon and explains the fundamentals in plain English. Along the way, he answers listeners’ questions on why Section 75 credit card protection doesn’t extend to additional cardholders, why car insurance premiums can rise even after a no-fault accident, and whether responsibility for faulty goods lies with the retailer or the manufacturer. Plus, Martin demystifies one of the most misunderstood financial products of all: bonds. What are they, how do they work, and are they right for you? Whether you’re baffled by pensions, puzzled by investing,…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: is it worth overpaying my mortgage, and when’s the perfect time to do so? I’m worried bank switching will kill my credit score, will it? I’ve got a Plan 2 and Plan 5 student loan; how do the repayments work? What’s the easiest way to track my husband’s lost pensions from various jobs? Plus, what’s the most unusual place Martin’s been asked a financial question? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know why he speaks so quickly, if he organises his wardrobe by colour or garment type, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

This week on The Martin Lewis Podcast, is a bank account bonanza. Eight current accounts are now paying £175 or more to switch, and in some cases the rewards don't stop there. A number of packaged bank accounts are effectively paying you to sign up too, meaning you could get travel insurance, mobile phone cover and breakdown protection for the whole family thrown in — benefits that can easily be worth £500 a year or more. Martin cuts through the jargon, answers your questions and reveals the top bank account best buys right now. Plus, the long-awaited Treasury Select Committee report into Plan 2 student loans has finally landed. The report says many borrowers were effectively misled, echoing Martin's long-standing argument that the Government has a "moral duty" to reverse the planned increase in repayments for existing borrowers. Martin explains what the report says, what it means politically, and whether it could make a practical difference to those affected. And in this week’s Tell Us, we're uncovering the…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if I claim Marriage Allowance, will I have to do a tax return? My dad’s on a prepayment meter, is there anything he can do to cut the rate? If you have no National Insurance contributions, do you get a State Pension? Will the Chancellor’s new ISA rules ruin my marriage savings? Plus, we have a great success, where Martin not only helped their finances, but also helped them find love! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know how many potted plants he has in his house, if his clocks are all precisely synchronised (or not), or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin is in full holiday mode – revealing everything you need to know right now to cut the cost of getting away. From the cheapest ways to spend overseas and avoiding costly currency conversion traps, to finding the right travel insurance, beating roaming charges and the single-person supplements, Martin answers listeners’ biggest travel money questions and shares the practical tips that could save you hundreds before you even leave home. Away from the holiday theme, Martin also takes on some of the biggest consumer issues closer to home. He explains when – and if – we're likely to see lower energy standing charges, why he believes recent regulator interventions have had the unintended consequence of pushing up the cost of broadband and mobile deals, and asks why Britain still doesn’t have a single, unified social tariff system for water bills to support those who need help most. For this week’s Tell Us, we're looking for the insiders' guide to travel. We hear the secrets of the trade from people who’ve…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: I’m 23 and saving 15% of my salary into my pension, is that enough? I’m starting to see my credit card debt grow, what should I do? How long should I keep my financial documents for? What happens to an ISA when you die? Plus, we have a shares Junior ISA success! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite weather, which factor suncream he uses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this week’s episode, there’s a deep dive into first-time buyer savings, with a special focus on Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) and the now-closed but still widely held Help to Buy ISAs. Martin Lewis runs through the pros, pitfalls, and key differences between the schemes, including bonuses and withdrawal rules. Whether you’re saving for your first home or advising someone who is, this segment is packed with practical tips to maximise government support and avoid costly mistakes. Martin unpacks a major shake-up to Shares ISA rules, with what it means for savers, investors, and anyone trying to grow their money tax-efficiently. He breaks down the proposed changes and whether you should be thinking differently about where you put your savings going forward. In the Tell Us, Martin turns to listeners working in the travel industry - airlines, hotels, and beyond. Asking: what are the biggest mistakes holidaymakers make? From booking blunders and baggage errors to check-in timing and hidden costs, industry insiders share…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: we’re in our 40s, are we failures for not owning a house? Is anything happening with the Lifetime ISA reform, or should I just take the hit and buy my first home? How does the Nationwide Fairer Share bonus work for tax if it comes into our joint account? We also have a success from someone reclaiming mis-sold car finance for a dead relative after they listened to the podcast. Plus, what shoes Martin wears, and a long-awaited ESQ badge update. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know which letter of the alphabet is his favourite, how many marshmallows he can fit in his mouth at any one time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin Lewis gives you his top ten list of big firms you can haggle with to get the best price on things like satellite TV, phone bills, breakdown cover, insurance, and loads more. He also reveals call centre secrets, including tips from their actual staff, and from listeners who’ve managed to save. As the US and Iran have agreement to extend the ceasefire, will energy bills start to fall? Plus, Mastermind this week is all about a tax-free savings allowance few people know about. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite bridge, if he can do a handstand for longer than a minute, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this episode, Martin is back answering your latest money dilemmas with a few surprises along the way. Should you pay off your student loan using a 0% credit card? Martin breaks down the risks, the maths, and who should and shouldn’t be looking to pay off their student loan early. Energy is in focus as a listener ask: is the Octopus Tracker tariff still a good idea in today’s volatile market? Martin explains who it works for—and who should steer clear. A question on whether to move a child’s Junior Cash ISA into a Stocks & Shares ISA. Martin helps you to decide what’s right for your child’s future. We also celebrate a listener win: how one savvy saver managed to cut £500 off their breakdown cover—and what you can learn from it. Plus, a glimpse behind the scenes: find out what Martin Lewis’s monthly step record is (it’s higher than you might expect), and producer Simon reveals the surprising mix of jobs he’s had before joining the team. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time…

The Big Topic in this week’s episode, Martin Lewis explains the latest on Car Finance Mis-selling – what’s going on and why the wait? Martin unpacks it all, with up to 11 million motorists potentially owed a share of £9 billion due to mis-sold car finance deals. So why haven’t payouts started flowing? He explains the key reasons for the delay. Plus, there’s a crucial new development: the financial regulator is now urging consumers not only to complain about the original car finance but also to scrutinise and potentially challenge the claims management firms that many have relied on to handle complaints. Martin lays out what you should be doing right now to protect your claim and maximise any potential payout. Adrian Chiles found himself £15 out of pocket after being charged on his credit card for something he didn’t purchase. Martin explains the simple, powerful consumer protection that can help you reclaim your money quickly. Whether it’s through chargeback or Section 75 protections, he breaks down exactly…

This week Martin tackles a packed agenda of your questions—ranging from savings decisions in your twenties to navigating the tax system, investing timelines, and even a light-hearted consumer rights query. Martin answers a question from a 25-year-old wondering whether to lock in life insurance early while premiums are low. We look at how to bag lucrative current account switching bonuses without losing your main bank account. Martin explains how you can collect multiple bonuses while keeping your primary account untouched. An NHS employee asks whether moving into the higher tax band means they’ll need to file a self-assessment tax return. A listener calls in with concerns around their investing strategy: wanting to know if they should stop investing five years before needing your money? Things take a lighter turn when a listener asks about their “consumer rights” over obtaining a Question Time audience badge. And, strongman Eddie Hall asks Martin: “What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever lifted?” If you want to…

In this episode, Martin Lewis unpacks what’s really happening with energy prices and the energy price cap—what it means for your bills right now, what’s likely coming next, and the practical steps you can take to protect your household finances. From fixed vs variable tariffs to whether now is the right time to switch. We dive into the surprising world of lost and forgotten money, shining a spotlight on the billions that could be sitting unclaimed in old accounts, refunds, or schemes many of us have simply forgotten about. Martin explores where this money commonly hides, including dormant bank and savings accounts and unclaimed pension pots from previous jobs. Tell Us is all about when you have found money you didn’t know you had. From rediscovered savings accounts to surprise payouts decades later, the episode celebrates the unexpected windfalls—including a caller who found money in her knicker draw. Steffan Powell is presenting instead of Adrian Chiles this week. In Mastermind Martin asks him about…

In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin takes on your consumer rights questions including to cancel or not to cancel old credit cards, higher paycheck or higher pension contributions, and if Martin were King for a day, what three laws would he introduce? There's a question about the rules when it comes to paying tax on benefit payments, Martin explains the rules and regulations. With so many competing credit card providers, Martin takes a question on how's best to balance closing old cards with maintaining your credit score, and how to hope between different cards unscathed. There's a question asked about a showdown between an impressively high pension contribution versus a potentially massive increase in pay. Martin explains the pros and cons of each. There’s also a feel‑good moment, with a success story from a listener who successfully used Gift Aid on their charitable donations, and Martin delivers a little refresher on Gift Aid for those who want to use it to the fullest. Plus,…

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about your future energy bills. Martin offers a live reaction to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statement in the Commons on the cost of living. Tell Us this week is all about what’s the most bizarre way you’ve secured a discount? Fancy dress, sublime banter, a secret code phrase? And Mastermind this week is about defaulting on your credit file. Can Adrian earn the elusive hallelujahs? His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin tackles a packed agenda of your real-life money dilemmas, bringing practical advice to your most pressing financial questions. For those new to investing, there’s a question from a beginner worried about risk. Martin unpacks what “risk” really means, how to assess your tolerance, and why understanding volatility is key before putting your money into the markets. Martin explains pension options for the self-employed - a crucial topic for anyone without automatic workplace contributions. Martin breaks down the key choices, from personal pensions to SIPPs, explains how to get started and how to make your money work harder for your future. A listener asks what rights they have when a kitchen starts to fail five years after installation. Martin explains consumer protection laws, including how long goods should reasonably last and how to challenge retailers or manufacturers when things go wrong well beyond the guarantee period, going through his SAD…

Martin Lewis dives into council tax. Are you overpaying? Martin breaks down practical, often overlooked ways you could cut your bill—potentially saving hundreds each year. From checking your property band to claiming discounts for single occupancy, students, or disabilities. We also explore what to do if you think your property has been incorrectly assessed—plus the potential risks of challenging your banding. With real-life success stories and clear step-by-step guidance, you’ll find out how to navigate the system and make sure you're not paying more than you need to. Plus, this week’s “Tell Us”— We’re asking: What’s the biggest money secret you’ve ever kept? When was it? Who did you keep it from—and why? We hear your candid, surprising, and sometimes emotional stories. In our regular Mastermind feature, Adrian tackles a question from Martin on Lifetime ISAs (LISAs). And Martin brings you the latest Premium Bonds update—including current prize rates, odds of winning, and whether they still stack up compared…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: an explainer on what the best way is to stooze - in other words, how to I get money from a 0% credit card to save it and maximise the gain. Martin answers a question about the best saving account options for a 17yr old. A caller asks if they will lose Child Benefit if they only earn over the limit for some of the year. Discover the advice Martin gives a parent who is nervous of giving their 18 year old a credit card for a first trip abroad. He also explains what alternatives are around. And finally, make sure you listen to the end to find out who, in the week of Martin’s birthday, we get as a surprise special guest last caller… If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very…

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about the energy direct debit cycle. Explaining why this is perfect time of year to check your direct debits, how much you should be in credit or debt with your energy provider and what do you do if you’re too much in credit. Martin explains the cheapest ways to spend abroad and why you should be thinking about it now. A lovely Tell Us which looks at when your children have impressed you with their financial knowledge. And Mastermind this week is all about your rights if you buy a faulty item. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I switch my energy fix to a new provider during the 14-day cooling off period? Where should I keep a big lump sum I’ve got from my house sale? I’ve had a financial lightbulb moment, but my partner can’t see it, how should I talk to them about it? Plus, after a question about a retailer that was displaying the wrong returns info online, we’ve turned a consumer rights wrong into a success! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his signature dance move, which number he has his toaster set to, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about bank account switching, including which banks are willing to pay you money to do so. Martin also takes you through the need-to-knows about Pension Credits, whether you can claim them and how to claim. The Mastermind question this week is also on pensions. And there is also a huge win from our Question Time podcast. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I shift a £15,000 loan to a 0% credit card to cut costs? How do I find any car finance agreements my deceased father had so we can reclaim them for my step-mum? Can I trick the bank into thinking I’m a higher earner to get £500 for free? We have a huge success, where one call to this podcast got our caller £5,000 back! Plus, we reveal what we’re going to call you if you ask a question or come on the podcast. What is it? You’ll have to listen to find out, of course! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his ideal bathwater temperature, the highest note he can sing, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about saving or investing for your children’s future, including: Junior ISAs, children’s savings, regular savings - and reveals the biggest mistake most parents make, so you don’t do the same! Plus, there’s car finance compensation news, as a claims law firm has announced it will take the regulator to court to try and increase consumer payments, but could it slow things down? You tell us the cheapest thing you've ever taken back to a shop to complain about, and Mastermind is all about which credit product has the most interest attached to it, you might be surprised by the answer! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite Morse code letter, how long he can hold his breath underwater, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I claim car finance mis-selling if I had an interest-free deal? Should I continue to save hard, overpay my mortgage and invest, or spend a bit more enjoying life with my young family? What do I do if my LISA bonus comes in after I’ve bought my first house? Do I need to top up missing National Insurance years at 36? We also have a brilliant success story from a couple of stoozers who’ve managed to build a £30,000 stooze pot, plus, you get to decide what we call you if you ask Martin a question on the podcast – but to find out how, you’re going to have to listen to the show! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to…

Energy bills are in the news and this may be a crucial moment. In this podcast Martin explains the Energy Price Cap, and the firms offering fixes cheaper than the Price Cap. It’s a new tax year, and that means all UK adults have a new £20,000 tax-free ISA allowance to use. Martin runs through your options of where to put your money. Martin explains why a change on council tax debt collection which will mean vulnerable people will have more time and support to settle their outstanding council tax bills has put him in a good mood. Listeners Tell Us about financial mistakes that turned out to be a good move. And will Adrian get this week’s Money Mastermind? This week the question is about savings interest. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know what colour his eyes are, what he's planning to do in his eventual retirement, or have a very complicated question about…

In a special, urgent edition of the podcast, Martin explains what you need to know right now - as the financial regulator sets out its redress scheme for millions of motorists who were mis-sold finance deals. The scheme will apply to more than 12 million deals - and will cost lenders 9.1 BILLION pounds. So - who is included? Should you put in a complaint now? What vehicles are eligible? How do I know if it was mis-sold? Martin answers all those questions - and more. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know what colour his eyes are, what he's planning to do in his eventual retirement, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if my holiday’s cancelled due to the Middle East conflict, can I get a refund on the travel insurance? Vodafone promised me a 50% discount but now they’re chipping away at it, what can I do? When is paying off a credit card IN FULL not worth it? My high-end TV is faulty after 5 years, am I due any money back? Plus, a wonderful success from Carly, who was inspired by a podcast caller to finally seek the debt help she needs. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite yoga position, if he’s mastered pottery, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

The big topic in this pod is Lifetime ISAs, LISAs give up to £1,000 a year bonus for first time buyers, but there are pitfalls to watch too. With the ISA year about to end, Martin Lewis runs through how they work and how best to use them in detail. Martin also explains the LISA's predecessor the Help to Buy ISA and which is best. He also goes through the best options currently on the market. Plus why are vulnerable people made to declare their issues to firm after firm, isn’t it time we stopped that? This week’s Tell Us is about insider tips you learned from your work that can help others, we’ve brilliant ones from doctors, techies, accountants, electric installers, supermarket, hospitality workers and more. And this week’s Mastermind is all about pensions. If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know what colour his eyes are, what he's planning to do in his eventual…

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis answers your questions including: is my car finance agreement covered by the mis-selling redress scheme? Can my partner and I couple up to maximise cashback offers? I’ve told Monzo its overpaid me but it’s done nothing, can I keep the money? What can I do about a retailer that displays the wrong returns info online? Plus, we have a lovely success story involving a 9-year-old who’s doing jobs for her parents for pocket money! If you want to ask Martin a question, his Question Time podcast lets you do just that! You can ask him questions about absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know which chocolate he prefers, how many sudokus he can solve in a day, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.