This is Money Podcast

Is the weaker US dollar bad for investors and why is Vanguard reducing UK bias?

Donald Trump has been hijacking the headlines this week, with his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos a major talking point globally.  With plenty of geopolitical drama afoot, what does a weakening US dollar mean for UK investors with money tied up in US and global funds? Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss. One of the world’s biggest investment firms, Vanguard has spurned the Chancellor's efforts to drive up investment in the UK, as it plans to cut its LifeStrategy exposure to the UK - why and what should you do? Nationwide has bumped up what it will lend on mortgages to six times salary – it means borrowers can potentially borrow £50,000 more. Is this a step in the right direction or the path to trouble?  Are you saving enough for retirement? Our analysis shows what you need in your pot at every milestone age to be on track… and what to do if you’re off target. This is Money reporter Harvey Dorset tries out a £5,000 smartphone - so what do you get for such a huge outlay? Lastly, Lee speaks to actress Joanna Page about her finances – the Gavin and Stacey star reveals what her mum and nan taught her about money.

Should you swap your star fund manager for a cheap tracker?

Life isn't what it once was for star fund managers. The investment industry once thrived on big names but these widely recognisable figures are few and far between nowadays. Two that remain are Terry Smith and Nick Train but their Fundsmith and Finsbury Growth & Income investors have had their patience tested by five years of underperformance compared to just sticking money in a cheap market tracker fund. Both managers defended their approach this week, while offering their investors an apology of sorts. So, is it time to swap your star fund manager for a cheap index fund, or are the stock pickers likely to be proved right in the end? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the cult of the fund manager and whether it's had its day. Meanwhile, The Chancellor wants to get more of us investing but MPs have looked into her plans to cut the cash Isa limit and said it's unlikely to lead more people to the UK stock market. That's exactly what most investment experts told the Chancellor before the Budget, so is there any chance of change of heart? Parts of the London property market have been having a quiet house price crash, Georgie, Helen and Simon discuss what's going on and what kind of properties are affected. The team also ask if cashback is worth it - and look at the deals that could cost you money. And finally, if you want a cheap electric car runaround, what are your best options and what would it cost you?

Tips to sort your finances and what's going on with pubs?

What are the financial foundations you need so that you can then start living a richer life? On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what they think are the essential building blocks for taking control of your finances. From budgeting to protecting your family, what are the things you absolutely must do?  They share what they've done right... and what they have done wrong and still slip up on. Meanwhile, the new year has seen the row over pubs and business rates blow up, with the Prime Minister and Chancellor rumoured to be about to have to do another U-turn.  What went wrong, why didn't they listen straight after the Budget and are publicans right to feel aggrieved? Bank shares have been on a tear, but is there still time to invest as Lloyds breaks through the symbolic 100p mark for the first time since its financial crisis plummet? And what would it take for you to turn your home into a zero bills house - and is it worth the cost?

What next for house prices in 2026?

It's safe to say it was a mixed bag for the property market last year, with a mixture of Budget speculation and stamp duty costs weighing on house prices, but mortgage lending rules loosening helping first-time buyers. So, what will happen in 2026 - Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce discuss, and ask - will it be another stagnant year for house prices. Elsewhere, there's a warning top cash Isa rates are set to fall.  Can you really retire at 50? We look at the top tips to do this and what to plan for - and Georgie and Lee reveal their new year resolutions. And finally, have we reached peak coffee shop? Costa is struggling as owner Coca-Cola looks to offload it at a loss - but have we had enough of +£4 cups of coffee at chains?

This is 2025: What happened to our finances and the economy this year

We are almost at the end of a year that turned out to be rollercoaster ride for our finances. Investors have had a good year but there was certainly some twists and turns along the way. The economy started off strong and then began to stutter, interest rates came down by a full percentage point and inflation spiked again. Meanwhile, the most hotly anticipated Budget turned out to be not as bad as it could have been but has not gone down well with businesses and taxpayers. On this final 2025 episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take a quick ride through this year and what it meant for our finances.