This is Money Podcast

How do you solve a problem like high house prices without sinking the economy? That's a conundrum that's kept politicians and central bankers awake at night for years. Now there's a new plan. Rachel Reeves unveiled a push for bigger mortgages this week, with the backing of the Bank of England, financial watchdogs, banks and building societies? Protections in place since the credit crunch-induced crash will be swept away. Are we forgetting the lessons from the financial crisis or adjusting the rules to meet a world that's different? On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert talk bumper mortgages and what next. Plus, the Chancellor has more plans, to get people investing, support the stock market and fire up the economy, will they work? As the FTSE 100 flirts with a close above 9,000, is it time to buy British? And what do you need to know about paying inheritance tax rather than the usual topic of avoiding it?

The slashing of the cash Isa was considered a nailed on certainty in next week's Mansion House speech, but now it seems Rachel Reeves has had a change of heart. So, has the cash Isa allowance been saved for good, or is this just a victory for now - before the axe falls in the Budget? On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce discuss what next for the cash Isa and whether there was any merit in plans to cut the allowance. Plus, why has Nvidia become the world's first $4trillion company, is it still worth investing in and have you got any chance of finding the next stock market superstar before it takes off? Should you combine your finances with your partner's and reveal all to them. And finally, it's the polarising question of our times: are you for or against Ring and other video doorbells?

The nation's favourite savings product has just got a little less generous. The prize rate on NS&I's supremely popular Premium Bonds will be slashed from 3.8 per cent to 3.6 per cent from the August draw - the fifth cut since March 2024. On this week's podcast, Helen Crane, Tanya Jefferies and Georgie Frost discuss why Premium Bonds are the Marmite of the savings world, and ask whether the latest cut will prompt devotees to jump ship.  We also look at where else they could stash their rainy day fund - and keep the tax-free benefits.  Elsewhere, the team ask why a Lloyds Bank customer was turned away from the counter when they asked to withdraw £600 in cash - and told they could only do it at the machine outside.  We also hear from a reader who has a moral dilemma. They are having £40,000 of work done on their home, and the builder has asked them to pay in cash.  It seems there may be some creative accounting at work - but our reader hasn't been told that in so many words, and it could of course be perfectly above board.  Could they get in trouble if it does turn out the builder is evading tax? Will the bank ask questions? And can you even take out that much money in one go?  Next, Tanya discusses the latest number crunching which reveals that opting out of your work pension in your twenties, even for five years, could leave you £40,000 poorer at retirement.  With younger people's budgets stretched in many directions, paying into a pension isn't always a priority.  So how can they ensure they save enough for a comfortable retirement, and is it possible to make up for lost time?  Finally, we look at what most people would spend the money on if they received an inheritance - or at least, what they say they would spend it on.

What would you do with £208million? Ahead of another Euromillions rollover, This is Money spoke to an adviser to those fortunate few who have scooped a jackpot to get some practical tips on what to do if you win big…just in case! Would friends and family be top of your list when it comes to how to spend it... or something else? Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss. Simon turns his focus on The Big Winter Fuel u-turn and the spending review – 'pray for Rachel and all of us,' he says. We borrowed too much to buy our home - what can we do about our huge mortgage? And an auction expert revealed the four types of property that savvy buyers are snapping up right now.

Tax is an increasingly taxing subject for many people who feel hard done by as Britain’s complicated system catches them out. From quirks of the system, such as the 60 per cent tax trap [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-13061413/Our-real-rate-income-tax-60-not-highest-earners-pay-it.html] and child benefit [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-13430767/Child-benefit-rules-eligible-payments-avoid-traps.html] removal, to the childcare cliff edge, frozen thresholds, and pensions soon to be dragged into inheritance tax [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/pensions/article-12360455/How-inheritance-tax-calculated-grieving-families-know-levy.html], there’s a whole host of things to drive us mad. And, it’s getting worse. The Tories and now Labour have both chosen to ratchet up the things that trip people up to raise money, rather than sort out a tax system that most economists say is a total mess. So how far would you go to avoid your personal tax raid? And is tax changing people’s behaviour? [/money/tax/article-14780605/Four-ways-Chancellor-shifted-financial-habits-middle-classes-year-LEE-BOYCE.html] Lee highlights how. On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dive into how the British tax tail is wagging the dog. Plus, as the Switch 2 arrives and the video game industry goes from strength to strength, should you invest in video game firms? [/money/investing/article-14784239/Nintendo-Switch-2-launches-today-you-invest-worlds-leading-video-game-brands.html] How much do you need for a comfortable retirement [/money/pensions/article-14773049/Cost-retire-comfortably-couple-income.html] – and what does that get you? And finally, you put up an 8 foot fence for privacy, your neighbour has gone from non-plussed to threatening to call the council over a planning breach, what do you do? The team have some answers. And for all the listeners that Simon directed to the gem that is the comments section of the story, here’s the link. > Are we allowed an 8ft fence? Our neighbour says we've broken planning rules [/money/mortgageshome/article-14776835/Are-allowed-8ft-fence-privacy-neighbour-says-weve-broken-planning-rules.html]