This is Money Podcast

Is the generational wealth gap narrower than we thought?

Many younger adults think they are substantially less well-off than their parents. But while there are inequalities, new research suggests the wealth gap may be far narrower than previously reported - and it is largely down to the cash those in their twenties and thirties have stashed in their pensions.  On this week's episode of the This is Money podcast Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss why official figures got it wrong, and whether property versus pension is a pointless comparison.  The team also ask what will happen to interest rates [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/mortgageshome/article-11885727/When-rates-start-fall-Base-rate-forecasts.html] and mortgages due to the fact that - for now at least - a ceasefire in Iran appears to be holding.  Elsewhere, Lee reports on a ferocious best buy battle at the top of the fixed cash Isa [https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-1583864/Best-savings-rates-Isas-Cash-Isa-accounts-fixed-rate-Isas.html] tables, where even the high street banks are getting involved.  And finally, another Chinese pretender to Amazon's retail throne has entered the UK.  Is Joybuy any good, how did it fare when our reporter put its delivery service to the test - and do we really need another place to buy bargain toilet rolls online?  ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Can plug-in solar panels save out energy bills - plus what's the fuss about private credit?

A solar revolution is on its way to Britain and can help save us from volatile and high energy bills, if you believe Ed Miliband. Plug-in solar panels are popular across Europe but currently rules in the UK mean that we can’t buy them and, as it says on the tin, simply plug them into our home’s electricity supply. But changes are afoot that will mean we could soon be buying individual panels that cost £400 and simply plugging them into a three-pin wall socket, where thanks to the magic of an inverter they would put power into your home. And we might even be able to nip down to the middle of Lidl to buy them, with the discount supermarket among those talking about offering them – in its famous middle aisle. In Germany, Ikea sells panels and there and in other European countries they are popular, so could they transform our homes? How long would it take to get your money back – and what’s the prepper angle on the interest in all this? Georgie Frost and Simon Lamber talk plug-in solar panels and energy bills on this episode of the This is Money podcast. They also discuss summer holiday flights and what the massive disruption triggered by the Iran war will do to prices and demand – and how to target a cheaper break. Plus, with the government announcing its new town locations, where do property experts think the best one will be. And, there are rumblings in the finance world over private credit, with the Bank of England among those warning about what’s been dubbed shadow banking. What’s going on, could it trigger a financial crisis and should you be worried? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

What you need to do with your Isa and pension before the tax year ends

There's just a week to go until the end of the tax year and if you haven't sorted your Isa, pension or the rest of your finances it's time to get your skates on. On this episode, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert discuss the important things you need to think about before 5 April... and ideally right now. From how your Isa allowance works, to parking cash and drip-feeding it, and why a pension can not only boost your retirement savings but also cut your tax bill, they explain what you need to know. And Simon has some extra tips on how to use as much of your Isa or pension allowance as possible, even if you don't have the ready cash. Also on this week's episode, what on earth is going on at NS&I and will it have to pay millions on compensation, how to become a tradesperson on a six figure salary, will interest rates really rise four times this year, and finally, what are the food items that have rocketed the most in price. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Isa investing bestsellers revealed - but is cash still king?

Isa season is in full swing as savers and investors race to beat the clock to fill up their allowance - but where are people putting their money? Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost take a look and reveal stocks and shares Isa bestsellers of 2026. And even before the current markets turmoil caused by the Iran conflict, Lee reveals just how much is pouring into cash. There are fresh warnings sounded over Britain's midlife pensions crisis - but it's not too late to build a healthy retirement pot. We reveal how and some of the rules of thumb it is worth remembering when it comes to building your nest egg. McDonald's launches trading cards with selected meals - and some of the rarest are already listed on eBay for HUGE sums. Lee does a live opening of three packs... can he bag a £10,000 gold Ronald card? And just what is the fastest way to make £10,000? Five experts - including Simon - have been given £500 each to put into betting, crypto, stocks, furniture and Vinted, alongside a share-picking monkey with a pin. Who will come out on top? ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Mortgage rates are spiking - how bad will it get?

Mortgage rates have shot up this week as the impact of the conflict with Iran for inflation and interest rates sinks in. Banks and building societies have been racing to raise their fixed rates - with some even pushing them up twice in the space of a few days. It comes in response to a sudden switch around in expectations for the Bank of England base rate, but will this flurry of hikes continue or are the concerns overdone. On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at what's going on in the mortgage market - and what you can do about it if you are buying a home or need to remortgage. Plus, Simon has broken with the habit of a lifetime and actually fixed his energy bills for once. He explains why you should too - and how there are still potentially price cap-beating or matching deals out there. Helen outlines the nine biggest mistakes you can make with your pension - and what they could cost you. And finally, if you have a Nationwide current account and are hopefully in line for some free money from Fairer Share, this is what you must do in the next two weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.