This is Money Podcast

Britain is suffering from an epidemic of people who are theoretically rich saying that they don't feel flush at all. If you're a higher rate tax payer on more than £50,000 then you are up in the top chunk of the country's earners, but chances are that unless you are well into six figures you don't feel particularly wealthy. And even many of those on £100,000-plus complain that they aren't comfortably living the lifestyles they expected when they dreamed of that kind of money. So, what's going on, what income does it take to make someone rich, does wealth matter more, or is it all to do with how much you have going out? As This is Money launches a new calculator that tells you how you compare, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss the state of the nation's incomes on this podcast. Plus, where are the best places to retire to and how does Britain score, how hard is it to take your mortgage with you when you move and are EPCs a swizz. Plus, listen to Lee speak to Ross Kemp for a special Me & My Money interview.

As the founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, Greg Jackson knows more about Britain's household energy than almost anyone else.  In this interview with This is Money's Simon Lambert, he explains why bills are still so high, what we can do as a nation to try to bring them down - and the future of household energy. Greg explains what people need to know about solar panels, heat pumps, electric cars and agile energy deals - and what we can do for those who don't want any of those things. He also discusses an idea that he is passionated about, making renewable energy cheaper - and sometimes even free - for those nearer to the source, which he believes could help both individuals and businesses - and attract big technology firms to the UK.

It’s September, it’s back to work, back to school and back to mild chaos. This week saw a delayed Budget announced, with a raft of speculation that will only mount over what bad news that could mean, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner forced to quite after underpaying stamp duty to the tune of £40,000, and long-term UK borrowing costs hit the highest level in 27 years. So, what on earth is going on? And aren’t we in the phase of the plan to get Britain’s economy back on track where things meant to be getting better not worse? On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert do their best to keep the politics out of it while discussing the Budget, the stamp duty row and the gilts wobble. They explain what this all means for the UK’s national finances and our personal finances and look at whether things could really be about to improve. Plus, should the biggest take away from the Angyouela Rayner stamp duty situation be that it’s a terrible tax that needs to be reformed so bills are slashed for all, as soon as possible? And finally, if your pre-booked Uber fails to turn up, you miss a flight that the airline dragged forward by half a day, and end up paying £475 for new flights, should you be able to get someone other than you to foot the bill?

Dubai is doing its best to draw in disillusioned young Britons, offering cut-price properties, visa incentives for entrepreneurs and of course, the prospect of paying no income tax.  Footballer Rio Ferdinand and his family have even announced they are making the move - but two young families This is Money spoke to say it isn't just for sports stars and influencers. They say it's easier to start your own business, they can get petrol for 50p a litre, and send their children to private school.  Helen Crane, Georgie Frost are joined by Money Mail editor and This is Money alumna and Money Mail editor Rachel Rickard-Straus to discuss whether the money incentives would ever be enough for them to do the same.  It comes as yet another planned tax hike is being rumoured ahead of Labour's Autumn Budget.  This time, landlords are being threatened with paying National Insurance on the income they make from rent - but who will the tax hike really hurt? Elsewhere, our savings expert Sylvia Morris is convinced NS&I will slash the rate on its ever-popular Premium Bonds this October.  Georgie is ditching hers, but should you do the same - and where can you get a better rate?   Finally Helen discusses helping a reader who was told she couldn't get her money back for an £883 ferry crossing her husband booked, as she had the wrong kind of death certificate.  

We’re still a couple of months away from the Autumn Budget, but already the rumour mill is in overdrive. But while pensions, inheritance and even cash Isas have taken the spotlight in the past year, this week, a new tax target has emerged... property. This week, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost look at the wild ideas being bandied about when it comes to reform on how we pay tax on homes. The Treasury shut down the idea of a ‘seller tax’ on homes above £500,000, but other plans appear to be on the table. This includes an annual property tax to replace stamp duty, replacing council tax with an annual local tax based on property values and a potential ‘mansion tax’ – AKA, levying a capital gains tax bill on properties sold over a certain value. Elsewhere, we warn over the rise of a sophisticated deepfake scam involving well known investment gurus – and how people were ensnared into a pump and dump ruse. We investigate the airport currency rip-off. Sure, most of us know we’ll get a poorer rate by leaving it until the last minute, but did you know the sneaky tricks being used? And sticking with the holiday theme, Lee transports you to the brocantes of France… and talks through the stats that show we have no idea how to tip abroad. 

Down valuations are on the rise, so what happens if you and your mortgage lender don't agree on your new home's value? This week, Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk through the home valuation process and whether it is a fair system for banks, borrowers and sellers. How much more would you be willing to pay to be in a good school's catchment area?  New data suggests living near a good primary or secondary school is becoming pricier. Are you saving enough for your age? The adage is three to six months' worth of income - but for some age groups, it should be one to three years. Move over Swiftonomics, it's all about the Oasinomics - or as Lee describes it, Rkidinomics. How much have the Gallagher brothers added to the UK economy this year? And finally, supermarket self-checkout cameras - are they legal?  

The Bank of England has cut interest rates again, but this time, the decision wasn’t straightforward.  Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Helen Crane ask what the division in the Monetary Policy Committee tells us about the state of the economy right now, and what the cut means for our money.  We also talk about plans to hit those in wealthier areas with bigger council tax bills. Why is the current system so unequal, and how could your area be affected? Helen discusses a water company who told an elderly couple they needed their pipework replacing at a cost of thousands - when in reality, all they needed was a new water meter (which is given away for free).  Finally, Lee explains who can claim from the car finance scandal - and what to do if you can't find the paperwork.

While the average household pays £16,700 in direct tax on income, our audit shows  this is just the tip of the iceberg. We all pay a multitude of other taxes, from air passenger duty to environmental levies on our energy bills. Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert and Georgie Frost discuss what the total sum is - and that our tax rate is more like 57 per cent. And tax rises don't always bring in more cash for the Treasury coffers. As the Government weighs up introducing yet another tax - this time a wealth tax - we explore why despite the allowance being slashed the capital gains tax take is down and what it means for the Chancellor's plans. How much you need to feel wealthy in different areas of Britain? Does £1million still cut it? The six burning questions everyone is asking financial advisers right now… and their expert answers And we answer a reader query: Could I give £250 gifts to 400 people who then pay them to my daughters to beat inheritance tax on £100,000?

A stark warning has been sounded that the state pension age could have to rise to 74 for those under-30s. The Institute for Fiscal Studies' pronouncement in the same week that the government announced a state pension review set the cat amongst the pensions. But would Labour - or any party - really hike the state pension age that high? Wouldn't it  be political suicide and spark protests in the street? The IFS warning hinged around the triple lock and balancing the books, but it's clear that the risk of the state pension age rising from its current timetable's maximum 68 is high. On this episode of the This is Money podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert, discuss what could happen to the state pension, when we might be able to retire and what we all need to do to get there. Pension saving is also under the spotlight and the team discuss how to make the most of your work scheme or a Sipp. Plus, a double tax hit on inheritances is on the way, as pensions are pulled into the net. Does the government need to change tack rather than plough on with a levy that will reach 64 per cent for many affected? The FTSE 100 finally broke through 9,000 this week, is 10,000 on the cards and why is the UK stock market doing well? And finally, buy and hold is the traditional investment mantra, so why does one bitcoin expert say you shouldn't do that and should trade it instead?

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?