Childcare SPECIAL: Your questions & problems put to Sec of State for Education Bridget Phillipson

Martin looks at Lifetime ISAs, after a report was published by the Treasury Committee on the future of the first time buyers savings account, he explains the basics of them and answers questions on who they are good for, who they don’t work for and when is the best time to open one.Energy bills dropped 7% this week, Martin explains what people should be doing, and most importantly what happens next.Martin reacts to reports the Chancellor is to drop cash ISA allowance in her Mansion House Speech on 15 July.Mastermind tests if Adrian knows when you are covered by Section 75 Consumer protection.And there’s a new top savings account that’s a bit different isn’t there?

With £31 billion in lost or unclaimed pensions in the UK, Martin tells you how to find your old pensions - which could be worth £10,000s! Plus, Martin’s top holiday money need-to-knows to help you stop paying when you spend abroad and get the most bang for your (Vietnamese) dong. And you tell us the worst financial advice you were given by your parents and grandparents.

***This episode was first published on 5th June. It was updated on 20th June to reflect the launch of a government consultation on the administration of Council Tax.***Martin goes through step by step everything you need to know about Council Tax. He explains:- How to check you are in the right band. - How to challenge your Council Tax band. - The Council Tax deductions you may be entitled to. - How to collect and claim if you are owed Council Tax creditMartin also gives his response to this week’s Winter Fuel Payment news from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves

Martin goes through his four easy steps to help you reduce your mobile bill. Plus, with energy bills likely to rise due to conflict in the Middle East, should you fix now? What do the Warm Home discount changes mean? And you tell us your children’s financial tips.

The Winter Fuel Payment will again be a universal payment in England and Wales for state pensioners this winter, yet it’ll be clawed back via the tax system where someone earns over £35,000. How will this work in practice? What counts as £35,000 earnings, and what if there are two, three or more pensioners in a house.Martin also answers questions on saving for a pension, who should opt out of receiving winter fuel payment and how to avoid being scammed.Pint rights: we also look at how to make sure you get the pint you paid for.

Martin reacts to the latest Energy Price Cap announcement from the regulator Ofgem. The new cap coms into force from July, and applies to households in England, Scotland and Wales on variable tariffs. But what should you do now? With fixes on the market well below the cap rate, Martin explains how to get the best deals on your energy.

Martin Lewis looks at the Energy Price Cap and what your best options are for your bills.He gives his view on the recent announcement that the Winter Fuel Payment will be expanded. A guide on how to get paid to switch bank accounts.Tell Us this week is all about when have you saved a fortune by pure accident?Mastermind explains the difference between annual and compound interest.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson joins Martin Lewis to answers your questions about the cost of childcare. They cover topics such as are there enough funds for 30hrs funded childcare? Why 800,000 miss out on Tax Free Childcare? Child Benefit cliff-edge problems & more.

Why locking in savings can be a winner. Should you fix your mortgage now or wait? How to get accepted for a mortgage, and more.Martin reacts as the Bank of England cuts UK base interest rates again from 4.5% to 4.25%, we recorded this literally minutes after it happened and focus on answering your questions about the impact on savings and borrowing (especially mortgages)For savers there’s a warning to act quick if you want to fix.Mortgage holders big questions was fix now or wait – we cover that, but also a fascinating discussion with our mortgage broker guest on what it takes to get accepted for a mortgage whether for a new one or remortgaging, lots of eye opening facts there.In the Tell Us, with summer coming what’s far cheaper to buy abroad (things that you can then bring home that is)And in the Mastermind we find out if Adrian knows why it’s always important to turn your suncream around.

It’s the credit and debit plastic fantastic masterclass you’ve been waiting for… Martin answers all your questions on how to manage your credit card debt, which are the top cards to use abroad and the myths around your ‘credit score’. Plus find out which are the best 0% deals and how to ooze with stooze. Get in touch with the podcast by emailing [email protected]