Money Box

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New green savings bonds Oct 23, 2021

Show notes

The government has launched its new green investment bond for savers. The money raised will go to the Treasury and it says help pay for existing green priorities such as making transport cleaner and supporting energy efficiency. Individuals can put up to £100,000 into the National Savings & Investments green bond. It will pay 0.65% a year for three years. But there are dozens of similar products that pay a lot more. Is that the price of going green with your finances? We hear from Becky O’Connor, head of pensions and savings at Interactive Investor.

If your energy firm has gone bust and you’re on a low income can you still get the £140 warm home discount off your winter electricity bill? We cut through the confusion with the help of energy analyst Ellen Fraser from Baringa consultants.

The pensions gender gap is estimated to be more than double the earnings gap between men and women. But why do pensions magnify the disparity between men’s and women’s pay? Why are women losing out? And how can young women today ensure they're not on the wrong side of a pensions gap when they retire in future? Money Box researcher Anita Langary, and Daniela Silcock, head of policy research at the Pensions Policy Institute, explain.

And Money Box reporter Dan Whitworth investigates the case of a graduate who has got back the £1100 she overpaid on her student loan — six years late. Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, explains how to find out if you have overpaid the Student Loans Company, and how to get your money back.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary

Turning our money green Oct 20, 2021

Show notes

Many financial products are labelled as green, sustainable or ethical but how can you be sure that your mortgage, investment or pension really does have a positive environmental impact? What are the options and where can you find the information you need?

Why not join the conversation with Felicity Hannah and guests on Wednesday's Money Box Live. e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you'd like to take part.

On the panel:

Lily Tomson, Share Action. Rebecca O’Connor, Interactive Investor. Jeannie Boyle, EQ Investors.

Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producers: Paul Waters and Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

The future of face-to-face debt advice Oct 16, 2021

Show notes

Debt advisers in England fear that government plans to change the way their service is funded will see big cuts in the amount of face-to-face advice available.

We hear from a woman who says in-person debt advice helped turn her life around, in a way that online of over the phone assistance could never match. And debt adviser Amy Taylor, who is chair of the Greater Manchester Money Advice Group, tells us about the impact the changes could have in face-to-face help for people in her region.

The parents and guardians of young people who lack mental capacity are still being denied access to their child trust funds, despite the government promising to look at the problem a year ago. In the wake of this week's House of Lords debate on the issue, we hear from campaigning parent Andrew Turner on changes he would like to see to the current expensive, difficult and lengthy legal process facing families who want to access the cash their children need.

And as three more energy suppliers go bust this week, Dermot Nolan, the former chief executive of the energy regulator Ofgem, tells us what he thinks is wrong with the system... and how it should change.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Paul Waters Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Editor: Emma Rippon

Spending Black Oct 13, 2021

Show notes

Joice Etutu hears about some of the financial, mentoring and marketing initiatives supporting black entrepreneurs. Can business know-how and raising consumer awareness help to bring about positive change and address economic equality?

We’d love to hear from you too, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk with your ideas and experiences.

Presenter: Joice Etutu Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Small businesses 'overlooked' in energy crisis Oct 09, 2021

Show notes

Hundreds of thousands of small businesses are not covered by the energy price cap which sets a maximum charge for each unit of electricity and gas. The existing cap only applies to domestic customers. Many small businesses have seen their bills soar over the last few weeks.

Edinburgh University is denying some students access to its healthcare service because the GP register is full. But can the students claim for having to go private?

And the contactless payment limit on your cards will rise to £100 next Friday. Some banks are letting customers choose their limit.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Kafui Okpattah Researcher: Anita Langary Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Energy Prices Oct 06, 2021

Show notes

As temperatures drop and energy prices rise we're talking about bills, energy providers and switching on Wednesday's Money Box Live.

What are your rights if your energy supplier stops trading? What happens about credits you’ve built up or money you owe? Do you have a say about the new tariff you’re moved to and is financial support available if you’re worried about paying your bills?

We’d love to hear your energy stories, questions and views so e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now. Please include a phone number if you’d like to chat to presenter Adam Shaw and guests on Wednesday.

Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Proposed changes to student loan repayments Oct 02, 2021

Show notes

People in England and Wales who started university from September 2012 could see their student loan repayments rise by hundreds of pounds a year.

Economic abuse has grown during the pandemic. We talk to one woman who was forced into debt by her husband.

And one 82-year- old wants to know where his £1200 savings bond has gone which he took out in 1986. How do you trace old financial products?

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Production Coordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Alex Lewis /Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

End of Furlough Sep 29, 2021

Show notes

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as the furlough scheme is coming to an end and we'd like to hear what this means for your job or your business.

Are you able to work as you did before the pandemic, or will you be facing difficult financial and personal decisions?

What are the alternatives and potential solutions if staff or employers need or want to work differently?

Whether you’re running a small business or you’re an employee, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you'd like to take part.

Joining Paul Lewis on the panel are:

Maya Alba-Heller, ACAS Adviser Hannah Thomas, Employment Solicitor, Markel Law

Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

Keeping energy bills in check Sep 25, 2021

Show notes

As the price of gas and electricity continues to soar. What more can be done to keep our bills in check?

New pensioners who have turned 66 this year are facing long delays before their pension is paid as the queue of those waiting doubles.

And as theft from customers bank accounts rises 80% in six months, should the Government declare fraud a threat to national security?

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Anita Langary Production co-ordinator: Janet Staples Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Saving for Children Sep 22, 2021

Show notes

Do you have a question about saving and investing for children? Whether you’re interested in easy access, regular savings accounts or thinking of stocks and shares, our panel will be ready to help on Wednesday’s Money Box Live.

Whatever your question, e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.uk now and please include a phone number if you’d like to take part in the programme.

Joining presenter Charmaine Cozier are:

• Chartered Financial Planner Claire Walsh • Rachel Springall from financial comparison site Moneyfacts

Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Diane Richardson Editor: Emma Rippon

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