Money Box

Latest Episodes:

Call for online 'credit curfews' May 25, 2019

Show notes

New safeguards for victims of bank fraud come into effect from Tuesday. Over 350 million pounds was stolen from accounts last year through what's called Authorised Push Payment Fraud - that happens when a person is tricked into transferring money into a fraudster's account. Often the banks have refused to refund victims but now they will have to.

Figures released this week by StepChange - one of the UK's largest debt charities - show a big rise in the amount of debt relief orders in England and Wales. But what is a debt relief order and why are they at a four year high?

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that a ban on online borrowing between 11pm and 7am could protect consumers and are calling for the introduction of 'credit curfews'.

And when a Money Box listener's partner died suddenly just days after they had taken delivery of a new car she could no longer afford the repayments. But the finance company initially told her it would cost tens of thousands of pounds to get out of the contract. We speak car finance with a consumer contract lawyer.

Presenter: Adam Shaw Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Crowdfunding May 22, 2019

Show notes

Crowdfunding involves asking a lot of people for typically small amounts of money. It's done online as a way of financing businesses, individuals, charities or the development of ideas. There are different ways to do it including making a donation, giving money in return for shares in a business, providing a loan or receiving a reward linked to the fundraising project in return for your cash.

Joining Adam Shaw to discuss the rules, risks and potential rewards of crowdfunding are Gerald Oppenheim Chief Executive for the Fundraising Regulator, Jes Bailey Founder and Consultant with Crowdfund 360 and Bruce Davis, Director of the UK Crowdfunding Association and also Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director at Abundance Investment.

If you have a question for the panel or want to share your experience of crowdfunding as a donor or as a fundraiser call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 22nd May or send an email before then to moneybox@bbc.co.uk

Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.

Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Emma Rippon

Not my debt! May 18, 2019

Show notes

At least two million people suffer domestic abuse in the UK each year. But domestic abuse is not always just physical. Taking control of a partner's money - financial abuse - is often part of controlling someone. This week a new advice service has been launched aimed at people who work in banks and building societies to help them spot the signs of economic abuse among their customers and encourage them to offer practical help when they do.

Metro Bank is pronounced 'safe' by the Bank of England. But what would happen to customers if another bank did go bust?

Some businesses have been trying out shortening the working week from the five days which most full timers work to four but with no loss of pay. Could this leave workers feeling less stressed, more productive and striking a better work/life balance? Or would it pile more pressure onto an already stressed workforce?

And what to do if you're pursued for a debt that is not yours.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Returning to work May 15, 2019

Show notes

Looking for and finding a job following a long career break can be difficult and demoralising. There are various reasons for extended career breaks including redundancy, divorce or family commitments. What help is available for returners and how can employers do more to recruit them?

Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your questions and experiences and provide practical help. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 15th May. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.

Guests: Emily Andrews, Senior Evidence Manager at the Centre for Ageing Better, Stephanie Dillon, Founder of Inclusivity Partners and Sarah Chilton, Partner with specialist employment lawyers CM Murray.

Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Charmaine Cozier Editor: Andrew Smith

Rent - your flexible friend May 11, 2019

Show notes

Ben Wallace MP, Minister for Economic Fraud responds to criticism from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary about whether the government is "content to leave fraud at the back of the queue" given what damage it can do.

Dan Whitworth reports on a significant development for the former clients of collapsed mini-bond firm London Capital and Finance.

And the launch of a pilot scheme to tackle rent arrears and keep people away from high cost credit by allowing them to flex their monthly rent payments.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Saving for the under 35s May 08, 2019

Show notes

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

The last free cashpoint in town May 04, 2019

Show notes

Free cash machines are disappearing across the UK at an 'alarming' rate according to Which? Two of the major private operators, Cardtronics and Notemachine, have introduced charges for nearly 1700 of their ATMS in the last few months, with more following soon. It's predicted that one in eight machines could soon charge us to take out our money. We hear from Tim Halford, managing director of Cardtronics who defends the charges.

Ofgem have scrapped a rule meaning energy suppliers must give customers 30 days notice of a price increase. Anthony Pygram Director of Conduct and Enforcement for the regulator tells us why.

And it's taken listener Alex Luke two and a half years to get her bank to repay all of the £180,000 stolen from her bank account by fraudsters three Christmases ago. We hear how she did it.

Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor Emma Rippon

Photo credit: Nidderdale Chamber of Trade

Ethical Investing May 01, 2019

Show notes

When you invest money do you care what it is used for? Would you avoid so called 'sin stocks' like tobacco, alcohol or gambling? Increasing numbers of people want to make sure their money is doing good - or at least as little harm as possible. But can you get a decent return from ethical investments? Paul Lewis and a panel of guests are taking your calls and queries about ethical investing.

Guests: Lisa Stonestreet, Head of Communications at the EIRIS Foundation Tanya Pein, independent financial adviser at In2 Planning and a Director of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association Peter Michaelis, Head of Sustainable Investment, Liontrust Asset Management

Presenter: Paul Lewis Producer: Sally Abrahams

The difficulties of renting on benefits Apr 27, 2019

Show notes

Tens of thousands of low paid workers will face losing a week's pay or more because the firm that employs them is changing its payroll system. The pay is, in theory, just being deferred. But in practice that deferral could last until they leave their job. What will this mean for its lowest paid staff?

This week a committee of MP’s heard evidence that the practice refusing to rent to people on benefits is widespread. The housing charity Shelter is calling for it to be banned but letting agents don't think this is the answer.

The long term winners and losers on Universal Credit and air source heat pumps - the Government pays you to generate your own green energy so why are they so rare?

Presenter : Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon

Energy: Going Green Apr 24, 2019

Show notes

As climate change protests continue, how can consumers cut carbon emissions and keep energy bills affordable? Can you be eco-friendly and stay within budget? What are the best green deals available? Share your tips for being more energy-efficient.

Adam Shaw and a panel of guests are ready to hear your renewable energy questions and experiences. Email moneybox@bbc.co.uk or call 03700 100 444 after 1pm on Wednesday 24 April. Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.

Guests: Audrey Gallagher, Energy UK Mark Todd, energyhelpline.com Peter Smith, National Energy Action

Presenter: Adam Shaw Producer: Sally Abrahams

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected