The Martin Lewis Podcast

Interest rates rose by 0.25% just as we started recording, so what happens next? Martin explains what the latest increase means for mortgages, savings and borrowing, and looks at where rates could be heading in the months ahead.

The big topic is ISAs. Following major Budget changes, Martin tackles the future of Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Lifetime ISAs and the brand-new First Time Buyers ISA. With questions flooding in from listeners, he breaks down the new rules, explains when each type of ISA is likely to be right for you, and shares tips on how to make...

Martin Lewis answers a listener's question about Lifetime ISAs (LISAs), explaining how they were affected by the Chancellor's Budget announcements. He breaks down how LISAs work, whether the government announcement affects first-time buyers or savers, and the key rules, bonuses, and withdrawal penalties to be aware of. He also looks at whether a LISA can be used as an alternative to a pension, how the government bonus works, and the key advantages and drawbacks of saving for retirement this way.

What does today's Budget really mean for your finances? Martin Lewis breaks down the announcements and omissions that could affect your wallet, from frozen income tax thresholds and student loans to Cash ISAs, savings tax and pensions. He also explores energy bills, standing charges, Lifetime ISAs, support for carers, mileage allowances and Warm Home help. Expect clear explanations, consumer-focused analysis and no political point-scoring, just the money facts that matter.

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: do I have to pay tax if I sell things on eBay? I’m new to the country, how do I start to build my credit score? I’m an additional rate taxpayer, and as we’re rarely mentioned, what should I be aware of? Which currency should I pay in on Eurostar? Plus, how a budget can change your life, and how does Martin feel about sauces on his food?

If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Qu...

This week on The Martin Lewis Podcast, Martin dives into two big money stories making headlines: the government's plans to cut standing charges from gas bills and what could be coming in the next Budget.

The week's main topic tackles short-dated gilts. Many investment advisers are recommending them as a potentially more lucrative alternative to savings, and done right, the returns can be the equivalent of earning around 8% in a savings account. Martin is joined by a specialist expert to explain how they work, the risks to watch for, and to answer your questions.

Then...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: are Premium Bonds right for me? How many credit applications will kill my ability to get a mortgage? Should we consider child pensions for our kids? Will a bank close my high paying linked regular savings account if I switch my current account from them? Where would Martin set the safety net on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Plus, will you be able to hear Isabelle on this week’s episode? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Qu...

Martin’s leading this week’s podcast with an urgent warning for anyone carrying credit card: now is the time to act. He explains why he's concerned the top deals could get worse, runs through how balance transfers work, reveals the best options currently available, shares tips to maximise your chances of acceptance, and looks at when a loan may beat a credit card solution. If you're paying interest on existing debt, this is a must-listen guide to cutting costs and taking control.

Martin also has an update on Car Finance Mis-selling. After months of waiting, there’s fina...

Martin Lewis is back with another bumper listener Q&A, tackling everything from Child Benefit and consumer rights to career advice and mortgage strategy.

He explains whether a pay rise could affect your Child Benefit entitlement and whether salary sacrifice could help. Plus, Martin answers a question from a homeowner on a tracker mortgage, revealing why it can be worth securing a mortgage deal up to six months in advance. He explains how having an offer in your back pocket can provide valuable protection if rates rise, while still leaving you free to walk away and choose...

This week, Martin’s diving into one of his favourite topics: free money. From bank switching bonuses to cashback stacking, it’s packed with practical tips that could put cash back in your pocket.

First though, Martin starts with a straightforward back-to-basics guide to Inheritance Tax, explaining who pays it, when it applies, and some of the key rules and myths everyone should understand.

Then it’s on to one of the hottest money-making opportunities around right now: bank switching. With some banks offering up to £600 in incentives, Martin breaks down exactly how switching works, who can...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin tackles a mix of consumer rights, energy-switching dilemmas and investing nerves in this week. He explains why you have fewer rights when buying personalised products, where the line is between a genuinely customised item and something that only looks bespoke, and what protections you still have if things go wrong.

Plus, if you're planning a house move, can you take a fixed energy tariff with you or are you forced onto a new deal? Martin unpacks the rules, the pitfalls and what to check before you move.

And in...

Martin asks a big question: is it finally time to ditch Premium Bonds? They’re the UK’s most popular single form of savings, with more than £136 billion invested. The prizes are tax-free, they’re backed by the Government, and there’s always the dream of winning big. But despite all that, Martin explains why Premium Bonds are often held by the wrong people. He’ll break down exactly who they work well for, who could do better elsewhere, what the alternatives are, and how to check whether you’re one of the lucky savers owed a share of more than £10...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: what should every teenager know about money? Martin has important answers that apply to every adult too. Can my son claim back tax he shouldn’t have paid on his summer job? Are time of use tariffs still worth it in these times of energy price volatility? Can you stooze with other 0% finance offers, not just credit cards? We also have a council tax re-banding success, and Martin explains how you could too! Plus, why Question Time will never be the same again. If yo...

What’s next for interest rates and, more importantly, what does it mean for your money? Martin is joined by an economist to look ahead at where rates could be heading over the next year, before a mortgage broker helps turn the forecasts into practical advice. Whether you're saving, borrowing, remortgaging or weighing up your next financial move, they'll explain how changing rates could affect savings accounts, mortgages, loans and more.

Plus, in this week’s Tell Us, we hear your stories of the most expensive things you’ve bought and never used. From hairdryers gathering dust to hot...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: my energy fix ends in December; with huge price rises coming, should I ditch it and refix now? Our wedding coincides with the end of our mortgage fix, will the extra spending cause problems? How do I switch our joint savings account? If two families are travelling together, should we each get family insurance or a group policy? We have a success, where Maddy was mis-sold a data plan and got over a grand back! And Martin shows us the wide range of accents...

In this mini ‘100 days to go until the big day’ episode, Martin Lewis gives you his top tips to help you save money and ease the stress around the cost of Christmas, including: bank switches giving you free cash, toy sales, banning unnecessary presents, what’s basket bluff (and how to play it), and loads more!

If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite London bus route, how many pets he has...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if I haven’t filled up my ISA from last year, can I add the remainder now? What rights do I have when I buy goods secondhand if they’re faulty? My bank has done a strange thing; can you work out why? We hear from Fran, who’s become a huge money saving convert, saving thousands, and wants to know if it’s time to step up and become a stoozer (which is where you create a false 0% debt in order to save the cash...

This episode is your complete guide to saving and investing for children. Martin Lewis is joined by an investment specialist to answer everything you've ever wanted to know about putting money aside for under-18s, including whether it's better to save or invest (spoiler: for many children with a long-term horizon, investing may win out), how Junior ISAs and Child Trust Funds work, the best buys currently available, and the key things parents, grandparents and family members need to know before putting money away. They'll also explore investment fund options, whether Premium Bonds are a good choice for children...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: how do I get a PAC code when there's multiple numbers on my account? Will I be protected by Section 75 if I part-pay with vouchers? Should I move savings for my child into an ISA? Is there a service to stop an addict accessing loans and credit cards? We also have a success, where Hannah tells us how she passed Martin’s advice to a friend, and saved her £540 on her mobile and broadband! Plus, Matt asks Martin how he organises his wardrobe.

I...

In this week's The Martin Lewis Podcast, it's Back to Life, Back to Reality as Martin returns with a pot pourri of essential September savings and money tips. From a crucial warning for parents of senior school children about the true future cost of university, to how you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds in compensation for delayed or cancelled flights this summer, Martin tackles the money issues that could put cash back in your pocket. He also explains how workers who wear a uniform could be missing out on tax relief, plus plenty more practical ways to...

This is a special best-of episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast, where Producer Simon has picked his favourite topics Martin has covered.

Martin Lewis delves into one of the most talked-about financial topics in the UK: Inheritance Tax. From understanding who pays it and when, to the key allowances, gifting rules and common misconceptions, Martin shares some of his most valuable insights to help families make sense of the complex rules surrounding passing on wealth.

Plus, in the Tell Us, Martin hears from listeners about the unexpected lessons they learned after retiring. From financial surprises...

With Ofgem announcing the energy price cap will rise by 4% in October, Martin Lewis has recorded a special urgent podcast to tell you everything you need to know to beat the price hike and save on your energy bills.

We have picked more of our favourite questions you’ve asked Martin for another special best-of episode of our Question Time podcast. In this edition: How do I escape a joint account? Save hard, or spend more on my family? Plus top tips for beginner investors and a success story on how to explain making interest on savings with your children.

If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite paper size...

This is a special best-of episode of the Martin Lewis Podcast, where Producer Simon has picked his favourite topics Martin has covered.

Martin Lewis tackles one of the household bills causing confusion for millions: Council Tax. From discounts and exemptions to challenges, refunds and ways to check you're not paying more than you should, Martin shares some of his most useful guidance to help you navigate the system and potentially save money.

Plus, in Tell Us Martin reveals the fascinating secrets shared by flight crew workers. From booking tricks to what really happens behind the...

This is a special best-of episode of our Question Time podcast, where Matt has picked his favourite questions you’ve asked Martin, including: I’m 23 and saving 15% of my salary into my pension, is that enough? My 5-year-old TV’s faulty, can I get a refund? We’ve also hear from Robert, who’s finally debt free after making poor financial decisions when he was younger - and wants to know what he should do now. Then we hear from Carly, who, after hearing Robert’s story on the podcast, decided to seek help with her debt. Plus, how we (or you...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I use AI to improve my finances, and if so, what’s the best and safest way? We’re in our 60s, is it better to not pay off the remainder of our small mortgage? Will a bit of fiddling give us Section 75 credit card protection on our new windows? Am I wrong to use Amex at small retailers? We have a success where keeping old paperwork, as Martin suggested on the podcast, boosted our caller’s pension by 20%! Plus, you ask Martin what p...

Part two of our ‘I don’t get money’ podcasts. Martin explains your consumer rights when returning purchases, including what protection you have when goods are faulty, bought online, or simply not what you expected. He also guides listeners through the practicalities of starting to draw from a pension, covering the key decisions retirees face and common mistakes to avoid. Credit card borrowers ask about balance transfer deals, with Martin discussing when they can save money, what fees to watch out for, and how to use them effectively to tackle existing debt. The podcast also delves into several important later...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: what are the financial benefits of marriage? We want to upsize to a bigger house; how do we know if we can we afford the bills? How do I deal with unfairness when investing for my children of different ages? We have a success, where our caller switched bank but was able to keep their linked regular saver. There’s also an update to the “which student loan do I pay back first?” question from last week, and Martin’s discovered a real problem with the...

In this special I Don’t Get Money edition of The Martin Lewis Podcast, Martin goes right back to basics, tackling the financial concepts listeners have always found confusing but were perhaps too embarrassed to ask about.

From understanding exactly how pensions work and what an energy ‘unit’ actually is when it appears on your bill, to unpicking the difference between saving and investing (and whether investing is really just a form of gambling), Martin breaks down the jargon and explains the fundamentals in plain English.

Along the way, he answers listen...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: is it worth overpaying my mortgage, and when’s the perfect time to do so? I’m worried bank switching will kill my credit score, will it? I’ve got a Plan 2 and Plan 5 student loan; how do the repayments work? What’s the easiest way to track my husband’s lost pensions from various jobs? Plus, what’s the most unusual place Martin’s been asked a financial question? If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets y...

This week on The Martin Lewis Podcast, is a bank account bonanza. Eight current accounts are now paying £175 or more to switch, and in some cases the rewards don't stop there. A number of packaged bank accounts are effectively paying you to sign up too, meaning you could get travel insurance, mobile phone cover and breakdown protection for the whole family thrown in — benefits that can easily be worth £500 a year or more. Martin cuts through the jargon, answers your questions and reveals the top bank account best buys right now. Plus, the long-awaited Treasury Select Committee report into Plan...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if I claim Marriage Allowance, will I have to do a tax return? My dad’s on a prepayment meter, is there anything he can do to cut the rate? If you have no National Insurance contributions, do you get a State Pension? Will the Chancellor’s new ISA rules ruin my marriage savings? Plus, we have a great success, where Martin not only helped their finances, but also helped them find love! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His...

Martin is in full holiday mode – revealing everything you need to know right now to cut the cost of getting away. From the cheapest ways to spend overseas and avoiding costly currency conversion traps, to finding the right travel insurance, beating roaming charges and the single-person supplements, Martin answers listeners’ biggest travel money questions and shares the practical tips that could save you hundreds before you even leave home.

Away from the holiday theme, Martin also takes on some of the biggest consumer issues closer to home. He explains when – and if – we're likely to see lower energy s...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: I’m 23 and saving 15% of my salary into my pension, is that enough? I’m starting to see my credit card debt grow, what should I do? How long should I keep my financial documents for? What happens to an ISA when you die? Plus, we have a shares Junior ISA success! If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know h...

In this week’s episode, there’s a deep dive into first-time buyer savings, with a special focus on Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) and the now-closed but still widely held Help to Buy ISAs. Martin Lewis runs through the pros, pitfalls, and key differences between the schemes, including bonuses and withdrawal rules. Whether you’re saving for your first home or advising someone who is, this segment is packed with practical tips to maximise government support and avoid costly mistakes.

Martin unpacks a major shake-up to Shares ISA rules, with what it means for savers, investors, and anyone trying...

In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: we’re in our 40s, are we failures for not owning a house? Is anything happening with the Lifetime ISA reform, or should I just take the hit and buy my first home? How does the Nationwide Fairer Share bonus work for tax if it comes into our joint account? We also have a success from someone reclaiming mis-sold car finance for a dead relative after they listened to the podcast. Plus, what shoes Martin wears, and a long-awaited ESQ badge update.

If...

Martin Lewis gives you his top ten list of big firms you can haggle with to get the best price on things like satellite TV, phone bills, breakdown cover, insurance, and loads more. He also reveals call centre secrets, including tips from their actual staff, and from listeners who’ve managed to save. As the US and Iran have agreement to extend the ceasefire, will energy bills start to fall? Plus, Mastermind this week is all about a tax-free savings allowance few people know about.

If you want to ask Martin a question, you now can! His Qu...

In this episode, Martin is back answering your latest money dilemmas with a few surprises along the way.

Should you pay off your student loan using a 0% credit card? Martin breaks down the risks, the maths, and who should and shouldn’t be looking to pay off their student loan early.

Energy is in focus as a listener ask: is the Octopus Tracker tariff still a good idea in today’s volatile market? Martin explains who it works for—and who should steer clear.

A question on whether to move a child’s Junior C...

The Big Topic in this week’s episode, Martin Lewis explains the latest on Car Finance Mis-selling – what’s going on and why the wait? Martin unpacks it all, with up to 11 million motorists potentially owed a share of £9 billion due to mis-sold car finance deals. So why haven’t payouts started flowing? He explains the key reasons for the delay. Plus, there’s a crucial new development: the financial regulator is now urging consumers not only to complain about the original car finance but also to scrutinise and potentially challenge the claims management firms that many have relied on to handl...

This week Martin tackles a packed agenda of your questions—ranging from savings decisions in your twenties to navigating the tax system, investing timelines, and even a light-hearted consumer rights query.

Martin answers a question from a 25-year-old wondering whether to lock in life insurance early while premiums are low.

We look at how to bag lucrative current account switching bonuses without losing your main bank account. Martin explains how you can collect multiple bonuses while keeping your primary account untouched.

An NHS employee asks whether moving into the higher tax band means th...

In this episode, Martin Lewis unpacks what’s really happening with energy prices and the energy price cap—what it means for your bills right now, what’s likely coming next, and the practical steps you can take to protect your household finances. From fixed vs variable tariffs to whether now is the right time to switch. We dive into the surprising world of lost and forgotten money, shining a spotlight on the billions that could be sitting unclaimed in old accounts, refunds, or schemes many of us have simply forgotten about. Martin explores where this money commonly hides, includ...