The Martin Lewis Podcast
Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.
Question Time: Is it time to become a stoozer? I halved my car insurance by timing quotes! Rights if buying secondhand?
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...
Should you invest or save for your children? Best funds, best buys, kids pensions and more
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...
Question Time: Am I short-changing my kids’ savings? How to stop loans for gambling addict? Does Section 75 work with vouchers?
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. If you...
Time to save for kids’ uni? Time to refix your energy tariff? Plus more back-to-reality issues
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...
Best bits: Inheritance tax masterclass
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...
URGENT Energy price cap update: everything you need to know to beat the increase!
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.
Best of Question Time: How do I escape a joint account? Save hard, or spend more on my family? Top tips for beginner investors
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...
Best bits: How to check if you’re paying too much council tax
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...
Best of Question Time: Is 15% of my salary going in a pension enough? I'm finally debt free, what now? What should we call you?
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...
Question Time: Can AI improve my finances? Could clearing our mortgage hurt our credit score? Old paperwork boosted my pension!
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...
What is it you just don’t get about money? Beginners guide to pensions, energy, credit cards, return rights and far more
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...
Question Time: What money mistakes do married couples make? Can we afford to upsize? How do you repay two student loans?
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...
“I Don’t Get Money!” Back-to-basics special on pensions, savings, car insurance, energy and more
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...
Question Time: Overpay mortgage with savings? Can bank switching kill a credit score? How do I find my husband’s lost pensions?
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...
Make £1,000s from switching bank? | Will government back track on Plan 2 Student Loan hike
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...
Question time: Will new ISA rules ruin my wedding savings? | Martin, you helped me find love! | Can I fix on a prepay meter?
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...
The Packing Pod! Cut out hidden holiday costs: foreign exchange, insurance, travelling with kids & more
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...
Question Time: Is saving 15% of my salary into my pension enough? How long do I keep financial docs? ISA rules when I die?
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...
The huge new ISA and Lifetime ISA changes explained | Flight crew secrets
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...
Question Time: Are we failures for not owning a home? Is the LISA still due to be replaced? Car finance claim success!
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...
How it pays to be nice! The top ten big firms to haggle with and their call centre secrets
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...
Question Time: Pay off my Student Loan with a 0% card? Shift kids cash ISA to shares? Success: ‘Saved £500 on breakdown cover!’
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...
Car finance payouts! Will it happen? Have you unknowingly signed up to a claims firm?
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...
Question Time: Get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing?
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...
Why the Price Cap rise is voluntary! £87bn of lost pensions & accounts. Reclaim student loans
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...
Big Energy Bill Hikes Coming: Should You Fix Now, Even If You’re Already Fixed?
Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about your future energy bills. Martin offers a live reaction to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ statement in the Commons on the cost of living. Tell Us this week is all about what’s the most bizarre way you’ve secured a discount? Fancy dress, sublime banter, a secret code phrase? And Mastermind this week is about defaulting on your credit file. Can Adrian earn the elusive hallelujahs? His Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite...
Question Time: Cancel old credit cards? Martin: What 3 laws would you introduce? Pay v pensions?
In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin takes on your consumer rights questions including to cancel or not to cancel old credit cards, higher paycheck or higher pension contributions, and if Martin were King for a day, what three laws would he introduce?
There's a question about the rules when it comes to paying tax on benefit payments, Martin explains the rules and regulations.
With so many competing credit card providers, Martin takes a question on how's best to balance closing old cards with maintaining your credit...
Question Time: Beginner investor: explain the risk? Faulty kitchen: getting money back? Self-employed: how to start a pension?
In this episode of The Martin Lewis Question Time Podcast, Martin tackles a packed agenda of your real-life money dilemmas, bringing practical advice to your most pressing financial questions.
For those new to investing, there’s a question from a beginner worried about risk. Martin unpacks what “risk” really means, how to assess your tolerance, and why understanding volatility is key before putting your money into the markets.
Martin explains pension options for the self-employed - a crucial topic for anyone without automatic workplace contributions. Martin breaks down the key choices, from personal pensions to SIPPs...
Council Tax Cost Cutting Special: 5 ways to try to cut your bill & possibly get £1,000s back
Martin Lewis dives into council tax. Are you overpaying? Martin breaks down practical, often overlooked ways you could cut your bill—potentially saving hundreds each year. From checking your property band to claiming discounts for single occupancy, students, or disabilities.
We also explore what to do if you think your property has been incorrectly assessed—plus the potential risks of challenging your banding. With real-life success stories and clear step-by-step guidance, you’ll find out how to navigate the system and make sure you're not paying more than you need to.
Plus, this week’s “Tell Us”—...
What’s the best way to stooze (pervert 0% cards to make money)? | Top savings for 17yr-old | Will I lose Child Benefit?
In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: an explainer on what the best way is to stooze - in other words, how to I get money from a 0% credit card to save it and maximise the gain.
Martin answers a question about the best saving account options for a 17yr old.
A caller asks if they will lose Child Benefit if they only earn over the limit for some of the year.
Discover the advice Martin gives a parent who is nervous of giving their 18...
Energy firms sitting on £3bn of our credit – how to get it back | Cheapest way to spend abroad
Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about the energy direct debit cycle. Explaining why this is perfect time of year to check your direct debits, how much you should be in credit or debt with your energy provider and what do you do if you’re too much in credit.
Martin explains the cheapest ways to spend abroad and why you should be thinking about it now.
A lovely Tell Us which looks at when your children have impressed you with their financial knowledge.
And Mastermind this week is all ab...
Question Time: Where do I put house sale money? Consumer rights wrong righted! How to talk to my partner about money?
In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I switch my energy fix to a new provider during the 14-day cooling off period? Where should I keep a big lump sum I’ve got from my house sale? I’ve had a financial lightbulb moment, but my partner can’t see it, how should I talk to them about it? Plus, after a question about a retailer that was displaying the wrong returns info online, we’ve turned a consumer rights wrong into a success! If you want to ask Martin a questi...
Can you make £500 switching bank?
Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about bank account switching, including which banks are willing to pay you money to do so.
Martin also takes you through the need-to-knows about Pension Credits, whether you can claim them and how to claim. The Mastermind question this week is also on pensions.
And there is also a huge win from our Question Time podcast. 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 want...
Question Time: I got £5k back after calling the pod! Can I move a loan to a 0% card? Claim car finance comp for dead relative?
In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I shift a £15,000 loan to a 0% credit card to cut costs? How do I find any car finance agreements my deceased father had so we can reclaim them for my step-mum? Can I trick the bank into thinking I’m a higher earner to get £500 for free? We have a huge success, where one call to this podcast got our caller £5,000 back! Plus, we reveal what we’re going to call you if you ask a question or come on the podcast. What is it...
The big mistake many make when saving or investing for their children…
Martin Lewis brings you everything you need to know about saving or investing for your children’s future, including: Junior ISAs, children’s savings, regular savings - and reveals the biggest mistake most parents make, so you don’t do the same! Plus, there’s car finance compensation news, as a claims law firm has announced it will take the regulator to court to try and increase consumer payments, but could it slow things down? You tell us the cheapest thing you've ever taken back to a shop to complain about, and Mastermind is all about which credit product has the...
Question Time: Keep saving hard, or spend more on my family? £30,000 stoozing success! Top up missing NI years?
In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: can I claim car finance mis-selling if I had an interest-free deal? Should I continue to save hard, overpay my mortgage and invest, or spend a bit more enjoying life with my young family? What do I do if my LISA bonus comes in after I’ve bought my first house? Do I need to top up missing National Insurance years at 36? We also have a brilliant success story from a couple of stoozers who’ve managed to build a £30,000 stooze pot, plus, you get t...
Energy fixes are back! | Best ISAs for 2026/7 | Council Tax Change
Energy bills are in the news and this may be a crucial moment. In this podcast Martin explains the Energy Price Cap, and the firms offering fixes cheaper than the Price Cap.
It’s a new tax year, and that means all UK adults have a new £20,000 tax-free ISA allowance to use. Martin runs through your options of where to put your money.
Martin explains why a change on council tax debt collection which will mean vulnerable people will have more time and support to settle their outstanding council tax bills has put him in a g...
URGENT MINI POD: Car finance mis-selling confirmed: Will you get your money back?
In a special, urgent edition of the podcast, Martin explains what you need to know right now - as the financial regulator sets out its redress scheme for millions of motorists who were mis-sold finance deals.
The scheme will apply to more than 12 million deals - and will cost lenders 9.1 BILLION pounds.
So - who is included? Should you put in a complaint now? What vehicles are eligible? How do I know if it was mis-sold? Martin answers all those questions - and more.
If you want to ask Martin a question, you...
Question Time: 5 year old TV’s faulty, can I get a refund? Your caller helped me sort my debt! When shouldn't I pay IN FULL?
In our Question Time podcast, Martin Lewis gives you answers on anything and everything, including: if my holiday’s cancelled due to the Middle East conflict, can I get a refund on the travel insurance? Vodafone promised me a 50% discount but now they’re chipping away at it, what can I do? When is paying off a credit card IN FULL not worth it? My high-end TV is faulty after 5 years, am I due any money back? Plus, a wonderful success from Carly, who was inspired by a podcast caller to finally seek the debt help she needs.
If...
Lifetime ISA, is the free £1,000/yr still worth it? | Your insider MoneySaving tips
The big topic in this pod is Lifetime ISAs, LISAs give up to £1,000 a year bonus for first time buyers, but there are pitfalls to watch too. With the ISA year about to end, Martin Lewis runs through how they work and how best to use them in detail.
Martin also explains the LISA's predecessor the Help to Buy ISA and which is best. He also goes through the best options currently on the market.
Plus why are vulnerable people made to declare their issues to firm after firm, isn’t it time we stopped tha...