The Martin Lewis Podcast

Question Time: What money mistakes do married couples make? Can we afford to upsize? How do you repay two student loans? 20.07.2026 52λ

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 answer! Plus, if Martin could go back in time, what event would he choose to go to, and why? 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 if he’s green-fingered, how many books he’s read this year, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

“I Don’t Get Money!” Back-to-basics special on pensions, savings, car insurance, energy and more 16.07.2026 40λ

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 listeners’ questions on why Section 75 credit card protection doesn’t extend to additional cardholders, why car insurance premiums can rise even after a no-fault accident, and whether responsibility for faulty goods lies with the retailer or the manufacturer.Plus, Martin demystifies one of the most misunderstood financial products of all: bonds. What are they, how do they work, and are they right for you?Whether you’re baffled by pensions, puzzled by investing, or simply want a clearer understanding of the financial rules that affect everyday life, this is a back-to-basics guide to money that aims to make the complicated simple.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 why he speaks so quickly, if he organises his wardrobe by colour or garment type, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Overpay mortgage with savings? Can bank switching kill a credit score? How do I find my husband’s lost pensions? 13.07.2026 41λ

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 you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know why he speaks so quickly, if he organises his wardrobe by colour or garment type, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Make £1,000s from switching bank? | Will government back track on Plan 2 Student Loan hike 09.07.2026 1ώ 7λ

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 2 student loans has finally landed. The report says many borrowers were effectively misled, echoing Martin's long-standing argument that the Government has a "moral duty" to reverse the planned increase in repayments for existing borrowers. Martin explains what the report says, what it means politically, and whether it could make a practical difference to those affected. And in this week’s Tell Us, we're uncovering the insider secrets of the restaurant trade. From the best ways to get value for money to what staff really think about the wine list, those who work in restaurants share their tips and tricks.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 how many potted plants he has in his house, if his clocks are all precisely synchronised (or not), or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question time: Will new ISA rules ruin my wedding savings? | Martin, you helped me find love! | Can I fix on a prepay meter? 06.07.2026 45λ

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 Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!). So, if you’ve always wanted to know how many potted plants he has in his house, if his clocks are all precisely synchronised (or not), or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

The Packing Pod! Cut out hidden holiday costs: foreign exchange, insurance, travelling with kids & more 02.07.2026 1ώ 15λ

This week on The Martin Lewis Podcast, 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 standing charges, why he believes recent regulator interventions have had the unintended consequence of pushing up the cost of broadband and mobile deals, and asks why Britain still doesn’t have a single, unified social tariff system for water bills to support those who need help most. For this week’s Tell Us, we're looking for the insiders' guide to travel. We hear the secrets of the trade from people who’ve worked as a holiday reps, in a hotel, for an airline, tour operator or anywhere in the travel industry, explaining what holidaymakers should know about – from getting the best room and avoiding unnecessary extras to making the most of your trip for less.And in Mastermind, Martin puts Adrian’s knowledge to the test with a questions focused on pensions.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 weather, which factor suncream he uses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Is saving 15% of my salary into my pension enough? How long do I keep financial docs? ISA rules when I die? 29.06.2026 40λ

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 his favourite weather, which factor suncream he uses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

The huge new ISA and Lifetime ISA changes explained | Flight crew secrets 25.06.2026 1ώ 5λ

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 to grow their money tax-efficiently. He breaks down the proposed changes and whether you should be thinking differently about where you put your savings going forward.In the Tell Us, Martin turns to listeners working in the travel industry - airlines, hotels, and beyond. Asking: what are the biggest mistakes holidaymakers make? From booking blunders and baggage errors to check-in timing and hidden costs, industry insiders share their top tips on how to travel smarter and smoother this summer.Finally, in the Mastermind section, Adrian tackles a tricky consumer issue: who do you complain to if you used a claims firm for car finance and feel you were misled?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 which letter of the alphabet is his favourite, how many marshmallows he can fit in his mouth at any one time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Are we failures for not owning a home? Is the LISA still due to be replaced? Car finance claim success! 22.06.2026 58λ

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 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 which letter of the alphabet is his favourite, how many marshmallows he can fit in his mouth at any one time, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

How it pays to be nice! The top ten big firms to haggle with and their call centre secrets 18.06.2026 57λ

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 Question Time podcast lets you ask Martin absolutely anything and everything (within reason!) – so if you’ve always wanted to know his favourite bridge, if he can do a handstand for longer than a minute, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Pay off my Student Loan with a 0% card? Shift kids cash ISA to shares? Success: ‘Saved £500 on breakdown cover!’ 15.06.2026 45λ

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 Cash ISA into a Stocks & Shares ISA. Martin helps you to decide what’s right for your child’s future.We also celebrate a listener win: how one savvy saver managed to cut £500 off their breakdown cover—and what you can learn from it.Plus, a glimpse behind the scenes: find out what Martin Lewis’s monthly step record is (it’s higher than you might expect), and producer Simon reveals the surprising mix of jobs he’s had before joining the team.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Car finance payouts! Will it happen? Have you unknowingly signed up to a claims firm? 11.06.2026 48λ

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 handle complaints. Martin lays out what you should be doing right now to protect your claim and maximise any potential payout.Adrian Chiles found himself £15 out of pocket after being charged on his credit card for something he didn’t purchase. Martin explains the simple, powerful consumer protection that can help you reclaim your money quickly. Whether it’s through chargeback or Section 75 protections, he breaks down exactly what to do if you spot an unfamiliar transaction, and how to act fast for the best chance of success.Finally, Martin highlights a worrying trend affecting travellers. He explains how some British Airways customers are being nudged into paying significantly more than necessary for travel permits. If you’re planning a trip, this is essential listening: Martin shares how to avoid overpaying, what to watch out for, and how to make sure you’re only paying what you actually need.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Get life insurance young, as its cheaper? Keep my bank account but get switchers’ bonus? When to STOP investing? 08.06.2026 46λ

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 they’ll need to file a self-assessment tax return.A listener calls in with concerns around their investing strategy: wanting to know if they should stop investing five years before needing your money?Things take a lighter turn when a listener asks about their “consumer rights” over obtaining a Question Time audience badge.And, strongman Eddie Hall asks Martin: “What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever lifted?”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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Why the Price Cap rise is voluntary! £87bn of lost pensions & accounts. Reclaim student loans 04.06.2026 1ώ 3λ

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, including dormant bank and savings accounts and unclaimed pension pots from previous jobs. Tell Us is all about when you have found money you didn’t know you had. From rediscovered savings accounts to surprise payouts decades later, the episode celebrates the unexpected windfalls—including a caller who found money in her knicker draw. Steffan Powell is presenting instead of Adrian Chiles this week. In Mastermind Martin asks him about reclaiming student loan overpayments before guiding listeners through how to check if they’ve paid too much and how to get that cash back. It’s quick, practical, and could put real money back in your pocket. 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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Big Energy Bill Hikes Coming: Should You Fix Now, Even If You’re Already Fixed? 04.06.2026 59λ

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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Cancel old credit cards? Martin: What 3 laws would you introduce? Pay v pensions? 01.06.2026 32λ

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 score, and how to hope between different cards unscathed.There's a question asked about a showdown between an impressively high pension contribution versus a potentially massive increase in pay. Martin explains the pros and cons of each. There’s also a feel‑good moment, with a success story from a listener who successfully used Gift Aid on their charitable donations, and Martin delivers a little refresher on Gift Aid for those who want to use it to the fullest.Plus, Martin considers an alternate universe where he is in charge of Britain, and thinks of three laws he would enact for the good of the consumer.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Question Time: Beginner investor: explain the risk? Faulty kitchen: getting money back? Self-employed: how to start a pension? 18.05.2026 38λ

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, explains how to get started and how to make your money work harder for your future.A listener asks what rights they have when a kitchen starts to fail five years after installation. Martin explains consumer protection laws, including how long goods should reasonably last and how to challenge retailers or manufacturers when things go wrong well beyond the guarantee period, going through his SAD FART acronym so you can easily remember your statutory rights under the UK Consumer Rights Act.There’s also a feel‑good moment, with a success story from a listener who successfully claimed on their travel insurance - highlighting the importance of knowing how to navigate the claims process.Plus, Martin reflects on his own biggest money‑saving faux pas, listen to find out if he is on the Energy Price Cap.And, England fast bowler Mark Wood steps up to become the first cricket World Cup winner to also be awarded an ESQ.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Council Tax Cost Cutting Special: 5 ways to try to cut your bill & possibly get £1,000s back 14.05.2026 1ώ 1λ

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”— We’re asking: What’s the biggest money secret you’ve ever kept? When was it? Who did you keep it from—and why? We hear your candid, surprising, and sometimes emotional stories.In our regular Mastermind feature, Adrian tackles a question from Martin on Lifetime ISAs (LISAs).And Martin brings you the latest Premium Bonds update—including current prize rates, odds of winning, and whether they still stack up compared to savings accounts in today’s climate.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

What’s the best way to stooze (pervert 0% cards to make money)? | Top savings for 17yr-old | Will I lose Child Benefit? 11.05.2026 30λ

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 year old a credit card for a first trip abroad. He also explains what alternatives are around.And finally, make sure you listen to the end to find out who, in the week of Martin’s birthday, we get as a surprise special guest last caller…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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.

Energy firms sitting on £3bn of our credit – how to get it back | Cheapest way to spend abroad 07.05.2026 1ώ 1λ

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 about your rights if you buy a faulty item.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 ice cream flavour, if he’s ever pondered the meaning of life, or have a very complicated question about your personal finances, email it to MartinLewisPodcast@bbc.co.uk.