The Martin Lewis Podcast
BBC Radio 5 Live
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Martin Lewis answers your financial questions, offering valuable money-saving tips.
Episodes
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Free cash (up to £600), freebies, state pension and inheritance tax too! 08.10.2026 56mThis 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 qualify, what you need to do to get the cash, and whether opening and closing accounts could have any impact on your credit score.Sticking with the theme of boosting your finances, Martin reveals how to become the ultimate cashback king or queen. He explains how savvy shoppers can maximise rewards by combining cashback credit cards, cashback websites and cashback apps, turning everyday spending into a money-saving machine. In this week’s Mastermind, Martin tackles an issue affecting millions: the State Pension. He explains how the triple lock works, what it really means for pension increases in the years ahead, and why understanding it is more important than ever.And, as ever, there’s time for something a little lighter, as Martin gives his verdict on one question many listeners have been asking: would he ever take part in Celebrity Traitors?Free cash, pension facts and plenty of money-saving know-how - it's all in this week’s episode of The Martin Lewis 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 wanted to know what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
I lost investing, time to retry? | Success: you got me £3k more pension | I bought home at 30, can I fix energy before moving? 05.10.2026 45mIn 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 our new Your Answers feature, Angela tells us she invested £5,000, saw it fall by £150 almost immediately, panicked and sold. Now she's wondering whether she should get back into investing. Martin put the question to listeners and received more than 3,000 responses. From lessons about staying calm during market dips to hard-earned experiences of investing for the long term, he shares the wisdom that stood out.Finally, a brilliant success story: one caller boosted their pension by £3,000 simply from acting on something they heard on the podcast. Martin explains how it happened, why it could affect many more people, and how to check whether you're due extra pension money too.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 what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Is it time to ditch your Premium Bonds? | Free Wills | How to lend to friends & family 01.10.2026 57mMartin 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 £100 million in unclaimed prizes.In this week’s Tell Us, Martin tackles a financial dilemma that can test even the strongest relationships: lending money to family and friends. Have you done it? Did you charge interest? Did it all work out, or end in disaster? Martin shares listeners’ stories and reveals his top tips on how to lend money in a way that protects both your finances and your relationships.Plus, this week’s Mastermind sees Adrian put his knowledge to the test on what happens to your money when you die. Whether he gets the answers right or not, Martin will explain the key rules everyone should know, including why now is the perfect time to sort out an up-to-date will. With three free or low-cost charity will-writing schemes currently available, Martin explains how you can get your affairs in order and make life much easier for the people you leave behind.And there’s also a chat with Adrian Chiles about a very modern public-transport dilemma: what should you do when someone starts blasting audio from their speakerphone for the whole carriage to hear? Adrian gets Martin to recount the time he decided to confront a fellow passenger, and whether it was a triumph of public etiquette or a journey he came to regret.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 what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Question Time: What should every teenager know about money? Time of use tariffs: still worth it? Stooze with other 0% finance? 28.09.2026 56mIn 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 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 got a sweet tooth, what he’d take with him to a desert island, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
What’s going to happen to interest rates? And what it means for mortgages, savings & more! 24.09.2026 1h 7mWhat’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 tubs that became very pricey garden features, it's a chance to confess those purchases that seemed like a great idea at the time.And finally, Martin may have jumped the shark with this week’s Mastermind. A question about savings unleashes his inner thespian, and let's just say he might have enjoyed the performance a little too much. The real challenge is deciding whether the acting helps explain the answer... or completely distracts Adrian Chiles from it.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 what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Question Time: My energy’s fixed: refix early to beat hikes? Will our wedding hit our mortgage? How to switch joint savings? 22.09.2026 54mIn 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 he can do… or at least he tries!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 what he likes in his full English breakfast, what his thermostat’s set to, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Mini pod: Is now the time to ban unnecessary Christmas presents? With 100 days to go, Martin’s top tips to ease costs & stress 18.09.2026 27mIn 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, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Question Time: Is it time to become a stoozer? I halved my car insurance by timing quotes! Rights if buying secondhand? 14.09.2026 46mIn 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 at high interest). We’ve got a ‘sweet spot’ car insurance success, where Cath halved her costs by getting quotes at just the right time, and Martin tells you how you can too! Plus, has Martin’s wife ever brought home a piece of tech that he just had to go and buy for himself? 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 he likes his eggs cooked, what his dream car is, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Should you invest or save for your children? Best funds, best buys, kids pensions and more 10.09.2026 1h 10mThis 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, and even the often-overlooked world of children's pensions.Plus, in this week's Tell Us, Martin hears your stories of the times carefully checking a bill, invoice or statement saved you money. From spotting simple errors to uncovering major overcharges, including one listener who used AI to identify a £1,000 rental discrepancy.Then, Mastermind tackles a question many shoppers have wondered about: what are your legal rights if you buy something and the retailer reduces the price the very next day? Martin explains the rules, the myths, and when you may be able to get money back.And make sure you listen right to the end, as Martin reveals a special tip on an easy way for 13 to 17-year-olds to bag a free £50.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 hours a day he spends on his phone, what his go-to karaoke song is, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Question Time: Am I short-changing my kids’ savings? How to stop loans for gambling addict? Does Section 75 work with vouchers? 07.09.2026 50mIn 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 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 hours a day he spends on his phone, what his go-to karaoke song is, or you have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Time to save for kids’ uni? Time to refix your energy tariff? Plus more back-to-reality issues 03.09.2026 1h 4mIn 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 save.With the Energy Price Cap rising, Martin breaks down the urgent deals currently available that could help cut your bills. He explains whether now is the right time to fix your tariff and, importantly, what those already on a fixed deal should do next. Spoiler: don't rush into refixing without understanding the pitfalls. Energy is also the focus of this week's Mastermind.In the Tell Us feature, it's all about the "C" word... Christmas. Listeners reveal just how much festive preparation they've already done, with some starting as far back as last November.And finally, ever wondered what Martin sounds like played at double speed? There's only one way to find out...!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, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Best bits: Inheritance tax masterclass 31.08.2026 54mThis 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 and lifestyle changes to the things they wish they'd known sooner, these honest and often heartwarming reflections offer valuable insights for anyone planning for life beyond work.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, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
URGENT Energy price cap update: everything you need to know to beat the increase! 26.08.2026 15mWith 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 21.08.2026 42mWe 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, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Best bits: How to check if you’re paying too much council tax 13.08.2026 42mThis 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 scenes, hear the insider tips and surprising confessions that you won't want to miss.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, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
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? 06.08.2026 35mThis 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) decided what we should call you if you come on the 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 wanted to know his favourite paper size, what prescription he has in his glasses, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
Question Time: Can AI improve my finances? Could clearing our mortgage hurt our credit score? Old paperwork boosted my pension! 27.07.2026 45mIn 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 products he wouldn’t be able to live without if he had to spend less. 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 what his second favourite podcast is, how he feels about films that run for longer than three hours, or have a very complicated question about your finances, email it to [email protected]. -
What is it you just don’t get about money? Beginners guide to pensions, energy, credit cards, return rights and far more 23.07.2026 1h 6mPart 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-life financial topics. Martin answers questions on inheritance tax, clarifying who may be affected and the rules families should be aware of, while also explaining the importance of setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney before it becomes urgently needed. With savings rates remaining a key concern, Martin discusses when interest earned on savings could become taxable, helping listeners understand allowances. He also examines the latest concerns around energy prices, what households should be prepared for. Plus, Martin looks at the changing role of cash in everyday spending. Finally, he highlights social tariffs for broadband, explaining how eligible households could significantly reduce their internet bills and how to check whether they qualify.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 [email protected]. -
Question Time: What money mistakes do married couples make? Can we afford to upsize? How do you repay two student loans? 20.07.2026 52mIn 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 [email protected]. -
“I Don’t Get Money!” Back-to-basics special on pensions, savings, car insurance, energy and more 16.07.2026 40mIn 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 [email protected].
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