Feel Better About Money
Feel Better About Money
The Times
A weekly podcast for those who want to understand money better. A podcast from The Times and Sunday Times about what is possible. Presented by Holly Mead, an expert in personal finance, the podcast explores how money shapes our lives - from friendships and families to weddings, homes, and the daily challenges of saving and spending.Each week, Holly takes a single subject such as pensions or tax to test out with tried and tested experts, many from the Times Money team. The aim is simple: to give you the insights and information you need to make your money work better for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is now the time to buy an electric car?
Lucy and Holly look at the financial pros and cons of going electric on the road. James Court from Octopus EV and Erin Baker from Auto Trader unpack the true costs of owning an electric car - from tax perks and lower running costs to charging infrastructure and government policy. What should buyers know before making the switch? And is it smart to invest now, given that petrol and diesel are being phased out by 2030? Guests: James Court, Director of Public Policy, Octopus Electric Vehicles.Erin Baker, Editorial Director, Auto Trader UK. Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 30, 2025
29 min
What is the Gen Z gold rush?
In this episode, Lucy and Holly ask why a new generation of investors is turning to one of the world’s oldest assets: Gold. Joined by Brian Byrnes from Moneybox together they unpack gold’s historical role in the economy, its incredible performance, and how it compares to trendier assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks. Is gold still relevant in a digital-first world? Why are younger investors increasingly drawn to it? And does it have any downsides? Plus, we hear from young financial coach Laura Ann Moore, on how it fits into own long-term investment plan.Guests: Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at MoneyboxContact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 23, 2025
29 min
Can we 'Trump Proof' our finances?
Big changes in global trade can feel...unsettling, and as President Donald Trump's tariffs move markets we’re here to help you stay steady. So what does all this mean for your savings, your investments, your pensions, your mortgages, and your bills? Amy Knight from NerdWallet and Fergus McDonald, from Evelyn Partners, join Holly and Lucy to give us the best tips for Trump proofing your finances!Guests: Amy Knight, NerdWallet & Fergus McDonald, Financial Planner at Evelyn Partners.Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 16, 2025
22 min
What is Inheritance Tax and can it be avoided?
What actually is inheritance tax, and will it affect you? Can it be avoided without breaking the law? And why are Britain’s farmers so furious about it? In this episode, Holly Mead is joined by consumer finance expert Sarah Pennells to demystify one of the UK’s most controversial taxes. From gifting and the seven-year rule to pensions, property, and the latest government changes, Feel Better About Money is breaking it all down.Guest: Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London.Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 10, 2025
36 min
How do you actually access your pension pot?
Pensions payouts can be confusing, but good news! You don’t have to figure it out alone. With a third of people over 55 unsure about their options and many worried about tax implications, we’re here to make it all a little clearer. Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb joins Holly and Lucy to demystify the process, explaining when and how you can access your pension, the pros and cons of lump sums, drawdowns, and annuities, and how to make sure your money lasts through retirement.Guest: Steve Webb, Partner at Lane Clark and Peacock & Former Minister for Pensions.Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 2, 2025
33 min
What Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement means for your money
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement - but what does it really mean for your money? Holly Mead is joined by Jo Noble, Chris Etherington and Tom Selby to break down the key takeaways - from welfare cuts to tax crackdowns - as they look at what was announced, what was left out, and what may still come later this year.Guests: Jo Noble, Money Editor, The Times and The Sunday Times. Chris Etherington, Private Client Partner, RSM UK. Tom Selby, Director of Public Policy, AJ Bell.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 27, 2025
33 min
How to make 'Awful April' a whole lot better!
Poor April! Next month has been labelled as 'awful'. Why? Because many household bills across the board are set to rise once again. So, what can we do to weather the storm? Consumer rights expert Martyn James joins Holly and Lucy to make it all feel a little less scary, with tips and tricks to help you save money.   Guest: Martyn James, consumer rights expert, journalist and broadcaster. Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2025
32 min
How to help your child become a millionaire (maybe!)
It’s thought our money habits are learned by the age of seven. So how do you give your child the best money saving chances? This week Holly and Lucy are joined by family wealth planner Francesca Smith to discuss how to teach children the basics about money - how to make those conversations fun, as well as the apps, cards and accounts suitable for young savers.The Times and Sunday Times have also launched a new parenting hub, where you’ll find all the latest articles on school and university guides, advice on mental health, finances, as well as Jo Noble's ongoing series on the cost of raising a child. Find out more at thetimes.com/parenting.   Guests: Francesca Smith, Financial Adviser at FSWM and founder of the Frankie’s women’s network. Contact: Lucy and Holly at: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2025
32 min
Saving hacks that could actually work!
From the 1p savings challenge to the 50-30-20 budgeting rule, the internet is brimming with advice on how to save pennies and turn them into pounds - but do they actually work? To separate fact from fad, Holly and Lucy are joined by Beth Snow from Beth's Budget Diary to discuss saving tips and tricks that make a difference.Listen: Getting started with investing Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2025
31 min
Why is driving so expensive? Here's how to save on costs
Driving lessons and car insurance costs are rising, but there are ways to cut costs. Holly and Lucy dive into the rising costs of driving with Julie Daniels from Compare The Market and Seb Goldin from Red Driving School. They reveal smart ways to save - from cutting insurance costs to avoiding scams that target learner drivers. Contact: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2025
29 min