Podcasts presented by Sarah Pennells (1) related to Personal Finance - Family Finance

The start of the new tax year earlier this month didn't only mean changes to taxes and the introduction of a lifetime ISA, it also resulted in some big changes to benefits. Critics say that some of these changes will leave families much worse off. And some of the changes, such as the introduction of the so-called 'rape clause' are pretty controversial.

Retirement can often be the trigger for a big purchase, whether it's a new kitchen or a brand-new car. But what happens if the car you buy develops a major fault or the kitchen turns out to be fitted by cowboys? What are your rights and when can you make a company refund your cash? Sarah spoke with Sylvia Rook, who's lead officer for fair trading at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute; Martyn James, who's from the complaints website Resolver; and Kate Jobson, who's a consumer law expert at Citizens Advice.

It's just over a month until the launch of the government's tax-free childcare scheme, which will give parents up to £2,000 towards the cost of their childcare. The scheme will go live on April 28th and will be available initially for parents with the youngest children. Meanwhile later this year, the amount of free childcare that parents will be able to get will increase to 30 hours a week in termtime compared to the current limit of 15 hours a week. So, how can you find the childcare that's right for you and your budget and how do you apply for the new tax-free childcare? This week Sarah Pennells is joined by Lynn James who's the founder of money blog Mrs Mummypenny and Chris Davis, head of the Customer engagement team at HM Revenue and Customs.

Last week, Croydon became the first London borough to stop funding IVF treatment. It means that couples who can't conceive naturally won't be able to get fertility treatment on the NHS. So what can you do if you have to pay for IVF and how much might it cost? Sarah Pennells is joined by Jo Wheatley, Netmums' Associate Editor, Professor Geeta Nargund, director of Create Fertility and Professor Joyce Harper, a spokesperson for the British Fertility Society.

It's the kind of thing we don't want to have to think about, and dealing with a whole load of forms and numerous different companies is probably the last thing you want to do when your loved one has died. There are a number of things to consider though, not least changes to bereavement benefits which could leave thousands of widows and widowers worse off. Sarah Pennells is joined by Alastair McQueen from pensions and insurance provider Aviva, David Samson of turn2Us, which specializes in benefits advice and help and James Ward, Partner and Head of Private Clients at Seddons.

Over the last few weeks there's been a lot of focus on housing and older people, with the government's White Paper on housing looking at ways to encourage older people to downsize. But not everyone wants to sell up. Last year people released over £2 billion of equity from their homes. So, how can you make money from your property? What are the options and what do you have to bear in mind? Sarah Pennells was joined in the studio by Jane King who's from Ashridge financial planning and by Ceri Wheeldon who's the founder of the website Fab After Fifty.

With the help of guests, Malcolm McLean, from Barnet Waddingham, Claire Walsh, head of advice at Unbiased, Cleona Lira from 2Plan Wealth Management and Caroline Siarkiewicz from the Money Advice Service. Sarah looks at how you can get a head start on your finances in 2017

Want to get the best deals on your Christmas Shopping? Not sure how to make the most of Black Friday? Never fear! Sarah Pennells is joined in the studio by Martyn James, Independent Financial Expert and Commentator, Katy Phillips from Idealo, and James Walker from the complaints website Resolver.co.uk, to share top tips on securing that must have bargain as well as answering your consumer rights questions.

In need of a little extra cash for your Christmas present fund this year? Sarah Pennells is joined by Jasmine Birtles, Founder of money saving website Money Magpie, Naomi Willis from the money blog Skint Dad, and Abigail Dickinson, Communications Executive at cashback site Quidco, to look at ways to make and save those essential pennies for the Christmas shop.

This week financial journalists Vix Layton and Lindsay Cook take on the banks charging more on overdrafts than pay day loan companies as well as looking at the use of friend referral offers. Plus why white goods are getting the sucker punch awards this week.