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Our approach to dealing with money matters is often shaped by the examples set by our parents, which in some cases we may replicate and in others we react against. Adam Cox helps to untangle these experiences and, in so doing, tackles the challenge of procrastination - when things are put into the 'too difficult to resolve' box. He introduces another perspective, that of the utility cost of doing nothing. If you find yourself struggling to determine the best way forward, this episode could be for you.

Where do you stand on smart meters? This seemingly common sense technological advance in how we are billed for energy has proved hugely divisive. From concerns over security and surveillance, to a mistrust of energy companies, and a botched and sometimes accused of bullying rollout, smart meters have not proved the popular success it was hoped they would be. Now things have stepped up a gear, as an Ofgem change will lead to smart meters being able to send half hour updates to energy providers - opening the door for electricity pricing to change at different times of day. The idea is that this will help smooth usage and make the transition to green energy easier and cheaper, while saving customers money. That makes sense: why not charge your electric car or run the tumble drier when demand is low and so are prices? But it also creates the potential for a troubling scenario for many, where energy pricing is used to change our behaviour. Meanwhile, people also question whether private companies that sell us power are likely to give up profits and allow our energy bills to get cheaper overall. Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at the latest smart meter controversy and whether we are overthinking this. Also, there’s some number crunching on what people need to do to combat inflation’s effect on their spending, income and wealth. The team discuss the weird world of rising second hand car prices and used cars worth more than new ones. And finally, friend of This is Money, Dave Fishwick – of Bank of Dave fame – is going to be the subject of a movie. Lee updates on what Dave briefed him about earlier.

Adam Cox is joined by Valentine’s Day Gifting Expert from Haute Florist, Maryam Ghani, to discuss new research which reveals Brit's Valentine’s Day gifting habits. They look at why buying flowers from a proper florist could be a better choice, and what Haute Florist is doing for the Valentines season. https://www.hauteflorist.co.uk/

Adam Cox is joined by Richard Denton, Partner and Head of Private Client for North London firm, OGR Stock Denton, to discuss the rise in probate fee's and how this may affect applications. They look at the process of probate, and what the current wait times are, and Richard explains the main benefits of using an experienced solicitor firm of specialises in probate. https://www.ogrstockdenton.com/

Adam Cox is joined by Rory O'Sullivan, from award-winning Martin Miller’s Gin, for Ginuary to talk all things Gin. They discuss how the gin industry has changed over the last 2 years and what to look out for when choosing a gin. Rory also gives some great tips and tricks to recreate bar standard drinks at home. https://www.martinmillersgin.com/

Adam Cox is joined by Judith Buckland, from Family Law Solicitors Woolley & Co, to discuss a major new divorce law change coming in April and the public attitudes around this. They look at how the change will aid people in toxic marriages and what Woolley & Co can do to help. https://www.family-lawfirm.co.uk/

Adam Cox is joined by Reshma Malde, Superintendent Pharmacist at John Bell & Croyden, to discuss how the use of pharmacy services have changed in the last 12 months and how the following 12 may develop. Reshma explains why it is so important to be proactive about health and the people who would benefit most. https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/

Join Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce to help you cope with the trials and tribulations of a Christmas where little is certain. What happens to your money if your show bookings are cancelled? Plus, they discuss fine wines and what kind of Christmas spread your pension pot might buy. Also - is there a role for wealth taxes?

Premium Bonds are probably Britain’s best loving savings product but are they worth holding? The savings lottery delivers 100% government-backed protection, a theoretical 1% return – dependent on luck – and relatively easy access to your cash. But a new report this week highlighted just how unlikely people are to win big prizes. In fact, unless you have a sizeable amount in bonds, you should expect a long wait for anything over £25. But does the study stack up? What about all the readers telling us they’ve won lots? And does it matter that you’d have to wait ages to win £50 or more – or are those uninspiring regular £25 prizes a much more useful source of returns? Georgie Frost, Adrian Lowery and Simon Lambert dig into Premium Bonds, looking at the odds, the study on big prizes, what our readers have told us, and also how many people hold. Plus, interest rate rise chatter has stepped up a gear this week. Is a hike really imminent? Also under discussion: are the energy saving measures you can take to try to cut your bills, as the price spike sends more providers bust and threatens household finances? As Meghan and Harry get the ethical invest bug, we a look at ESG, greenwashing and how to invest to make an environmental impact. And finally, the topsy-turvy Covid world has thrown a new curveball: one-year-old used cars are now more expensive than brand new ones. How does that work? The team try to explain and reveal the used cars rising in value the most.

On 31 August '21 The Share Foundation hosted a virtual event for young people in Wales, to help them find money that the government put away in a Child Trust Fund for when they reached 18. All young people born in the UK from 1st September 2002 should have one of these accounts, but huge numbers don't know anything about them! With Welsh-speaking help from Jac, this audio podcast of the virtual event tells you all about your good fortune, and invites you to register at https://findCTF.sharefound.org so that Sharefound can help link you with your money. Please share! And if you want to join a virtual event yourself, please visit https://www.sharefound.org/ctf-virtual-events and register for your choice of date: they're taking place each fortnight.