Share Sounds. related to Personal Finance

Adam Cox is joined by Jane Lucy, CEO of Labrador, to discuss how recent energy price rises will affect the British public, and why finding a good deal on energy is currently so difficult. Jane explains who Labrador are, and what their new service launching this week is. https://www.thelabrador.co.uk/

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a tragic situation that goes far beyond worries about our finances, but it will have an impact on them. The ins and outs of the conflict are not something that This is Money is qualified to comment on, but the financial impact of events is something that readers and listeners come to us to learn about. Georgie Frost, Tanya Jefferies and Simon Lambert look at what that impact could be. How the Russian-Ukraine conflict will affect out personal finances: from energy bills, to petrol prices and food, to the immediate volatility it has thrust on to people's investments, the team look at what is happening and what may happen next. Should investors stay calm and stick to their guns, or are their merits in one outlier suggestion of moving 50% to cash and battening down the hatches? Also, the added problem of inflation for people's investments and how to combat it. Plus, the latest on the state pension underpayment scandal and how some councils are now trying to rake in money from those paid back lump sums. And finally, its not an uncommon situation now to sell a property and step out of the market while you find a new one, but what should you do with a huge sum of cash in the meantime?

A free 'midlife MOT' course has been launched aimed at people who want to do a stock take of their current finances, career and health. This is an idea championed by the finance industry and government. But is it any good? Investments and pensions editor Tanya Jefferies undertook the course by finance giant Legal & General and the Open University and tells Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce of her experience. NS&I has doubled the rates on its green bonds – are they still missing the mark or is the boost good for eco-conscious savers? The Power of Attorney system has come in for plenty of slack this week with the 'creaking' system said to be in desperate need of improvement. What can be done and why is it important? Could you, or someone you know, be entitled to a social broadband tariff which could save hundreds on an annual internet bill? And finally, Lee goes into detail about This is Money's new retro revival series – with the first 'cash in the attic' style subject in focus being video games, and more specifically Nintendo and its late 90s N64 console.

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/