Podcasts from Ask Sarah presented by Sarah Pennells (1)

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

It's estimated that we Brits spent around £4.5 billion on our pets last year - that's up 25% since 2010. And the Christmas treat and present market seems to have gone into overdrive this year. So, forget Brexit, the key question is whether or not you'll be buying your pet a present at Christmas. And, if you have a pet, will it be joining in the festive celebrations? Or perhaps you're heading abroad for a Christmas break and you're not sure who should look after your pet while you're away. Sarah is joined by Dr. Leigh-Anne Brown, a vet and the owner of Vets4Pets in Harrogate, Nicky Trevorrow, Behaviour Manager at Cats Protection and Bill Lambert, Health and Breeder Services Manager at the Kennel Club.

Earlier this week independent energy supplier GB Energy Supply ceased trading, forcing Ofgem to step in and appoint another supplier. But what can you do and what are your rights if your supplier or bank fails? Joining Sarah are Ann Robinson, an independent energy consultant, James Walker from complaints site Resolver and Martyn James, an independent financial expert.

Between 2001 and 2011, the number of whiplash claims for car accidents doubled, despite the number of accidents going down by 40%. This is allegedly costing us £40 a year extra in insurance costs which has caused the government to decided to clamp down on fake claims. Joining Sarah to talk about what this means to the public are, Amanda Stretton, from Confuesd.com and David Williams, technical director of AXA Insurance

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.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, many of us will have started thinking about a winter getaway, either on the slopes or somewhere warmer. But when’s the best time to book, where can you find the best deals, and what are your options if you want a wintry break but don’t want to ski? Sue Dougan sits in for Sarah and is joined by Sean Tipton from ABTA, Alistair McLean of Artisan Travel and Dan Fox, MD of Ski Weekends.

In light of the recent court decision which ruled that Uber drivers are employees and not contractors, Sarah looks this week at what rights you have at work; what sick pay and holiday are you entitled to, what are your rights under a zero hours contract, and are you right to insist on a written contract of employment? Sarah looks at all these questions and more, with her guests Beverley Sunderland from Crossland Employment Solicitors, John Palmer from ACAS and Joanna Sutton of Nockolds Solicitors.

The FCA recently extended the deadline to submit claims for mis-sold PPI, and this week Lloyds Bank announced it’s set aside a further £1 billion to cover to compensate people. So Sarah and her guests offer advice and tips if you think you might have a claim.

The days are getting colder, so Sarah and her guests look at ways to reduce your winter fuel bills using smart thermostats, switching providers and making your home more energy efficient. She is joined by Ann Robinson of Uswitch, Neil Marshall, CEO of the National Insulation Association, David Brooks of Good Energy and Mark Abrams from Auriga Services.

This week, Sarah is joined by Kelly Eroglu from the Reduced Grub website, Jordon Cox "The Coupon Kid" at Money Saving Expert, and Steph Poulson from Wowcher, to look at where to get the best deals, discounts and freebies online and in store, and how to keep abreast of the latest offers.