Share Sounds. presented by Georgie Frost related to Personal Finance

Stock markets around the world saw huge falls this week, but is it a sign of more trouble ahead or just a storm in a teacup? Simon takes a look at what’s behind it all, and why investors should avoid the temptation to start tinkering with their portfolios once the horse has already bolted. His advice is to ignore the voice in your head that says you should get out now to stave off disaster — but also pay attention to its existence. Good news for motorists, as car insurance premiums have started to fall for the first time in two years. Or is it? They still remain at near-record highs, and are up a whopping 48% since 2022. This is Money's Sam Barker discusses why premiums went so high, who has been worst affected, and how to keep costs down. Staying on the topic of insurance, the UK has been gripped by riots in the past week and This is Money has been looking at what your compensation rights are if your home or car gets damaged. Elsewhere, Sam explains the latest tactic broadband firms are using to squeeze cash out of their customers - and asks why the regulator Ofcom appears to be looking the other way. Mortgage rates have been shifting fast this week, and Simon rounds up the latest deals. We also answer a question from a reader who wants to know what to do with his £80,000 redundancy pay-off.

Some relief for borrowers as interest rates start to edge down — has the economy turned a corner? Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss this and the Chancellor's speech on Monday 29 July, looking ahead to the Budget in October. Also — are broadband and phone prices set to soar again?

Building up a savings pot and then investing to grow your wealth and provide a decent pension for retirement is the key to long-term financial success. But there's lots to consider at each step — and most people will want to buy a home along the way. So what do you need to think about when sketching out your lifetime finances and then trying to achieve your goals? Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert take it step by step and look at each element of saving, investing, buying a home and building a pension. How much should you have in an emergency savings pot? How do you move from saving to investing? How can first-time buyers get ahead in tricky times? How much do you need to save for retirement? They look at all of these things and more.

It's official - we're complaining about our neighbours more, new data shows. When it comes to noise, many appear sick of barking dogs, squeaky trampolines and loud music ruining the enjoyment of our homes. Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost talk about neighbour wars — and what we can do about it. And sticking to the property front, does it matter if you're a 'super' nimby? And if you do want to fight back against developments in your area, what's the sensible way to do it? We also look at the danger of pricing your home too high - and the Rightmove data that shows just how risky it can be. Grandparents and parents are digging deeper than ever to send children to university. What do young adults need to know before they take out a student loan? Lee goes back to school to talk to kids about money and the working world - but what did HE learn from the experience? And from festivals to sporting events, why has having fun become so expensive?

All change, please. In a radical reshaping of the political landscape, Britain has elected a Labour government for the first time in 14 years. New prime minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made bold promises of revival, growth and wealth creation. But many fear that Britain’s troubled public finances will also mean that promises not to raise taxes will prove empty. So, what has Labour said it will do, what important things have been left unsaid, what will it mean for the economy and your finances and is there a path to prosperity that doesn’t involve more tax pain? On this special election podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what Labour’s election victory could mean for our money. The team discuss the manifesto promises on the economy and growth and at how robust the no tax rise pledges are. Can Labour’s housebuilding plans and planning shake up deliver more homes? What are its other plans to get growth going? Plus, the team look at the Tories’ 14 years in charge of the economy and the positives that can be drawn amongst the turbulence. And finally, what have we got to be optimistic about as we move into the next chapter of British life?

You find a decent paying savings account, diligently squirrel away your money, watch it grow… only for the taxman to come along and swipe a chunk. And since savings rates have been much better in recent years, the amount HMRC is taking in in savings tax revenue has gone up significantly. It's only going to increase according to estimates, to the tune of £10.37 billion in 2024/25, up from £6.6 billiion in 2023/24 - and £1.2 billion in 2021/22. So, how can you dodge the trap? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Lee Boyce look at this growing revenue spinner. It also means taking advantage of ISAs is key - and we're very keen on one tax-free account in particular. And sticking with savings, Helen explains the case of a Barclays customer who had a stroke - recovered better than expected - but was then locked out of his account with £100,000 in it for nearly a year. There is a mobile phone swiping epidemic in the country - but what is it the criminals are really after? Is it the handset, or something else? We explain all, alongside businessman and This is Money columnist Dave Fishwick, who interviewed one of the gang leaders. And sticking with Dave... he gives his views on what needs to happen after the general election on 4 July for the North. It's not just our phones being stolen… motor theft too is on the rise. A former police interceptor gives his tips on how to keep your vehicle safe. Lastly, what is the magic number of salary to make you feel rich? Recruiter Indeed believes it has found the answer...

Inflation is back on target at 2%. After the spike into double-digits that triggered talk of a cost of living crisis and sent interest rates spiralling, we are now back at the Bank of England's target level. So, is the great inflation panic over and is life about get easier? Or will we be feeling the after effects of high inflation for years to come? And what's going to happen to interest rates? Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert look at why inflation as come down and what happens next. Plus, the couple who didn't get a Nationwide fairer share payout despite having £100,000 saved. And finally, would you let your parents pay for you to go on holiday as an adult - or pay for your own adult kids to go with you? The team look into the family time vs freeloading debate.

How much do you need in Premium Bonds to win the jackpot? And if you haven’t maxed them out to the full £50,000, is it even worth bothering? This is Money has run some in-depth analysis on all the £1 million prizes over the past four years and this week revealed how much those lucky people held. Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what it takes to win the Premium Bonds. Simon gives us his tax manifesto to get us out of the mess Britain’s tax system is in. Plus, one of our readers is in their mid-40s, would like to semi-retire to work on their own terms, travel and enjoy life in a decade, and wants to know if their £180,000 investments can grow enough to achieve that. What does someone with those ambitions need to consider? The team take a look. Should you consider buying a cheap electric car? Prospective buyers are worried about batteries but get over that and Simon says it could prove even cheaper to run than you think. And finally, the new King Charles notes are out but what are the serial numbers to check your wallet for which could make them worth big money?

This is Money's consumer champion Helen Crane celebrated the 100th edition of her 'Crane on the Case' column this week. Helen has won back more than £1.2 million for readers over the course of all those columns and learnt a thing or two along the way about how to battle consumer problems and bad customer service. She discusses the big wins, the satisfying victories, the worst cases of bad customer service - and gives her tips on how to get what you want. Also on the show, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss whether working parents could be missing our by not claiming child benefit now that the rules have changed and more can get it. Plus, if you owe tax on savings interest but don't have to do a tax return how will HMRC find out? Is Scottish Mortgage worth backing as shares rebound but remain considerably down on their peak? And finally, Charles Stanley's Dan Beecroft joins the show to explain 50-30-20 budgeting and why people love this rule of thumb for spending and saving.

The Prime Minister put an end to all the speculation this week by giving us the date for the general election: July 4. That comes as the latest inflation reading was 2.3%, a little above forecasts making a base rate cut next month now unlikely. Simon Lambert, Georgie Frost and Lee Boyce delve into the economic state of affairs and what the upcoming election could mean for your money, when it comes to tax, pensions, property and everything in-between. Nationwide Building Society posted pre-tax profits of £1.77bn this week and as a result, it is dishing out another year of 'Fairer Share' loyalty payouts of £100 — will you qualify? And not only that, it is now offering £200 to switchers and an exclusive 5.5% loyalty savings rate. How does early retirement sound to you? It seems it appeals to a lot of us because searches on Google for 'retire early' have increased threefold in the last decade. But how much would you be willing to sacrifice to achieve it? At the extreme end, we have the FIRE movement, advocating saving 70% of your income. Special guest, former This is Money editor Andrew Oxlade, had had enough — he explains why. Lastly, This is Money has a new regular series called Modern Treasures with valuation expert Dan Hatfield — Lee reveals all about the first one, all about first edition books, and gives details on how to get YOUR items valued for free.