Share Sounds.

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.

Adam Cox is joined by Dr. Richard Claydon and Oscar Venhuis, co-founders of EQ Labs, to discuss brand new research which reveals the UK's attitude towards returning to the office. They look at why some employers need to change their mindset's about working from home, and how EQ Labs helps with the issue. https://www.eqlab.co/

Adam Cox is joined by Christian Hendriksen and Edward Ballsdon, co-founders of Rensair, to discuss how employers can make returning to the office safer for employees. They look at current government guidance on ventilation, and what companies should be looking for when choosing air purifier systems. https://rensair.com/

After another rough week, it's worth remembering that great businesses thrive in volatile markets. So how can investors separate companies at risk from stocks that are experiencing a momentary drop? Emily Flippen and Jason Moser make the distinction between volatility and risk, share why it's important to keep adding to your portfolio over time, and discuss: Walmart increasing its dividend, Shopify shares falling despite strong growth in its fiscal year, Nvidia's guidance for 2022, Airbnb reporting a profit and booking longer stays, Roku battling supply chain disruptions, Roblox getting punished for a small revenue miss, and The Trade Desk wrapping up a strong year. Also, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rory Kennedy discusses her new Netflix documentary, 'Downfall: The Case Against Boeing', and Emily and Jason ponder the threat of an avocado shortage in America and share two stocks on their radar: Upstart Holdings and Etsy.

Bill Mann discusses retail sales growing nearly 4% in January, Shopify's strong growth in 2021 being followed by slightly less growth in 2022, why shares of Shopify will never look cheap and the company's new partnership with JD.com. Also, Airbnb's record revenue last year, hotel stocks hitting new all-time highs, and the wisdom of Ron Gross. Finally, Olivia Zitkus and Keith Speights discuss a new wave of biosimilar drugs and the challenges (and opportunities for investors) they present.

With box office up 12%, James Cameron-Wilson highlights new #1 'Uncharted' with Tom Holland, based on a video game which he enjoyed and hopes is the first of a franchise. At #3 is Kenneth Branagh's remake of 'Death on the Nile' which James found pretty but dull. Only making the #6 spot is 'Marry Me', a romcom with Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson which, to his surprise, he found both romantic and highly witty.

Laith Khalaf of A J Bell looks at the recent UK inflation numbers and wonders if the Bank of England is right to consider the rise transitory or not. It doesn't bode well for NS&I's new Green Savings Bond, he points out, particularly if savers expect interest rates to keep rising. He discusses whether QE has had an effect on inflation and what is happening in the bond market.

Political commentator Mike Indian talks to Simon Rose about the divergent attitudes of the UK and other western countries to Russia and the Ukraine. He also discusses several aspects of UK politics: Jacob Rees-Mogg's comments on Brexit and trade; the fallout from Boris Johnson's remarks on Jimmy Savile in Parliament; and John Major's public criticism of the current Prime Minister.

Gadget guru Steve Caplin talks to Simon Rose about tickets going on sale for Virgin Galactic's space trips, a snip at £333,000. He discusses National Grid's plan for plundering e-car batteries, Alfa Romeo's NFT plug-in hybrid and the iEV X expanding car. Tinder is experimenting with blind dates, there's a tech necklace that can read chin movements, a crowdfunded camera dolly and Simon chips in with a low-tech jar opener.

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.