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Adam Cox is joined by Julie Spinks and Jerry Whiteley from WaterSafe to explore recent research findings indicating that more than half of Brits are not engaging approved plumbers, posing risks to the proper execution of plumbing tasks and the safety of their drinking water. The discussion focuses on guiding individuals in ensuring the selection of reliable plumbers and empowering the public to maintain their plumbing effectively. Julie and Jerry offer advice on preventing expensive callouts and share insights into addressing smaller plumbing tasks at home. https://www.watersafe.org.uk/

It's hard to think of a better week to publish this episode than just before Valentine's Day: and the research which hit media headlines the week before on the impact of Viagra on reducing Alzheimer's must be a good motive as well! Adam Cox uses regression techniques to re-build relationship chemistry in order to tackle the dynamics that can follow life events such as pregnancy — but of course love is a many-splendoured thing, and eros is only one dimension.

Neil Shah of Edison Group looks at the housebuilding sector in the light of Barratt's bid for Redrow, a deal the market has not looked favourably upon. There is a severe shortage of new housing but it is a difficult time for housebuilders, with difficulties over planning and environmental rules and higher interest rates, Neil feels that the sector is cyclical and that, over the long term, the fundamentals are attractive for investors.

While UK box office rose 25%, James Cameron-Wilson found the animated Migration, #1, as processed as American cheese. #2 spy spoof Argylle from Matthew Vaughn he found over-familiar, over-long, unbelievable and lazy filmmaking. #5 is The Zone of Interest which, despite its 5 Oscar nominations, can be hard to see in cinemas. James, however, heartily recommends American Fiction at #10, also garnering 5 Oscar nominations, with Jeffrey Wright as a multi-faceted writer trying to break down stereotypes.

Steve Caplin enviously discusses Apple's Vision Pro's features, still only available in the US. Korean scientists believe electric bandages will heal bones more quickly. An app will guide blind people directly to bus stops and another will help identify anything they pick up. A clever gadget will ensure that you can drill perpendicular holes. Seoul scientists believe they're discovered the reason that dinosaurs had feathers before they could fly. A new minimal phone does less for a steep price. And an American scientist has been told AI cannot be an inventor.

Tim Price of Price Value Partners considers the possible outcomes, given that interest rates have risen from a record low in a world awash with debt. He discusses the pendulum of economic growth shifting towards the BRICs and Asia (minus China). And he laments the failure of governments to learn the conseqences of interfering with markets. He suggests, when it comes to the drive to Net Zero, that people ask "Who benefits"? And, explaining his own investment principles, while he still feels inflation is a clear and present danger, he believes that precious metals and commodity stocks are at bargain levels.

Universal provision of free health and social care plus the payment of interest on government debt comprise nearly two-thirds of UK public spending. We need fresh polices underpinned by a new set of principles appropriate for the 21st century, and political advisers and pundits would do well to check our Thought for this week when constructing their manifestos for the approaching UK general election. Background music: 'Everything Has a Beginning' by Joel Cummins

The Bank of England held base rate once again at 5.25%, the fourth hold in succession – but this time, it was a genuine split by MPC members. So, when will we start seeing rates fall – and will inflation really be at the target 2% by April? Simon Lambert, Lee Boyce and Georgie Frost discuss what another interest rate pause means for you – and what that means for savings and mortgage rates, along with investors. Where do you stand on the smart meter debate? With This is Money readers getting in touch to say they’re stuck with faulty devices, are they worth having? Lee says he still has no plans to get one of the marmite devices while Simon believes they can be worth it, especially for those who are rubbish at submitting meter readings. We also go back to school and have a maths lesson from Mr Lambert to reveal the six real world calculations you should have in your arsenal to improve your financial health. And we get on the money therapist’s couch to discuss the pitfalls of getting - and over-using - a joint bank account… should a partner ever be made to feel guilty for spending?

A big week of debuts in tech – Apple’s Vision Pro hits shelves and Meta unveils a new plan for its cash. Bill Mann and Jason Moser discuss Apple’s Vision Pro, Meta’s new dividend, and how the cloud keeps performing for Microsoft and Amazon, and why New York Community Bank’s woes don’t signal broader banking issues, but the liquidation of Evergrande could mean more pain ahead in China. Then, 19 minutes in, Will Lansing, CEO of FICO, talks through his team’s management philosophy, why investors should focus on more than just the company’s scoring business, and the way AI and buy-now-pay-later are affecting the credit industry. Finally, 36 minutes in, Jason and Bill break down two stocks on their radar: Estee Lauder and Etsy. Stocks discussed: AAPL, META, MSFT, AMZN, NYCB, EL, ETSY. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Tim Beyers, Mary Long, Ryan Henderson

Flutter Entertainment, the owner of FanDuel, entered the New York Stock Exchange with imressive revenue growth. But, what’s driving it? Ricky Mulvey and Jim Gillies discuss what to watch as big tech companies report, concentration in the Magnificent Seven, questions about Flutter Entertainment’s share count and debt load and the switching incentives in sports betting. Plus, 15 minutes in, Robert Brokamp continues his conversation with Michael Finke, a professor of wealth management and the Director for the Granum Center for Financial Security at The American College of Financial Services. They discuss the key factors for a happy retirement. Companies discussed: AAPL, MSFT, FLUT. Hosts - Ricky Mulvey, Robert Brokamp; Guests - Jim Gillies, Michael Finke