Share

Feel Better About Money
How do you actually access your pension pot?
•
Pensions payouts can be confusing, but good news! You don’t have to figure it out alone. With a third of people over 55 unsure about their options and many worried about tax implications, we’re here to make it all a little clearer. Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb joins Holly and Lucy to demystify the process, explaining when and how you can access your pension, the pros and cons of lump sums, drawdowns, and annuities, and how to make sure your money lasts through retirement.
Guest: Steve Webb, Partner at Lane Clark and Peacock & Former Minister for Pensions.
Contact: Lucy and Holly at: moneyteam@thetimes.co.uk
More episodes
View all episodes
How to get a refund!
26:14|Ever been ghosted by a brand after a bad buy? You're not alone. In this episode of Feel Better About Money, we dive under the cushions of luxury sofas gone wrong, and hear about rejected refunds on financed cars, and overseas purchases gone bust. The Times Consumer Champion Kat Denham joins Holly and Lucy to reveal how to fight back when companies say no, and what your rights really are. Plus, some big news from Lucy as she signs off from the show, off to a brand new job!Guest: Katherine Denham, The Times Consumer Champion.How to fight back against the singles tax!
30:38|The number of single person households in the UK is on the rise and in a big way! And yet, it costs more than ever to live alone. Just how does that happen? What is the so-called singles tax? And how much is it costing those of us who are 'un-partnered' as it is now described? This week Holly and Lucy are joined by Sarah Coles from Hargreaves Lansdown, who has a wealth of insights from their research into this issue, and offers clear advice on what we can do about it. Essential listening! Guest: Sarah Cole, Hargreaves LansdownContact: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukWhat are your rights on cancelled flights?
35:07|What are your rights when your flight is delayed or cancelled? Holly and Lucy unpack what compensation and support you’re legally entitled to when travel plans go wrong with expert insight from Rory Boland, consumer travel editor at Which?. Plus, we hear Rachel Mortimer's real-life holiday horror story and explain how to actually get your money back.Read Rachel's story in full at The Times.Guest: Rory Boland, Editor and Consumer Travel Expert, Which? Contact: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukWhat does a Bank of England rate cut mean for you?
29:15|What does a Bank of England rate cut mean for your money? Holly and Lucy break down how the latest change to interest could affect your mortgage, savings, debt, and pensions with expert insight from consumer finance lawyer, and mortgage advisor Funmi Olufunwa.Guests: Funmi Olufunwa, Financial Lawyer, educator and mortgage advisor.Contact: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukIs now the time to buy an electric car?
29:43|Lucy and Holly look at the financial pros and cons of going electric on the road. James Court from Octopus EV and Erin Baker from Auto Trader unpack the true costs of owning an electric car - from tax perks and lower running costs to charging infrastructure and government policy. What should buyers know before making the switch? And is it smart to invest now, given that petrol and diesel are being phased out by 2030? Guests: James Court, Director of Public Policy, Octopus Electric Vehicles.Erin Baker, Editorial Director, Auto Trader UK. Contact: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukWhat is the Gen Z gold rush?
29:30|In this episode, Lucy and Holly ask why a new generation of investors is turning to one of the world’s oldest assets: Gold. Joined by Brian Byrnes from Moneybox together they unpack gold’s historical role in the economy, its incredible performance, and how it compares to trendier assets like Bitcoin and tech stocks. Is gold still relevant in a digital-first world? Why are younger investors increasingly drawn to it? And does it have any downsides? Plus, we hear from young financial coach Laura Ann Moore, on how it fits into own long-term investment plan.Guests: Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at MoneyboxContact: Lucy and Holly at: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukCan we 'Trump Proof' our finances?
22:49|Big changes in global trade can feel...unsettling, and as President Donald Trump's tariffs move markets we’re here to help you stay steady. So what does all this mean for your savings, your investments, your pensions, your mortgages, and your bills? Amy Knight from NerdWallet and Fergus McDonald, from Evelyn Partners, join Holly and Lucy to give us the best tips for Trump proofing your finances!Guests: Amy Knight, NerdWallet & Fergus McDonald, Financial Planner at Evelyn Partners.Contact: Lucy and Holly at: moneyteam@thetimes.co.ukWhat is Inheritance Tax and can it be avoided?
36:10|What actually is inheritance tax, and will it affect you? Can it be avoided without breaking the law? And why are Britain’s farmers so furious about it? In this episode, Holly Mead is joined by consumer finance expert Sarah Pennells to demystify one of the UK’s most controversial taxes. From gifting and the seven-year rule to pensions, property, and the latest government changes, Feel Better About Money is breaking it all down.Guest: Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London.Contact: Lucy and Holly at: moneyteam@thetimes.co.uk