Feel Better About Money

Online shopping is easy - until your parcel goes missing, turns up damaged, or never arrives at all. This week, Holly is joined by consumer journalist Vix Leyton to share delivery horror stories and explain your rights when things go wrong. Can couriers really leave your parcel anywhere and call it a day? And if they do, what can you actually do about it?

Ever wonder how to turn an idea into a thriving business or take your side hustle to the next level? This week, Holly is joined by Hannah Prevett, the journalist behind How I Made It, the Sunday Times column profiling successful entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack what it really takes to start and sustain a business that actually lasts.

This week on Feel Better About Money, Holly and expert guest Matt Morris are tackling a topic we've all heard of, but really, just what is it? Cryptocurrency - what you need to know about how is it used. Why is it breaking records right now? And might we be paying for pizza by crypto in the future?Guest: Matt Morris, Director at Carr Consulting & Communications.

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.

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.uk

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.uk

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.uk

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.uk

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.uk