Feel Better About Money

Fired up to retire early? You’ll need more than just a dream. Holly is joined by financial planner Kirsty Stone to unpack what's known as the FIRE movement - short for Financial Independence, Retire Early - and whether it's a realistic path to freedom or just a social media fantasy. Does early retirement bring happiness?Guest: Kirsty Stone, Chartered Financial Planner, The Private Office.

Thinking about starting a family? You might want to check your finances first. Holly Mead is joined by family finance expert Matilda Long to break down the real cost of raising a child in 2025, from prams and formula to the spiralling price of childcare. They dig into the numbers, explore how government support stacks up, and share practical tips on budgeting, benefits, and making smart spending decisions as a parent.Guest: Matilda Long, Nous.

Cash ISAs are the UK’s favourite savings product, but just what are they, and how best to use them? And are they about to get a government makeover? With nearly £50 billion poured into them last year alone, reforms could impact millions of savers. Holly, Cameron and Laura unpack the possibilities for your savings strategy, and yes, now might be the time to start devising that strategy!Guests: Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance, AJ Bell, and Cameron Smith, financial educator.

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?Guest: Vix Leyton, Consumer Journalist.

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