Resilience in a Changing World - It’s Good to Talk (about money) Podcast

Energy saving tips to beat rising energy bills this winter

In this episode of the It’s Good To Talk (about money) podcast, Caroline and Laura take a deep dive into one of the biggest financial challenges we’ll face this winter—rising energy costs. As energy prices continue to surge, many households are feeling the strain, with higher bills threatening to squeeze household budgets as we approach the colder months.
 
We offer practical tips on how to reduce your energy usage without sacrificing comfort. From surprising, lesser-known tips to save money on your heating, to maximising government support and what to do if you can’t afford to pay your energy bills. 
 
Tune in for expert advice and to stay financially savvy this winter. 

Early Christmas planning: Budgeting, Black Friday & avoiding getting into debt

Welcome to another episode of the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast with your hosts, Caroline and Laura. With Christmas creeping up, we're here to help you navigate the festive season without blowing your budget. Discover why so many retailers, pubs, and restaurants are already advertising Christmas goods and events as early as August - does it really help you save, or is it a trap that leads to overspending?
We’ll break down the biggest financial pressures of Christmas, including how much the average family spends on gifts, food, and social events, and provide actionable tips for effective budgeting to keep your finances on track. Learn how to manage Christmas expenses, avoid debt, and handle social pressures without overspending.
As Black Friday approaches, we’ll also separate fact from fiction—are the deals really worth it, or is it just another sales gimmick? Tune in to find out how to spot genuine bargains and whether Black Friday still lives up to the hype.
Plus, we cover the latest money-saving news, including updates on the Energy Price Cap and how to apply for 15 hours of free childcare for parents of 9-month-olds.
Whether you're looking for Christmas budgeting tips, Black Friday shopping advice, or ways to keep your Christmas spending in check, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you enjoy the festive season without financial stress. Don't miss out on these expert tips for a financially savvy Christmas!

Renting vs owning: deposits, financial education, and back-to-school budgeting

Welcome to another episode of the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast with your hosts, Hannah and Laura.
First up, we provide an update on the UK rental market. With rental prices soaring and competition fierce, we’ll give you practical tips on how to secure your dream rental home. Plus, discover effective strategies for saving up for a deposit, and learn all about the UK Deposit Protection Scheme to ensure your money is safe.
Next, we turn our attention to financial education for kids. The school holidays are the perfect time to teach your children about money management. We’ll share engaging and fun ways to help them build strong financial habits that will benefit them for life.
Finally, we prepare you for the upcoming back-to-school season with smart money saving tips. Learn how to manage the costs of school supplies so you can start the school year without breaking the bank.
Tune in to this episode of 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' for actionable advice on renting, teaching kids about money, and back-to-school budgeting.

Budgeting for the School Holidays: Strategies for Families

Welcome back to the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. This episode focuses on how families can budget for the school holidays, covering strategies for finding travel deals and making the most of staycations. We'll explore whether it's cheaper to holiday abroad or at home, the trend of parents taking kids out of school to save on holiday costs, and resources to help families plan affordable trips. Plus, we'll share tips for families on a tight budget to enjoy the summer holidays without overspending.
We'll also discuss the top financial stories of the month, including the new Labour government's impact on your finances from the recent King’s speech, and the Bank of England's upcoming interest rate decision as inflation holds steady at 2%.
Join us for practical guidance and insights on 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast.

Navigating the housing market: Interest rates, inflation & insights for all

Welcome back to the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. In this special episode, we’re joined by two experts from the home ownership website, Better.co.uk [better.co.uk] to delve into the current housing market. Jonathan Bone, a seasoned mortgage broker, and Jack Smithson, Head of Organic who’s navigating the challenges of buying his first home, share their insights.
With the Bank of England holding interest rates steady at 5.25% for the seventh time in a row and inflation finally hitting the 2% target, what does this mean for first-time buyers and homeowners? Jonathan will break down the impact of these on your mortgage and offers his opinion on what the next government could do to ease the process of getting on the property ladder. Jack shares his personal experiences and the hurdles he’s faced in the current market.
Join us for a comprehensive look at mortgages, and get the tips you need to stay ahead on the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast.

Latest on the Energy Crisis: Navigating Price Caps, Bills, and Savings

Welcome back to the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. In this episode, we're tackling the latest changes in energy prices and what they mean for your household bills. We'll break down Ofgem's recent announcement about the 7% drop in the Energy Price Cap from July and what to expect in October.
 
We'll dive into practical tips on whether you should switch energy providers now and explain those pesky standing charges. Plus, we've got advice for electric vehicle owners and what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.
 
Stay tuned as we also cover this month's top financial stories, including proposed water bill increases, a surge in Debt Relief Orders, and reality TV stars facing charges over investment promotions.
 
Join us for a comprehensive look at how these changes could affect your finances and get the tips you need to stay ahead on the 'It's Good To Talk (about money)' podcast.

Navigating April's Price Hikes

Welcome back to the ‘It's Good To Talk (about money)’ podcast with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the array of price hikes impacting your wallet this month, ranging from council tax increases to the rising costs of NHS dental care. We'll not only shed light on these price hikes but provide tips to help you navigate them too. 
 
Join us as we unravel the latest financial headlines, from Jeremy Hunt's eyebrow-raising comments on the purchasing power of a £100k salary to the sobering reality of how financial stress can impact our mental health.
 
Tune in now for a dose of financial wisdom on the 'It's Good To Talk (about money) Podcast'. 
 
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Budget Summary: Key points from the Chancellor's speech and what it means for your finances

Welcome back to 'The It's Good To Talk (about money) Podcast' with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. This month we'll dive into the implications of Jeremy Hunt's Budget for your finances, and unravel the potential impact of the changes.
We'll also dissect Nationwide's ambitious bid to acquire Virgin Money, shedding light on how this potential merger could reshape the banking landscape.
Ever wondered how inflation is calculated? We'll break down the methodology behind it and explore why items like Vinyl Records and Air Fryers have found their way into this year's basket of goods while hand sanitiser is out.
And speaking of changes in prices, brace yourselves for the upcoming hike in stamp prices set to take effect next month. We'll discuss how this increase might affect consumer behaviour and might even get sidetracked by discussing the potential mishaps with delivery drones. Tune in now for all this and more on the 'It's Good To Talk (about money) Podcast'!"
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How to have difficult conversations with your partner about money - It's Good to Talk (about money) Podcast

Welcome back to 'The It's Good To Talk (about money) Podcast' with your hosts, Hannah and Laura. This month, we're delving into the crucial topic of navigating tricky money conversations with your partner. From handling differences in incomes to managing secretive spending habits, we're here with insights and practical tips to guide you through. Plus, we'll dissect the controversy surrounding Nationwide's recent advert, reveal the key figure for retiring comfortably and explore the savings required to step onto the housing ladder. Hit play now!

Bank of England interest rate decision

In this podcast, Hannah Coffey discusses the Bank of England's decision to hold the base rate at 5.25% for the fourth month in a row!Also in this episode is content regarding dry January, car insurance surges and the unexpected uptick in inflation at the end of 2023.