How good are public sector pensions - and should we cut them or protect them?
A guaranteed income for your retirement years, earned through your working life, with no need to worry about getting caught out by the vagaries of the stock market.Â
Sounds good, doesn't it? That's what a public sector pension delivers - and it's a far better deal than the retirement funds most people in the private sector save into.
So, why do we want to make the good thing worse, rather than the bad thing better? Shouldn't we be doing things the other way round? And shouldn't the government be doing everything it can to improve private sector pensions rather than chip away at their already inferior benefits?
On this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Georgie Frost, Helen Crane and Simon Lambert talk pensions - and the gulf between the public and private sector that is getting ever wider.
Just how good is a public sector pension? Do many of those in line for them even realise how good they are? And how can we make the private sector catch up rather than trigger a race to the bottom?
Plus, why the Budget was very bad news if you earn £52,000, can Argos be saved - and is reviving the caralogue the answer, why are food prices so high, and finally, have you got one of the names most likely to win the Premium Bonds?
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Bonus: The questions financial planners are being asked after the Budget... and the answers
The dust has settled on the Budget but while we now know what Rachel Reeves plans for our finances, many questions remain.
The Budget featured a raft of tax rises – but also left out some moves that were widely rumoured to happen.
On this special bonus episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Lisa Caplan, of Charles Stanley Direct, to find out what people are asking after the Budget - and the answers to those important questions.
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What does the Budget mean for you... and how bad was it?
After the endless speculation, the Budget finally arrived this week.
Rachel Reeves seemed happy with her statement and Sir Keir Starmer has been out singing its praises, but was the Budget a diamond in the rough or a dud?
On this Budget 2025 podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert dive into a Budget that many have commented is the most chaotic they can remember.
After all the rumours, worries and waiting, how good or bad was it?Â
Some of the expected financial pain didn't arrive but there were plenty of tweaks to tax our pocket and our patience.Â
Did the Chancellor cut the right balance between getting more money in and supporting the economy, did she articulate a clear plan, or are we back to drifting about aimlessly in the tax and spending doom loop doldrums?
And most importantly, what will all the measures mean for your money?
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Nvidia report bumper results - why does it matter and is an AI bubble set to burst?
Nvidia is the talk of the town after posting better than expected earnings results - has the chip maker genuinely eased fears of an AI bubble bursting… or just bought the market a bit more time?
Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce discuss what it means for investors in Britain and how much weight this multi-trillion dollar company holds.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme deposit protection limit will rise 41% to £120,000 from 1 December and data suggests young people are too focused on saving for short term goals and risk falling behind - does it matter?Â
What is really likely to be in the Budget? With a week to go, we have a quick last minute briefing on what Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be cooking up.
There might finally be a crackdown on ticket touts for gigs and other events - Simon reveals just how passionate he is about it and why action is needed.
And finally, find out what former England and Arsenal goalkeeping legend 'safe hands' David Seaman did with his £100,000 Aston Martin DB7.
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What does unemployment data, GDP figures and market moves say about the economy?
This week we've had some worrying looking unemployment figures and disappointing GDP growth.
Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 soared within touching distance of 10,000, before hitting a Friday slump.
Mix it all together and what does it show about the UK economy? Lee Boyce, Helen Crane and Georgie Frost discuss.
Nationwide Building Society has promised to keep all of its branches open until 2030 while major banks exit the high street. Does it make business sense?Â
The Royal Mint has launched some yellow gold coins that has investors excited and what about gold's 'annoying little brother' silver - is it set to see prices soar?
Lastly, we reveal the tale of a reader who had their flights to Dubai cancelled by BA at the last minute... before being quoted £20,000 one-way by Emirates to get away for half-term.
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