Money Box

Are you worried about whether the global disruption could affect your global travel plans? Whether you've booked a foreign trip, are planning a staycation or simply unsure of what to do, this is the programme for you.
Holidays may not be the most important thing in the world, especially when you consider what's happening in Iran that's causing all the uncertainty, but that doesn't mean they don't matter and they are definitely a big expense.
Maybe you're wondering if a jet fuel shortage could ground your flights or don't really know if you have the right insurance cover. With the inflation rate rising, perhaps you’re worried about the pressure on your holiday budget.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Emma Brennan from ABTA, the trade association for travel agents and tour operators, and Lisa Minot, head of travel at the Sun newspaper to answer your questions.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: James Graham
Editor: Jess Quayle
Senior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 22nd April 2026)

Are we at the start of a deepening cost of living crisis as nearly half of all adults fear they might not be able afford their energy bills?
And from next year, councils in England will be banned from demanding householders pay their council tax in full if they are only late with one payment.
HMRC warns of scammers as it begins taking back Winter Fuel Payment from more than two million higher income pensioners.
Also, the rise of the poly worker. Why young people are fixing their sights on a portfolio career.
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporters: Dan Whitworth and Niamh McDermott
Researcher: Jo Krasner
Editor: Rob Cave
Senior News Editor: Sara Wadeson
(First broadcast Saturday 18th April 2026)

The conflict in Iran has very grave human costs for the Middle East. But it also has economic costs and they are being felt around the world and here in the UK.
Just this week the Resolution Foundation think tank said higher energy bills could mean typical British households are £480 worse off this year. From heat pumps to pensions and solar panels to savings - what changes have you made because of the changing world?
Felicity Hannah is joined by Ian Preston from the Centre for Sustainable Energy in Bristol, Ellen Fraser from the energy consultancy Baringa and Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producer: James Graham
Editor: Rob Cave
Senior News Editor: Sarah Wadeson
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 15th April 2026)
Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The National Union of Headteachers says the government "must step in" to help teachers in England and Wales who have retired but are facing long delays before their pension is paid. The Teachers' Pension Scheme is one of the biggest in the country with two million members. The Department for Education which has overall responsibility for the scheme says it’s working closely with Capita who administrate the pensions to monitor performance and address any emerging issues. Capita has apologised and says it's working closely with the government to ensure cases are progressed correctly and in line with scheme rules.
In the last month average two year fixed mortgage rates have jumped from around 4.8% to 5.9% and there are around 1 in 6 fewer mortgages deals available to house buyers and people whose fixed mortgages are running out. How is that affecting the housing market?
Mortgage rates going up is bad news but when interest rates rise savers, who far outnumber people with mortgages, many see it as better news. What are the best offers out there?
And what does the lifting of the two-child benefit cap mean for families? 
Presenter: Paul Lewis
Reporters: Hannah Mullane and Jo Krasner
Researcher: Catherine Lund
Editor: Jess Quayle
Senior News Editor: Henry Jones
(First broadcast on Radio 4 at 12pm on Saturday 11th April 2026)

The Employment Rights Act has been called the most significant change to workers rights in a generation, so what does it mean for your money?
The new law will introduce a raft of new rules for employees and employers over the next 18 months. From April 6th statutory sick pay has been enhanced and will be available from the first day of illness. Also, fathers will have a right to paternity leave on joining a workplace, rather than after six months' service.
In January protection from unfair dismissal will become a right after six months of being in a job, instead of two years, and there will be a clamp down on zero hours jobs with workers given the right to request 'guaranteed hours'.
Felicity Hannah is joined by John Palmer a senior adviser at the conciliation service ACAS and Kaajal Nathwani, an employment lawyer at Osborne & Wise. Felicity also speaks to the employment rights minister Kate Dearden.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producers: James Graham
Editor: Jess Quayle
Senior News Editor: Henry Jones
(First broadcast 3pm Wednesday 8th April 2026)