Cash Chats

This week lockdown begins to ease further with the non-essential shops reopening across the UK. I've taken a look at how things are working and whether you should be taking a trip to the high street or not. I've also shared your consumer rights for purchases made before, during and after the shops were closed. Plus news of an offer to help you support small local shops and save yourself cash at the same time. Full transcript at BeCleverWithYourCash.com/cashchats128 * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING Mastercard's Shop Openings website How to make the most of American Express Shop Small Your rights to a refund when you change your mind How to get free Amazon returns Deals A year's free Mubi Sky Sports month pass on NOW TV for £25 or less £3 bonus at TopCashback ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent.

During lockdown, those that are still working are likely spending a lot less than normal. There's no commuting, no holidays, no nights out, no childcare costs. So what do you do with this extra cash you wouldn't normally have? In the second of highlights from my recent Lockdown Money Live event, I'm joined by Damian Fahy from Money to the Masses and Sara Williams from Debt Camel to discuss the best options. Find out whether you should be focusing on savings, debts, investments, mortgages or your pension - or even spending it to boost the economy. ---- Don't forget to join the Cash Chats community on Facebook. Please do also leave a review and rating. Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts and iTunes.  ------ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN TO OTHER EPISODES OF CASH CHATS (it's free!):  APPLE PODCASTS      GOOGLE      SPOTIFY Related episodes #120 Save thousands on your mortgage #106 Clearing credit card debts Further reading & links Hacks to boost your savings pot Debt Camel & articles about debt https:/

Last week I hosted a free online event called Lockdown Money Live, and here's the first of the highlights. There were four sessions and this week on the podcast you'll get to hear my interview with money blogger Faith Archer about the schemes available to you if you can't work. We discuss what happens next to the furlough scheme and support for the self-employed, as well as share what you should be doing if you're worried about redundancy. Don't forget to join the Cash Chats community on Facebook.   * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING The MSE guide to the furlough scheme ACAS redundancy guidance Faith's article on Bounce Back Loans Watch all the Lockdown Money Live sessions On the blog this week Should you extend or take a mortgage holiday? Chip app review – Can it help you put money into savings? Pick of the deals Times Plus trial offers – get free movie Free Kindle book offers Earn 2.02% with a Virgin Money account ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by m

This week I'm looking at a vital part of your finances - the information that banks, lenders and other companies use to work out whether they want to give you a product or money. Known as a credit report, it holds details of all your accounts, payment history and more. And linked to this is your credit score. They're different things but both very important. Here's how they work, when they're used and how you can access them for free. Don't forget to join the Cash Chats community on Facebook. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING My guide to credit reports and credit scores My video explaining how to avoid getting rejected for credit cards Clearscore Credit Club Credit Karma MSE's report on some banks using Open Banking to find mortgage holidays The Lockdown Money Live event on Facebook Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Ap

If you want to take some of the effort out of managing your money then it's worth thinking about the ways you can automate your finances. Tricks include moving money between multiple accounts, making sure you don't forget payments, boosting your savings pot, switching energy and earning cash when you spend. Please do leave a review and rating. Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts and iTunes.  Further Reading & Listening How to automate your savings How automatic energy switching services work My 14 current accounts (Cash Chats #79)  Airtime Rewards review Join the Cash Chats Facebook community ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for frie

I talk a lot about how to avoid debt in the first place, from getting the best price and value through to better managing your money. But sometimes that’s not enough. A big factor is getting over the shame you might feel about your situation and the decisions you've made. So how do you do this? Well it can really help to know you aren't in this alone. That other people are going through the same things, feeling the same emotions. The more accounts of money management that we read and recognise, the less alone we feel. So this week my guest is Instagrammer Clare Seal, aka @MyFrugalYear. She has gone through this herself and is sharing her way out of £27,000 worth of debt with her 50,000 followers. Shame was a big part of her debts getting beyond her control, and it's something she's passionate about helping people break free of. And a lot of what we talk about applies even if you don’t have debt. We can all feel shame about finances - whether that’s an impulse buy through to being unable to do something as you

How side hustles can boost your income. In the second part of my making money series I've been joined by Ken Okoroafor from The Humble Penny blog to talk about how "side hustles" such as tutoring or setting up your own eBay / Amazon shop can make a big difference to your income. Please do leave a review and rating. Here’s how to do it on Apple Podcasts and iTunes.  Further reading & links Episode 121 of Cash Chats - Money making part one The Humble Penny blog - Ken's guide to side hustles  Upwork - freelance marketplace Just Park - rent your drive Ken on Episode 93 of Cash Chats - FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) Deals at Be Clever With Your Cash - Amex, NBA & Ancestory special offers ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual a

If you're in need of some extra cash there are a couple of ways you can do this. In this first part I'm joined by money making blogger Emma Drew to talk about how things like online market research, eBay and receipt scanning can boost your coffers. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. Further reading & links Emma's guide to survey sites including Prolific and YouGov Sign up to Research Opinions Sign up for a cashback site bonus Sign up for Oh My Dosh Sign up for 20 Cogs Sign up for Swagbucks Sign up to Qmee Sign up to Airtime Rewards Sign up to Receipt Hog Sign up for Shoppix All the best deals on Be Clever With Your Cash ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to ge

Probably the biggest purchase we'll ever make is going to be buying a house. But once you're on the housing ladder it doesn't mean you can't still make savings. In this week's episode I've looked at two key ways you can reduce the overall interest you pay, which can be worth thousands of pounds. The first is to boost your LTV (Loan to Value) and the second is to make overpayments. Individually they'll cut what you pay, combined the savings will be huge. * Please do leave a review and rating if this saves you money. * FURTHER READING & LINKS > How to use LTV to lower your mortgage interest rate > Should you overpay on your mortgage? > Money Saving Expert's mortgage overpayment calculator > Money Saving Expert's mortgage rate calculator ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK M

This week I've looked at what you can do if you think you'll struggle to have enough cash left towards the end of the month and your next payday. FURTHER READING How to survive until payday How to make a budget How to stick to a budget How to stop spending money Spend less by using what you've already got What benefits are you entitled to Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus “deals of the week” rundown of the hottest offers from t

There are a couple of taboos people tend to avoid talking about. Money is one, another is dying. So combined must be some kind of super-taboo! But it's really important that you do have that conversation. Here's what you need to think about in terms of your own finances and plans, as well as how to discuss it with family members. It might not be the cheeriest of subjects but it's vital you have some plans in place to make sure your money goes where you want it to go, and the loved ones you leave behind aren't forced into debt to pay for your funeral. FURTHER READING > My article on why it's time to talk about dying and your money > Different ways to get a will (Which? online) > Prepaid funeral plan guide (Money Saving Expert) > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - t

From mortgage holidays through to interest-free overdraft buffers, here’s what you need to know about how your bank is working during the crisis. I've looked at your borrowing (so credit cards, loans, mortgages and overdrafts), your banking (including customer support and bank switching) and your savings (how safe your money is and ways to access locked away cash). FURTHER READING Banking during the coronavirus crisis: Mortgages, overdrafts, loans, savings and more How much an overdraft is really costing you How to make a soft application for a credit card Find free debt advice via The Money Advice Service Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money.

If you're now working from home there's a good chance you'll be spending less, but there are a few things you should be doing to make sure other costs don't get out of control.  In this week's episode I've shared how I've used home working to save cash over the last couple of years, plus a quick rundown of the latest deals of the week. FURTHER READING > Cut the cost of your broadband > How to find out just how much data you need. > How to switch your energy to cheaper deal > Cashback site bonuses > More on saving money when working from home Other articles mentioned > Use your spending power for good > Reduce food waste > Savings accounts to beat inflation > Deals of the week   ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you

Covid-19 has come from nowhere and caused such unexpected disruption - which is likely to get worse. So how do you make sure you and your money are in the best place to deal with this? Well a bit of planning now could make things easier in the weeks and months to come as our movements become more restricted. Plus, my thoughts on what you should do if you're owed money due to cancellations. FURTHER READING > Managing your money during social distancing and self-isolation > Cancelled or closing: Should you get a refund? > Financial support if you’re hit by coronavirus > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and acc

It's been a big day for your finances with a surprise interest rate cut followed by the Budget where the new government set out its financial plans for the year. I've taken a look at how both of these will impact you and your money. Plus, important information about your sick pay rights if you get Covid-19 or have to self-isolate due to coronavirus. FURTHER READING > Budget 2020: What it means to you > Savings, mortgages and debts: Will the interest rate cut affect me.. and you? > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as d

There's only one thing we're all talking about this week and it's Coronavirus. In this episode of the podcast, I've looked at how some of the conversations that relate to money. So should you be stockpiling, and if so what? Should you book a holiday? Should you go if you've already done it? Will you get paid if you can't go to work? Should you worry about investments? FURTHER READING > How to stockpile for an emergency > Is your holiday protected? > MSE's guide to which travel insurers cover what > Your rights at work > Fairtrade bananas: How much more do they really cost? ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conv

I want to make better ethical decisions when spending money, but I sometimes come up short. Though I boycott brands like Nestle and Sports Direct while only buying cruelty-free cosmetics and free-range meats, I also fly long haul, shop at Amazon and have the latest iPhone.  So what can you do? Well in this episode of Cash Chat I'm joined by Tim Hunt from Ethical Consumer magazine to discuss whether it's possible to do everything, if you need to pick your battles and some easy ways you can make a difference without it impacting your bottom line.   FURTHER READING > Ethical Consumer - get your free issue and read more > More on Fairtrade Fortnight > WWF carbon calculator > My article on how easy it is to eat ethically > More on the Nestle boycott   > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcas

This week we've seen some of the top paying and most popular savings accounts cut their rates at the same time that inflation has hit a six month high. Combined it's bad news for savers, meaning any money you put away is earning less and worth less. So should you just not bother? In this episode find out what you could be doing with your money instead and where to put any cash you do want to save. FURTHER READING > Cash savings to beat inflation > How to set savings goals you’ll actually stick to > Hacks to boost your savings pot > Deals of the week > Tickets to the Financially Fabulous event on 26th March 2020 > Details of the UK Money Bloggers pub meet up on 4th March 2020 ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast has been featured as one of the top finance podcasts by Apple, Good Housekeeping and the Independent. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can he

This week Tesco revealed how there are £17 million worth of Clubcard vouchers due to expire at the end of February. People have had the points for two years but forgotten that if they don't use them they lose them. So in this week's episode I've shared the different places you might have more lost and forgotten cash - often in your wallet or your home. Plus the top offers and bargains in my deals of the week. FURTHER READING Articles on Be Clever With Your Cash on this topic > Your forgotten cash and where to find it > Best uses of Tesco Clubcard points > How to claim forgotten cash on Oyster and contactless cards > How to make use of what you've already got > How to sell your old phone > Is it worth selling old books, DVDs, CDs and games Elsewhere on the blog this week > Money transfer credit cards – can they save you money? > Money transfer credit cards – can they save you money? > Deals of the week ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2020 the podcast ha

This week on the podcast Andy looks into whether you actually need to switch bank. Though there are certainly benefits for moving your banking, from higher interest on savings through to smart apps to help you budget, you might not actually have to switch to take advantage.  Find out how to do it, when to do it and when not to in this week's episode of Cash Chats. FURTHER READING Do you really need to switch bank? The best bank switching deals and offers How to switch bank My 14 current accounts ABOUT CASH CHATS Cash Chats is presented by money blogger and broadcaster Andy Webb. In 2019 it was awarded Best Money Podcast at the SHOMOS - the UK Moneybloggers annual awards. On each Cash Chats episode you can hear Andy share ways to get the most from your money. He's often joined for friendly and accessible conversations by a friend from the UK Money Blogger community to cover topics as diverse as freebies and investments. Then at the end of each week stay tuned for a bonus “deals of the week” rundown of the h