The Cost Saver Podcast
Practical UK money-saving episodes on energy bills, broadband, transport, and household budgets — powered by official UK data, not clickbait. Short enough to listen on the school run, detailed enough to act on.
- Episodes released
- Every Weekday
- Typical episode length
- 10–20 min episodes
Asad and Angela are AI-generated co-hosts — openly disclosed, UK-focused, and always paired with a companion written article you can verify. For information only, not financial guidance.
Audit Your Street's Real Cost of Living
Instant breakdown of local council tax bands, regional energy tariffs, median rent strain, and safety baselines.
All episodes
145 episodes · page 1 of 12 · newest first
LatestShared Ownership Staircasing: Why Buying in 10% Slices Can Drain Your Savings
In this episode of The Cost Saver Podcast, Angela and Asad unpack shared ownership staircasing using UK data and real numbers — so you can decide what to actually do, not just what to think about. Buying your home back in small 10% chunks feels safe and manageable, but each staircasing transaction carries fixed fees that add up fast. Here's how those slices can quietly cost you thousands more than one bigger move. Tap into the chapters, related tools, and companion article right on this page.
Ep. 14416 min
What a £50,000 Lifetime Mortgage Really Costs After 15 Years of Compound Interest
This episode unpacks the true cost of a £50,000 lifetime mortgage over 15 years, revealing how compound interest can make the debt grow to over £127,000. Learn about its impact on inheritance, the role of the no negative equity guarantee, and practical strategies to manage debt growth and make informed decisions.
lifetime mortgagescompound interestequity release costsEp. 14317 min
Deposit Disputes and Fair Wear and Tear: What Adjudicators Actually Look For
This episode demystifies tenancy deposit disputes, explaining how deposit protection schemes work, the landlord's burden of proof, and the concept of fair wear and tear. Learn what evidence adjudicators look for and how to effectively dispute unfair deductions to protect your deposit.
tenancy depositsdeposit disputesfair wear and tearEp. 14215 min
Opting Out of Your Workplace Pension: What It Really Costs You
Explore the hidden costs of opting out of your workplace pension, revealing how it sacrifices employer contributions, tax relief, and compound growth. Learn the true financial impact and discover practical steps if you've opted out or are considering it.
workplace pensionauto-enrolmentopting outEp. 14115 min
Did You Overpay Stamp Duty? Four Scenarios Where HMRC May Owe You a Refund
This episode explores four common scenarios where homeowners may have overpaid Stamp Duty Land Tax and are due a refund from HMRC. Learn about the 3% surcharge, uninhabitable properties, mixed-use land, and Multiple Dwellings Relief, including deadlines and how to claim.
stamp duty land taxsdlt refundshmrcEp. 14014 min
The £90,000 VAT Cliff Edge: Why Growing Your Small Business Can Quietly Cut Your Profits
This episode explores the UK's £90,000 VAT cliff edge, explaining how growing your small business can unexpectedly cut profits. Learn who is most affected, why it happens, and practical strategies to manage VAT registration and avoid financial surprises.
vat cliff edgesmall business profitsuk vat rulesEp. 13914 min
Prepaid Funeral Plan vs Investing: What Your Family Could Really Pay
This episode explores prepaid funeral plans versus investing for funeral costs, highlighting hidden charges and regulatory changes. Learn how to avoid unexpected expenses and make informed decisions, including a hybrid approach, to secure your family's future.
funeral planningprepaid funeral plansfuneral costs
Ep. 13814 minThe True 5-Year Cost of a UK Speeding Fine: Why a £100 Ticket Really Costs £1,000+
This episode uncovers the true 5-year cost of a UK speeding fine, revealing how a £100 ticket can actually cost over £1,000 due to hidden insurance premium increases and other financial impacts. Learn why the initial fine is just the "entry fee" and how to calculate your personal cost.
uk speeding finesinsurance premiumsmotoring convictionsEp. 13717 min
The Carer's Allowance Earnings Trap: How One Extra Shift Could Cost You £4,250
This episode explains the Carer's Allowance earnings trap, where earning just £1 over the £151 weekly net limit can cost you the entire £81.90 payment. Learn how to avoid significant overpayment demands and protect your benefits.
carer's allowanceearnings limitoverpayment trapEp. 13615 min
The Real Cost of a UK Spouse Visa: Fees, Surcharges and Traps Across the Five-Year Route
This episode uncovers the true financial commitment of a UK Spouse Visa, revealing costs far beyond the initial application fee. Learn about the Immigration Health Surcharge, stage-by-stage expenses, and common financial traps across the five-year route to avoid being blindsided.
uk spouse visa costsimmigration health surchargefive-year visa routeEp. 13516 min
The Lifetime ISA 25% Penalty Trap: What Early Withdrawals Really Cost You
This episode unpacks the Lifetime ISA (LISA) 25% penalty trap, explaining why early withdrawals can cost more than the government bonus. Learn the strict withdrawal rules, the true financial impact of the penalty, and practical steps to avoid losing your own savings.
lifetime isalisa penaltyearly withdrawalsEp. 13419 min
Pet Insurance vs Self-Funding in the UK: What 10 Years of Vet Bills Really Costs You
This episode compares pet insurance and self-funding vet bills in the UK over 10 years, detailing costs, risks, and a hybrid approach. Listeners will learn how to make an informed decision based on their pet's profile and financial discipline.
pet insurancevet billsself-fundingEp. 13317 min
Why Swapping Your Pension for the House in Divorce Could Cost You Thousands
Discover why swapping your pension for the house in a divorce settlement can cost you thousands. Learn about the hidden financial disparities between these assets, the pitfalls of relying on Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETVs), and how specialist advice can ensure a fair financial future.
divorce settlementpension sharingproperty equity
Hire Top-Rated Tech Experts
Need a custom solution? Find top-rated developers on Fiverr and get 10% off your first order!
We may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you. While we only partner with trusted platforms through reputable affiliate networks, all services and accounts are managed directly by the provider, who will handle any customer care or account needs.