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The first year of Trump's Mark 2 presidency has seen huge swings in critical areas for the future of humanity, including climate change, the risk of existential conflict and wealth polarisation. Where are the statesmen who can look ahead further than the next election, and at the interests of future generations? And is Rutger Bregman right to claim that a moral revolution can be delivered by national governments? Background music: 'Hopeful Freedom' by Asher Fulero

Few would disagree with St. John's conclusion that the nature of our conscious creator — of God — is love. In the Christian faith, it's at the heart of the two great commandments and inspires the whole amazing journey against all odds. But the word is totally absent from the Nicene Creed, repeated each Sunday in Churches. Christmas is the time to celebrate love in all its many splendours, but particularly to share love with children and young people. Let's hope that strategies announced by the UK Government over the last few days for children and young people are just the beginning, in terms of showing love for the generations who will follow us. Background music: 'Carol of the Bells' by Quincas Moreira

This commentary takes stock of all things 'Share' as at Autumn 2025. The Share Foundation has made substantial progress: it's enabled over 100,000 young people to claim nearly £¼ billion of Child Trust Funds, and the relatively modest £200 central government grant for opening Junior ISAs for young people in care is enabling substantial local contributions to be raised, accompanied by significant reductions in welfare benefit costs as a result of reduced NEET rates. Meanwhile, Share Alliance's quest for a more egalitarian form of capitalism is steadily building momentum. This is particularly so with research into the potential issuance of equity shares in return for tech businesses which are harvesting our data and creativity while significantly reducing employment opportunities, particularly for young people. Background music: 'Hopeful Freedom' by Asher Fulero

In seasonal spirit after what has felt like an exhausting political year, Mike Indian looks at the Three Unwise Men: Starmer; Trump; and Farage. Not since Attlee has a Labour PM had such internal difficulties and such a short honeymoon. His achievements have been drowned out by U-turns, defeats and gaffes. Labour are expected to do poorly in the May elections. Starmer is resilient and ruthless, but can he recover his authority? The unwisest man is surely Donald Trump. Eccentric and sometimes delusional, there has rarely been a more chaotic period in recent American history. His actions have a massive effect around the world. His health is now in question and it’s unlikely that he will go gracefully when is term is up. Of the three, Farage has had the best year. With just five MPs, Reform is polling above 30%. But the Russian links are insidious and it is still too early to predict the next election. We need to see real policies, not empty slogans. The next election will be the most pluralistic since 1923.

Russ Mould of A J Bell comments that, given the headwinds buffetting markets in 2025, you would hardly expect it to have been such a fantastic year for assets. He suggests 5 topics for investors to consider in 2026: interest rates; AI; commodities; small caps; and cash returns. Monetary and fiscal policy (except taxes in the UK) was generally stimulative and looks likely to continue. We have little direct involvement in AI so, if it blows up, the UK will be less affected than other markets. Miners and oils have been great performers this year but the profit upgrades we're now seeing are mostly because of metal miners. Small caps have been nowhere to be seen. Why? It is not healthy if the small and medium-sized companies that employ 90% of workers are struggling. UK investors have seen over £180bn returned to them in 2025. That's over a 6% return on the All-Share Index, which should continue to support UK shares if things continue as they are.

Steve Caplin is intrigued by a ring for your index finger which will capture audio to take notes or set up timers or reminders. Dutch students have invented a modular electric car which has parts you can swap out yourself, including the battery, motors and even body panels. Wacky inventor Colin Furze has come up with a bicycle that has magnetic suspension. There’s a personal AI chef, an AI monitor for your cat’s litter tray, a way of harvesting lithium from dead rechargeable batteries, an expensive portable sauna you can take camping with you and, in Hangzhou in China, they have wheeled out a robot traffic policeman.

James Cameron-Wilson says that box office is down 40% again, even though #1 ‘Zootropolis 2’ has become the biggest film of the year worldwide. #18 ‘Ella McCay’ is from James L. Brooks, who brought us such movies as ‘Broadcast News’. It stars Emma Mackey as an aspiring politician, backed by a raft of great actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Albert Brooks. Full of terrific dialogue, it reminds James of the great screwball comedies of old. He loved every minute. He was also impressed by Netflix’s ‘Train Dreams’, with Joel Edgerton as a logger and railroad worker. This is film as art and does require a degree of patience. He was bewitched by a film which reminded him of ‘Days of Heaven’. Also on Netflix is the third Knives Out movie, ‘Dead Man Wake Up’. Despite a great cast supporting Daniel Craig, James thought the murder plot was forced and, while there were some great moments, he was ultimately disappointed.

The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the fourth time this year. The base rate is now the lowest it's been since 2023 but a split vote means markets and economists are now questioning how much lower they will go. Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert discuss what a 3.75% base rate means for borrowers, savers and investors and, more importantly, where rates are going next. Plus, the social media savings tricks that Gen Z love — and what the rest of us can learn from them. Who has the highest household income and why how it is balanced matters. How to not get caught out by a counterfeit Christmas. And finally, another thorny question about a fence — but what's the answer? Merry Christmas from all of us at This is Money.

While many people are checking off items on their holiday shopping lists, we're making a list (and checking it twice) of stocks we would be happy to buy as 2025 comes to a close. Our list includes 3 giants in their respective fields, but are still Hidden Gems for investors who know what to look for. Companies discussed: LULU, GOOGL, GOOG, ABNB. Host — Jason Hall; Guests — Jon Quast, Dan Caplinger.

Electric vehicles were supposed to disrupt the auto industry, but sales are down, subsidies are going away, and Ford is pivoting away from EVs and taking $19.5 billion in charges to shift to hybrids. What strategy is the right one long-term? Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren discuss Ford’s $19.5 billion EV writedown — does Detriot have the right strategy? Plus, what’s next for Rivian and Tesla. Companies discussed: Ford (F), Rivian (RIVN), Tesla (TSLA), General Motors (GM), Lucid (LCID). Host — Travis Hoium; Guests — Lou Whiteman, Rachel Warren.

Empowerment is all about the freedom to make choices and be more in control of your life. Conventions and rules are of course helpful in providing a structure for everuday life, but they can also tie you down. Adam uses the metaphor of game-playing in this episode to help with breaking free in order to find more spontaniety, more fun and adventure in life.

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, 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

A new survey suggests rising costs are changing how people think about money and value. More than two in five say gold is the Christmas gift most likely to hold its value, while four in five say Christmas dinner costs more than last year and nearly two-thirds fear another financial crisis.
And, in a lighter twist, Scrooge has beaten the Three Wise Men as the Christmas character most likely to invest in gold. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Precious Metal Experts David Russell.

The UK Budget speech and the response from Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch. This includes the 'Point of Order' beforehand from Mel Stride regarding the premature release of the OBR report. This is the unabridged record without comment, and the recording runs for one hour and 31 minutes.

Inheritance tax has long been one of Britain’s most unpopular levies - and research shows why it’s becoming an even greater concern. Rising property prices, frozen tax thresholds, and upcoming changes to reliefs mean more ordinary families are at risk of being caught in the net. At the same time, many people admit they are financially dependent on inheritance, making the stakes higher than ever. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is inheritance tax expert and CEO and Founder of Level Group, George Williamson.

Pensions and inheritance are at the forefront of many people's minds ahead of the Budget. In her last Budget, Rachel Reeves announced she will pull pension pots into the inheritance tax net from April 2027. Meanwhile, there are concerns that pension tax-free lump sums and inheritance tax allowances could fall victim to another raid as the Chancellor tries to balance the books again. In this special episode of the This is Money podcast, Simon Lambert is joined by Lisa Caplan, director of Charles Stanley Direct Advice and Guidance. Lisa spends her days helping customers understand how to protect their wealth, make their pension last in retirement and, importantly, enjoy their hard-earned money. She discusses with Simon the questions people are asking right now about pensions and inheritance tax and her answers.

Rory McGowan speaks with James Kaberry, a non-executive director at IO Finance Partners, about the current state of SMEs in the UK. They discuss the significant role SMEs play in the economy, the challenges they face in accessing capital, and the rise of alternative lending solutions. James emphasises the importance of supporting SMEs to foster growth and stability in the economy, while also providing practical advice for those struggling to navigate the current financial landscape. https://iofp.co.uk/

The world is facing a myriad of Gordian Knots at present — problems so intricate and complex that they need new and very different approaches to solve them. In Greek mythology, it was Alexander the Great who chopped the knot rather than struggling to untie it. If you're facing a raft of complex problems, this episode could help you find novel and creative ways to solve them. So, think of the most challenging things in your life and listen in for inspiration. Maybe Donald Trump should seek Adam Cox's guidance for resolving conflicts across the world, or the UN for dealing with climate change — or Governments across western democracies seeking an answer for intractable debt problems? Image: Wikipedia

The unabridged recording of Rachel Reeves’ speech in the House of Commons on 11^th June 2025.

For the 500th show, Steve Caplin takes a look back at some of the highlights of ten years of Gadgets & Gizmos. He covers sprayable sleep, cows imitating zebras to ward off mosquitoes, crows collecting cigarette butts, NFTs, self-parking slippers, KFC chicken-tasting nail polish, the first human head transplant, the Skunklock noxious bike lock, Refrigerdating, the robot dog flamethrower, ant populated gin and how to make pain relief pills 10 times more effective.

Berkshire’s cash hoard is approaching “Dr. Evil” levels. Tim Beyers and Dylan Lewis discuss Warren Buffett’s message to investors and Berkshire Hathaway shareholders in his annual letter, Berkshire’s growing cash position and what it might say about his view of the investing opportunities out there, and Apple’s $500Bn commitment to its Advanced Manufacturing Fund, AI development, and R&D efforts. Then, 16 minutes in, American's pharmaceutical options for legally treating mental health issues could expand soon. MindMed is testing the effects of LSD on depression and Anxiety, the company’s CEO Rob Barrow talks Ricky Mulvey through his company's work and the future of psychedelics and mental health. Companies discussed: BRK.A, BRK.B, AAPL, MNMD. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Tim Beyers, Rob Barrow, Ricky Mulvey

James Cameron-Wilson reports on box office -13% but still up on 2024, with ‘Wicked’ becoming last year's most successful film with £59.6m. The musical biopic of Bob Dylan, ‘A Complete Unknown’, with Timothy Chalomet and Edward Norton is the new #1. The tedious and unbelievable ‘Wolf Man’ limps in at #7. James found Netflix's spy thriller ‘Back in Action’, the return from retirement of Cameron Diaz, all very silly and over the top, despite some good stunts. The Oscar nominations were coming out during recording, so James gives his first thoughts on who's in and who's out.

Warren Buffett sends us into the season to be thankful with his philanthropic acts and his poignant words, and gives us all a place to start the conversation with family about money. Asit Sharma and Dylan Lewis discuss NBC’s negotiations to extend their rights to broadcast rights to the Macy’s Day Parade, and why holiday live events are turning into an arms race, the expectations for Black Friday through Cyber Monday, and two predictions on the direction of consumer spend and who will be driving it in future years, and Warren Buffett’s plans for passing his wealth on to his family and philanthropic efforts, and the words of wisdom we should all have in mind as we get together with loved ones this week. Companies discussed: CMCSA, M, NFLX, AMZN, BRK.A, BRK.B. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Asit Sharma

The State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday 17th July was somewhat of a watershed after fourteen years of Conservative governments. Here is the unabridged King's Speech, encapsulating in just over twelve minutes the priorities of the new Labour Government. Image Source: Daily Express. Background music following the speech: 'Pastorale' by Joel Cummins

The core of the problem with unclaimed, adult-owned Child Trust Funds (of which there are over £2 billion waiting to be claimed) is with accounts opened by HMRC. That's why The Share Foundation has proposed a 'default withdrawal at 21' process, based on the young person's National Insurance number. Danny Kruger MP took part in the CTF conference in Westminster on Tuesday 5th March, and two weeks later in a Westminster Hall CTF debate, and supported this initiative which could release £1/4 billion each year to help these young and predominantly low-income young adults. Background music: 'Waiting' by Andrew Langdon

The debate on 19th March 2024 was hosted by Sir Jeremy Quin MP to call for the need to simplify family access to Child Trust Funds for disabled young people, and a number of MPs contributed to the debate, including Danny Kruger and Ed Davy. The audio record is provided by Parliament Live, and is an unabridged recording of proceedings, without additional comment. Listeners may notice an adjournment for voting in the House of Commons.

Adam Cox is joined by Gemma Bourne from Big Society Capital to discuss why the government should reallocate a larger proportion of its existing spend to further scale initiatives that tackle the UK's homelessness and temporary accommodation crisis. With new research showing that these house funds are already having a major impact, it could help us combat homelessness. https://bigsocietycapital.com/

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University explains why he so enjoyed new Argentine President Javier Milei lecturing the great and good of the World Economic Forum about libertarian and Austrian economics, attacking corporatism and socialism. He feels Milei could be the most consequential politician economically-speaking for many years. He also looks at falling EV car sales, lamenting the way in which politicians set goals for achieving their hobbyhorses irrespective of scientific progress and consumer demand. And he is fascinated by a meeting between journalist John Humphreys and members of Gen Z, which showed them to be different to the popular perception.

Welcome to a special episode of The Financial Outlook: the investment section of the Managing My Money course. What's the difference between saving and investment? It's all in the risk. We talk about shares, bonds and funds, and which perform best over the long term. The Managing My Money course has 16 sections in total, and is presented by Glen Goodman and Annie Weston. You can enjoy the whole course, produced in association with the Open University via Share Radio's home page. Here's the link to the slides for this episode: https://www.shareradio.co.uk/help-guides/managing-my-money/supporting-slides/mmm-week-5-episode-10-supporting-slides/

“The [Child Trust Fund] scheme has been closed to new entrants for over 12 years. In this time HMRC has been focusing resources on evaluating and improving existing schemes. We will continue to keep the need to evaluate old schemes under review.” So said Andrew Griffith MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury in reply to a parliamentary question from John Ashworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. But this is not an 'old scheme' — there is currently over £1.7 billion sitting in mature accounts belonging to over 900,000 mainly low-income young adults throughout the UK who don't know anything about their good fortune! Their Child Trust Fund harvest is seeing too little action at present: but it's not too late to get it sorted, and the current focus from the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee will certainly help.
Background music: 'Hopeful Freedom' by Asher Fulero

The huge take-up of ChatGPT over recent weeks has brought the challenge of Artificial Intelligence into sharp relief. As the Chief Executive of its creator, OpenAI, said in one of his blogs, 'Artificial Intelligence will bring unimaginable wealth but, unless something changes, most of us will get none of it. We need a radical solution'. Conventional wisdom sees Universal Basic Income as the way through this dilemma, but this will only bring us more state intermediation and human subservience. We can put forward a better solution, by enabling all to share in the wealth that technology brings and to play their part in its future governance.
Background music: 'Digital Solitude' by Silent Partner

Jonathan Davis, editor of the Investment Trusts Handbook, tells Simon Rose what makes investment trusts special and why investors should consider their merits. He explains the differences to other types of funds, including the premium and discount. He discusses the yields on alternative assets (including renewable energy and even music royalties) and how trusts can continue paying dividends even in bad years. The handbook, from Harriman House, is available in hardbook or free as an ebook (https://tinyurl.com/mt69fc24).

It’s the last episode of Answers (but don’t worry, we’re just moving to Motley Fool Money every Tuesday). We’ll reminisce on our biggest lessons learned over the last seven years and answer your questions, some financial, some festive.

The Talk by the WealthiHer Network, every month on Share Radio: this month we are here to talk about the secrets of some of UK leading female businesses leaders and their journeys within launching their businesses. Tamara Gillan is joined by Charlotte Bobroff, the executive director at J.P. Morgan who has been incremental with working with female founders from female high-powered businesses. She recently curated an event surrounding female high-powered businesses and she will be discussing her findings. Also, we have the pleasure of Daina Speddings, who is an investor at BGF and will share her perspective on the investment journey.

Scrooge has made the deal of his life with Chinese investors and must now quickly return to London on Christmas Eve to close the deal. On the flight back, during a fitful sleep, Scrooge confronts his past and present and learns the future consequences of his miserly life to find the true meaning of Christmas. Proscenium Online Theatre is super excited to be bringing you a whole new season of audio dramas in 2022. Starting off with 'The Girl in the Yellow Dress', a dark romance by South African playwright Craig Higginson, and 'Plunder', an original Hong Kong based thriller by American playwright Alan Olejniczak. In the meantime - sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the Proscenium Online Theatre’s production of 'A Christmas Carol'.

https://www.prosceniumonlinetheatre.com

Join the Sustain:Social panel session on December '21, considering the outlook for investors in the wake of the COP26 in Glasgow. The panel comprises of - Chair: Rodney Hobson Panel: Gervais Williams (Premier Miton Group); Jamie Broderick (Impact Investing Institute); Mohan Gundu (Sustainable Funds Group); Mike Appleby (Liontrust Sustainable Investment team); Gavin Oldham (The Share Foundation / Share Radio).

Food banks are providing a vital role to help people this winter, and the Trussell Trust supports more than 1,200 throughout the United Kingdom. In this special episode of The Bigger Picture, their Chief Executive Emma Revie briefs supporters about their progress, and their plans for the future. If you would like to support the extraordinary work undertaken by this charity, please visit https://trusselltrust.org

Imagine a world in which everyone has a stake in the great tech firms that serve them each day, and where dividends are gradually replacing wages to provide regular income for everyone, as work becomes scarcer as a result of automation? Imagine a world where every young person not only has a small inheritance with which to start their adult life, but also the opportunity to build its value by learning life skills? Simon Rose is taking a well-earned break this week, so we’re taking the opportunity to bring you a talk given Gavin Oldham in August to the leading City of London think-tank Z/Yen.

Click link for slides for presentation

Every child in the UK born between 1 Sept 2002 and 2 Jan 2011 has a Child Trust Fund (CTF). But one child in six has lost contact with the money. Gavin Oldham, Chairman of The Share Foundation – which runs the Junior ISA & Child Trust Fund schemes for children in care for the Department for Education - is trying to re-connect them. He talks through the CTF, how to track an account down, and what a child can and can’t do with the money.

In a new partnership with publishers Harriman House, Share Radio has produced its first audiobook 'Superinvestors', written by Matthew Partridge and read by some of Share Radio's best known presenters. 'Superinvestors' lays bare the investing secrets of legendary investors - from early 20th-century figures such as Benjamin Graham and John Maynard Keynes, through to more modern names such as Anthony Bolton and Warren Buffett.

How you can help young people in care prepare for adult life by supporting The Share Foundation’s ‘Stepladder of Achievement’ programme.

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Share Radio has put together a list of our ‘Top 5 Money Saving Apps’ to help our listeners make the most of their money.  All the apps featured here are free to download on either Apple or Android devices. Read more...