In this episode, debt expert Sara Williams from Debt Camel shares practical advice on managing debt, understanding credit scores, and avoiding common pitfalls. Sara was a debt adviser for 20 years and now blogs about debt on her website and on Instagram (search for Debt Camel). This is for you if you're feeling overwhelmed by your debt

Topics:

• Difference between good debt and bad debt
• How minimum payments trap you in debt
• Using 0% balance transfers effectively
• Risks of secured and consolidation loans
• Why credit scores matter less than you think

Key takeaways:

• Stop paying only the minimum on credit cards to reduce debt faster.
• Use fixed monthly payments instead of minimum payments to pay off debt in years, not decades.
• Avoid cycles of borrowing by not taking unnecessary loans or consolidations.
• Check credit reports for errors but don't rely solely on them for financial decisions.
• Create a complete list of debts and stop using credit for everyday expenses.

Resources:

• Debt Camel
• National Debt Line
• Step Change Debt Charity

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Welcome to Midlife Money Made Easy, the show that helps you understand your money in midlife. Covering all personal finance topics, including interest rates, budgeting, debt, benefits, investing, ISAs, pensions and more.

Presented by financial journalist and podcaster Julie-Anna Needham.

Follow on YouTube: @MidlifeMoneyMadeEasy

3 Things You Need to Know About the Energy Price Cap (And How to Lower Your Bills)

With the latest energy price cap increasing to £1,862 a year, navigating your utility bills can feel more confusing than ever.

What exactly is the price cap, how does it impact your monthly outgoings, and are you paying more than you need to?

In this episode of Midlife Money Made Easy, Julie-Anna Needham sits down with Joanna O'Loan, Knowledge Manager at the Energy Saving Trust.

Together, they break down the complexities of UK energy tariffs, explain the hidden costs on your statements, and share practical, actionable steps you can take this week to lower your energy bills.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Origins of the Price Cap: Why Ofgem introduced it, how geopolitical events impact your rates, and what it actually protects you from.

Fixed vs. Variable Tariffs: How to read your energy bill, what a "flexible" or "standard variable" product means for your wallet, and how the price cap acts as a ceiling.

Decoding Your Bill: The crucial difference between your unit rate (what you use) and your standing charge (the daily fee just for being connected).

One Actionable Step for This Week: How to use your current statement to shop around, beat your current rate, and find a better deal.

Resources:

Energy Saving Trust: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/

Ofgem's energy price cap explained (Energy Saving Trust): https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/what...

Ofgem's energy price cap increases (Ofgem website): https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/news/changes...

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