Dear Listener,

House prices. Will they rise? Fall? Slump. Or stay flat? Well no one really

knows. But two top economists – one in the UK and another who looks at world

affairs – will tell us what they think. Not predictions, you understand, but

indications of where they think things might go. Cautious folk these

economists. Meanwhile mortgage lenders will answer the charge that their

lending policies have pushed house prices up to their present levels. It’s a

must-listen if you own your home – or want to.

If you’ve ever been tempted to save money by insuring your teenager’s car in

your name and put them down as an ‘other driver’ beware. It can save you

hundreds of pounds. But up to 1000 people a year who have done it find the

insurance company doesn’t pay out when their offspring make a claim after an

accident or theft.

We hear fears that the changes in capital gains tax will hit employee share

schemes and the sales of investment bonds. The Government is being asked to

revise the changes announced last week to meet these concerns. But will it

listen?

And it’s your chance to let off steam about the financial ombudsman. The

service has announced a review of its work. And the man in charge tells us he

wants to hear from the public about what changes it would like to see. 

Remember that Money Box and Money Box Live can both be downloaded now, so you

can listen to them on your computer or MP3 player anytime, anywhere. And you

can sign up for a weekly download to make sure you never miss an episode. 

Best wishes

Paul Lewis

PS Don’t forget the live preview of Money Box on BBC1 Breakfast between 8.45

and 9 Saturday morning. 

e-mail Paul Lewis