Dear Listener,

Global financial turmoil. That’s our top story, as a chance remark in China sends the US dollar plunging. Why is the global financial system so fragile? And how might it affect us all?

The Conservatives warn they may vote against radical plans to make sure everyone has a pension at work. They say many people may be automatically put into the scheme but end up no better off. We talk to the Conservative shadow pensions secretary about his objections. And the National Association of Pension Funds gives its view.

We have the latest on the collapse of the money transfer company First Solution, which was used by thousands of Bangladeshi families to send money back home. Nearly £2 million has disappeared. Why was a High Court hearing postponed? And what will the Government do for the families who have lost so much?

In future your pension may vary according to your postcode. One major insurance company has started paying more to people in some areas because they have a shorter life expectancy. Is this the start of a major change when your pension will be related to your lifestyle and your personal life expectancy?

Lloyds TSB tells us it can’t guarantee that customers’ debit cards will always work abroad as new anti-fraud procedures begin. It recommends having your phone with you when you try to use your card on holiday. (This story may run on the web only).

Remember you can download Money Box and Money Box Live to your computer and listen on your MP3 player anytime, anywhere. You can even sign up for a weekly download to make sure you never miss an episode.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/moneybox/

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