Dear Listener

Another week, another international banking crisis. Or at least that is how some commentators are interpreting the move by five central banks to offer up to $100 billion (£50 billion) to try to open the jaws of the credit crunch. Will this unprecedented move make it easier – and cheaper – to get a mortgage or a loan?

Another week… I know I’ve done that one but here it comes again… another prediction that house prices will fall, this time from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. They argue their case with a professional who provides data to lenders on the housing market.

Another week… (see above)… another group of homes has to have a Home Information Pack. This time it’s all of them, right down to one bedroom. We are told that many estate agents are offering them “free”. But what does “free” mean? And how much might you have to pay?

As Abbey announces (quietly) that it will be opening 300 new branches (but not until 2009 and it won’t say where) we ask what is the state of the banking network? Are branches making a comeback? Or still disappearing? And how many towns and villages have not a single branch?

And will there be long queues at post offices on Christmas Eve as payments for pensioners and disabled people, which are normally spread over three days, are squeezed into just over three hours?

Remember you can download Money Box and Money Box Live as a podcast so you can listen to the programmes on your MP3 player anytime, anywhere. You can even sign up for a weekly download from iTunes and other services so 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