This email was sent to Money Box subscribers on 28 December 2007

Dear Listener

In this last programme of 2007 we will be looking ahead to what 2008 might bring.

Will house prices fall or stay flat? Experts are divided, though the latest evidence this week indicates that the market is in a bit of a slump.

With shares in the biggest companies ending the year about 4% up – the fifth rise in a row – where should we invest our money next year? One expert tells us it is the most difficult market for 20 or more years. And warns it is back to basics when we want to invest our money.

In January the government is extending a trial of software to detect false benefit claims over the phone. Already in use for some housing benefit claims, it will be tried out next month on unemployed people claiming jobseeker’s allowance. But Money Box discovers there is no scientific evidence that the system – called voice stress analysis – actually works. We ask the government minister in charge why he is keen on it.

And we finish with an exclusive interview with the man charged with the task of introducing a new national pension scheme for everyone at work, by 2012. To our surprise he says that date might slip.

If you’re just too busy to listen on Saturday, why not give the podcast a try? Then you can download the programme and listen on your MP3 player when it suits you. You can even sign up to get a podcast every week from iTunes and other services, so you never miss an edition.

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

And on Monday we are answering your questions on saving, borrowing, mortgages and tax in an end-of-year Money Box Live. You can email your question now – or even send it recorded as an MP3 file – to moneybox@bbc.co.uk

Have a great New Year

Paul Lewis

PS Don’t forget the live preview of Money Box on BBC1 Breakfast between 8.45 and 9 on Saturday morning.


Writing Archive


Paul Lewis front page

e-mail Paul Lewis


All material on these pages is © Paul Lewis 2007