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Are premium bonds still a good place for your savings — or just a nostalgic gamble? In this episode of The Money Mentor, David Braithwaite breaks down exactly how premium bonds work, their pros and cons, and what’s changed since they were first introduced nearly 70 years ago. David explains how these government-backed savings bonds […]

Uni life is all lectures, late nights and leftover pizza — but a few smart money moves now can save a lot of grief (and cash) later. In this Money Mentor episode, David Braithwaite shares practical tips for freshers and families: which student bank accounts offer the best perks (cash bonuses, railcards, takeaway credits), how

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has long been one of the most contentious areas of financial planning. With frozen thresholds and rising property values, more families than ever are already being caught in the IHT net. And from April 2027, things are set to get even more complex. As announced in the October 2024 Budget, pensions are

If you live in Kent, you’ve probably heard David Braithwaite’s voice before. As the Money Mentor on BBC Radio Kent, he’s known for making financial topics easy to understand, and fun to listen to. But away from the microphone, David is also the founder and Principal Adviser at Citrus Financial, a business he built from

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has always been a hotly debated subject, but it’s now firmly in the spotlight again as the Chancellor looks for ways to raise more money for the Treasury. With potential changes on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to understand how IHT works, and what it could mean for your family’s

Retirement isn’t what it used to be — and that’s a good thing. In this Money Mentor episode, David Braithwaite talks about how retirement has evolved from the traditional “gold watch on Friday, retired on Monday” model to a more flexible, purposeful stage of life. David explores why many people now work part-time, consult, or

Fraudsters are getting slick — but you can stay one move ahead. In this Money Mentor episode, David Braithwaite shares the latest scam tactics (spoofed phone numbers, “update your payment” emails, fake council-tax refunds, and even QR-code stickers in car parks) and how to beat them. What you’ll learn in minutes: The classic red flags:

HMRC figures* show the 2024/25 tax year saw a record £8.2bn raised in IHT, a £800m increase on the previous tax year. The new tax year kicked off in the same vein with the Treasury collecting £780m in IHT in April 2025 alone, up £97m from April 2024 – making it the second-highest monthly IHT

One in six people with a partner are unsure who would inherit their pension savings if they were to die before accessing them*. While the majority – 65% – have nominated their spouse or partner as their named beneficiary, others have chosen different paths: one in five say they have selected another family member, while