麻豆社

A group of former British soldiers says the Government should pay back their pensions. The men were cold called and persuaded to transfer their savings out of Ministry of Defence pension schemes. They claim the government did not warn them of the risk of pensions scams, and should have contacted them to check if they'd taken independent financial advice.

The Great Pottery Throw Down TV series has been credited with boosting the popularity of pottery and ceramics making, and returns to our screens again later this year. There's also been a growth in pottery membership, based on a US model, that allows members regularly use of a studio in return for a monthly subscription. Some have waiting lists of more than six months. We talk to people about the appeal of making ceramics yourself.

FIRE - Financial Independence, Retire Early - is a movement that encourages people to consider leaving the workplace before retirement to pursue other interests. Just how easy is it to save enough money to be able to quit your job in your 30s or 40s? We hear about the financial planning and sacrifices it takes to be able to leave full time work earlier in life.

Deductions from Universal Credit to pay back government debts are being done at a level that is unaffordable for many. Debt advice charities and the Work and Pensions Select Committee have warned that people are being left without enough money to pay essential bills and risk falling into further debt. Deductions can be for historic benefits overpayments, outstanding government loans, or Universal Credit advance payments. The current maximum level for deductions is 40% of payments, this will be reduced to 30% in October but MPs say this doesn't go far enough.

Presented by Winifred Robinson.
Produced by Beatrice Pickup.