Martin Lewis is a British financial journalist and broadcaster known for founding the consumer help website MoneySavingExpert.com . He gained public attention for his straight-talking personal finance advice on ITV and for his successful campaigns that forced government U-turns on policy, earning him the nickname “the most trusted man in Britain”.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Martin Steven Lewis CBE
Age: 54 (born May 9, 1972)
Nationality: British
Occupation: Financial Journalist, Broadcaster, Television Presenter
Known For: Founder of MoneySavingExpert.com; The Martin Lewis Money Show; consumer rights campaigning
Marital Status: Married to Lara Lewington (since 2009)
Children: One daughter, Sapphire Susan Lewis (born 2012)
Early Life and Background
Lewis was born in Manchester and grew up in Didsbury before moving to the village of Norley in rural Cheshire. He attended The King’s School in Chester and went on to read Government and Law at the London School of Economics. In 1997, he became a postgraduate student in Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University. A defining tragedy of his childhood occurred when he was just 11 years old: his mother, Susan Lewis, died suddenly in a horse-riding accident involving a collision with a lorry just days before his 12th birthday.
Career and Achievements
After graduating in journalism, Lewis worked as a producer for the BBC Business Unit before moving to the satellite channel Simply Money, where he cultivated his “Money Saving Expert” persona. In 2003, he launched MoneySavingExpert.com from his living room for just £100.
Lewis sold the website to the Moneysupermarket.com group in September 2012 for up to £87 million. He pocketed £35 million cash and additional shares but remained editor-in-chief, announcing he would give £10 million to charity. Lewis also presents The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV, which has run since 2012, and is a regular contributor to This Morning and Good Morning Britain. He was appointed MBE in 2014 and CBE in 2022 for services to consumer rights and charitable services.
Why He Is In the News
Lewis is in the news after receiving a BAFTA Television Special Award on May 10, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. He became visibly emotional while dedicating the award to his late mother and to consumer journalism, stating: “42 years to the day since we suddenly lost my mum just before I was 12. My childhood was over. For six years, barring school, I barely left the house. Now I’m picking up a Bafta”.
Conclusion
Martin Lewis rose from a “broken, scared boy” devastated by his mother’s death to become one of the UK’s most influential and trusted broadcasters. Through his tireless campaigning and consumer journalism, he has helped millions navigate financial hardship and has proven that “life can be transformed”.
