Money Clinic with Claer Barrett

Miranda Green, an FT columnist, shares her poignant journey of managing her father's financial affairs after his passing. She describes the unexpected length and complexity of this process, filled with frustrating interactions with financial institutions. Key discussions include the emotional toll of such bureaucratic tasks and the need for improved customer service in the financial sector. Eric Leenders, from UK Finance, responds to concerns and explores how streamlined services could aid families during these challenging times.

Christine Ross, a wealth manager from Handelsbanken, joins to discuss whimsical financial strategies for Barbie as she approaches retirement. They explore her varied careers and spending habits, emphasizing the crucial steps of creating a will and financial planning. The conversation highlights the impact of the gender pay gap on women's retirement savings and the importance of independent financial strategies for both Barbie and Ken. Listeners gain insights on prioritizing meaningful experiences and the significance of paying oneself first for financial independence.

Richard Hogwood, a family lawyer from Stewarts Law, and James Brookner, founder of the affordable prenup platform Wenup, discuss the rising trend of prenuptial agreements in the UK. They debunk misconceptions, highlight the emotional and financial benefits, and share insights into navigating the often tricky conversations around prenups. A newly engaged couple reveals their motivations for opting for a prenup and the importance of financial transparency in relationships. The conversation emphasizes that prenups can protect both partners, proving they're not just for the wealthy.

Claer Barrett, the consumer editor at the Financial Times, discusses vital career insights with Isabel Berwick, host of the FT’s Working It podcast. They explore the importance of continuous learning and networking to adapt to the changing job market. The conversation delves into how the pandemic reshaped ambition towards personal fulfillment and the impact of remote work on women. Additionally, they highlight Gen Z's focus on mental health and value alignment in the workplace, alongside the growing importance of pay equity and transparency.

Sam Richardson, Deputy editor of Which? Money, discusses rising insurance costs and declining customer service with Claer Barrett. They explore challenges in the claims process, the importance of travel insurance, and strategies to manage rising premiums. Practical tips on cutting insurance expenses are shared, highlighting the impact on uninsured drivers and societal issues.

Fund manager James Thomson shares his 'special sauce' for investing in growth stocks, mistakes, and lessons learned. Topics include diversifying from US tech stocks, investing in fast-growing global companies, risk management, and weatherproofing portfolios during market volatility.

Guest Howie Schwartz, Co-founder of Always Legit, discusses if sneakers can be investments. The episode explores the rising trend of sneaker collecting, the profitability of the sneaker market, and the challenges of investing in limited edition releases. Insights are shared on managing sneaker portfolios and the comparison to traditional investments like wine and art.

Comedian Lucy Porter shares her biggest financial regrets and career reflections, emphasizing the value of humor in learning from mistakes. She discusses forgetfulness, expensive hobbies, and collections, as well as the challenges of understanding and managing finances. Lucy reflects on regrets, shares money-saving tips, and promotes her upcoming show and podcast, all with a comedic touch.

Financial expert Miranda joins host Claer Barrett to discuss the potential impacts of the UK election on taxes, personal finances, and investments. They analyze the contrasting tax policies of political parties, potential changes in tax wrappers, implications for investors, and debates on child benefit proposals. The episode concludes with insights on financial decisions ahead of the election and a wrap-up on the UK election coverage.

Vicky Reynal, a financial therapist, joins the host to explore the psychology behind our financial habits. They discuss the symbolic nature of money, why some are spenders while others are savers, and how understanding this can lead to positive changes. Topics include financial anxiety, self-sabotage, and empowerment in managing finances.