Ft Money Show

There’ve been thousands of flight cancellations and scenes of chaos at UK airports, so this Money Clinic episode is packed with advice about your consumer rights if your travel plans go wrong. Host Claer Barrett, the FT’s consumer editor, hears from listeners battling to get their money back from airlines and third-party booking sites, including one listener who was forced to wear her husband’s underpants after her suitcase went missing! Can she help them obtain compensation - and track down the missing suitcase? Claer sources tips about air passenger rights, travel insurance and Covid cancellation cover from veteran travel journalist Simon Calder, and Harry Kind, a Which? consumer expert.Want more?Claer’s latest FT column is packed with more tips for travellers, including how to get the best deal on holiday currency: https://www.ft.com/content/0044cce2-d9e3-4599-9615-5c2546830071Simon Calder hosts an Instagram Live on his account @Simon_Calder answering travel questions every Saturday and Sunday at 3.30pm UK

Record numbers of people are falling victim to online fraud attempts, but there are no guarantees that your bank will refund the lost money. Thirty-one-year-old Jenny was distraught when fraudsters impersonating her bank made off with her life savings of £17,000. Money Clinic helped her to take her case to the UK’s Financial Ombudsman, and in this episode host Claer Barrett explains how listeners could use the free ombudsman service to obtain compensation themselves. Plus Pat Hurley, the lead ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman service, and Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at the banking trade body UK Finance, pass on valuable fraud prevention tips. Want more?Claer’s column on record online fraud in the UK: https://www.ft.com/content/a6c5ab95-7be4-432c-83a5-79b7471afc1aHow to make a claim using the Financial Ombudsman service: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/To stay on top of the latest scams being reported: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ If you would like to appear as a

Would you fall for a £17,000 scam? You might think you are too smart, but criminals keep coming up with frighteningly convincing ways of parting us from our hard-earned cash. Figures released last week showed that online fraud hit a new record in 2021, with under-35s increasingly the target of ‘impersonation scams’. Fewer than half of those tricked into transferring cash to criminals ever get their money back from their bank. Victims include 31-year-old Money Clinic listener Jenny. In this repeat episode, she tells presenter Claer Barrett about how professional scammers conned her out of £17,000 in April 2021 after she clicked on a text message — and the compensation battle she’s been fighting since then. Bank fraud expert Steven McMillan provides practical advice on how to spot scams and Gareth Shaw from Which? tells listeners how to get compensation if they fall victim. Next week, we will reveal what happened when Claer helped Jenny to take her case to the financial ombudsman.For more on the online fraud ‘e

The FT just launched a new podcast on porn, power and profit. When FT reporter Patricia Nilsson started digging into the porn industry, she made a shocking discovery: nobody knew who controlled the biggest porn company in the world. Now, she and her editor, Alex Barker, reveal who is behind it and much more. This eight-part investigative podcast reveals the secret history of the adult business and the billionaires and financial institutions who shape it. Brought to you by the Financial Times and Pushkin. To listen to new episodes, search ‘Hot Money’ wherever you listen. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Most people know that you need a good credit score to be able to borrow money, but how to start building one up is a bit of a mystery. Money Clinic listener Emma, 22, has never been in debt before, apart from her student loans. However, she has heard that getting a credit card could increase her chances of being able to take out a mortgage in the future. Before she applies for one, what does she need to consider? Plus, if your credit score isn’t great, how can you improve it and why is this worth doing? Claer Barrett, Money Clinic presenter and the FT’s consumer editor, scrutinises Emma’s credit score, with help from Katie Watts, a consumer expert at moneysavingexpert.com and debt adviser Sara Williams, who runs a blog called The Debt Camel (@debtcamel on Twitter and Instagram). Together, they explain the hidden world of credit scores, credit files and tips on how to use credit responsibly. Want more?This free-to-read FT article How to Improve Your Credit Score includes lots more tips and

Global stock markets have suffered their biggest weekly drop since the start of the pandemic, and cryptocurrencies have crashed. As younger investors struggle to absorb the losses, they also have the rising cost of living to contend with. This week, Money Clinic host Claer Barrett speaks to Ashley, a 28-year-old investor who has lost thousands of pounds, about how he’s weathering the financial storm, and two of the FT’s top investment brains unpick exactly what has been happening in world markets and where things could go from here. Katie Martin, the FT’s markets editor, and Robert Armstrong, the FT’s US financial commentator and author of the Unhedged newsletter, have plenty of ideas for new investors thinking about their next move.Want more?Claer’s most recent FT column offers pointers to young investors: https://www.ft.com/content/83aa143b-1f84-48e9-a6f7-6c21deef278dThe financial advice that older FT readers would pass down to younger investors:  https://www.ft.com/content/1d71cdc1-5a7d-464a

Who taught you the most about money — your dad, your mum or the internet? Traditionally, parents had the biggest influence on how people managed money in their adult lives. But all that is changing. In an unofficial Money Clinic poll ahead of Father’s Day this Sunday, while 20 per cent of listeners said their dads had been the strongest financial influence in their lives, the vast majority (71 per cent) said it was the internet, raising important questions about the role of online influencers and the lack of financial education in schools. Presenter Claer Barrett discusses with Aimée Allam, director of the FT’s Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign (FLIC), and millennial financial educators Andreea Ion and Jamie Galvin, who run the Stocks and Savings pages on Instagram and TikTok. If you would like to be a guest on a future episode of Money Clinic, email us at money@ft.com or send Claer a DM on social media — she’s @ClaerB on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. To follow Andreea and Jamie on s

As the cost of living rises, securing a pay rise is likely to be the top item on your financial to-do list. So how can you maximise your chances of getting one?  This week on Money Clinic, we’ve joined forces with the FT’s Working It podcast to return to one of our most popular episodes: “How to ask for a pay rise - and get one!” Back in November, podcast listener Max told presenters Claer Barrett and Isabel Berwick about how he hoped to negotiate a raise with his current employer after being approached by headhunters offering more money elsewhere. In this special episode, Max tells us what happened next, and whether the experts’ advice paid off. Plus, Isabel explores what managers can do to help their teams asking for higher pay, especially if there is no budget for it. This episode will help you gather the tools and tips you need – and also tell you what not to do. Want more?  Listen again to the advice from Claer, Isabel and Jonathan Black, the FT’s “Dear Jonathan” career

Introducing Behind the Money. This is part 1 of 2 in a mini-series on crypto. Part 2 is available now here: https://link.chtbl.com/BTMMCFirst up, we're wondering: is a crypto vibe shift underway? Bitcoin’s price has been dropping for weeks and earlier this month, a popular stablecoin collapsed. FT reporter Ethan Wu explains how the effects of that rippled into other areas of the crypto universe. Michela and Ethan will talk about what stablecoins are and why they matter — even for people who aren’t crypto investors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rishi Sunak has just unveiled a £15bn support package to help households as the average UK energy bill is predicted to hit £2,800 a year. Even with the chancellor’s help, plenty of people will still be feeling the pinch - but this episode is packed with practical tips and advice to help you save on your energy bills. Presenter Claer Barrett hears from Bella who is renting a draughty Victorian flat, and wants to know her rights before she tackles her landlord. Homeowner Sam has seen his bills skyrocket, and wonders if insulating his property would be a wise investment. On hand with tips for Bella and Sam are Gemma Hatvani, founder of the Facebook group, Energy Support and Advice UK, and Brian Horne, a senior advisor at the Energy Saving Trust.If you would like to be a guest on a future episode of Money Clinic, email us at money@ft.com or send Claer a DM on social media - she’s @ClaerB on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. To read a free FT.com article about how the new energy help measures will work, cli

This month’s crash in the value of cryptocurrencies has wiped out investments for people all over the world. In Bangalore, 29-year-old Subbaiah watched in horror as his $7,000 crypto holdings in luna and terra collapsed. Even investors holding other cryptocurrencies as part of a diversified portfolio are feeling the sting.Scott Chipolina, the FT’s digital assets correspondent, and Ilan Solot, a partner at crypto group Tagus Capital, discuss what the future could hold for crypto as an asset class, what more could be done to protect consumers — and the steps investors can take to protect themselves.If you’ve lost money in the crash and need to talk to someone, here’s a link to the Reddit thread containing all of the national helplines you could turn to for support: https://www.reddit.com/r/terraluna/comments/un57df/for_everyone_panicking_here_are_some_national/Presented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Persis Love. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Breen Turner, with original music fro

Behind the Money is back with all-new episodes! From hostile takeovers to C-suite intrigue, Behind the Money takes you inside the business and financial stories of the moment with reporting from Financial Times journalists around the world. The podcast returns May 25. You can follow the show now! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you hated maths at school, does it follow that you’ll be bad at managing money as an adult? Money Clinic host Claer Barrett hears from Jade, a 21-year-old self-employed graduate, who says even thinking about numbers makes her feel anxious, bringing back memories of not knowing the answer in school maths lessons. In her adult life, it’s affecting Jade’s ability to manage her finances, particularly as the cost of living rises. But Jade’s problem is far from uncommon — half of working-age adults in the UK have the numeracy skills expected of a child at primary school – and ahead of National Numeracy Day on Wednesday May 18, Money Clinic hears from a trio of experts on how to improve your numeracy skills. They are Bobby Seagull, the TV personality and Britain’s most famous maths teacher, Mr MoneyJar, aka Timi Merriman-Johnson, and Suzanne Dale, who teaches adult numeracy in the workplace.To take the 10-minute National Numeracy Challenge and download many other free resources, visit the National Numeracy websit

A year ago, 24-year-old Evvia, a full-time care assistant in Norwich, started a vintage knitwear business from her bedroom. Today, her Loupy Studio label has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, and she’s receiving orders from all over the world. Evvia’s creations are in such hot demand she’s going to have to scale back her hours at her day job — but she wonders how this might knit together financially.Money Clinic host and FT consumer editor Claer Barrett gets advice from Jo Ellison, editor of the FT’s How to Spend It, about whether Evvia should increase her prices, and the financial challenges facing young designers. Plus, chartered accountant Deborah Edwards from Raised Up Finance unravels important questions about tax, different company structures and how entrepreneurs like Evvia can develop a growth mindset for their businesses.To listen, click on the link above, or search for Money Clinic wherever you get your podcasts.If you would like to be a future guest on the show, please email money@ft.com or

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever have to make, so how can you prepare for it? On the Money Clinic podcast this week, presenter Claer Barrett meets a couple  — 29-year-old Alex and her partner 31-year-old Sarah — who are midway through their property buying journey. They have lots of questions: Did they get the right kind of mortgage? Should they prepare for unexpected costs? And what other financial questions should they consider before signing on the dotted line? Claer sources advice from Daniel Knott, the mortgage broker who posts as @DanDoesMortgages on Instagram, as well as Jo Little, who runs chartered financial planning firm Emery Little. If you would like to be a guest on a future episode, you can email the team at money@ft.com or drop @ClaerB a DM on Twitter, Instagram or TikTok.Follow Dan on social media @DanDoesMortgages You can read Jo Little’s blog here: https://emerylittle.com/author/joannalittle/This free to read FT article goes into mor

How financially compatible are you as a couple? On Money Clinic podcast this week, presenter Claer Barrett meets newly-weds Sahil and Priya, who have very different attitudes to money.Sahil is a spender and a high-risk investor. Priya is a diehard saver who finds it hard to enjoy spending her hard-earned cash. The couple want to iron out their financial differences, but confess that conversations about money often end in arguments or nagging.Financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal examines the roots of the couple’s attitudes to money and suggests how they could move forward. Ken Okoroafor, money expert and co-founder of The Humble Penny website, advises how couples can communicate and work towards shared financial goals. If you have a money question you’d like to see tackled on the show, email money@ft.com or send Claer a DM on social media - she’s @Claerb on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Follow Ken on Instagram https://instagram.com/thehumblepenny and visit his website at https://thehumblepenny.com

Record inflation! Soaring energy prices! Tax rises! Those are the gloomy economic and financial headlines, but three-quarters of the readers who answered an FT poll said they expected their bonus to be bigger, or substantially bigger, than last year’s.  If you’re lucky enough to be one of those people, this episode is for you, because the squeeze on living standards and turbulent world markets mean it’s even more important to use your bonus wisely.Claer is joined in the FT studio by three experts, FT columnist and former investment banker James Max, Nimesh Shah, chief executive of tax specialists Blick Rothenberg, and Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Landsdown. The three of them give their views on the comments from the FT readers who bravely bared their financial souls to tell us whether they intended to spend, save or invest their bonus.If you would like to be a future guest on Money Clinic podcast, please email the team via money@ft.com or follow Claer on soc

Why does the crew of the world’s biggest rock band have its own financial literacy programme? Well, life in the music industry is rife with financial instability - workers are often on short-term contracts, missing out on employee benefits such as pension savings and health insurance. A tour can stop at the drop of a hat - when a rockstar breaks their leg, or a pandemic hits - and workers are left without any income.That's why, when the retirement planning nonprofit, Alliance for Lifetime Income, became the Stones tour's latest sponsor, production manager Dale Skjerseth came up with an idea for helping the younger roadies manage their money better. This episode is packed with financial tips for budgeting and long-term saving, especially for gig and short-term contract workers. Featuring Stones roadies Nick and Dale, and Alliance for Lifetime Income chief executive Jean Statler.If you would like to be a future guest on Money Clinic podcast, please email the team via money@ft.com or follow Claer on social

Ashley dreams of owning his own home, but is well aware that the cash he is saving for a deposit is at the mercy of rising inflation. Would he be better off investing his money in his pension, in stocks and shares, or should he stay focused on getting on the property ladder?Expert guests Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Jason Butler, financial guru and FT columnist, have lots to say about the challenges facing younger investors, and offer tips for devising a long-term financial strategy.If you would like to be a future guest on Money Clinic podcast, please email the team via money@ft.com or follow Claer on social media @Claerb. To read Claer’s FT column about how 20-somethings are being forced to choose between targeting property or pensions, click on this link: https://www.ft.com/content/2815d35d-2297-4712-a4c5-0178de343eb1 To hear Claer chatting to Paul Johnson in-depth about the pensions challenges facing young people on the IFS podcast, click here: https://ifs.org.

With so many investing options out there, getting the right balance for your portfolio can be difficult. So this week presenter Claer Barrett has invited two listeners in for a portfolio makeover. Thirty-seven-year-old James holds UK-focused equities in his stocks and shares Isa. He was doing well, but market movements and rising inflation have made him think he might need to diversify. Thirty-four-year-old Gillian has taken a different approach, investing as much as she can into her company pension. However, she hasn’t paid much attention to what her pension is actually invested in.Investment experts Rosie Carr, editor of the Investors Chronicle, and Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, give their views on how James and Gillian can get the best out of their investments. Tips include how investors can manage the threat of rising inflation, different ways of approaching asset allocation and building a diversified portfolio.If you want to hear more about how to get started on your investment journey, try