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Claer Barrett

Consumer editor

Claer Barrett is the consumer editor. She writes the weekly Serious Money column and presents the FT's Money Clinic podcast and Business Clinic video series. Claer frequently appears as a commentator on radio and TV, talking about personal finance, consumer and small business issues, and she is a regular guest on Eddie Mair's Drive show on LBC Radio.

Email Claer Barrett @claerb (link opens in a new browser window)
Email Claer Barrett @claerb (link opens in a new browser window)

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  • Tuesday, 23 February, 2021
    Self-employment
    Money Clinic podcast: Financial tips for the self-employed

    From mortgages to pensions, the odds are stacked against those who work for themselves

  • Friday, 19 February, 2021
    Serious MoneyPersonal Finance
    The great holiday booking gamble

    People risking booking a staycation should choose carefully

  • Tuesday, 16 February, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Money Clinic Podcast: Starting your debt-free journey

    Debt problems have intensified during the pandemic, but help is at hand

  • Friday, 12 February, 2021
    Serious MoneyRestaurants
    How much should you spend on Valentine’s Day?

    Talking about money with your partner could be more rewarding than an expensive gift

  • Thursday, 11 February, 2021
    Legal services
    The negative Trustpilot review that cost over £25,000

    Firm of solicitors awarded damages after client’s online review found to be defamatory

  • Tuesday, 9 February, 2021
    Isas
    Money Clinic podcast: Using Isas to invest or buy a property

    Tax-free accounts have lots of rules, but could reap big rewards

  • Friday, 5 February, 2021
    Serious MoneyPersonal Finance Advice & Comment
    Where do the next generation of investors go from here?

    After riding the Reddit wave, short-term trading could develop into a longer-term habit

  • Tuesday, 2 February, 2021
    Personal Finance
    Money Clinic Podcast: How can my small business survive Covid?

    Limited company directors fear lack of support could tip them into insolvency

  • Monday, 1 February, 2021
    FT Globetrotter
    Fowl play: five water birds to spot in London this winter  

    ‘Ballerina’ birds, exotic geese with attitude and the blue flash of a kingfisher — the FT’s in-house avian expert reveals where to look for them in the capital

  • Promoted Content
  • Friday, 29 January, 2021
    Serious MoneyPersonal Finance Advice & Comment
    Time to blow up problem debt

    Will we come to see the indebted as victims of the Covid crisis too?

  • Tuesday, 26 January, 2021
    Renting property
    Money Clinic podcast: Should I rent out my property?

    There are plenty of costs that ‘accidental landlords’ need to get their heads around

  • Friday, 15 January, 2021
    Children's bank accounts
    Video games top the pocket money spending charts

    Youngsters dip into their savings for Roblox and Fortnite during lockdown

  • Friday, 15 January, 2021
    Next Act
    How Covid-19 rebooted retirement

    Pandemic has prompted the over-50s to reassess their financial priorities

  • Tuesday, 12 January, 2021
    Retirement
    Money Clinic podcast: Should I combine my pension pots?

    The pros and cons of having all your pensions in one place

  • Thursday, 7 January, 2021
    Serious MoneyNext Act
    Will writing: a case of whodunnit or haven’t done it yet?

    Don’t bequeath an inheritance battle to your family

  • Thursday, 31 December, 2020
    Personal Finance
    Money Clinic Podcast: financial new year resolutions

    After an unpredictable year, what money goals will you be setting in 2021?

  • Thursday, 31 December, 2020
    Personal Finance
    What’s your financial new year’s resolution for 2021?

    Financial podcasters share their money-themed tips for the year ahead

  • Tuesday, 15 December, 2020
    Personal Finance
    Money Clinic podcast: Should I quit Wall Street to pursue my passion project?

    High earner Anna attempts to resist ‘lifestyle creep’ as she saves to launch her own company

  • Tuesday, 8 December, 2020
    Serious MoneyMoney laundering
    Could your child be recruited as a money mule?

    Huge rise in online fraud sees criminals target students to spirit away the proceeds

  • Thursday, 3 December, 2020
    Serious MoneyNext Act
    Will Covid alter your retirement sequence?

    The pandemic will have side effects for pensions planning

  • Tuesday, 1 December, 2020
    Coronavirus economic impact
    Arcadia and Debenhams: retailers count the cost of lockdown

    FT experts comment on new tiered restrictions for retailers, pubs and restaurants

  • Tuesday, 1 December, 2020
    Financial Advice
    Money Clinic podcast: How to start a side hustle

    A side project alongside your main job could lead to a second income — and a second career

  • Friday, 27 November, 2020
    Personal Finance
    Search begins for teenage personal finance journalists

    Cash prizes up for grabs for 14-19 year olds in the FT’s annual contest

  • Thursday, 26 November, 2020
    Serious MoneySelf-employment
    They’ve saved Christmas — now save small businesses

    The chancellor failed to send a message to millions excluded from support at the spending review

  • Tuesday, 24 November, 2020
    Entrepreneurship
    Q&A: Should the chancellor do more to support entrepreneurs?

    Experts answer your questions on proposals to help limited company directors

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