Money Clinic with Claer Barrett FT News Briefing: How to spend wisely this holiday season with Claer Barrett
Dec 19, 2025
Claer Barrett, FT consumer editor who makes personal finance explainers on TikTok and Instagram. She discusses why holidays feel pricier this year. Short tips on Secret Santa, cutting food waste and choosing experiences over impulse buys. Talks about younger people’s housing and savings pressures and how to set gentle financial intentions.
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Use Secret Santa And Shared Cooking To Cut Costs
- Do swap multiple presents for a Secret Santa to save money and reduce waste while keeping everyone involved.
- Jason from London set a £75 limit and will rotate cooking in an Airbnb to cut costs but keep holiday traditions intact.
Why The Holiday Pinch Feels Different This Year
- Higher inflation plus slowing wage growth and rising unemployment are squeezing household budgets this season.
- Claer Barrett links post-pandemic price rises, the energy crisis and Ukraine war to embedded inflation and job worries.
Prioritise Experiences And Investments Over Stuff
- Try prioritising experiences and long-term investments over impulse purchases this season.
- Kira, 27, redirects cash to travel, education and monthly investments instead of extra clothes or decor.