logo
episode-header-image
May 2022
22m 31s

I hate maths — is that why I’m bad with ...

Financial Times
About this episode

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 website: https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/challenge/


Got a money issue that you’d like to talk to us about? Please email the team via money@ft.com or send Claer a DM on social media - she’s @ClaerB 


Presented by Claer Barrett. Produced by Persis Love. Our executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music. 



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Apr 1
Investment Clinic: Should I keep betting on Warren Buffett?
Fifty-eight-year-old Margo has amassed a very healthy retirement fund, in part by buying shares in Berkshire Hathaway, the investment company run by Warren Buffett. When even the ‘Sage of Omaha’ is reducing his exposure to certain US stocks, Margo wonders if it’s time for her to ... Show More
35m 16s
Mar 2025
Investment Clinic: I’m 29 – should I still be taking stock tips from my dad?
Matt started investing at just 22 with the help of his financial adviser father. Now, at 29, and with a wedding on the cards, he’s got an extra reason to be diligent about his money. Some of Matt’s stock picks (such as Glencore) haven’t been performing as he might like. Is it tim ... Show More
28m 43s
Mar 2025
Investment Clinic: I’m almost 50 – is it too late to start investing?
Forty-nine-year-old Jane has always been careful to squirrel money away, and a recent inheritance has boosted her nest egg to £125,000. But there’s one problem: it’s all in cash. Now, with half an eye on retirement, Jane wants to start investing but is unsure about how to do this ... Show More
32m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2022
33. Is Math Anxiety Making You Bad With Money? with Black Girl MATHgic
If an episode about math has you sweating, we get it. It’s estimated that 93% of adults have math anxiety –– so it’s no wonder we have anxiety around everything that math touches. Especially when it comes to money. Today’s guest is Brittany Rhodes, founder of Black Girl MATHgic – ... Show More
1h 3m
Apr 2019
Overcome Math Anxiety to Conquer Your Finances with Danica McKellar
Today's question for the Kwik Brain community is: how do you overcome math anxiety to the point that you can improve your finances? You might know Danica from her role as Winnie Cooper in Wonder Years, but what you might not know is that in addition to her lifelong acting career, ... Show More
13m 52s
Jun 2020
An Honest Conversation About Racism and Money | Brian "BT" Terrell
I had a chance to sit down with my friend Brian "BT" Terrell from BREAUX Capital to talk about racism, the difference between creating a neighborhood and a community, the injustices in the financial industry, and BT’s work with BREAUX Capital, the first Fintech company advancing ... Show More
52m 46s
Aug 2019
How Did You Learn About Money? Talking Generational Differences Around Money & More With Lucas and Dr. Wayne Pernell
Most of us didn’t grow up with parent’s who taught us about money. Do you even remember how you learned about money? There is radio silence from our parent's and family members because there is so much shame, guilt, and negative feelings inherent in all of us around money.I had t ... Show More
47m 43s
Sep 2022
Pt. 2: Money, Millennials, & the Bizarre American Fever Dream: the Role of "Personal Finance Education" & Our Collective "Expectation Hangover"
Last week to kick off this two-part special, we explored the culture, economy, and education systems that built the millennial generation. If you haven't heard the first episode yet, I recommend going back to start with that first (https://link.chtbl.com/022a2-MX). Today, we’re d ... Show More
55m 47s
Feb 2021
The Algebra of Wealth
Noreena Hertz, an economist, a bestselling author, and an Honorary Professor at the University College London, joins Scott to discuss the learnings from her latest book, “The Loney Century: How to Restore Human Connection in a World That's Pulling Apart.” We find out how loneline ... Show More
1h 9m
Dec 2018
Ep17 - Barbara Oakley | Learning How to Learn
Barbara Oakley is a professor of engineering at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. She has received many awards for her teaching, including the coveted National Science Foundation New Century Scholar Award. About the Book: Whether you are a student struggling to fulfill a ... Show More
1h 10m
Feb 2023
Is College Worth it?
One reader asks: When is the cost of college worth it, given the high costs of tuition? Katie and Henah reflect on their own journeys, how the costs have ballooned over time, and other higher education options to consider. Welcome back to #RichGirlRoundup, Money with Katie's week ... Show More
11m 17s
Jun 2024
Asking the Right Questions to Save More Money w/ Matt Schulz #836
If you have kids or been around kids, you might have noticed that they’re not the best at solving their own problems. It’s a continual process of teaching them to advocate for themselves and that there’s more to it than just stating their problem. So for instance “I’m thirsty” mi ... Show More
53m 18s
Jan 2024
Money Mindset & Mental Wellbeing. Delve In To Your Money Mindset And Free Yourself Of Money Worries with Finance Coach Laura Ann Moore
Over one third of us worry about money on a daily basis which can take its toll on our mental health and wellbeing.  In this episode of Vision of Health, Money Mindset Expert and Financial Wellbeing Coach Laura Ann Moore opens up a judgement-free conversation about money and the ... Show More
45m 3s