Name & job title:

Holly Mead, Freelance journalist, editor and broadcaster. Host of The Times's Feel Better About Money podcast.

What are the main beats/topics that you cover?    

Investing, tax, pensions, savings, mortgages, insurance... the lot.

What formats do you work across?

Print, digital, broadcast, podcast

Tell us about the articles/scoops you’re most proud of, or any recent highlights?

Oh gosh, too many to mention. Uncovering a Brazilian ponzi-type investment scheme when I was at the Daily Mail, exposing the real risk profile of the Woodford Equity Income fund when I was a reporter at the Sunday Times — oh, and there was that time I tested a Tesla for a week and very nearly ran out of battery.

In your time as a money writer, how has the industry changed? Have these changes been positive/negative?    

More emails, fewer phone calls, and far fewer boozy lunches.

How can PRs help you with your work?      

Case studies and exclusive data are always welcome. If you're pitching a guest for the podcast, please send links to examples of their broadcast work. 

When are the best/worst times for PRs/press offices to contact you?

If it's a truly good story/idea, it's always a good time.

What’s the best lesson you learned from someone you’ve worked with?    

Not sure — but whatever it is, I probably learned it from James Coney.

What is the strangest story or assignment you’ve ever been sent on as a journalist?    

I once got stuck overnight on the Orkney Islands when I'd gone there to interview RBS's "flying banker" and a severe weather warning came in — there was one pub with rooms on the island, luckily. And reviewing at-home beer pumps for The Sun was something of a dream come true. 

If you could interview anyone in the financial world, who would it be?    

Harry and Meghan for the Sunday Times Fame and Fortune slot? "So Hazza, how much did you earn last year? And would you say you were a saver or a spender?"

When you’re telling a story, what’s the most important thing to remember?    

That just because you understand a really complicated topic, it doesn't mean the reader does — so make sure you explain it clearly.

What was the last news item/statistic you came across that really shocked you?    

I'm not sure, but let's assume it was something Donald Trump said 30 seconds after he said something else shocking that was the complete opposite.

What are your predictions for the biggest stories that will dominate 2025?    

• Trump tariffs
• Inheritance tax
• Fiscal drag.

Sum up your time as a financial journalist in three words:    

Not done yet.

Do you have something that you’re secretly really good at?    

Netball? Although I did break my foot while playing a couple of years ago, so maybe I'm not that good.

What’s your top petty gripe?    

PRs sending messages/pitches via WhatsApp. It just feels inappropriate for some reason. I'd much prefer to stick to email for work.

Finally, if you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?    

Tacos.