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Wynne looks for the answer

Author

Esther Shaw

Finance writer

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How did you get into insurance and financial services? What experience do you have?

I’ve been a personal financial and property journalist for almost 20 years now.

I started out as a trainee on the Money desk at the Daily Express, and never looked back.

I’ve done stints as Deputy Money Editor at the Independent, Deputy Money Editor at the Sunday Times, and Money Editor at the Sunday Express.

As a freelancer, I’ve spent the past two decades writing for the money pages of just about every UK national newspaper, as well as a host of websites and magazines.

My current outlets include The Telegraph, The Sun, and Times Money Mentor.

How do you keep up to date with the industry?

To keep up-to-date with the industry, I try to read as many of the newspaper money sections as I can, while also keeping abreast of issues on Twitter, LinkedIn and so on.

I also follow the latest news from organisations such as the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and stay informed about the latest Government announcements.

Do you have any special awards, qualifications or memberships?

Over the years, I’ve won a host of awards including Journalist of the Year (BIBA Awards), Freelance journalist of the year (Santander Awards, Headline Money Awards), Protection Writer of the year (Headline Money Awards), Pension Article of the Year (Unbiased Awards).

I’ve also appeared periodically as a consumer finance expert on TV and radio.

I have a BA in English and Philosophy (from Durham University), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Print Journalism (from Cardiff University).

Esther says...

Always read the small print, and don’t get bogged down in the jargon. If there’s something you don’t understand, speak to the insurer. You need to know exactly what you are – and aren’t – covered for before parting with any cash.

Recent articles from Esther

How did you get into insurance and financial services? What experience do you have?

I’ve been a personal financial and property journalist for almost 20 years now.

I started out as a trainee on the Money desk at the Daily Express, and never looked back.

I’ve done stints as Deputy Money Editor at the Independent, Deputy Money Editor at the Sunday Times, and Money Editor at the Sunday Express.

As a freelancer, I’ve spent the past two decades writing for the money pages of just about every UK national newspaper, as well as a host of websites and magazines.

My current outlets include The Telegraph, The Sun, and Times Money Mentor.

How do you keep up to date with the industry?

To keep up-to-date with the industry, I try to read as many of the newspaper money sections as I can, while also keeping abreast of issues on Twitter, LinkedIn and so on.

I also follow the latest news from organisations such as the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and stay informed about the latest Government announcements.

Do you have any special awards, qualifications or memberships?

Over the years, I’ve won a host of awards including Journalist of the Year (BIBA Awards), Freelance journalist of the year (Santander Awards, Headline Money Awards), Protection Writer of the year (Headline Money Awards), Pension Article of the Year (Unbiased Awards).

I’ve also appeared periodically as a consumer finance expert on TV and radio.

I have a BA in English and Philosophy (from Durham University), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Print Journalism (from Cardiff University).

Esther says...

Always read the small print, and don’t get bogged down in the jargon. If there’s something you don’t understand, speak to the insurer. You need to know exactly what you are – and aren’t – covered for before parting with any cash.

Esther's articles