To think that Martin Lewis

[Aserena]

often comes across as condescending?
Especially on his podcast.

I’m no financial whizz and I’m genuinely grateful to him for breaking things down simple. It’s his manner rather than the content that I find irritating. AIBU?

He does good work but his flouncing from social media after the Christmas song controversy instead of owning it showed he's human like the rest of us. Perfectly fine to recognise someone does stuff that benefits others and can be condescending/annoying/ego driven etc.

Really OP, you admit he does 'great' things yet still you started a thread to shit on him. Can you not think of ANYONE else in the public eye in the UK that might be more deserving of your ire? Puzzling.

What is fascinating to me about this thread is the emphasis the OP (and some PPs) place on his manner/delivery.

The comments about his likely introversion and him not being a people person makes him even more admirable. His speed is so that he can cram all the info. And likely because of his relative unease in public.

And they help to explain OP's attitude of, yes, he'd helped so many people but he's not likeable like celebs are supposed to be.

That's the way of the world for many introverts and not especially sociable people. You might be a fantastic human being, but if you are not 'nice' and conventional, you're not worth some people's time.

I like him for similar reasons. You can often tell he's not comfortable presenting but does it anyway, which as another introvert I can appreciate.

I work in financial services and think he does a pretty good job of explaining what's what. He does sometimes get it wrong (the recent mortgage charter into which he apparently had input is an example) but in general he gets it right.

I also think it's notable that he's retained his passion for what he does despite having long since made his own millions, so I believe he really does want to help people.

Can you please explain what you think is wrong with the current mortgage charter? Genuinely interested?

It looks like a pretty sensible way of helping people who would otherwise not be able to afford their new mortgage payment, which could be much higher than currently, without risking losing their home or destroying their credit rating, which generally makes life more difficult and expensive for several years.

It can also be treated as a temporary breathing space, while people explore whether more drastic options like downsizing are necessary.

What would your preferred solution be for people in this position?

YABU he’s great, never found him condescending, he’s well aware of peoples debt, limited funds- he’s never scolding he’s pragmatic

Easier said than done for some, but don't take the position of beig offended or condescended or patronised. If you think someone else is behavig in these ways, that's on them, the position you take in response is down to you.

An interesting point, so thank you.

However, just to stand my own corner here, I’m not into ‘celeb’ culture, so I don’t really have any views on how they are ‘meant to be’. I like plenty of introverted, awkward and/or unpopular people.

I form opinions about people based on the personal qualities that I observe in them (subjectively, of course). Being an introvert / extrovert is not a trait that would sway my opinion in either direction. Introverts may find it harder to relax and display their full personality, but that is on us (as I do tend to count myself in this number) I’m afraid, because nobody has a right to be liked.

If he can fill a gap while helping people, what’s wrong with that?
I can’t think of one other person that has saved people more money collectively, and I work in the financial industry.

Knew him at uni. We lost touch but unless he has changed a lot he is exactly as he presents. Incredibly kind, passionate about consumer finance, naturally high-energy, generous with his time. You don't have to like the way he presents but this is a labour of love for him and he really cares about it.

@manontroppo
The UK likes to shit on people who try and help people get ideas above their station, see also Jamie Oliver. MN absolutely shat all over him, and it felt like MN don’t want the plebs and chavs to see any improvement, which would destroy their smug sense of superiority
Agree with this

He's brilliant and he's explaining things for everyone. Some people might struggle more than others and to be honest the ones that need it simplified probably need to understand the most

I have no time for him since he pushed those Icelandic banks.

I was warning my clients constantly about the risks in having their money there. He was very lucky that the UK govt stepped in to underwrite the losses. Those banks were outside the deposit protection scheme

You don't have to like the way he presents but this is a labour of love for him and he really cares about it.

He's also made tens of millions doing it, whilst it's clear he's passionate about it and at the end of the day he's helped many people; but he isn't doing it out of the goodness of his heart alone and he has the capacity to spend a lot of time on it as he never has to worry about money ever again.

I don't think he's at all condescending. He's brilliant at explaining quite complicated things in succinct ways, and I think he's genuinely in it for the benefit of others (I'm glad he's doing very well for himself as well).

Having dealt with the public in relation to personal finances for many years, I understand how difficult it can be for many to grasp certain concepts.

Martin Lewis is a top bloke.

His dad is a hero as well - he offers free or cheap legal advocacy to parents of children with SEND.

One thing i find frustrating as someone who works in finance as a mortgage broker is we have to be regulated up to the eyeballs and give personalised advice and sued if the advice turns out to be wrong.
Martin as a financial journalist is not regulated and when he gets it wrong (fixing energy bills) has no such liability

He's more a tipster than an advisor, and has never claimed to be anything but I don't think.

Lots of people do take his advice as gospel though, that trust in what he says has been very much built up as part of his brand. What he says should be accurate, or he's better off pushing for access to independent information and resources rather than presenting as an oracle. He does have responsibility for what he says, he won't be held accountable because he isn't regulated but doesn't mean he shouldn't have responsibility.

I don't give a shit whether or not he patronises me, as long as he educates me and helps me financially - which he does.

He literally knows more than me and is helping out by sharing his knowledge. I think my ego can handle that.

Criticising Martin Lewis for his presentation is like criticising a lifeboat for being the wrong colour.

There’s no denying that he’s given great advice but yes, I find him smug and condescending. I much prefer smaller finance bloggers/influencers. Chloe’s Deal Club, The Money Shed, Make Money Without A Job, She Does Money. Much more relatable

I said he was egotistical in my early post ( while also highly praising him) but he is isn't so egotistical to try and cover up any mistakes he makes or to pretend he knows things he doesn't. He is very honest and straightforward. I think he is amazing.

He is always extremely careful not to give advice on things he is not allowed to give advice on or things that he is unsure of. He is very happy to say when he doesn't know what to do.
He makes use of lots of other financial experts.

I bet He has far more morals than 99% of politicians or any member of the Royal Family.

I'd bet my life that Martin Lewis's tax return is squeaky clean. 😅

No it isn't patronising, clearly a large percentage of the UK struggle with things like mortgages, consumer debt and how to plan their finances. ML breaks it down in very simple terms. If you find that patronising maybe you need to listen to another personal finance podcast that is aimed at savy investors instead.

Yes, I find his manner irritating and he often over simplifies matters.

But I think overall he does good work and the website is extremely useful. So I just don't watch him when he's on TV.

I think it's always challenging for someone who is a subject matter expert to talk in a manner suitable for complete laypeople without risking coming across as condescending or patronising. I think Martin does it much better than a lot of other people. remember, you are just a small part of his audience and may not need certain things spelled out in such simple terms but other people do. I find him likable, trustworthy, caring and very helpful.