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James Max

Property expert and radio presenter

James Max, a former investment banker with Morgan Stanley, was a candidate on the first ever British TV series of the The Apprentice, making the semi-final before he heard the words “you’re fired”. He has presented current affairs radio shows for the BBC, LBC and TalkSPORT and TalkRADIO. A former board member of BNP Paribas’ UK real estate business, he currently acts as an adviser to Stanhope, and is a trustee of the Royal Albert Hall.

@thejamesmax  on Twitter (link opens in a new browser window)
@thejamesmax  on Twitter (link opens in a new browser window)

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  • Friday, 29 July, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Should I ditch my Amex Centurion card?

    The annual fee is rising by more than 50 per cent

  • Thursday, 23 June, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Leave the airport hordes behind, take a road trip to the sun

    I’ve had enough of flyers with massive suitcases masquerading as hand baggage and flinch at those lacking spatial awareness

  • Thursday, 26 May, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Is the business lunch off the menu?

    If anyone takes me to a chain restaurant, you can’t trust their judgment on bigger issues

  • Thursday, 28 April, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: My debt is becoming an albatross

    ‘By the time I got to the checkout I was presented with a bill for £210. How on earth did that happen?’

  • Friday, 1 April, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Is my new electric Jaguar worth the wait?

    Only narcissists with more money than sense still go for supercars. Class buys future-proofed, understated battery performance

  • Thursday, 24 February, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: I’ve got superyacht envy

    Bidding on a boat could sink your finances

  • Friday, 28 January, 2022
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Big houses mean power struggles

    Energy crisis provides a lesson in ‘Aganomics’ for property owners

  • Thursday, 30 December, 2021
    Private wealth
    Rich People’s Problems: Living the high life on private jets

    Covid has magnified all the faff and time spent queueing for commercial flights

  • Friday, 26 November, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: How to get a bigger bonus

    Investment bankers are in line for a bumper bonus season — but you’ll need sharp elbows

  • Thursday, 28 October, 2021
    Menswear
    Rich People’s Problems: My wardrobe malfunction

    Having lost three stone, should I invest in some new suits?

  • Friday, 24 September, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Should I slum it on a package holiday?

    Snobbery about all-inclusive deals is misplaced, says James Max

  • Friday, 27 August, 2021
    Consumer trends
    Rich People’s Problems: The true cost of losing weight

    Carb loading under lockdown could require investing in a new XXL wardrobe

  • Tuesday, 3 August, 2021
    UK property
    Rich People’s Problems: Is a holiday home worth the hassle?

    ‘Bees in the chimney, subsidence, fallen trees, roof leaks — and I haven’t even mentioned insurance, council tax and maintenance’

  • Friday, 23 July, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Can classic cars beat the Ulez?

    I’m a fan of electric cars — but not for a staycation road trip

  • Thursday, 8 July, 2021
    House & Home
    Should you buy a period or a modern property?

    ‘I’d always thought period properties were more characterful and offered better price growth prospects. Then I broke all my own rules and purchased a three-year-old home’

  • Friday, 25 June, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: I’m square-eyed over an 88-inch, £40,000 TV

    More of a statement than an investment, but the right brand may carry some residual value

  • Wednesday, 9 June, 2021
    House & Home
    Yes, there’s a housing market frenzy — but don’t overlook the hidden details

    The pressurised market may tempt you to make compromises but often it’s the small things that will cost time, money and heartache later

  • Friday, 28 May, 2021
    UK property
    Rich People’s Problems: time to hit the beach hut

    An expensive shed on stilts is my answer to the UK’s staycation scramble

  • Thursday, 22 April, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Home insecurity

    Gates, cameras and home security systems are more costly than you might think

  • Thursday, 1 April, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Cutting the cost of grooming is a false economy

    Will you be rushing back to the salon, or relying on expensive gadgets to do the work?

  • Wednesday, 10 March, 2021
    House & Home
    What home improvements will add value to my home?

    Not every project will give a return. Go for a pool or garden office but avoid hot tubs and conservatories

  • Friday, 5 March, 2021
    Food & Drink
    Rich People’s Problems: Time to ditch champagne for English fizz?

    I’m already planning my end-of-lockdown party, but I don’t want to spend silly money

  • Tuesday, 9 February, 2021
    UK property
    When is the best time to sell your home?

    Now that ‘playing the market’ is no longer an option in the UK, moving has become a complex decision

  • Friday, 5 February, 2021
    Personal Finance
    Readers criticise private healthcare costs

    Renewal premiums top the complaints prompted by James Max’s column

  • Thursday, 28 January, 2021
    Personal Finance Advice & Comment
    Rich People’s Problems: Health insurance makes me sick

    Renewing my private medical cover brought on an attack of the vapours

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