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Talk Money Week (November 7-11) is an industry-wide campaign, led by the Money and Pension Services (MaPS), to get the nation talking about money.

Data suggests that nearly one in two adults don’t feel confident when talking about money. And with the cost of living, inflation and rising interest rates all adding to everyday financial pressures, there has never been a more appropriate time to consider opening up about your finances.

Why should we talk about money?

Research by Money and Pensions Service shows that people who talk about money:

  • make better and less risky financial decisions
  • have stronger personal relationships
  • help their children form good lifetime money habits
  • feel less stressed or anxious and more in control

Building money conversations into our everyday lives also helps us build financial confidence and resilience to face whatever the future throws at us.

What do some of our partners say?

Our partners are also supporting Talk Money Week and have shared, from their side, how talking about money can help you with your finances – whatever your situation may be.

Samaritans

Samaritans work to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. They provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

A spokesperson from Samaritans said: “When you’re concerned about money, it’s so important to open up and be realistic about the situation. Hoping that things will improve can add to the anxiety and worry.

“Here at Samaritans, we won’t give you advice, but we will listen to the impact your finances are having on your mental wellbeing and other areas of your life. By voicing these thoughts, it’s often the first step to sharing with others and accessing the professional help that’s out there.”

GamCare

GamCare provides support for people affected by gambling problems.

Raminta Dilso, Financial Harm Manager at GamCare adds: “With the Bank of England forecasting inflation to average around 11% this year, the highest we have seen for over 40 years, GamCare recognises the growing financial pressures and struggles that many across the country are now facing.

“This is why this Talk Money Week, GamCare is supporting those struggling to improve their finances through 1:1 conversations about money across a number of formats. We want to encourage people to open up about their finances by bringing to the fore the best practice for preventing gambling-related financial harms from escalating, and ensuring that the support provided by every agency is the best it can be.

“If you are struggling with your finances as a result of gambling, you can find information and tips on managing money here and self-exclusion here.

“Our National Gambling Helpline is also available 24-hours a day, every day of the year. Call us on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or start a live chat to talk to one of our advisers now.”

Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK is a national mental health charity supporting individuals who have bipolar, as well as their families and carers too.

“At Bipolar UK we understand that there is a strong connection between money and mental health,” a spokesperson said. “One of the symptoms of a bipolar hypomanic or manic episode is impulsive spending which often leads to depleting savings or racking up unwanted debt. When unwell, people living with bipolar are also less likely to be able to stay in work or manage their finances well. In turn, the stress of money worries or mounting debt often triggers symptoms, which means they become even more unwell.”

Bipolar has shared a story of a father who talks about how his son went on a spending spree during a manic episode. He bought two cars within days and attempted to buy another car and sell his house – amounting a debt of £13,000.

“Bipolar UK believes that talking about financial concerns alongside other shared experiences is helpful for not only sharing practical tips on money management and benefits advice, but in reducing the sense of isolation and stress around the issue.

“Bipolar UK has developed a partnership with PayPlan so that we can offer direct stress-free referrals to debt specialists who have been trained to better understand bipolar We have a dedicated “Money” section on our website with helpful links and blogs sharing personal stories. We share regular blogs from PayPlan with budgeting tips, money management advice and topical pieces addressing current concerns such as the cost-of-living and rising energy prices.

“Bipolar UK also has an active eCommunity of over 11,000 members where money is a common theme. Our peer support services include a call-back scheme and group meetings – offering a safe space for people affected by bipolar to come together and share common experiences. We’re also hosting a series of Facebook Live sessions with PayPlan to give our community the chance to ask questions to our money and debt specialists.”

National Bereavement Service

The National Bereavement Service (NBS) provides bespoke practical and emotional support for bereaved people.

A spokesperson said: “While many of us find money matters difficult or embarrassing to talk about, it often becomes an even more sensitive topic when thinking about planning for the end of our lives, or the lives of those close to us.

“Writing a Will and granting Lasting Powers of Attorney are among the most important documents we can make and must be done while we have the ability to do so, known as having mental capacity.

“A Will gives instructions about what we want to happen to the property we own after we have died and can also appoint legal guardians for any of your children under the age of 18.

“Lasting Powers of Attorney give legal authority to people we trust to make decisions on our behalf about our money, where we live and contributing to medical decisions about treatment. LPAs aren’t just used if we develop dementia as we age, but they’re also invaluable if we were to become unconscious as a result of illness or accident (as happened to so many people through COVID infection), or even if we live overseas for a while.

“It’s easy to think ‘I don’t have anything’ and ignore these documents, but they are immensely helpful to the people we leave behind to help them understand what we wanted and to act upon those wishes. They can even prevent disputes between family members.

“If we live with someone with whom we are not in a legal marriage or civil partnership, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney are even more essential. If we die without a Will, the law automatically prioritises a husband, wife or civil partner and then blood relatives. This means that your siblings or parents could be given priority over your partner if you do not have children. Further, stepchildren do not inherit unless you have made a Will that specifically includes them.

“It’s not morbid to think and talk about these things and talking about Wills does not invite disaster to happen, however superstitious we may be. It is sensible and practical to get these documents in place, knowing it will be appreciated and make things much simpler for the people we care about when we’re no longer here.”

You can contact the National Bereavement Service for free in the UK by calling 0800 0246 121.