Talk Money Week: 2-6 November 2026

Talk Money Week 2-6 November 2026: It All Counts

We all think about money way more than we talk about it. Talk Money Week is here to get the conversation started, whether it’s about saving, debt, or just getting by.

Put a finger down if you.. Talk Money. It All Counts!

Read the transcript

Participant one: "Yo, bro, I can't lie!"

Participant two: "Always, always... Not casually either..."

Interviewer: Six in ten young adults don't feel confident managing their money, but talking about it helps. So, we're hitting the streets to play 'Put a finger down - Chaos money edition'.

Let's go!

Put a finger down if you've ducked someone you've owed money to.

Participant three: "Not, not..."

Participant four: "Umm... maybe..."

Participant three: "Really!?"

Participant two: "I definitely have ignored some messages..."

Interviewer: You have? OK!

Participant five: "Quickly put two down."

Participant six: “You say that!” (group laughter)

Interviewer: Put a finger down if your card has ever declined on a date.

(silence with bird sound effect)

Interviewer: No!!

Participant one: "So, I paid, the card declined then I had to like to do the sneaky thing when you like transfer money from one account to the other."

Interviewer: Put a finger down if you don't know how much money you spent last week.

Participant seven: "I genuinely don't know how much I've spent this week either, we'll find out."

Participant one: "All the time. I don't know. I just spend, I just spend. It's bad."

Interviewer: Money chaos happens, but talking about it helps. This Talk Money week, try having a chat about money. Whether it's a small step or big change, it all counts. Visit MoneyHelper for tips and actions.

Chaos money confessions

When it comes to managing money, nobody’s got it completely figured out. But at MoneyHelper we believe that when we actually say it out loud, the embarrassment fades, the conversation starts, and suddenly the next small step doesn’t feel so impossible.

This Talk Money Week, we’re opening up about money — the wins, the fails, and everything in between. Because every confession shared, every plan made, every small step taken, It All Counts.

Five quick wins to do today

The payday pot method: The day you get paid use banking app pots to lock away cash for bills, essentials and savings, leaving whatever is left in your main balance for completely guilt-free spending.
Future you fund: Set up a £5 automatic standing order right after payday to make saving easy. Grow yourself an emergency fund. Let compound interest work for you.
Protect your stuff: Add up what your phone, laptop and clothes cost, then get contents insurance so a flood or break-in won't bankrupt you.
Fix your credit score: Register to vote at your current address on the electoral roll to give your credit score an instant boost. This helps when it comes to checks for renting or phone contracts.
Plan for "what-ifs": Protect yourself with a backup plan for how you'd cover housing costs if you got ill or an injury stopped you from working.

Top tips to talk money

How to prepare for a money chat

Not sure how to start a money chat? A little prep can help.

Pick your moment – choose a time when you’re both relaxed, and not too distracted.
Find the right space – private spots can help people open up if it’s a more personal chat.
Know your ‘why’ – if you have a goal for the talk, make sure it’s clear in your mind. For example, are you hoping to borrow money, plan for the future, or understand more about pensions?
See it from their side – how might the other person feel about money, and the conversation you want to have?
Know the basics of your own situation – it’ll help the chat flow.
Jot it down – a few quick notes can keep you confident and on track if there’s lots to remember.
Think ahead – if you think tricky reactions might come up, a little thought in advance about how to respond can avoid feeling put on the spot.

How to start a money chat

Sometimes it’s easier to start a money chat more naturally, instead of having a sit down to bring up the subject.

Here are a few conversation starters:

If a friend is going through something similar, maybe discuss what’s happening to them to get the ball rolling.
Perhaps something similar has come up in something you’ve seen on TV recently, a book you’re reading, or in the news, you could use this as a way in.
Use things around you to spark the conversation – a new piece of furniture you’re still paying off, or a bill that’s on the side.

Knowing your first line can help you feel more confident. You could use something like:

“I think we might be able to handle [blank] better, if we talk through it, I’d love your point of view too.”
“I think you could help me with [blank] — can we chat for a few minutes?”
“I think we see [blank] differently – I’d like understand your point of view better.”

Remember, a good money chat is just that – a chat. Make it two-way, so both people feel heard.

While you’re talking

Here are some tips to keep the chat flowing:

Be honest – say how you feel, share the facts, try and do this calmly (sometimes this is easier said than done).
Listen – give the other person space to talk, try not to interrupt.
Show respect – acknowledge their feelings, even if you disagree.
Stay focused – avoid getting sidetracked onto other topics.
Keep it simple – avoid jargon or making things sound complicated.
Take your time – don’t feel pressured to sort everything in one go.
Look for solutions – aim to find common ground and ways forward together.

Remember you can always take a break and come back to it later.

After your conversation

The way you finish can make a big difference to how you both feel after, here are a few things that might help:

Recap anything you’ve agreed.
Agree what’s next (if there’s more to do), it might help to be clear on ‘what’, ‘who’ and ‘when’.
End on a positive note, even just ‘thanks for chatting’ can help smooth any tension.
Plan to talk again if it’d be useful, so you both know you’ll have time to carry on the conversation.

We’re here to help

What would you like help with?

How to talk about money

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