Money can be one of life’s biggest stressors, but it’s also one of the least talked-about topics. That’s exactly what Talk Money Week aims to change, one conversation at a time. From 3rd to 7th November, people across the UK will be encouraged to have open, honest conversations about money – helping to boost confidence, reduce money worries, and build healthier financial habits for the future.
At RCI Bank, we understand that building money confidence starts with small steps. So, to help you get involved this Talk Money Week, here are three simple ways that could help you to strengthen your relationship with money.
1. Start the conversation about money
The first step towards improving your financial well-being could be simply starting the conversation. Talking about money might feel uncomfortable at first, but open discussions could help you feel more confident and supported.
Whether it’s chatting about bills with your partner, discussing savings goals with friends, or talking to family about money worries - honest conversations may help everyone feel more informed and connected.
You might also pick up useful ideas from others. A friend could share a budgeting approach that works for them, or a family member may have experience that helps you look at things differently.
If you’re a parent, introducing children to simple money topics early on may help them build healthy habits in the future. Even small conversations — like planning a food shop together — could help them understand value and decision-making.
2. Build healthy financial habits
Talk Money Week is also a good time to reflect on your relationship with money overall. Financial well-being isn’t just about how much you earn; it’s also about how you manage, plan, and feel about your finances.
A useful place to start could be reviewing your regular spending. For example, checking your direct debits or subscriptions might help you see where your money is going each month. Or you could look at your household bills to make sure they still meet your needs.
Once you have a clearer view of your income and outgoings, creating a simple budget may help you stay organised. There are plenty of free budgeting tools and planners available online that could help you track your spending and saving habits.
3. Stay scam-aware
Talking about money can also help raise awareness around scams and fraud. Unfortunately, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and anyone could be targeted.
Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Unexpected contact from someone claiming to be your bank or another trusted organisation
- Urgent pressure to act quickly or share personal details
- Offers that sound too good to be true
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to pause and double-check. And if you’re worried you might have been targeted, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud.
By sharing information and experiences with friends and family, we can all help make it easier to spot potential scams.
Let’s keep the money conversation going
Talk Money Week is a great reminder that it’s okay to talk about money. The more we share experiences, challenges and goals, the more comfortable we might feel managing our finances.
By taking small steps, starting conversations and supporting each other, it might help us build greater confidence and awareness around financial well-being – not just during Talk Money Week, but throughout the year.
