Every year in November, we run our Talk Money Week awareness campaign and encourage Organisations to partake.  This year's theme is "Start the conversation".

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.

We get it – talking about money can feel a bit awkward. For some it’s embarrassing, for others a little scary.

But here’s the thing – there are trickier chats in life than talking about money. Money chat is normal, and honestly, money talk rarely even makes the awkward list.

Whatever your circumstances, you'll find help below to start a conversation, from quick tips to more in-depth guides for different situations.

Top tips to talk about money

How to Prepare for a money chat.

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

1. Pick your moment – choose a time when you’re both relaxed, and not too distracted.
2. Find the right space – private spots can help people open up if it’s a more personal chat.
3. 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?
4. See it from their side – how might the other person feel about money, and the conversation you want to have?
5. Know the basics of your own situation – it’ll help the chat flow.
6. Jot it down – a few quick notes can keep you confident and on track if there’s lots to remember.
7. 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.