Talking Money, by Tulip Siddiq MP

We all know that we should save for a rainy day, create a budget, invest our spare cash - but it can be difficult to know where to start.

That’s why it’s so important that we speak up about money and embrace open conversations about our finances with those we trust.

In a world with greater financial choice than ever before, talking about money can help us feel more in control and make informed decisions about spending, saving, and managing debt. It feels like a taboo subject, but it shouldn’t be.

Few of us are financial experts, but when we share our experiences, challenges, and successes, we learn from one another.

I have been championing financial education in my role as a Member of Parliament since 2015. Now, as Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I am so pleased to be supporting this year’s Talk Money Week.

Talk Money Week is an annual campaign run by the Money and Pensions Service that encourages us all to talk more about money.

This year, the theme is ‘Do One Thing’ and we have all been asked to take one action to improve our financial wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be big – it could be talking to a child about pocket money or reading a recent payslip.

I will be taking part too. This week, I will start a conversation with my children about piggybanks and why saving money is important.

Talk Money Week is also an annual opportunity to highlight the fantastic resources organisations like the Money and Pensions Service offer to help us make the most of our money.

If you’re not sure where to start, there’s a brilliant free and impartial service called MoneyHelper, that’s quick to find, easy to use, and can help you Do One Thing.

I hope this week you are inspired to get talking, and take one small step to improve your financial wellbeing.