Just 4 in 10 adults feel comfortable talking to friends about money

• Findings also show that women are significantly less likely to feel comfortable when talking about money with their friends (39%) when compared with men (50%). 
• The latest research from MaPS is being released as part of Talk Money Week, an annual campaign designed to encourage people to #StartTheConversation about money.
• MaPS is sharing five easy ways for people to #StartTheConversation and is encouraging use of the impartial MoneyHelperOpens in a new window service for free guidance and tools. 
• Paul from Hertfordshire, started a conversation with MoneyHelper during a very difficult time in his life: “MoneyHelper put me in touch with the right people. They were non-judgemental and helped me out of a dire situation.”
• Jackie Spencer from MaPS says: “Money conversations don’t need to be polished or perfect, they just need to happen.”

A survey of over 2,400 UK adults shows that just over four in ten (44%) feel comfortable talking to their friends about money, with just over half (52%) feeling comfortable talking about the topic with members of their family. 

The research, which was conducted by the Money and Pensions Service in September 2025, also shows that women are significantly less likely to feel comfortable when talking about money with their friends (39%) when compared with men (50%). This is despite the common perception that women are more likely to open up to their friends about personal matters. 

It was also found that how comfortable we feel talking about money changes as we get older. Those aged 55+ reported feeling significantly less comfortable talking to their friends about money (37%) compared to those aged 18-34 (56%).

Reasons for people feeling uncomfortable talking about money with loved ones included embarrassment, fear of judgement and feeling of failure. 

This new research is being released as part of MaPS’ annual campaign, Talk Money Week. Held from 3-7 November, Talk Money Week aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging open conversations among everyone, from families and friends to colleagues and communities. 

Jackie Spencer from the Money and Pensions Service says:

“Money conversations don’t need to be polished or perfect, they just need to happen. 

“Taking control of money, talking openly about it and sharing the burden that money worries can cause often helps people feel less stressed or anxious and more in control. It also helps people make better, more informed financial decisions. 

“Whether it’s a quick chat about budgeting with a partner, a question for a pensions professional, or introducing the concept of savings to a child, I’d encourage everyone to start the conversation and take that first step.” 

Here are five simple things to think about when having a conversation with a loved one about money: 

1. Manage emotions: It’s normal to feel emotional when talking about money but try to stay calm and focused. If needed, set aside another time to process your feelings so you can think clearly during the conversation. 
2. Listen without interrupting: Talking over each other can often lead to arguments. Let each person speak fully. If interruptions happen, gently suggest taking turns so everyone feels heard. 
3. Avoid blame or judgement: Start sentences with “I feel” or “I think” instead of “You.” Accusations and negative body language can shut the other person down. 
4. Stay on topic: Stick to the money issue at hand. If other concerns come up, save them for another time. This helps keep the conversation productive and focused.
5. Know where to get help: Have contact details ready for charities or support services in case you need outside help to move forward. For example, the free and impartial MoneyHelper service provides a range of guidance and tools to help you manage your money – including the free Budget PlannerOpens in a new window and Savings CalculatorOpens in a new window. You can also visit MoneyHelper for guidance on how to talk to a loved one about moneyOpens in a new window.  

Whilst talking about money with friends and family is important, it’s also vital to access the free support which is available through MoneyHelperOpens in a new window. 

Paul from Hertfordshire started a conversation with MoneyHelper during a difficult time in his life and encourages others to do the same: 

"Following major heart surgery, a stroke that left me paralysed, and relationship breakdown, my finances took a massive hit.

“After my bank started a repossession case, I got in touch with MoneyHelper. I needed to find out what my options were and MoneyHelper put me in touch with the right people. They were non-judgemental and helped me out of a dire situation.

“After the call I felt more in control, understood my options and what to do next."

– ENDS –

• The research took place between 9-17 September 2025 and was conducted using a mixture of several online research panels. This means the interview was a self-completion exercise making it easier for people to answer honestly about personal finances. 
• This full survey was conducted among a sample of 2,427 UK adults (18+) and includes boosts in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure a representative sample with sufficient interviews to report findings for each nation. 
• Results have been weighted to be representative of the UK adult population on age, gender, region, working status and social grade. 
• The term “money” within this press release refers to personal finances.  

Talk Money Week is an opportunity for everyone to come together and get involved with events and activities across the UK designed to increase people’s sense of financial wellbeing by encouraging them to open up about personal finance.  

This year’s campaignOpens in a new window will take place from 3-7 November 2025 to encourage people across the UK to ‘start the conversation’. 

Money conversations don’t need to be perfect – they just need to happen.