The benefits of regular and open conversations about money, on both mental and financial health, are being highlighted this week with the launch of Talk Money Week. This is an annual awareness campaign run by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).
The theme this year: It All Counts, is about taking small steps, such as a chat with a friend about a money worry or speaking to a lender about a growing debt. It has been shown that taking action of this sort can make a meaningful difference to how you feel about your finances.
To coincide with Talk Money Week, St. James’s Place (SJP) has launched My Money, My Choices, a financial education programme, developed in partnership with The Money Charity, to help young people build confidence in talking about money and making informed financial decisions.
Talking leads to better money decisions
Talk Money Week aims to break the taboo that often still exists around discussing money and personal finances.
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), the government-backed organisation which offers free and impartial money and pensions information and guidance, says its research shows people who talk about their finances with family and friends tend to make better and less risky financial decisions.
Added to this, they’ll usually feel less stressed about money, and consider themselves to be more in control of their budget.
The research also found people build stronger relationships when they talk about money. Plus, it can also help children develop positive, life-long money habits.
The MAPS is encouraging people to chat with family or friends, potentially using news stories or issues around bills and the rising cost of living as a conversation starter. This can be a good way to begin sharing financial goals and challenges with others.
More information and a participation pack is available on the MaPS website.
My Money, My Choices
Later this month St. James’s Place (SJP) will publish the latest edition of its Real Life Advice Report. Over recent years, our research has consistently shown that people who talk about money more regularly, and those who receive financial advice, are more likely to feel confident, better informed and in control of their financial futures.
These findings reinforce the importance of building confidence around money from an early age. As part of this commitment and to mark the start of Talk Money Week, SJP has launched My Money, My Choices, a financial education programme for nine to 11-year-olds, developed in partnership with The Money Charity.
Delivered in primary schools, the programme encourages young people to explore real-life financial decisions through interactive activities covering introductions to key topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, tax and financial scams.
To support the rollout of My Money, My Choices, The Money Charity is hosting a series of webinar, training and demonstration events for Partners and SJP employees interested in learning more and finding out about future volunteering opportunities.
Volunteers will be able to support delivery of the programme in schools and communities, helping more young people build financial confidence from an early age.
In addition, if you are part of a school or community group based in the Cotswolds, Bristol, London or the M4 corridor, we would love to hear from you! Get in touch with Suzie Hance at [email protected] to find out more, or go to the booking request form.
Source
1The Money and Pensions Service: Talk Money Week 2-6 November 2026. maps.org.uk/en/our-work/talk-money-week.
SJP Approved 20/10/2026