Talk Money Week 2026: It All Counts

How often have you wanted to chat about something money-related, but held back? Perhaps it was that slightly awkward conversation with relatives about how much to spend on each other at Christmas. Or maybe it was talking with your partner about leaving a gift to charity in your will. It could even have been explaining to younger family members why it’s worth saving some of their pocket money.

Conversations about money can be tricky to start, but they’re so important. And they all count, as this year’s Talk Money Week reminds us.

Led by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), Talk Money Week is an annual campaign encouraging people across the UK to talk more openly about their finances, from pocket money to pensions. The 2026 campaign runs from Monday 2 to Friday 6 November, on the theme It All Counts. The idea is to remind us all that small, realistic steps can make a real difference, whether that’s working out what you spend each month, comparing energy prices, or sharing a money worry with someone you trust.

It’s never easy to start a conversation on a sensitive topic, especially one involving money. But research by MaPS shows that talking really does help. People who talk about money tend to make less risky financial decisions, feel less stressed and more in control. Here are five conversations worth having:

1. With yourself: “Where does my money actually go?”
   This is definitely a question worth asking yourself and you should insist on a detailed answer! Even a quick look back over last month’s spending might reveal a surprise or two, like a streaming subscription or gym membership you’d forgotten about.
2. With your partner: “Would we be OK if something went wrong?”
   Is it getting difficult to ignore that noise the boiler’s making, or are you putting off booking the car in for a service? Things have a habit of breaking at the worst possible moment. Talking about how you’d manage, and whether you could set something aside for a rainy day, can ease the worry.
3. With the kids: “What would you like to save up for?”
   Who hasn’t heard a little voice in the toy shop asking for something, only to be told “not today”? Turning that “not today” into “let’s save up for it” can start a great conversation, getting children into a savings habit with something to look forward to at the end.
4. With friends: “Could we keep things simpler this Christmas?”
   Once the Christmas plans start pinging into the group chat, it’s easy to feel swept along. Get-togethers can add up quickly, and choosing between them, saying no or suggesting something low-key can feel awkward. But chances are others will also be quietly relieved and agree if you make a suggestion.
5. With an expert: “Can we talk this through?”
   If money has been weighing on your mind lately, you’re not alone. If you want to talk to someone, there are free, impartial and confidential services available, including MoneyHelper. Their experts can help you understand your options and make a plan. You’ll find details on our Financial Wellbeing page here.