This week has been 'Talk Money Week'.
Talk Money Week is a yearly campaign organised by the Money & Pensions Service which gives businesses and companies the chance to join or host events and activities across the UK which help people have more open conversations about their money, and continue these conversations year-round.
As we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and with the current cost-of-living pressures, it’s more important than ever that we get help for any money worries we have.
Research shows that people who talk about money:
- Make better and less risky financial decisions.
- Have stronger personal relationships.
- Help their children form good lifetime money habits.
- Feel less stressed or anxious and more in control.
Having money conversations in our everyday lives also helps us be more confident with our finances and able to face whatever the future throws at us.
This year’s Talk Money Week focussed on ‘credit’ it was aimed at helping people understand the jargon that surrounds credit, what types of credit are available and what choices people have with credit, including other forms of support that might be suitable.
We supported the campaign by raising awareness of the support available for customers and colleagues who are having financial difficulties. We held two workshops to understand what up-to-date advice we could provide to customers who ask us for help and support and which we can pass onto families and friends who are also in need. You only have to look at the news to see that the cost of living is affecting many people, some who would not usually experience money worries, so the help and support is available for everyone.
Accent Board Member James Kelly is involved with the campaign through his work with housing providers and charities who support people in financial difficulty. He presented sessions to colleagues, helping them understand what support is available on the Money and Pensions website, including the MoneyHelper tool, which offers help with a number of money issues, including benefits, everyday money and pensions.
UK charity Groundwork also talked with colleagues about the work they do and services they provide around poverty and the environment. They shared tips to help customers and colleagues save energy and take control of our energy bills.
At a time when none of us really know what's coming, ahead of the Government's budget, we are all looking at how we can make our money go further. As a customer, please get in touch if you need help or advice, it is available to you and we might be able to help you in ways you haven't thought of, particularly around helping you make the most of your money, budgeting and making sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to. Please visit our supporting you page which also includes links to other charities and agencies who can help.
