“I lacked confidence, even though I knew in my heart I could do this”: Michael’s story and the value of opening up about money

Talking about money isn’t always easy. But sometimes, one conversation can change everything.

When the cost of living rises and money starts to feel tight, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You might feel anxious, embarrassed or unsure whether asking for help will make any difference. You might even assume there’s no support available to you.

Michael knows how that feels.

Having worked as a teacher and a careers officer, Michael was used to helping others navigate challenges. Yet when his own finances became difficult, he discovered just how hard it can be to ask for help.

Reaching out to Money Wellness led him to support with his debts and finding out that he could be entitled to housing benefit.

This Talk Money Week, we're sharing Michael’s story, which shows how opening up, asking questions and taking small steps can make a real difference.

When money worries take you by surprise

Michael had always felt his finances were manageable. But as the cost of living increased, his disposable income began to shrink.

“My finances I thought were okay. But with the cost of living going up, I didn't have as much disposable income.”

The change came as a shock. With mounting credit card debt, Michael knew he needed to do something.

“And that really did shock me. I think I wasn't expecting it. I felt, you know, a bit vulnerable financially.”

After an online search for support, Michael contacted Money Wellness to talk through his situation.

A ‘game changer’

After looking at Michael’s finances, his adviser explained he could be eligible for housing benefit. He had no idea he might qualify.

“There is nothing, nothing I saw said that I was eligible for housing benefit.”

Finding this out was a game changer, but he was still worried about making a claim. Michael was anxious that he might be turned down, particularly as nothing he had seen suggested he was entitled to support.

“… I thought, what if they, if they say, no, you're not eligible.”

Even with the possibility of extra financial support, uncertainty made it difficult to take the next step.

During his career, Michael had helped people make important decisions and work through processes, including asylum claims. He was used to being the person others turned to for help. Now, he found himself needing support. 

“I felt quite anxious about things. I felt I wasn't in control of what I was doing, even though I'd had very good support.

“I lacked confidence even though I sort of knew in my heart that I could do this.”

His experience is a reminder that knowing how to help others doesn't always make it easy to ask for help yourself. Money worries can affect anyone, whatever their background or experience, and needing support is nothing to be ashamed of.

Small steps, a big difference

With support from his local library, Michael sent the relevant paperwork to the housing benefit team. A few weeks later, he followed up by phone to check on his claim, When he was reassured that everything was in order, he felt a huge sense of relief. His claim was successful, and he even received around £800 in backdated payments.

With rising living costs and credit card debt weighing on him, discovering this support made a real difference to Michael’s finances.

Michael's story shows that you don't need to have everything worked out before asking for help. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation, a question or someone helping you take the next step.

The power of talking about money

That's what makes Talk Money Week so important. Talking openly about money can help us feel less alone, understand our options and discover support we might otherwise miss.

If money is worrying you, you don't have to wait until things feel unmanageable. You could start by:

• talking to someone you trust about what's on your mind
• getting advice to understand your options and check what support you may be entitled to
• taking one small step, whether that's making a phone call, looking online or asking someone to help with a form

And if you feel anxious, that's okay. You don't have to do everything at once.

Michael's experience shows that reaching out can lead to more than you expect. The first step might feel difficult, but you don't have to take it alone.