Over 1 in 5 would prefer to disclose their weight or bedroom secrets than talk about money

More than one in five people (22%) would feel more comfortable disclosing their weight or intimate details of their love life than talking about money.

To mark the Money and Pensions Service’s annual Talk Money Week campaign (3 – 7 November 2025), we carried out a survey to find out if discussing financial matters is still something of a taboo. And it would seem it is.

As well as our weight and sex lives, other traditionally tricky topics were also considered easier to tackle by many, with nearly half (48%) saying they’d be happier bringing up religion or politics than money.

Our survey also revealed those on middle incomes are more reluctant to discuss dosh than those on low incomes – 22% vs 12%.

When people do confide in someone about their finances, 62% turn to family but only 15% would turn to a professional such as a debt adviser or someone at their bank, and 4% wouldn’t talk to anyone.

Considering over half of the people we surveyed (52%) admitted they were scarcely getting by, this is rather concerning.

The health benefits of opening up

A recent pilot in GP practices across South London highlighted the transformative effect talking to a professional about money worries can have.

The pilot involved offering patients financial advice alongside their medical care.

Around 34 practices took part in the scheme called Back on Track, which helps people manage money worries that may be affecting their health. More than 1,100 people have received help to secure benefits, clear debts and reduce their stress levels. 

And the results are encouraging. One in three patients who received financial advice saw an improvement in their health and now need to see their GP less often.  

What our customers say

We hear it from customers all the time, too.

Josh was depressed when he turned to us for help with his debts:

“Money Wellness has helped me to be debt free, to be more at peace and to just have a brand new lease of life.”

Money worries had worn Daniel down so much that he'd been planning his own suicide before he contacted us: 

“Within an hour of speaking to Anne, I was a changed man. She was incredible and I cannot thank her enough for bringing me back from the brink.” 

Before speaking to us, Joseph was crippled by severe anxiety:

“I wish I had contacted them sooner, would … [have] saved months of worry and stress. I highly recommend Money Wellness, if you are experiencing money troubles and think there is no way out, give them a call as they are there to help you.”

Money worries were giving Angela sleepless nights:

“My adviser was so friendly it put me at ease. It’s not easy telling a stranger about your financial problems, but I was made to feel comfortable and a solution was found. Thankfully I shall sleep better.”

The experiences of our customers highlight the difference speaking to a professional about money can make. The theme of this year’s Talk Money Week is ‘Start the conversation’, and if you’re currently battling debt demons, opening up to one of our advisers may be the best thing you can do for both your financial and mental wellbeing.