Talk Money Week: Opening the conversation

Each November, Talk Money Week brings into focus the importance of open conversations about money. In 2025, the campaign runs from 3–7 November, under the theme “Start the conversation”, encouraging organisations and individuals across the UK to break down the barriers that often make money a taboo subject.

At its core, Talk Money Week is not about complex financial solutions—but about encouraging simple, honest dialogue. From family dinners to workplace huddles, its purpose is to help people feel more comfortable raising questions, sharing concerns, and exploring options—whether the topic is day-to-day budgeting, debt, savings or pensions.

Pensions, by their nature, are long-term and often distant — so they tend to sit quietly in the background of people’s minds. Many will only revisit them when a life event or a financial shock demands attention. Talk Money Week aims to shift that dynamic, turning pensions into a regular part of financial conversation instead of a looming puzzle.

For advisers, it represents a unique opportunity to engage. During this week, clients may be more primed to ask questions, examine their assumptions, or bring up topics they’ve been hesitant to explore. It’s a moment when financial professionals can step in—not as salespeople, but as guides who help demystify what can otherwise feel opaque.

Money conversations don’t have to be polished or perfect; they just need to start somewhere. That flexibility is vital: some clients may begin with small questions (e.g. “What are my retirement goals?”), while others may use the moment to reconsider pensions they’ve long neglected.

What Advisers Can Do During Talk Money Week

• Open the door: Invite clients (and potential clients) to bring their pension statements or questions to a brief review session.
• Share prompts: Use simple questions — “Have you checked your pension lately?” or “Do you know where all of your pension pots are?” — to lower the activation barrier.
• Provide clarity: Rather than diving into product comparisons, help clients understand the basics—how their pension is doing, whether to consolidate, or whether their contributions align with retirement goals.
• Promote continuity: Use the week as a launchpad. Follow up, nudge clients later in the year, and integrate “check-ins” as part of your ongoing service.
• Leverage community: Tie into broader Talk Money Week resources—fact sheets, event toolkits, or social media campaigns—to amplify reach and credibility.

While the spirit of Talk Money Week is inclusive and low-key, there are potential risks to be aware of. Some clients may approach the conversation with anxiety or fear, worrying that their pensions are underperforming or mismanaged. It’s important to manage expectations and avoid triggering rash reactions.

Also, the week can create momentum, but momentum doesn’t always last. A spike in interest without follow-through may lead to client disappointment or unfulfilled expectations if advisers don’t convert curiosity into continuity.

Talk Money Week 2025 is more than a campaign; it’s a cultural nudge that invites financial topics into everyday life. For the pensions industry—and advisers in particular—it presents a chance to replace silence with curiosity, confusion with dialogue, and inertia with momentum.

In the context of long-term saving, these conversations matter. Even if the initial question is small, they can trigger deeper engagement, better-informed decisions, and a stronger adviser-client relationship. By showing up during Talk Money Week—not with products, but with listening, clarity, and support—advisers can help make pensions a normal, sustainable part of people’s financial lives.