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Money Talks is a joint campaign between MoneySuperMarket, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and UM. It aims to break the taboo that makes it difficult to talk about money worries.
The Money Talks report explores how money worries affect our relationships, our physical and mental health, and the reasons why it can be so difficult to talk about financial worries. As well as the report, you’ll find a number of resources and tips from experts.
We hope Money Talks will help anyone who is experiencing money worries to access support that will help.
Key facts
The Money Talks 2026 report looks at how GenAI and influencers are shaping money worries and mental health; and how we tackle misinformation
GenAI is playing a growing role in helping people find information about money and a new channel for opening up about money worries.
1 in 3 report that daily financial anxiety is rising (up from 26% in the last two years)
1 in 2 people are more worried about money compared to a year ago
1 in 3 people mentally calculate whether they can afford something on a daily basis
When money problems feel like a personal flaw, people shut down
Financial pressure isn’t just a problem in people's bank accounts. It spills into daily life – disrupting sleep, lowering mood and making people feel guilty about spending.
The shame of financial difficulty is keeping people silent, preventing them from opening up and seeking support.
Our expert says…
One in five people (19%) have used GenAI to express their worries about money
Our latest Money Talks report shows that money worries can affect anyone - yet many still feel unable to open up about what they’re going through.
That is exactly why Money Talks exists: to help people feel more able to seek reassurance and access trusted support.
We’re also seeing how people are using generative AI as a private starting point to ask questions and express worries about money.
That can be helpful as a first step, but it should sit alongside real support. The goal is to make it easier for people to move from coping alone to finding the help that is right for them.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
People turn to GenAI for support as money worries soar
For many people, GenAI and social media have become valuable resources for judgement-free information.
One in four people (25%) say they use GenAI for financial information (56% of 25–34-year-olds).
Among 18–24-year-olds, one in three (33%) use GenAI for financial information, up from 17% in 2025, highlighting how quickly behaviour is shifting.
While GenAI and social media can offer support for people who aren't yet ready to speak up about their financial stress, stronger standards and clearer safeguards are still needed across digital financial guidance to protect people from misinformation and potential scams.
Four in five (83%) say they verify financial guidance from GenAI, yet one in four (25%) say they do so by checking on social media.
Tips for using GenAI
1. Use AI as a starting point, not a substitute
AI can be a useful first step for basic financial or mental health information, but it shouldn't be the only place you go for advice.
2. Verify what you read before acting on it
When using GenAI or social media for information, double‑check advice against trusted sources, such as regulated financial services, charities or official guidance.
6. Know when to reach out for support
If money worries are impacting mental health, support is available. Speaking to someone you trust, a financial adviser, or a mental health organisation, like CALM, can make a real difference.
Let's get talking
Help start the conversation by spreading the word on where to find support.
Print off a poster and put it up in community spaces – like cafés, gyms and offices – to share where help and guidance can be found.
Tools to help you manage your money
Our financial tools can help you manage your budget by calculating loan repayments, how long it will take to pay off your debts, and provide a free credit score check.
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Credit card calculator
Our credit card tool can help you calculate how long it will take to pay off your credit card debt
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Mortgage calculators
If you're saving to buy a home, our mortgage calculators are here to help
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Fuel price finder
Compare petrol and diesel prices to reduce your fuel costs. Put in your postcode and see the latest fuel prices near you.
Guides and tips from our experts
Starting a conversation about money can be daunting, so we’ve selected articles from our experts to help navigate difficult conversations about finances and how to manage money in tough times.
Money Talks 2024
The Money Talks 2024 report revealed that 8 out of 10 people experienced money worries in the last 12 months. A quarter of people worry about money at least once a day.
The cost-of-living crisis means lots of us are cutting back on things like socialising with friends, visiting family and doing hobbies and activities. Sadly, this means more people are feeling isolated and lonely.
It’s affecting our mental health – and that’s why talking about money worries is so important.
Money Talks 2025
The Money Talks 2025 report looked at the effects of financial stress on young people. Money was the topic causing young people the most worry in 2025 – ahead of social media, body image and relationships.
According to the research, 1 in 4 young people are currently in debt yet 1 in 3 haven't spoken to a trusted adult due to feelings of shame and not wanting people to worry about them.
Many young adults admitted feeling pressured by social media and influencers to be financially successful and present a certain lifestyle, adding to the shame that has prevented them from speaking up about financial stress.
