• 50 per cent say money feels like a taboo subject in the UK, and an estimated 2.8 million adults would rather “do anything” than talk about it

• The impact is heightened during times of volatility as 29 per cent avoid conversations about finances even if it would help their situation

• These perceptions form at an early age – 59 per cent say how they learned about money as children shaped their financial behaviours today

• Achieving financial milestones in adulthood can overcome these barriers – paying off debt or starting to invest are shown to significantly boost long-term financial confidence

• To support consumers navigate the current geopolitical climate, Barclays is sharing practical ways to strengthen financial confidence during uncertain times

  
  

New Barclays research shows that a long‑standing reluctance to talk about money continues to affect how confidently UK adults manage their household finances. While many avoid financial conversations – often reflecting attitudes shaped in childhood – there is growing recognition that being more open can make a real difference.

With six in 10 UK adults (59 per cent) are concerned about the potential impact of the conflict in the Middle East on their household finances, greater confidence and openness around financial challenges could help people feel better supported and more able to navigate periods of volatility.

Three in 10 (29 per cent) say they avoid talking about money even if they know it would help their situation, including four in 10 Gen Zs (39 per cent). Half of all adults (50 per cent) say it feels rude to discuss money, one in three (33 per cent) say talking about their finances makes them feel uncomfortable, and 5 per cent would rather “do anything” than talk about it, which equates to 2.8 million people.

Money norms form in childhood

Early experiences play a powerful role in shaping how comfortable we feel with money as adults. Analysis from Barclays’ and National Numeracy’s recent Nurturing number confidence report3 estimates that 2.1 million children in the UK have at least one parent with low number confidence, which shapes their relationship with numbers.

Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) say the way they learned about money as children has shaped their financial behaviours today. Almost a third of adults (31 per cent) say the children they know are already thinking about the lifestyle they want in the future and what they will need to do to financially achieve it – underlining the necessity of early education and support.

The confidence to talk grows after positive financial moments

The research also shows that achieving positive milestones or life events, such as buying a house or career changes, consistently strengthen financial confidence and encourage people to open up. Half (53 per cent) of those who experienced a positive event say it made them more willing to talk about money. Paying off a major debt boosted confidence for 70 per cent of people, while 56 per cent reported the same after starting to invest.

Conversely, financial shocks, such as an unwanted reduction in working hours (44 per cent), a long-term illness or injury (43 per cent) and job loss or redundancy (41 per cent) are most frequently cited as having had a negative impact on financial confidence. Fraud concerns also persist, with 68 per cent saying that being scammed would significantly damage their confidence.

Vim Maru, Chief Executive of Barclays UK, said:

“Everyday conversations with friends and family can play an important role in shaping how we feel about our finances. Yet for many, a fear of judgement – or the sense that money is simply ‘not talked about’ – still holds them back."

“During periods of volatility, household finances can come under real pressure, but clear and accessible support can help people feel more confident navigating these challenges. Our research shows that when people feel able to talk about their money and seek support, they are likely to make more informed choices. Over time, these benefits are felt not just by individuals, but, by the wider economy too.”