The challenging times we’re all experiencing means we’re getting a lot more calls than usual and our call times are longer. So we can support people in the most vulnerable situations, we ask that you only call us if your enquiry is urgent. You can still use our online and mobile banking services and our automated service.

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    Why do we find it so hard to say the M-word?

    What is the M-word?

    The M-word in this case stands for money. Conversations about money can be difficult. Most of us don’t feel very comfortable talking about our finances with our loved ones. We try to avoid the conversation, change the subject, or put it off until another time. But sometimes those conversations are the most important ones to have.

    Are you getting married? Or moving in together?

    If you are starting a life together, conversations about the M-word can help. Have a look at tips and advice on having conversations about money from Relate.

    The truth about money

    Not talking about money is a source of stress, anxiety, and unnecessary problems for many families.

    1 in 3 people have experienced stress and anxiety in the last month, and according to the Single Financial Guidance Body, 63% of people say that money worries are currently affecting the mental health of someone close to them.

    Why do we find it so hard to talk about money?

    That’s why we’ve partnered with Relate, a charity that specialises in relationships, to help find ways to make those conversations about money in families easier.

    Whether it’s having a chat with the bank of Mum and Dad, or talking about the “what ifs” in life, we think it’s time families started using the M-word.

    Starting the conversation

    Below you'll find some valuable tips from Relate, the leading relationship support charity, to help make M-word conversations easier for you to have.

    6 Tips to help you start conversations

    1. First, go over your finances and understand what you need help with
      Perhaps you feel so overwhelmed that you don’t know where to start. It’s important to take the first step - for example asking a family member to look through your finances with you.
      Gathering all the information you need together can also help. For example, if you are struggling to get a deposit together for a home, it will be easier to start the conversation if you know how much you’ll need to borrow. Once you’ve established all the facts, working out a plan will be much easier.

    2. Be prepared to talk, but also be prepared to listen
      Understand and acknowledge the other person’s point of view. It’s only by listening that you’ll be clear on what’s important to the other person and be able to make a plan together. A calm exchange of views is a lot better than one person giving their point of view and not giving the other a chance to be heard.
    3. Find a place where you feel comfortable talking
      It may be that home isn’t the right place to have the discussion. A neutral location is often a good idea.
    4. Feelings around money can be strong, but they don’t have to lead to arguments
      It’s not unusual for families to argue about money. There can be a lot of intense feelings, but the important thing is to have a calm conversation about the issues. Imagine you were explaining the situation to a friend. Tell them how you feel rather than focusing on what they are doing wrong to avoid coming across as critical and accusatory.
    5. Remember that talking about money can strengthen relationships
      1 in 3 couples did not talk at all about money before moving in together, but it’s never too late to start. Talking openly about money can help you to take shared responsibility in deciding how to handle your money, and make plans for the future. This can be a positive experience for everyone involved.
    6. Make a plan together
      Reach an agreement about what to do next, and keep talking about it. Occasionally the relief of having talked about money is so overwhelming that people don’t mention it again, and don’t really convert words into action. Take the first step together and then keep talking about it.
    Sources: The Single Financial Guidance Body. Our research was conducted with YouGov. The total sample size was 2,041 adults, of which 494 were under 35. The survey was carried out online.
    The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council. Jan/Feb 2019.

    Need more support?

    Your relationships

    For more help or support with talking to your family visit Relate for further information.

    Your finances

    For more help or support with any money worries visit The Money Advice Service website, part of the Single Financial Guidance Body, for further information

    Important legal information

    Lloyds Bank plc. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales No. 2065. Lloyds Bank plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278.

    Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

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