Talking money with your family
Lesson 13 of 14 in our free Relationships, Family & Money guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
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Questions you'll answer
You earn £64 a week from a Saturday job. You agree to give 25% towards the house. How much is that each week?
An older relative asks you to 'look after' money in your account for them and not tell anyone. What should you do?
Quick facts
- 'Can we sit down at the weekend and look at what I earn and what I spend?' → Good way to start. Picking a calm time and bringing facts sets everyone up well.
- Bringing it up in the middle of an argument about something else → Likely to go badly. Money chats go better when nobody's already upset.
- 'Here's what I need for my bus pass and lunch. Here's what I could give.' → Good way to start. Clear numbers help everyone agree something fair.
- Saying yes to everything, then quietly running out of money → Likely to go badly. It's kinder in the long run to be honest about what you can manage.
- Fact: “A bursary or EMA form may ask for your household's income.” — It's used to check who qualifies. A parent or carer may need to help fill it in.
- Myth: “It's always wrong to say no when family ask to borrow money.” — It's OK to say what you can and can't do. If something feels wrong or pressured, talk to a trusted adult.
- Fact: “Some families find it easier to talk money while doing something else, like cooking or walking.” — Side by side can feel less intense than face to face.