Talk Money Week 2026: When it comes to money, it all counts
A bill you’ve been putting off opening. A credit card balance that barely moves. A conversation you’ve been meaning to have with someone close to you. When debt is already on your mind, taking that first step can feel like a big thing.
Talk Money Week runs from 2 to 6 November 2026. Organised by the Money and Pensions Service, this year’s theme is ‘It All Counts’. Small, manageable actions can help you feel more confident about money and better prepared when things change. That might mean opening a bill, asking someone you trust to talk things through or finding out what help is available. Find out more about Talk Money Week.
Nine out of 10 customers lost sleep worrying about debt
In our survey of 2,829 Trust Deed Scotland® customers, nine out of 10 told us they’d lost sleep worrying about debt in Scotland. Almost nine out of 10 said they’d hidden their unaffordable debt from family or friends.
If you’ve ever lain awake wondering how you’ll cover the next bill, then got up the next morning and carried on as usual, you’re far from alone.
Why talking about debt matters
71.5% of customers read our Trustpilot reviews before seeking advice. Hearing from someone who’s been in a similar situation can help you know what to expect from that first conversation, especially if you’re worried about being judged.
37.7% heard about Trust Deed Scotland® from a friend, family member or work colleague. Sometimes it’s a conversation with someone you trust that helps you find out where to turn. And if you’ve already had debt advice, telling someone what it was like could make it easier for them to ask for help. You can share as much as you feel comfortable with. Even saying, “I’ve been there too,” can make a difference.
Almost half waited a year or longer to ask for help
45.6% of customers waited a year or longer before asking for help with their debt, including 23.8% who waited more than two years. Just 19.1% asked for help straight away.
When we asked those who waited what had put them off, 60.9% said they felt ashamed or embarrassed about their debt. When we asked whether they wished they’d sought advice sooner, 97.2% said yes.
Debt is nothing to be embarrassed about. Our advisers speak to people in similar situations every day. If you’ve been putting off asking for help, it’s okay to start with a simple message.
“I’m worried about my debts and I don’t know where to start.”
How has the cost of living affected our customers?
26.3% named the cost of living crisis as the biggest cause of their financial difficulties. We also asked what they’d done in response to rising costs.
66.3% cut back on socialising or hobbies.
50.8% cut back on other living expenses.
33.1% cut back on buying food.
27.1% cut back on heating.
23.8% worked extra hours or took a second job.
20.4% borrowed money from family or friends.
13.1% took on more debt to pay bills.
8.1% said they hadn’t needed to take any action.
If you’re already cutting back on food or heating, or borrowing to pay bills, it can be hard to see what else you can do. Talking through what’s happening with someone you trust or asking a debt adviser about your options can help you work out what to do next.
What could your first step look like?
Tell someone you trust what’s on your mind. You might ask your partner to sit down with you and look at the household bills, or tell a friend that money worries have been keeping you awake.
Open one bill you’ve been putting off. Write down what it’s for, how much is due and when. Start with the bill that’s been on your mind most.
Ask for help if your repayments are becoming unaffordable. It’s fine to speak to a debt adviser even if you don’t know exactly how much you owe.
How can employers get involved?
Talk Money Week is a chance for employers to make it easier for staff to find confidential support. You could include a link to MoneyHelper in a staff update, explain what support is available at a team briefing or remind colleagues who they can speak to privately.
Some people will feel more comfortable looking up a service after work or asking a question one-to-one. Making those options easy to find is a small step employers can take this week. The Money and Pensions Service has a free participation pack with ideas for employers and other organisations. Get involved in Talk Money Week.
Talk to us about debt, your way
If unaffordable debt is worrying you, our experienced advisers will listen without judgement and talk through your circumstances. We’ll explain the options that may be available to you, including the advantages and disadvantages of any formal debt solution you may be eligible for. Your conversation is confidential and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Call us on 0141 221 0999 or book a Trust Deed Scotland callback. We’re available until 8pm Monday to Thursday.
Message us on WhatsApp if you’d feel more comfortable writing things down. Start a WhatsApp chat and message at your pace.
Start online with the Trust Deed Scotland Wizard® whenever it suits you.
A call, a WhatsApp message or a conversation at home. It all counts.
Survey source 0 Trust Deed Scotland Survey 2025, summary dated 27 October 2026. The survey had 2,829 respondents. The questions about shame or embarrassment and wishing they’d sought advice sooner were answered by 2,288 customers who waited to ask for help. Respondents could select more than one answer to the question about actions they took in response to the cost of living crisis.
May not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees apply. Your credit rating may be affected. Free debt advice is available from MoneyHelper.