We’ve all heard that sharing is caring, and that includes sharing our thoughts and our feelings with the people we care about. But when it comes to sensitive topics – like the topic of money – sharing doesn’t come easy. 

Money plays a key role in all of our lives. 💸 Our relationship with money can be incredibly personal, and broaching it can feel awkward — even with close friends and family.

As with anything else in life, we only reap the rewards when we overcome the challenge. When we push through the awkwardness, when we’re open and honest about the things that matter most, we can learn from one another, support one another, and help (and be helped by) the people we care about. 🙏

So, let’s talk money. Let’s normalise the M word. Let’s start the conversation.

Here are 8 financial icebreakers to get you started. You could use them:

• Next time you’re at the pub with mates

• On your next nature walk with family

• When you’re having a games night with friends

• At the table next time you have a Sunday dinner with your parents

Share, and listen. You might learn some surprising things. by trying out these financial icebreakers. 💭

If you had £1 million, but you had to spend it ALL within 24 hours, what would you do?

We’ve probably all played some version of this game before, even if it was just in the privacy of our own thoughts. After all, who doesn’t like the thought of a million pounds? 💰

But when we’re put on the spot, our true feelings are more likely to rise to the surface. What would you do?

What did you want to be when you were younger, and how has that changed?

We all have dreams, and money is a tool for turning dreams into reality — but sometimes reality seems to get in the way of our dreams. 😓

As we grow and learn more about the world, our dreams change. What are your dreams, and how have they changed over time?

What company do you think is doing good in the world?

Bad behaviour makes the news more often than when someone does something right. That’s just as true for companies as it is for individuals. 🤷‍♂️

So, switch off the news for a moment and ask: which company do you think is getting it right?

Do you think you’ll be able to buy a house in your lifetime? Why, or why not?

This is another spicy one. For some, owning a home is an all-consuming goal — something they put all their energy into achieving. 🏡 For others, it can seem like an unattainable dream. 

Talking it out can help get to the heart of things: assumptions, challenges, frustrations — and maybe even solutions.

Would you rather have £10 million now, or £20 million 10 years from now?

We all love instant gratification, even when it’s not good for us. This one’s a variation on having £1 million pounds to spend in 24 hours — do you want a lot of money now, or a lot MORE money later? ⚖️

What do you refuse to spend money on?

We all have lines we refuse to cross, from the greatest of ethical questions to the things we just won’t eat. 🙅‍♀️

When it comes to spending money, what’s your line in the sand? What will you never, ever spend your money on, and why?

Tipping: yes or no?

Here’s one for when you’re feeling bold. Tipping can be a controversial topic, with strong opinions on all sides — but, love it or hate it, controversy can be a great way to get a conversation started. Which side are you on? 💁

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about money to date?

That’s a tricky word, ‘important’ — so often, it comes down to your personal perspective. Sharing our views on what’s important is a great way to uncover new ways of looking at the things that matter most. 🌅

So, out of everything you’ve ever learned about money — what have you found to be the most important or most useful to you?

We hope these financial icebreakers will help you to have some great conversations with those close to you. Most problems are solved through communication – and money problems are no different.

Ever wondered why learning about money is important? This blog gives five big reasons you might not have thought about before.