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Money matters: Let's talk about it!

Understand why talking about money is important and how we can break down the stigma around finances.

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You’ll need

  • Pens or pencils
  • Scissors
  • Copies of the scenario
  • A box
  • Sticky notes or small pieces of paper

Before you begin

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There’s also more guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help.

Planning and setting up this activity

  • Set up a box in a designated space called 'The Drop Zone'. Make sure the box is somewhere visible and accessible. 
  • Write out the scenarios on this page onto pieces of paper to make cards. Make one set of cards per group. You may wish to add some more or your own scenarios.
  • Tom’s lunch card ran out and he felt embarrassed at school.
  • Ellie’s friend wants to go and buy new clothes together, but Ellie can’t afford them.
  • Ava’s family said no to a school trip because it costs too much. 
  • Jay feels left out because their friends all go to the cinema every weekend, but Jay has to save their pocket money.
  • Zara’s tablet broke and she needs it for homework, but her family can’t afford a new one right now. 
  • Jamal’s trainers broke and he doesn’t want to ask for new ones.

Aim of the activity

The aim of this activity is to help young people understand why talking about money is important. They will learn how money worries can affect how we feel and know where to go for help or advice. It should encourage them to feel more confident talking about money with people they trust by exploring different money moment scenarios and coming up with simple, practical tips for others. It’s important young people understand it’s okay to talk openly about money, mental wellbeing, and how to support each other by breaking down the stigma around finances. 

Managing Risks and Emotions Associated with Money

  • Protecting my Money

Becoming a Critical Consumer

  • Influences on saving and spending
  • Advertising, Peer and Media pressure
  • Making financial decisions

This activity may touch on sensitive topics.

It’s important to create a safe, positive and supportive space where everyone feels comfortable. Let everyone know it’s okay to ask questions, say if they feel unsure, or step away at any time. Always follow the Yellow Card.

You might need to make adjustments, such as:

  • Tell people about the activity in advance
  • Offer the option to leave or do an alternative activity
  • Speak with parents or carers beforehand
  • Remind everyone they can talk to a trusted adult if they’re upset or worried

You can offer trusted support services if needed, such as Childline (0800 1111), Citizen’s Advice (0808 223 1133) and Crimestoppers (0800 555 111).

The Trussell Trust is a great place to start looking for a food bank near you. You can find details of independent food banks online. The UK Government have some debt advice support too.

Make sure that all adult volunteers and young leaders keep all discussions age-appropriate and supportive.

Running this activity 

Talking about money

  1. Ask everyone what they think of what they hear the word money. 
  2. Everyone should write down or draw their ideas on a sticky note, then place them in the middle. Some starter words could include shopping, jobs, banks, pocket money, saving, and stress. You may want this activity to be anonymous.
  3. Explain that talking about money can make people feel worried or anxious, especially if they feel they have no one to talk to or ask for help. However, talking about money, learning how to manage it, and knowing where to get support can help us feel better. Money affects everyone differently, and it’s completely OK to talk about it. Social media can also make it seem like other people have lots of money or that we need to have certain things, but we’re only seeing the highlights, not their real financial situation. They may even be spending money in ways that aren’t manageable, which can cause them stress too.
  4. Tell everyone that if they have any thoughts or worries during the session, they can write them down and put them in the ‘Drop Zone’ box anonymously. You can then answer or talk about them at the end. You may also wish to have contact details available for local support services, such as food banks or advice organisations.

Money scenario cards

  1. Ask everyone to get into small teams.
  2. Give each team a set of scenario cards. These cards describe realistic situations where someone might be worried about money.
  3. Ask the teams to talk about each card and think about:
    • How might this person be feeling? 
    • What could happen if they don’t talk to anyone about it? 
    • What could they do? For example, they could use a charity shop, fix something instead of buying new, find a part-time job or choosing a free activity for their friends to do.
    • Who could they speak to? They could chat to a friend, a parent or carer, a teacher, a Scout volunteer, a doctor or a charity, such as Childline. 
    • What could you say to help them feel better? 
  4. Each group should write down their ideas about what the person in the scenario could do.
  5. Each group should write down their ideas about what the person in the scenario could do.

Building confidence

  1. Ask everyone to return to their small groups.
  2. Each group should choose one of the people from the scenarios.
  3. Ask them to think of three things they would say to help that person. For example, encouraging them to talk to someone they trust if they’re worried or reminding them that it’s OK to say no if something costs too much and that friends should understand.
  4. Then ask them to think of three tips they would give people to help them feel more confident about money, especially when spending time with friends. They could present these tips as a poster or another creative idea.

‘The Drop Zone’ box

  1. Explain that sometimes people keep their thoughts to themselves, even when they’re worrying them. Writing things down and sharing them with someone you trust can help you feel better, and it might even help answer a question. 
  2. Give everyone some time to add any questions, worries, or thoughts to the box anonymously.
  3. Let everyone know that they don’t have to speak if they don’t want to, they can just listen. They can also add questions at the end to be answered at the next session.
  4. If appropriate, you can read out a few of the submissions anonymously and respond to any that you feel comfortable addressing. You may simply want to help people talk through them rather than provide direct answers.
  5. Always follow the Yellow Card and offer support to anyone who may need it, such as helping them find local support services or food banks.

Reflection

Money affects everyone, and the amount of money someone has is never something to be ashamed of. Talking about money and what we can or can’t afford helps us feel better, allows us to find solutions to any money problems, and gives us the chance to support others. What’s one thing you’ve learned today? What do you think you can do to help make sure your friends feel comfortable talking about money or what they can afford with you? How will you consider your own and other people’s affordability in the future?

The Drop Zone helped show what other people think about or want to know about money. It can help us feel less alone, as you might feel the same way. How did it make you feel hearing other people’s worries? We talked about some of the things people put in the box and may have answered some of them. What three money tips would you give to someone else? How can we support those whose questions we didn’t answer? We could do some research and bring the answers to the next session.

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Glue and solvents

Always supervise young people appropriately when they’re using glue and solvent products. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by glue or solvent use and make adjustments as needed.

Scissors

Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Sharp objects

Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Craft: Unusual substances

Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using unusual substances, such as powdered paint, ash or dirt. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by what’s being used. Make sure you follow all relevant safety guidance or manufacturers guidelines, where available. Make sure you dispose of it appropriately too, in line with safety guidance.

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Scouts Money Skills Activity Badge

If anyone is worried about money, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult. They can also reach out to Childline by calling 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for help. 

Encourage the young people to come up with their own scenarios or worries to discuss and solve. This helps them think creatively, relate the activity to real-life situations, and practise problem-solving and money-management skills in a safe space.