Is your money going up in smoke? This Talk Money Week, we’ve taken a look at why it’s so important to open up about how smoking is affecting your finances and how to start those difficult conversations:
It’s not easy to talk about money. If you’re in debt or spending beyond your means, you may find it hard to face up to the truth, let alone admit it to friend or loved one.
Many of us hide the truth about our financial situations, even from those closest to us. You may have secret credit bills or unpaid debts. Or perhaps you just don’t want to admit how hard you’re finding it paying for the basics.
As well as having a big impact on our mental health, financial worries can also have a devastating effect on our relationships, with money being the biggest cause of conflict in couple’s relationships according to the charity Relate.
For smokers, conversations about money and opening up about how much they spend on funding their habit can be particularly difficult.
Smoking is a powerful addiction. And when caught in the grips of that addiction, smokers will often run up debts or sacrifice spending on other essentials just so they can afford to smoke.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put many people under huge financial pressure. Many have lost their jobs. Others, particularly the self-employed, have experienced a crushing loss of income. According to the debt charity Step Change, 2.8 million people across the UK have fallen into arrears since the start of lockdown with part time workers, young people and the self-employed, the worst hit financially. Yet, according to the Money and Pensions Advice Service 9 out of 10 adults don’t find it any easier to talk about money now than they did before the pandemic
As we continue to face financial uncertainty it’s important to talk honestly about the role that smoking plays in your financial situation. Here are some facts to get you thinking:
20 a day smokers spend on average £72 a week, £312 a month and £3796 on cigarettes
10 a day smokers spend on average £156 a month and £1898 a year on cigarettes
If you smoke rollies you’ll be spending £480 a year for five a day, £960 a year for 10 a day and £1921 a year for 20 a day.
Starting an honest conversation about how smoking is affecting your finances won’t be easy. But it’s the crucial first step to finding a way to live without smoking.
If you’re a non-smoker who wants to start a conversation with a loved one about how smoking is affecting their finances or your family’s financial situation, the Money & Pensions Service has published these great tips on how best to start talking about money:
Create a comfortable setting: You might feel more at ease chatting over a cup of tea, as you go for a walk or at your kitchen table so you can lay out any paperwork. Try to minimise interruptions; put phones on silent.
Prepare how you’re going to kick it off: Sometimes the hardest part of having a conversation is knowing how to start. Once you’re past the first few seconds, you might be surprised by how easily the conversation flows. If you see a news bulletin relevant to your situation, use this as a springboard to initiate a conversation – it’s a useful way to break the ice and to remember that many people are in the same boat right now.
Listen as well as talk: Try to make sure you go into the discussion with an open mind, being prepared to take in the other person’s point of view. Hearing one another’s standpoint in a respectful way can make the difference between having a constructive conversation versus an unproductive argument.
Check in with friends and family: Once you’ve made the first step to opening up about your financial worries, you can help others to do the same. Never force someone into a conversation as they’ll only be defensive, but do remind them you’re here to chat if they need support.
Choose who you open up to: Try not to have preconceptions about whom you should have these conversations with. You might find it easier to speak to someone who may not be directly impacted by your money worries, like a friend or professional.
For free stop smoking advice and support in Wales contact Help Me Quit on 0808 278 2522.
