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Successful businessman Paul found himself facing serious money problems after life-threatening health issues and the breakdown of his relationship turned his world upside down. The former head-hunter, from Hertfordshire, had major heart surgery after collapsing by the side of a lake in 2012. His recovery was complicated, with the wound on his chest not healing properly, and Paul later suffered a stroke that left half his body paralysed. Unable to work, Paul found himself having to claim Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) after splitting from his wife. But his finances took a massive hit, and his bank started a repossession case against his home, which has been modified to help him live with his disabilities. He told The Mirror : "I went from running my own business, doing very well, to having Sudden Death Syndrome on the side of the lake in Milton Keynes. "I got resuscitated at the side of the lake and sent to hospital for major heart surgery, where they replaced an aortic valve. I started to recover, but unfortunately, the wound didn't heal properly, and I got cast down with a stroke. "The stroke has taken out half of my body, I've got no feeling in the left side of my body." This repossession case is still ongoing, but Paul is sharing his story after receiving help from the free Money and Pensions Service, who are guiding him through his financial issues. He urges others not to be afraid to talk about money. He said: “The house has been modified for me. I've been paying what I can pay from my PIP and Universal Credit. I've had to survive and I've kept my bank informed. “After my bank started a repossession case, I got in touch with MoneyHelper. I needed to find out what my options were and MoneyHelper put me in touch with the right people. “They were non-judgemental and helped me out of a dire situation. After the call I felt more in control, understood my options and what to do next. “They are a brilliant service. They've not got an axe to bear, they're just literally there to help, whereas, when you're talking with a financial broker, they have an incentive.” New research from the Money and Pensions Service shows that just over four in ten UK adults feel comfortable talking to their friends about money, and just over half are comfortable talking about the topic with their family. Findings also show that women are significantly less likely to feel comfortable when talking about money with their friends (39%) when compared with men (50%). Jackie Spencer from the Money and Pensions Service said: “Money conversations don’t need to be polished or perfect, they just need to happen. “Taking control of money, talking openly about it and sharing the burden that money worries can cause often helps people feel less stressed or anxious and more in control. It also helps people make better, more informed financial decisions. “Whether it’s a quick chat about budgeting with a partner, a question for a pensions professional, or introducing the concept of savings to a child, I’d encourage everyone to start the conversation and take that first step.”
