Copyright expressandstar
Birmingham is turning up the volume on money matters this November with a powerful new campaign urging residents to open up about their finances. From November 3 to 7, as part of national Talk Money Week, Birmingham City Council and consultancy AND Capital Projects are hosting a dynamic event, Brum Financial Futures, aimed at tackling financial stress head-on, in partnership with the public body, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). Held at STEAMhouse, Birmingham City University, this one-day conference will explore the real-world impact of modern financial pressures, from AI-driven spending habits to the dangers of online gambling and the psychological pull of FOMO (fear of missing out). With five interactive zones and two packed sessions, attendees will dive into everything from family budgeting and youth financial literacy to tech’s role in shaping our spending. The event promises hands-on workshops, expert panels and interactive sessions from Aston, Birmingham City and Warwick universities, the Department for Work and Pensions, Public Health and others, including financial advisers and community organisations. In 2025, over 21% of Birmingham adults showed strong signs of needing debt advice, well above the national average of 13.7%, according to MaPS. With rising energy costs and millions across the UK cutting back on basic necessities, the need for open conversations about money has never been more urgent. Sponsored by housing specialist Lovell, the Youth Zone will empower young people to take control of their financial futures. With sessions on career planning, digital finance, and tailored support for students with special educational needs and disabilities, it’s set to be a highlight of the day, 85 pupils from three Birmingham schools are already signed up. Councillor McCarthy, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “We are very excited to be putting on the Brum Financial Futures event. We know people have money worries and many do not want to talk about them, so this is all about raising awareness that it is OK to talk. “We are delighted to be bringing together such an esteemed line-up, and we would like to thank our partners and sponsors for getting behind us on this very important subject.” According to the Money Advice Trust, 7 million UK adults were behind on at least one household bill last winter. With the energy price cap rising again this October, financial resilience is more critical than ever. Brum Financial Futures is for everyone - whether you're navigating personal finances or shaping policy, we need voices from across Birmingham’s business, finance, public, and community sectors to help drive change and build a financially inclusive city. To book your place visit birmingham.gov.uk/TalkMoneyWeek.
