Feeling good with numbers can make a real difference in how we manage our money. From budgeting and saving, to understanding bills and making informed choices, everyday maths skills help us take control of our finances.
That’s why this year’s Number Confidence Week is all about showing how number confidence can lead to financial confidence. We’ll be providing free tools and activities to help people of all ages feel better about maths and money.
Why numbers matter for money
According to new research from Barclays LifeSkills*, one in three UK adults (32%) say they would not feel confident helping a child with their maths homework. Almost four in ten (39%) are actively looking to improve their number skills.
A lack of number confidence is having a ripple effect on people’s everyday lives, particularly their finances. Over a quarter (27%) have faced financial issues or avoided financial tasks in the past year due to low confidence with numbers, while 43% believe their finances would be stronger if they had better number skills.
Half of UK adults identify areas of money management that could improve with stronger number skills. These include:
- Understanding interest on credit cards, loans and savings (19%)
- Making informed financial decisions (16%)
- Planning for the future (16%)
And young adults (aged 18–27) are particularly impacted:
- 76% believe their finances would be in better shape if they had stronger number skills and confidence
- 80% see basic numeracy as essential for making informed financial decisions
- Around 61% of this age group say they would like to improve their skills – well above the national average of 39%
Confidence with numbers doesn’t just affect today’s money worries – it also enables long-term financial security and wellbeing.
This Number Confidence Week
From 3–7 November 2025, we’re going bigger than ever. Our mission is simple: to inspire and empower people to build number confidence, leading to stronger numeracy skills that unlock new opportunities.
We will have brand new resources for:
- Adults to feel more confident with money and maths
- Teachers, parents and carers supporting children
- Organisations working with families and communities
Plus, there’ll be a live-streamed event from a school in London, with interactive activities for children across the country and engaging real-world maths to get them thinking about numbers beyond the classroom.
We’ll also shine a light on how family attitudes shape number confidence and explore how your own confidence can help the next generation too.
Look out for tools, activities, fresh insights, and support from celebrities – all designed to help you feel more confident with numbers and money.
Because when it comes to money, confidence counts.
*Research conducted on behalf of Barclays LifeSkills by Opinium between 4th – 8th July 2025, surveying a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults.
