Cautious calculator, or oversharing optimist?
When provided with 10 personality approaches to money, only 3% of the 2,000 adults surveyed considered themselves an ‘oversharing optimist’, and only 4% a ‘competitive comparer’. Meanwhile, only one in 10 identified as ‘casual conversationalists’ and are more relaxed in discussing finances. Almost half of Brits are comfortable speaking to partners about money, but only 1% would openly discuss it with a work colleague.
Typical reasons given for avoiding discussions about money included avoiding the discussion in case of financial gaps, the idea that discussing money appears greedy, and how they were raised – however, when it came to parents, almost half said they discuss finances openly with their children to help them understand the value of money and prepare them for the future.
Short on cash and struggling to understand bills? You’re not alone.
The research, which also revealed that only 18% identified as ‘cautious calculators’ who carefully plan their financial decisions, aligns with previous findings from National Numeracy which showed that almost a third (32%) of UK adults who want to improve their maths and numeracy skills, want to do so in order to manage their money better.
Although a large majority of adults (88%) said they are confident in their ability to work with numbers, a survey from 2024 found that 54% of UK adults have the numeracy level expected of a primary school child. And the new data found that three in five of those polled believe that being more able to understand numbers on their bills each month would improve their finances.
35% of those polled find themselves short of cash at the end of each month, with some typical reasons including unexpected costs (38%), high bills (33%) and not enough income (29%). However, 28% attributed it to a lack of savings, bad budgeting and money mismanagement.
Additionally, over a third struggle to understand financial documents due to complicated numbers.
Bina Mehta, Chair at KPMG UK, said:
"Number confidence can have a significant impact on our lives, especially when it comes to understanding ‘everyday’ numbers like mortgage or credit card interest rates.
"Good numeracy skills can improve confidence with financial decision making, enhance job prospects, and even guard against vulnerability to fraud and debt, all of which contributes to a healthier and more inclusive economy."
Sam Sims, Chief Executive at National Numeracy, said:
"This research highlights just how deeply personal our relationship with money is – and how confidence with numbers shapes our financial decisions. While it’s encouraging that so many people feel confident with numbers, the reality is that millions are still struggling with budgeting and understanding bills and financial documents.
"At National Numeracy, we know that boosting numeracy isn’t just about being better at maths – it’s about building the confidence to face everyday financial challenges and make informed decisions. That’s why National Numeracy Day exists: to inspire people to feel good about numbers and take that first step towards improving their skills. Because better numeracy can lead to better opportunities, and brighter futures for everyone."
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, psychologist, broadcaster and National Numeracy ambassador, said:
"The research has shown a real mix of confidence when it comes to finance and dealing with money.
"And confidence is key – this isn’t just about maths; numeracy is all around us in every way. We’re always dealing with numbers in some form in our lives.
"The good news is, many do rate their understanding, but as soon as things get a little complex, confidence levels drop.
"Talking about numeracy and financial topics more frequently would absolutely help people to build the confidence, hearing whether other people thrive or struggle; and enabling one another by listening and lending a helping hand."
Methodology of research:
KPMG UK, in collaboration with the charity National Numeracy, commissioned the research agency 72Point (One Poll) to conduct a nationally representative survey of 2,000 adults (18+) – between 2nd and 8th of May 2025 – on various questions assessing attitudes and feelings towards numeracy. Respondents were targeted on a nationally representative basis for age, gender and region.
