I was very pleased to be invited to write the lead column for the Scotsman‘s upcoming Talking Money Magazine. Here, I talk about what’s changed in the world of personal finance since I started writing about it, from the public’s attitude to money management to the rise of technology and cashless payments. I think it’s a great summary of where we’re at today and I hope you enjoy reading it!
When I started writing about personal finance nearly 10 years ago, I wasn’t exactly the most popular person in the room at a party. Banking, saving, credit, pensions…all misunderstood, even jokily disregarded by most people I met.
If I had to sum up the typical sentiment I encountered, it was: “Personal finance? Yikes! Let’s change the subject.”
I totally understand why. By the early 2000s, society no longer valued money management as a life skill. Compared to the frugal mindset that ruled in years gone by, spending was high, saving was low and debt was seen by most as the solution to most problems. Even Scotland, a nation built on prudence, had lost its way. Financial education was hardly anywhere to be seen, while banks were resting on the laurels of our apathy by mis-selling products and taking outrageous risks that later unravelled in the financial crash.
Since then, there has been a gradual but powerful awakening. “How could this happen, right under our noses? How can we prevent it from happening
again?” Many began to understand that change must occur at an individual AND social level.
People’s attitudes to money are changing
Today, I admit that most of us still don’t feel that confident about money. But the feeling out there is more: “I know I’m bad with money: what can I do about it?” And that’s tricky to answer. Some say that it’s never been easier to get on top of our finances. Others argue it’s never been harder.
“The feeling out there is more: “I know I’m bad with money: what can I do about it?” And that’s tricky to answer”
Take technology. Internet (and later mobile-first) finance has transformed the way we manage money. Banks and investment companies increasingly
compete based on how quick, intuitive and helpful their apps are. They have been forced to up their game by digital upstarts, aided by post-2008 regulations designed to disrupt the banking monopoly. Some brands, like Monzo and Starling, are shaped and worshipped by young, tech-savvy hipsters who prize smart tools that track spending and ‘nudge’ them to save.
But technology is a double-edged sword. Bank branches are closing across the UK. Cash could be phased out altogether in favour of contactless cards, mobile wallets and crypto currency. These newer payment methods make money an abstract, virtual concept – one that’s harder to keep a grip on.
And Bitcoin itself has become a whole new asset class, bringing risks and change that everyone may be underestimating. The demise of cash could also leave behind many vulnerable groups in society. These range from Scottish rural communities dependent on the ‘last branch in town’ to the thousands of people across the UK who remain un-banked. You can only do so much with your money if you have very little to start with.
“You can only do so much with your money if you have very little to start with”
Fortunately, new technology-driven pilots are aiming to improve both financial inclusion and financial education, the latter now being on the curriculum though lacking the resources, dedicated time and skilled teaching to really make it happen.
Tech is not the be-all and end-all
But it’s clear that tech alone can’t be a panacea, not least because the cost of these new and seemingly free services is actually our data, an experiment with (as yet) unknown results. And with technology comes the rise of sophisticated cyber-fraud, an inevitable by-product of friction-less services.
All that said, personal finance is not just about technology. The clue’s in the name: it’s personal. The state can only do so much – though some believe we need more protection from vices like drinking and gambling – and it amazes me just how much can be achieved by taking that first step: just thinking and talking more about money.
“It amazes me just how much can be achieved by taking that first step: just thinking and talking more about money”
Half of households still don’t budget. Financial disagreements are still the main predictor of divorce across all income brackets. Most of us aren’t considering both the opportunity and cost of the 100-year life, though a small uplift in saving today produces thousands more for our retirement.
Plus, so much can be gained from switching bank accounts and utilities. So why don’t we do it? Are we happy as we are? Or just bad at prioritising “life admin”?
If you’re in Scotland, you can find all these fascinating issues and more covered in an upcoming edition of The Scotsman’s Talking Money Magazine, out on October 17. And once you’ve read it, hopefully you’ll agree that while personal finance is seldom straightforward, it’s never, ever boring.
