Improving Your Financial Wellbeing: 5 Steps to Feeling More in Control

May saw the return of National Numeracy Day, a timely reminder of how vital it is to feel confident with numbers — especially when it comes to managing your money. The campaign encourages everyone to improve their numeracy skills and highlights how even small steps can lead to greater confidence and better decision-making.

That message couldn’t be more relevant. According to the Financial Capability Survey, around 39% of UK adults — that’s over 20 million people — say they lack confidence managing their money.¹ 

At Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners, we believe that financial wellbeing starts with clarity, not complexity. You don’t need to be a maths expert to take control — just a few practical steps can make a real difference. Here’s how to get started:

1. Take Control

Start by understanding your current financial position. What do you earn and spend? What debts or savings do you have? Getting everything down in one place helps you see where you stand — and can reduce the stress of the unknown.

2. Ask for Help

There’s no shame in asking questions — in fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do. Whether you're confused about pensions, unsure where to start with saving, or simply want reassurance that you're on the right path, a financial adviser can help you make informed, confident choices.

3. Set Your Goals

Financial wellbeing isn’t just about money — it’s about what your money enables you to do. Whether it’s buying a home, planning a family, starting a business, or enjoying a secure retirement, clear goals give you focus and motivation.

4. Gain Understanding

The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. That doesn’t mean memorising financial jargon — just learning how key products and options work. National Numeracy Day highlighted that even small improvements in confidence with numbers can have a big impact on your financial wellbeing.

5. Do Your Homework

Financial planning isn’t a one-off event. Life changes, and so should your plan. Take time each year to review your finances, check you're making the most of tax allowances, and adjust your goals as needed. If you're not sure where to begin, professional advice can provide a useful roadmap.

If National Numeracy Day reminded us of anything, it’s that small steps can lead to meaningful change. Whether you’re building your savings, starting to invest, or thinking ahead to retirement, taking control of your finances can boost your confidence and reduce stress.

If you’d like to feel more in control of your finances, we’re here to help. Please get in touch: 01442 874888 or contact us here.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invested.

¹Source: Financial Capability Survey, UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing (2024) – Money and Pensions Service (MaPS). The Financial Capability Survey is a nationally representative survey of adults living in the UK conducted online and face to face interviews. They carried out over 1,000 interviews in each devolved nation, ie, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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