Feeling unsure with numbers? You are not alone

Most people don’t walk around thinking about their ‘numeracy skills’. It usually only shows up when something feels a bit uncertain, when you’re looking at a bill for instance, making a financial decision, or trying to plan ahead for your wedding or maybe your child’s university fees.

National Numeracy Day on 20 May 2026 is a timely reminder that confidence with numbers is not about being good or bad at maths, it’s about everyday life - and how comfortable we feel making decisions that involve money.

And if you do sometimes feel unsure, it’s also important to know that you are not alone.

More common than you think

National Numeracy research suggests that around a third of adults feel anxious about maths, and many actively avoid everyday situations involving numbers.¹

A 2024 study² highlights how this can affect everyday life and financial wellbeing:

• Anxiety and avoidance: 39% of adults feel anxious about maths, and 29% actively avoid situations involving numbers
• Financial impact: 21% of adults say a fear of numbers affects their financial wellbeing
• Cost of living: One in four (25%) feel that stronger numeracy skills could have helped them manage the cost-of-living crisis more effectively

A separate 2025 study³ highlights a persistent gap in financial confidence between men and women, with women reporting lower confidence with numbers. This can sometimes lead to women being described as “silent savers”, tending to be more cautious and less likely to speak openly about money or financial decisions.

Taken together, the research suggests this is not about ability. It is more often about confidence, shaped by experience, support, and how regularly these skills are used in everyday life.

Why it matters in real life

Low confidence with numbers doesn’t just affect calculations. It can influence wider financial wellbeing and life decisions.

National Numeracy’s latest research and strategy work⁴ continues to show that low numeracy can limit career opportunities, affect job applications and performance, and contribute to lower earnings and slower progression. It can also affect longer-term financial resilience and planning.

In practical terms, this might look like:

• Putting off making financial decisions
• Feeling unsure about whether your choices are right
• Avoiding checking or reviewing your finances
• Increased worry or stress around money matters

It’s less about ability, and more about confidence and comfort.

Small steps and the right support

One of the most important things to reiterate is that this is incredibly common. Many people who are perfectly capable in other areas of life can still feel quite uneasy when it comes to numbers or financial decisions. It’s not something to feel embarrassed about.

It’s something that can be improved gradually, with the right support and approach. Building confidence doesn’t need to feel like going back to school, it’s about building small, practical habits over time.

For example:

• Taking a bit more time with your financial decisions
• Breaking bigger money choices into smaller parts
• Using simple tools to track your income and spending
• Asking questions when something is not clear

These small shifts build familiarity, and over time, confidence.

If your finances feel a bit unclear, or you would simply like reassurance, speaking to a professional can help bring structure and clarity.

At Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners, we often work with people who are not looking for complicated advice, just a clearer understanding of where they stand and what their options are.

A financial health check can be a simple and practical starting point if you would like a clearer picture of your finances.

To find out more, you can contact Stringer Mann on 01442 874888. There is no obligation, and we’re always happy to have a conversation to see how we can help.

¹A third of adults are nervous about numbers - National Numeracy, May 2023

²New research finds over a fifth of British adults believe their fear of numbers is hindering their financial wellbeing - Money advice liaison group, May 2024

³New research reveals financial confidence gap between women and men - National Numeracy, May 2025

⁴National Numeracy Strategy 2025-2028 

Although the content of the article was correct at the time of writing, the accuracy of the information should not be relied upon, as it may have been subject to subsequent tax, legislative or event changes.  

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