Talk Money Week is an annual UK campaign that encourages everyone to open up about money — from the everyday to the big decisions. In 2025, it runs from 3rd to 7th November, and the theme this year is “Start the Conversation” — emphasising that a simple chat about finances can be the first step toward greater confidence and control.
At Wave Community Bank, we know how powerful talking about money can be. That’s why we’re proud to support Talk Money Week 2025 — and to help lead the conversation in our communities with a special webinar in partnership with the Illegal Money Leading Team where we are asking if you could recognise a Loan Shark.
Why “Start the Conversation” Matters
Money can be personal, emotional, and sometimes difficult to discuss. Many people keep financial worries to themselves. But when we begin to talk — with family, friends, colleagues, or trusted advisors — we open the door to support, insight, and better decision-making.
Through this campaign, credit unions like Wave aim to make talking money more normal, less stressful, and more impactful. The theme encourages us all to take that first step, however small, toward greater financial confidence.
Wave Community Bank + IMLT: Could You Spot a Loan Shark? Webinar
As part of our Talk Money Week activities, Wave Community Bank — in collaboration with the Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) — is hosting a free webinar series titled Could You Spot a Loan Shark?
Loan sharks are illegal lenders who may seem helpful at first, but their practices carry serious risks: extortionate interest, no formal agreements, hidden charges, and possible threats or intimidation if repayments aren’t met.
In these webinars, we’ll explore:
- What illegal money lending looks like in practice.
- Red flags and warning signs that someone might be a victim.
- The impact on individuals, families, and communities.
- What employers can do to support staff.
- Where to turn for help or to report a loan shark.
- How saving directly from wages (via Wave) can help reduce reliance on risky lending
-
-
We’re running two live sessions so more people can attend:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday 3 November | 12:30pm |
| Thursday 6 November | 4:00pm |
The webinars are free, open to all (employers, employees, and local residents), and come with a Q&A opportunity. You can also catch the recording later if you can’t attend live.
👉 Register here: https://wavecb.org.uk/loan-shark-webinar/
How You Can Join in Talk Money Week 2025
Here are a few ways you can participate and help spread the message:
- Start a conversation. Ask a friend or family member, “How are you feeling about money right now?”
- Attend our webinar. Learn to spot signs of illegal lending and get tools to protect yourself and others.
- Share tools & tips. We’ll be posting practical advice and conversation starters across our channels during the week.
- Encourage your workplace to join. Employers play a vital role — supporting financial wellbeing can help staff feel more secure.
- Use trusted resources. Direct people to organisations like MoneyHelper and IMLT for advice and guidance.
-
-
At Wave Community Bank, we’re committed to helping people make small but meaningful steps toward better financial health. This Talk Money Week, we invite you to Start the Conversation — whether that’s about debt, budgeting, saving, or recognising unfair lending. A small step today can lead to lasting change.
