ADMITTING you're bad with money is becoming more socially acceptable, according to a finance coach from Royal Wootton Bassett.

Chris Rook set up Future Balance in March after a career in project management to help people confront their bad habits around money.

“It’s helping people with their finances but understanding more about what’s formed those habits and behaviours in the first place,” explained Chris.

“When people are interviewed about what causes stress and anxiety, finances is always one of the top ones. You don’t have to grin and bear it anymore, it’s good to talk about it and people encourage you to.

“Society is a lot more accepting of people asking for help, to resolve their problems, rather than the old British stiff upper lip attitude that you kind of just got on with stuff.”

The process starts with a questionnaire to probe into a person’s relationship with money, and asks which areas need improving, such as learning financial skills, like taking out and paying off loans, as well as areas like managing small business or self-employed finances.

Then clients have one-to-one sessions with Chris, either in person or over a video call, to talk about areas to improve on.

“Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I’m quite a big believer that most people would benefit from finance coaching in one form or another, “added, Chris, who discovered he had a passion for helping people with money after a laid-back approach to his own finances.

“When I was growing up I was never massively good with my money.

“Luckily my parents could sort me about when I was teenager, but it was after that point that I realised I should really take a bit more control and be more responsible with my money.

“Money affects all of us, once people have more control of their money, they feel happier and can lead a more fulfilling life because you haven’t got that worry sat over you.”